My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah

My Thoughts: I'm a sucker for a mining camp story, so I was drawn to Dicken's Castle Gate and wasn't let down. The story didn't focus on life inside the mines quite so much but was rich on the difficulties of the immigrant miners, namely the Greek miners. The place where this story really shined was in immersing the reader into the Greek culture and traditions. This is an area that I haven't run across often in Christian Fiction and found it delightful. It's always sobering to witness prejudices being played out in a story, and I leave with so much respect for those who traveled the hard roads earlier in our nation's history as well as leave with a lesson or two about how to respond to it in today's climate.
My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah was a delightful read with a delightful cast! I enjoyed my time with the Pappas family and only wish we could expect more from these friends.

Rating and Recommendation: I'm giving My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah 4 stars and recommend it to those who enjoy Christian Historical Fiction or mining camp settings.

~I received a copy from Net Galley. I was not compensated for my review. All thoughts are my own.

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah started slowly for me. I wasn’t sure I would read this book but once the story got going, I had a hard time putting it down.

Angie Dicken did an excellent job portraying the tension felt among immigrants and those who “belonged” in Castle Gate. Having grown up with similar struggles in a different setting, I very much felt the reality of this conflict.

Leanna McKee left her family and pampered lifestyle with big dreams for her marriage and changing the world with her progressive thinking. After the death of her husband she left in poverty, bitter and disillusioned.

Alex Pappas came to America from Greece to make money needed for medical treatments for his ailing wife, who died before he could return to her. He is left bitter by his life’s events and the difficult circumstances he faces in America.

Leanna and Alex face opposition to their growing friendship at every turn. Social and cultural differences are strong and divisive. Dicken does a wonderful job weaving circumstances together as both Leanna and Alex learn to forgive and put others needs ahead of their own as they face prejudice, hatred, and disaster.

There are many twists in this story that will keep the reader turning pages .

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah by Angie Dicken is a story of forbidden love and overcoming obstacles in life set in 1910.
Widowed school teacher, Leanna McKee is planning to leave Castle Gate after the devastating loss of her husband to the mine. She wants nothing more to do with the dirt, grime and rugged men associated with the local mine. When she meets Alex Pappas, whose niece and nephew she teaches, her heart begins to betray her and she wonders if she can ignore common beliefs of separation between the American born and Greek born residents of Castle Gate. She quickly learns the American miners are not happy about them being friends and threats are made to the Pappas family. Is it time for Leanna to move on? Will she ever forget Alex and be able to love again?
I enjoyed this story as well as the other “My Heart Belongs” stories I have read. The characters are very realistic and mostly act as one would expect a rational person to act. Both and Alex and Leanna have to explore their own hearts and come to grips with how the guilt over their own actions have contributed to the past. They also have to deal with old world family expectations for how they should behave and interact with others. There is a lot going on in this story and lots of twists, turns and side stories to keep the reader well engaged in the storyline. The author does an excellent job of making the reader feel a part of the action. I really wanted to give Leanna a piece of my mind at times!
I give this book a solid 5 of 5 stars. I recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction and especially fans of the “My Heart Belongs” series.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Castle Gate, Utah 1910 where prejudice and pride mingle to bring dissension of race and class. Where no Greek is welcomed among Americans and vice versa. That is until one American woman dares cross the line to teach Greek children English & her heart becomes entangled with two of her students and their uncle. When a dream teaching position is offered in Salt Lake City, will Leanna leave the life she knows for something better, or will her heart lead somewhere she never dreamed?

This story is full of heartache & pain for both Leanna and Alex who are fighting for a better life among a mining camp, along with hatred for the Greeks. I love how the author shows Leanna's strong faith in God and how Alex begins to see it for himself. Having walked away when he feels God took his wife from him, he can't deny the positive effect it has on her and how it seeps through in everything she does. His niece and nephew play an important role in getting these two together, engulfing Leanna deeper into the Pappa's family. They fight the attraction that's there because of his family and the townspeople's prejudice against their different nationalities. It's an impossible situation but God is a God of possibilities! I loved seeing their journey to happily ever after. There's a lot of twists and monkey wrenches thrown in to keep you reading just to find out what happens and how they overcome the obstacles. Historical fiction and romance at it's best, plenty of tense conflict to keep you glued to the pages, strong faith in spite of difficult circumstances, and a sigh worthy ending all make this a story that will linger a while in your heart. I look forward to more from Angie Dicken!

I thoroughly enjoyed My Heart Belongs In Castle Gate, Utah by Angie Dicken. I found the historical information about early 20th century Greek immigrants very intriguing and interesting, but also heartbreaking, considering the ignorance and prejudice they dealt with. The twists and turns that Leanna and Alex's relationship took throughout the story compelled me to keep reading, even when other responsibilities were demanding my attention. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to more stories from this up and coming author.

My Heart Belongs In Castle Gate Utah by Angie Dicken is a delightful Christian historical romance which I loved.
The action is set in 1910 in the mining town of Castle Gate. There are the themes of prejudice and ignorance towards the immigrants. Even the very young were taught to hate. "I pray that one day we will all see one another for our hearts and not our origins." God asks us to shine a light in a dark world. "There is no darkness but ignorance." We are called to "scatter the darkness."
Mixed marriages were frowned upon. Arranged marriages within communities were common. Marriage alliances for money rather than love were the order of the day.
Not all characters were motivated by money. The leading lady has a social conscience, being lead by her heart and not her purse strings.
Education for all is important. Education gives both choice and freedom.
Relationships with God are vital. Life events either draw people to God or away from Him. God is not just found in the confines of church. He is everywhere. Sometimes people meet with God in the countryside and find that peace that passes understanding.
God always answers heartfelt prayer. "He prayed to Someone he'd never wanted to speak to again." God awaits our return if we have wandered from Him. Sooner or later we will find our way back. God never lets go of us.
Love conquers all. We are called to love and not judge people. Love can bridge gaps. It unites and doesn't divide.
I really loved My Heart Belongs In Castle Gate Utah. It had a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere. The storyline was exciting and engaging. A fabulous read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

LeAnna McKee's husband is killed in a mining accident and finds herself alone in Castle Gate, Utah. In order to survive, she teaches the Greek Pappas children, English. There seems to be an attraction between LeAnna and the Greek miner.

This book is one of heartache, love, faith and times when tensions run high. The Greeks in the early 1900's had a hard time fitting in with society.

The characters were well fleshed out and the ongoing tension within the story kept me on the edge of my seat. The story tells of struggles and compromise. The ending took me by surprise but I was pleased with how it turned out..

It was an inspirational story of romance against all odds, where traditions are hard to overcome.

This story of love, hope, and second chances amid heartbreak, disappointment, and prejudice tugs at my heartstrings and reveals yet another pocket of history we would do well to remember.

Leanna McKee is angry and frustrated by her circumstances, she surely didn't expect to end up a poor miner's widow practically stranded and alone. Alex Pappas has made more friends than enemies during his time in America yet it is the actions of a few that tend to be the loudest and most troublesome.

I definitely recommend this story and look forward to more stories from this author and within this series! I requested the opportunity to read this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed are my own.

Castle Gate, Utah residents were filled with prejudice, ignorance and some with regret with immigrant Greek miners working in their mines during 1910. The history of this era was brought forth with the realistic actions and attitudes of the Americans throughout this read. Angie Dicken’s ancestry connection to the Greek culture and mines added dimension and seriousness of the troubles faced by Greek immigrants when they were settling in America and working side by side with American miners.

Leanna McKee wanted to leave Castle Gate until Alex Pappas requested she accompany his niece and nephew to school, as the children loved their teacher. She accepted the position but only to have opposition from the residents, especially her neighbors Mr. & Mrs. Coffey. Alex family was not welcoming with him escorting Leanna around town. The unforeseen happenings to cause more strive within the town kept the pages turning. Will Alex have to follow his father’s command of marrying a Greek lady he sent for, even though he’s a widower? What unexpected tragedies will bring the Americans and Greek immigrants together? After all the Good Book says, there is nofear in love and no difference between the Greek and Jew (Gentiles) in God’s eyes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an e-copy of this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own with no compensation provided.

My Heart belongs in Castle Gate Utah

A book that deals with prejudice among the Greeks in Castle Gate,Utah in the early 1900’s. It is a mining town and lot of Greeks came there to work. Leanna is an American and came to town with her husband but ends up being a widow. She meets Alex who is Greek. There is so much prejudice in this world and we find in this book how it involves the Greek which I never thought of. A quote from the book that I really love “that we are one, not divided “ and for he are all “one in Christ” . A lot of great characters in the book, love the children, the whole Pappas family, and some characters did not like as well because of being mean but that just part of the story. This is a new author to me and I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of the book through the publisher from NetGalley and celebrate lit. Also I am loving the series
of books called My Heart Belongs in.

Angie Dicken realistically depicts the hardships of overcoming adversity, deep-seated prejudices and anger in My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna's Choice, the newest edition of the My Heart Belongs series. Hardships they faced included flooding of the mines, being underground for 12 or more hours and breathing coal dust. Instead of creating bitterness, these adversities instilled hope and determination.

The plight of coal miners in Castle Gate, Utah, in the early 1900s, is harrowing, especially for those from Greece. Not only did they have to work in horribly shocking and appalling circumstances, but they had to contend with cruelty because of unspeakable prejudices. Their rudimentary English skills make things ripe for a disaster. Throughout the story, though, the Greek families carry on with admirable fortitude.

Dicken does an impressive job of detailing the lives of the Greek miners and what they faced, contrasted by their optimism and belief in the fresh start at life afforded them by immigrating to America. Her attention to detail and research is evident from start to finish in the book. She is a new author to me, and I’m looking forward to reading more books by her.

I received this book free through the Celebrate Lit Blog Tour and NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

Wonderful book, delightful Christmas read.

The story takes place in the coal mining town of Castle Gate, Utah in 1910. Leanna McKee, born in Boston to wealthy parents, marries for love and follows her gambling husband to Castle Gate. While Jack works at the mine, Leanna finds a job as a school teacher. After an accidental death of her husband, young widow plans on leaving the city and move to San Francisco. Leanna is too proud to return to her family in Boston and to ask for their financial help. And finally the light at the end of the tunnel - Greek family offers Leanna a temporary job, to look after their 2 young kids. The pay is very generous and it's enough money to buy a ticket to San Francisco. Leanna happily accepts the job.

Weeks go by and the young widow gets attached to the kids and to Pappa's family, especially to children's uncle - Alex. Greek family is happy to see young American in their circle, but Alex's parents want to see their son with a Greek woman and they arrange his marriage. Although, it's too late. The young couple is in love and plans to tie the knot and move to San Francisco where they can start their new life together. However not only Pappa's family can't accept Alex and Leanna's union, Americans dislike Leanna's attachment to the Greek family as well. During the Christmas Eve, they make an attempt on setting Pappa's restaurant on fire. Will this be an end to Alex and Leanna's love affair?

An amazing set of characters. I was very happy to learn a little about Greek and their holiday traditions. The book is about hope, friendship, love, and forgiveness.

Again. I'm saying it again...I really am enjoying this 'My Heart Belongs' series. I don't believe I had read anything by any of these authors before but have been happily surprised to find that I've enjoyed my time spent while reading each book in the series so far. I wasn't sure if this would be the last book in the series or not but guess what....it's not. Yay! There are another 6 books set to release next year as well. One every other month starting in January. So those of you out there who are enjoying this series too, we get 6 more!!! Can I get a Woot Woot?!

Ok, now a little bit more serious for my review. >.<

This book is about an old mining town that is actually now a ghost town. Castle Gate, Utah. I've been there, a long, long time ago. I don't remember many of the details but remember driving through it as I was on a road trip with family. Beautiful area but out away from much of anything. If you're interested in adding this to your list of places to visit, you can also plan to visit Bryce Canyon or Zion's Canyon (or go the opposite direction and head to Salt Lake City) in the same trip. They're not located right next to each other but within a few hours driving distance. I love the rock formations there and the landscape, beautiful. Again, not a lot close by, several small towns but beautiful country to drive through.

I couldn't imagine the kind of life it would be to work in the coal mines, or to be a family member living in a small coal mining community. Working down in the dark, the wet, the coal dust in your lungs and covering you everywhere, the knowledge that the tunnels could collapse and you might not be the one to make it out, or your family or friends might not ever come back out of the mines. Leanna finds herself to be a recent widow as her husband Jack was caught in one such collapse of a tunnel. She is ready to leave behind her life in this miserable little town. Yet, she can't. She's stuck. She needs to have the funds to leave and a prospect of where to leave to. Leanna is a school teacher and loves her students. She loves helping those less fortunate, but life has brought its own problems and Leanna has forgotten for the time being her true dreams.

I loved having Leanna's story unfold. There is so much back history that isn't revealed completely until almost the end. While reading, I was piecing together all the little tidbits about her life and realizing that all is not what it seems. Leanna had some pretty big struggles and emotions to sort through. This is a Christian Fiction novel so the characters would reference God and turning to Him for healing and peace. Some characters had turned their back on Him due to circumstances in their lives, refusing to believe that a loving God would really allow such things to happen. Not only did I enjoy watching Leanna come to find peace in her life but the other characters as well. I liked how the author showed that just because a person claims to be a God loving/fearing person doesn't mean that they always act and follow Him as they should. There were characters who needed to learn not to be hypocrites and truly love their neighbors and be willing to help them, not hurt them with words or actions. And I think with all members of the small community, that they needed to learn to band to together to aid and help instead of judge.

Leanna's Choice, that's such a great title for this book. There are so many choices presented to her throughout the book. Some that are good, some that are not good and some that could potentially bring her the greatest joy and happiness. But she has to choose. She has to come to a point in her life, where she has healed from her sorrow, her anger, her hurt, and not allow the prejudices of others to dictate her choices. There were a few choices she made that I was talking to myself telling her not to. But, after that choice was made, I liked watching the growth she encountered and friends she found through the process. The question is, will she open her heart to the best choice possible for her? Or will she keep turning from that choice as a protection to her and many others?

Castle Gate has a large population of Greek immigrants come to work the mines, make a fortune and then move on, or bring more family to America. There is a lot of prejudice involved with this group of people in the town and I thought it was well done how the author addressed and helped fix the issue throughout the story. Plenty of angst and turmoil due to the many different characters' choices that added a great dimension to the plot.

I haven't really mentioned anything about the romance but will only say that it was sweet. There were a few times that I was frustrated with the back and forth. One character (both characters did this but it went back and forth between who was the character doing it) would start thinking/talking about how their feelings were growing and how they wanted to pursue a relationship and then with no warning, they would be the complete opposite. That scenario played through a little more than I would have liked. It did add to the angst and played right along with the plot though. Both characters have their own struggles and trials to work through but I loved that the moments they came together, they were stronger and felt the support needed for such struggles.

If you enjoy historical fiction, Christian fiction or a sweet romance then I recommend reading this book, or any in the series. I think this one talked a little bit more about God than some of the others but I really didn't feel like it was preachy and being overdone. I don't mind Christian fiction but I don't really enjoy when the concept goes overboard and I feel like it's being forced upon me. So this series has been nice and enjoyable in that aspect.

Content: Clean. Some minor moments of peril, discrimination, mild religious aspects, death, kissing but nothing further.

I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour Books, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

With characters that take a hold of your heart and don’t let go, and a rich story with multifaceted points of interest, like a beautiful crystal sparkling rainbows across the window of your imagination. There is so much to love about this book!

Leanna McKee wanted more from life than to be a living doll in a fancy parlor, smiling, pouring tea, and sharing gossip with the other ladies of fashionable Boston. She left all that behind to follow her heart. But after losing her husband in a mining accident and finding herself alone in a rugged mining town full of prejudice, she is more than ready to leave it behind for culture & civilization.

Alex Pappas has a huge heart, he may feel defeated by the prejudice of those around him, but he doesn’t allow that to stop him from showing kindness to others. He helped bring his parents & his brother and family to America. Together they are trying to survive in a country that doesn’t seem to want them.

I enjoyed my time in Castle Rock with Leanna & Alex and his exuberant Greek family. I learned more about the Greek culture, and about early mining towns of the west. I fell in love with these characters and didn’t want this story to end. I give this book 5 stars and would encourage you to be sure to pick-up a copy of this book to enjoy!

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

What a pleasant surprise I had in store for me as I began the story. I loved the setting in Utah and found it to be quite intriguing. I especially liked the time period , but most of all I loved learning about the Greeks. The author has done an amazing job of sharing racism in America by opening my eyes to a culture I never thought of. The book is rich in Greek heritage and I could hear the laughter and fun in the background as they shared meals together.

Leanna is a woman who is trying to make it on her own. She has come to the small town to get away from her family. She is accustomed to the finer things, but her parents are hard to deal with. I loved how her faith really helped her make decisions that were difficult at times. There were a few times I did want to scream at her because she made things harder on herself. She was quite a mess at times by always making sure she doesn’t offend anyone. I wanted her to stand up for herself a bit more.

Alex was my favorite character. I loved his strong family values and his hard working ethics. As a Greek , he knew people in the town didn’t like him. His heart was heavy at times and I wanted him to find peace. It’s funny I have always thought we can’t help who we fall in love with, and this story really follows that thinking. Leanna and Alex definitely have an attraction to each other, but they both see prejudice working in the town.

The story centers on will the couple get together or not. For me this one was a bit different because of the minor characters that play such a key role in Leanna and Alex's life. There are a few that speak wisdom to them and others that share their heart. For all of us, we want to provide for our family and be happy. Will the town accept Leanna as she explores her relationship with Alex? Can Alex find a way to make his parents happy and find true love? This is one story that is a must read for everyone. It is rich in history, faith and reminds us that prejudice can happen to anyone.

“I pray that one day we will all see one another for our hearts and not our origins,”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program . The review is my own opinion.

Such a wonderful story! It’s one of those stories that is heartwarming and enjoyable. I always like learning about new places and people. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of life in a mining town. I don’t know a lot about greek tradition so that was neat. Angie Dicken creates a powerful story about second chances, overcoming prejudices and finding hope in the Lord in this story. I think the reader can learn something along with the characters.

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna’s Choice (2017) by Angie Dicken is a sweet and engaging novel that is part of the My Heart Belongs series published by Barbour Books. You do not have to have read any of the other books in this series to understand this book though. This book is very much a stand-alone novel. This novel comes in all forms including eBook, and is 258 pages in length. With a full-time job and a sick kid this week, this novel took me a week to read. I received a free review copy of this novel in eBook form from NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this novel 4.5 STARS. This novel is a Christian Historical Romance.

This is my first novel by Angie Dicken, but it certainly will not be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love Dicken’s attention to detail, and it is evident she did a ton of research for this book. I had no idea about the racial tension in Utah in the early 1900s. The animosity between the American miners and the Greek immigrants coming to Utah for work is palpable in this story. Throughout my reading of this book, I had to often take Google breaks to research Castle Gate. I got lost looking at all the pictures of miners with their soot-covered faces, the women and children trying to make a home while fathers/husbands left every morning for work uncertain if they would return home at night or not. And, I was drawn into articles about mine shafts collapsing and men losing their lives. I often questioned why anyone would be willing to go down a mine shaft knowing it was a precarious, dangerous place to work. Did they need the money that badly? Did they think they were mighty men who were invincible? Did they get an adrenaline rush from their job? I was utterly fascinated by this aspect of the book, and had a difficult time putting it down.

This novel follows Leanna McKee and Alex Pappas in 1910. Leanna is a recent widow who lost her husband in a mining accident. She is also a teacher at the local school where the miners’ children are taught. Alex Pappas is a Greek immigrant who came to America in 1902 with the goal of making enough money to send to Greece to pay for his very sick wife’s medicine. Unfortunately, he is unable to save her in time, and she dies. Both characters, Leanna and Alex, deal with guilt. Because of dashed expectations and a bit of financial betrayal, Leanna was very harsh towards her husband. She never gave him forgiveness for his misdeeds before he died. She wasn’t very loving towards him either, and this all causes her much grief. She doesn’t feel like she should ever be in another relationship because she doesn’t think she is good wife material. Alex also feels guilt over not being able to prevent his wife’s untimely death. He throws himself into work to provide for his mother and father, brother and sister-in-law, and niece and nephew. He never even considers remarriage because he, too, feels unworthy. I truly relate to both of these characters. Growing up, I had BIG dreams and expectations for my life, but life didn’t turn out the way I thought. Like Leanna and Alex, I had to learn that God is the boss of my steps, not me. He puts me on HIS path, not on my path. It took me a while to understand this, as it does for Leanna and Alex.

I had no idea about the racial tension in Utah at this time. There are many passages throughout this book that illustrate the utter hatred the Americans had for the Greek immigrants. These parts in the book are written so well I could feel the tension, and, a few times, I caught myself holding my breath. I don’t understand hating someone because of the color of their skin. I just don’t get it. My heart broke for Alex and Leanna about ten times over the course of this novel. BUT, it all ends very well. I didn’t know how it would end well, but Dicken did a fantastic job of tying this novel up nicely.

I really could go on and on about this book! There is SO much depth to this novel that I just did not anticipate. I am so thrilled to have read this book, and I cannot recommend it enough. If you are looking for an excellent Historical Fiction, purchase this book today! You will not be disappointed.

I’ve been enjoying the “My Heart Belongs” series, and this book is a great addition!

You can see that author Angie Dicken did a great deal of research. She portrays very well the trials that Greek immigrants dealt with during a time of racial tension between the Greek and American Miners. A time of which I was unaware.

With great character development, I quickly become engrossed in this book. There is much of the past that is regretted but God is allowed to move in the hearts of the various personalities. There is also a lot of prejudice and forgiveness in this miner’s camp. Along with a sweet romance, it’s a wonderful story.

If you enjoy historical Christian fiction then I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I do enjoy a historical romance and I learned so much about this time in history, the dangers of coal mining and the discrimination of immigrants. Family was very important, the miners jobs were hard and Castle Gate, Utah was a perfect setting for this story. Leanna was a special lady and I cheered her on when she finally made the best decision for her future.. I wanted more of their story when I read the final page! I was gifted a copy and my review is voluntary...

A heart warming story of forgiveness and acceptance. Set in rural Utah, 1910 can two very different cultures and people move beyond their past to a future? That was the theme that played out in this story and it was well done. Leanna and Alex were refreshing and very different from each other. That drew this reader in and made me curious about the Greek history in our country.
Having never read a story that had this as a defining culture I was thrilled, it was refreshing in this series and in the story line. Leanna and Alex both had a lot to move beyond, but they did that and more. It was great story to read.

My feelings on this are if you really love someone then other ppl should just mind their business but of course I know that won't happen in a million years.
As long as hate rules and separates cultures then Satan has won.
As one lady in the story says "We are one, not divided" and another quote stands out is We are one in Christ.
Folks, this is what is wrong and what is happening in the US right now and all through the years. The past is happening all over again! We are divided and we will fall of if we don't bring Christ back into our lives.
Leanna and Alex are confused. They are experiencing all those emotions.
I admire them as they learn to forgive others and in the process forgive others.
I loved the way Leanna saw through ppl. Some were false and pretend and then there are people that are true to each other and allowed to be themselves. These people are few and far between. I liked that about Leanna and Alex.
If there is one thing I don't like its bullies. Bullies are mean people or children that like to pick on the ones that are different or from other places.
I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it because of the history that it represented.
If we were all the same then this world would be a mighty boring place. It's people that come from all over that make the US what it is today. You can't change History.
I enjoyed it because it presents a new author I haven't heard of. I'm always willing to try something new or willing to read something new.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book just as much as I have enjoyed the other books in the, My Heart Belongs series. This one sheds light on the discrimination of a Greek family, which is a bit different from the other books that I've read in the series.
I liked this authors writing and her characters are wonderful. This is the first book that I've read by Ms. Dickens and I look forward to more of her work.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own/

In this crazy world we live in, we all have a plan of how our life is going to be. Leanna had a plan. She married for love, followed her husband, and planned her future. But what happens when our plans don’t work out? What happens when God has something else in mind for us? That is exactly what this story is about. Leanna became a widow at a young age. She had some difficult choices to make, not only regarding how to carry on after the loss of her husband, but where to live, work, and how to forgive (I won’t get into that, you’ll have to read to understand what I’m talking about). I thought she really handled herself the best that she could given the circumstances, and I found myself instantly drawn to her character.

There is a lot going on in this book. Sure, there is romance, but there is also the struggles of an immigrant, and prejudice in this time period. Ms. Dicken brought this difficult topic to light in a way that I didn’t realize would have happened. I think so often we think of the general prejudices that were happening in the early 1900’s, but never stopped to think about the Greek immigrants and how they may have been affected. Although a fictional story, the truth of the matter was evident in her writing. You can tell when an author has really poured their heart and soul into a book, and I felt that in this story.

The characters in this book were great. The children that Leanna helped out were so sweet, and my favorite characters in the book. But what really spoke to me was the way Leanna interacted with them. And later, the way she interacted with Alex. The subtleness of their attraction was nice to read. I don’t always like when a historical novel only concentrates on the romantic aspect, I like learning about the town, the people, and the struggles. This story had the perfect balance of all of these.

If you’ve read any of the My Heart Belongs… books and enjoyed them, you will be sure to love this book too. And even if you haven’t, let this be your first one! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have enjoyed all of the My Heart Belongs books so far and My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah was no different. Dicken masterfully weaves in cultural and historical aspects while not deterring from Alex and Leanna’s story. I found myself celebrating with them and grieving with them. I also found myself wanting to give a couple misinformed characters a good what-for to correct their historically accurate, but rather ignorant stereotypes and treatment of others. My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah is enjoyable and makes you think about how you treat others without being preachy or overly religious. Kudos to Dicken for a job well done.

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah is such a heartwarming, touching, sweet, amazing showing Faith book. It is about precious Leanna, who by the way lost her husband-he passed away. She is constantly harassed by this big nasty looking man. She is very low on money and she was contemplating getting back into her parents graces so she could move back home. But you see, her parents want nothing to do with her because she married a man they did not approve of. He was below their class. She didn't know if she belonged in Castle Gate anymore-when all of a sudden a knock comes at the door-guess who it was? It was the man who tried to save her husband from the mines. He came there to ask her to....... I will not ruin this fantastic book for you. People, you will so enjoy this lovely book.

The setting of this book in Castle Gate, Utah intrigued me, as did the subject and story line. Angie Dicken has written an interesting, thoughtful, and poignant story of the trials of Greek immigrants in America, and specifically as workers in the mining community of Castle Gate, Utah. She did a wonderful job of depicting the struggles and hardships they endured as they tried to adjust to life in a new land. Racial, religious, and other strife and prejudice is heart-wrenching, and it occurs far too often today, as well as in the early 1900s. This story shows that getting to know others and their hearts can help overcome prejudices. The characters in the story are well-developed and interesting, and it was easy to relate to them. Threads of hope, forgiveness, and love are woven into the story and add dimension to it.

The author obviously did much research into this subject and has stated that she had Greek ancestors that lived out these struggles in the Castle Gate area. I will definitely be looking for more books from her.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

From very different backgrounds can they find love?

What a sweet historical romance! It's really hard to believe that this is one of Angie Dicken's first novels! My Heart Belongs In Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna's Choice is a wonderful addition to this fun series! Entertaining but taking on some difficult issues including prejudice and crippling regret.

Prejudice is the enemy for Leanna and Alex, both of them even deal with it a little bit in their own hearts. I very much appreciated how the author, intentionally or not, portrayed that prejudice comes in many forms and from all directions. Readers will find themselves delighted as love and hope begin to win out over the darkness.

My Heart Belongs In Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna's Choice is a lovely story, slim in size and in many ways a quick read, but definitely an enjoyable one. This book, and the entire series, is a must read for historical romance fans. And I think Angie Dicken will be a new author to watch...

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)

I love the timeframe of this book and strong female characters. That being said I was so looking forward to this book and was not disappointed. The story of Alex and Leanna twisted and turned its way through the book. Does he like me to oh no his father ordered a bride for him from Greece.
Leanna was a very sympathetic teacher who loved teaching the local miners children after the death of her husband on the local mine. Plagued with guilt for how she treated her husband, she is trying to find another job in San Francisco for a new start in life.
But she finds a new interest from her husbands coWorker Alex. Then starts a prejudice from some of the locals about a white woman taking up with a Greek!
Jump into the book to find the details of Leanna’s hate/love relationship with the locals and life in Castle Gate Utah
You will be glad you did

I always enjoy a good historical fiction book and it is especially gratifying when I am not only entertained for a few hours but actually learn something new. “My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah |Leanna’s Choice” fully met both requirements.

The story itself was interesting and the romance was sweet yet did not progress smoothly at all. Both protagonists had lost a loved one and both blamed themselves. Their response to God’s role in their lives was practically opposite in every way and was only one source of the dilemma that kept both parties hesitant to commit to the other. I enjoyed getting to know each character and found scenes with the children to be especially fun.

Racial prejudice is a subject that has been covered in so many books. Every American knows very well the history between blacks and whites in our nation. I was also aware of prejudice over the years toward Irish, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese immigrants as well as others in recent years. Somehow I had missed knowing about the prejudice against the Greek immigrants but in view of history, it makes sense that many would feel threatened by someone with an unknown background, especially if they were in competition for hard-to-find jobs. It was enlightening to meet the Pappas family and learn their customs and witness their struggle to become true Americans.

This book has a strong theme of doing the right thing and not returning evil for evil. It is also a strong story of forgiveness and trusting the Lord.

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna’s Choice, by Angie Dicken is truly an inspiring piece of historical fiction with a setting, characters, and themes that resonate with purpose and meaning. The detailed descriptions of the novel’s integral setting draw attention to the wondrous, natural beauty that is frequently found in Utah, a beauty that often stands in harsh contrast with the difficult realities faced by the settlers and immigrants who made the area their home more than a century ago. It is these settlers and immigrants who powerfully shine as the characters in this novel. They possess the strength and determination to survive and thrive despite the many physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges they face. Against a backdrop of unmet expectations and broken dreams, the characters persevere to attain forgiveness, acceptance, hope, and love. Though they are hated for their ethnicity and rejected for their unpopular choices, the characters still endeavor to reflect the reconciliatory light of Jesus on the injustices that flow disturbingly from ignorance, prejudice, arrogance, and pride.
It is refreshingly poignant when a work of fiction draws attention to Biblical truth. Throughout this novel, the harm and destruction that is wrought as a result of ignorance and prejudice touches on the ongoing battle with hate that still rages throughout our world today. As demonstrated in this novel it is a message worthy of repeatedly sharing that only through faith in the extraordinary grace of the Gospel can we truly be one in Christ Jesus. Just like the characters in this novel, we must all find the courage through our faith in Jesus Christ to stand against ignorance and prejudice so that our choices, our decisions, and our actions overflow with the grace, the mercy, and the unconditional love that Jesus commands us to share with all people.
More than a simple historical narrative, this novel is rich with relevant themes and thought-provoking ideas. It is tender, emotionally stirring, and ultimately uplifting. It is a novel that I will long remember for the lasting impact that it has had on my thoughts and upon my heart. This novel was engaging, meaningful, and moving, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
I was given an early copy of this novel by the author through NetGalley. The honest review I have written, whether positive or negative, contains opinions that are entirely my own.