Dani learns that her father passed away. They’ve been estranged her whole life but she is asked to be present to read the will. Her journey there unveils a story about him she never knew. The dual timeline story is about Sally Jo and Luke and their ministry to captured braves in Fort Marion. As the stories unfold we see loyalty and purpose, healing and hope.

WOW! I wasn't too sure what to expect from this book since Jennifer Uhlarik is a new author to me. But, it did not disappoint!

Dani Sango discovers that her estranged father has passed away and left her his home, including his artwork and Native American drawings. She wants nothing to do with them since he spent years in prison for art forgery. But, when she discovers her father had already contacted an art director, Brad Osgood, regarding the pictures.

Meanwhile, Brad is battling his own family issues and is ready to blow off the daughter of a convicted art forger. But, when the two are thrown together by outside circumstances, they are drawn to the mysterious Native American drawings.

In the 1870s, Broken Bow is forced to leave his family and all he has known as a prisoner of war. After traveling hundreds of miles, he and the other Natives are brought to a fort. Broken Bow is bitter and angry at the white man. But, when he befriends missionaries, Luke and Sally Jo, will he begin to see things in a new light?

Ms. Uhlarik has done an incredible job of blending the modern day with the past. Her research for this book was incredible and I loved getting into the minds of the various characters. This split-time was done to perfection. Each character showed not only amazing character development, but also well-rounded stories that intertwined with each other throughout the book.

I would definitely recommend this book to a friend and look forward to re-reading it again and again!

Love’s Fortress is a dual timeline that blends real history with a sweet romance, a clear faith element, and a contemporary mystery. I’ve read many of Jennifer Uhlarik’s books, always historicals, and was very pleased with how strong her contemporary writing is. Her historical storyline is thoroughly researched and compelling as always. There’s something in this book for everyone!

This is a dual timeline story. I absolutely loved the present day story and the variety of characters involved. The story set in in the late 1800's was more difficult just because of the subject matter. The author takes on a difficult portion of US history. I don't know a whole lot about what early settlers/the government did to the Indians but this story provided some insight. While it was difficult to read about, it is something we all should know and understand.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Another wonderful story in the Doors to the Past series. Such an interesting read, especially the older timeline.

It's a dual timeline story - set in modern and 1870's Florida. After a Plains uprising, the warriors were brought to Florida. Sally Jo and her husband become teachers and preach the word to the warriors, one named Broken Bow. The modern storyline is Dani's story - she is long-estranged from her father, who was incarcerated for art forgery when she was young. Her mother and grandfather have filled her mind with stories of how horrible he was. After learning of his death and being his heir, she goes to his house and learns the real story - along with learning Sally Jo and Broken Bow's story. The two stories are intertwined in such a creative way. Both storylines are interesting to follow.

I really enjoyed this story - and encourage anyone that did, to check out the others in this series!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

From the get-go, Jennifer Uhlarik has crafted a novel that proves all is not as it seems on the outside and that one must look deeper than rumors and innuendos. She has taken actual historic events and paired them with a tale of discovery, heartache, and a wee bit of romance. Jennifer has shown a person can't always judge circumstances by appearances.

Dani Sango has come to town to see what her late father has left her in his will. All she's ever been told about him is that he was a deadbeat and an art forger who spent time in the penitentiary. As she goes through the messages on his answering machine, she hears one from an art curator about something her father wanted to show him. While in her father's house, she is accosted by her father's business partner and his employee, thinking she's an intruder. Once the misunderstanding is cleared up, she finds that she has a true friend in her father's partner who will stand beside her until she can figure out what's what.

In a parallel plot line, Broken Bow and his brother are being moved from the Plains to St Augustine, Florida--against their will. Sally Jo and her fiance', Luke, watch as they come into town and into the fort where they and others will be housed during their "incarceration." Sally Jo's father is a federal judge who, in his quest to seek the best for his daughter, stands between her and what she really wants. Luke has a stutter and to Sally Jo's father, he isn't good enough for her. The commandant of the fort desires to educate the men who have been brought in from the Plains and to teach them the skills they will need to live in a "white man's world."

Brad is the assistant art curator for a museum in Tampa, Florida, who is dealing with a family emergency at the same time as he's trying to find out about the art piece Dani's father contacted him about. He's not all that excited about the art piece because of the timing. His family emergency is taking all of his time and mental efforts just to hold onto his sanity.

For some "time slip" novels, I have a hard time keeping the stories straight in my head as I read them. I did not have that trouble with this one. The two stories are more of a parallel, where one gives background to the other and makes a complete picture in the reader's mind. The fort at St Augustine is quite near and dear to my heart, as it was where my father was stationed for his basic training in the Coast Guard during World War II. It has a rich, deep history that should be mined for its significance in the story of our country.
The situations in the contemporary part of the novel are believable and to a degree, enjoyable. Some of them are tragic, but that just adds life to what Jennifer has put down on paper. The characters are quite engaging and, for the most part, likable. There are a couple the reader would like to take out and hang just for the heck of it, but I think that goes for a multitude of characters in many books. This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a priceless art piece no forger could copy.

Barbour Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

"Love's Fortress" is Jennifer Uhlarik's contribution to the wonderful, multi-author Doors to the Past series. This dual-timeline novel takes place primarily in 1875 and present-day St. Augustine, Florida.

Rich in historical detail, the "past" storyline is compelling. Sally Jo Harris and her beau Luke Worthing are committed to teaching English and the Word of Christ to the natives brought to Fort Marion (Castillo de San Marcos). What follows is an intriguing blend of fact and fiction. Richard Platt is an actual historical figure who was heavily involved in assimilating the Native Americans into European-American culture.

The engaging present-day tale features a plotline about dysfunctional families, drug abuse, and the people affected. Dani Sango is a worthy heroine, Brad Osgood is a deserving hero, and his niece Brynn is a delight. A motorcycle ministry plays a large role here. This unique element is one I've never encountered in any novel. However, someone close to me is in a motorcycle ministry, and she and other members collect toys and help families in need.

Amid unpredictable twists and turns, the two storylines eventually merge and the ending is highly satisfying. Thought-provoking and beautifully written, "Love's Fortress" shows the reader that appearances can be deceiving. What matters is the heart.

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC of this lovely novel.

LOVE’S FORTRESS by JENNIFER UHLARIK is a novel in The Doors to the Past series which takes place in St Augustine, Florida, over two time lines, namely 1875 and the present. The timelines are brought together by a collection of Indian ledger art which Dani Sango comes across in her father, the infamous art forger’s, house after his death. She is helped by Brad Osgood, the acting art curater of Andrew’s museum and the colourful Matty, her father’s best friend and business partner, who runs a biker church whose members go on what they call “goose chases”, following where the Holy Spirit leads. I really like ths concept which forms part of the Christian message of redemption and answered prayers running through the book.
The Castillo de San Marcos fort plays an important role in both timelines. This is where the seventy three Plains Indians were brught in 1875. White Chief Pratt employed, amongst others, Sally Jo Harris and her beau Luke Worthing, to teach the Indians English and general skills in order for them to fit in with the community. Some of them were also led to faith in the Lord. Broken Bow, who was initially the most antagonistic of the prisoners, became friendly with Luke and Sally Jo.
This is a very realistic novel in which dysfunctional families, betrayal, lies, discrimination, and bad choices are not concealed.. There are also beautiful love stories in both timelines, cases of sacrificial love and unforgettable characters.
I found this book a really worthwhile read, It is most inspirational and gives one a great deal of food for thought. I cannot recommend Love’s Fortress highly enough
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.