Miralee Ferrell

Miralee Farrell and Kimberly Rose Johnson have written an intriguing and compelling tale set in the San Antonio, Texas, region. Although I wasn't born in Texas, I consider myself a true Texas girl through and through; thus the setting of the narrative had already drawn me in before I even started reading it. But I would have been entranced by it even if Texas hadn't been the setting.

These two writers, each excellent in their own right, were able to combine their two voices in a unique and show more original way. The Romero women—Adela, the primary character; Fabiola “Fabi”, Adela's daughter; Sandra, her cousin; and Adela’s mother—made up the majority of the narrative. Farrell wrote about how they each negotiated all the changes in their family and the family business. Johnson’s focus was on Sandra, Adela’s cousin. You would never know the story was written by different authors because of how well it flows. A truly amazing and remarkable feat.

Even though I hadn't personally shared some of the experiences the Romero women did, I greatly identified with Adela's sorrow and guilt about not being available for her daughter due to work obligations. Sadly, I am also aware that many other people share my feelings, too.

Finding Love in San Antonio is a terrific book for the beach, a night at home, or anytime! It's an entertaining storyline with a sound faith message and lots of culinary allusions that will make you ravenous!

I received a review copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own, and I am voluntarily leaving this review. show less

So Excited to Find This Horse Series for Kids!!

Wow!! I have to say I am very excited about Miralee Ferrell's new series for kids, Horses and Friends, after reading Silver Spurs, her second book. I have not read her first, so there is enough back story for the book to stand alone.

Miralee has done a fantastic job of presenting young teens with the realistic problems they can face. I love her accurate portrayal of a family with an autistic child. Obviously, she is familiar with someone who show more deals with that on a daily basis. She also presents longings of a young teen's heart well, plus the hazards of negotiating a recent move and new friendships, competition, and a new school. What made me the most excited to see, though, was how Miralee wove faith in God into the story. This family made turning to God for help their first go-to, not their last. I am thrilled not only to recommend this book to the general public, but to pass it on to my own horse-loving niece.

I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review, but I was not required to write a positive review. show less

The story is a wonderful journey as Margaret settles into a small town as the teacher. Her heart was broken at one time, but she is trying to move forward and allow her heart to heal. I liked the backdrop of the quaint town and the historic time period of 1898. Margaret is kind hearted and still grieves the loss of her parents.

When two orphaned children show up on Margaret’s doorstep, her first reaction is shock but then her compassion welcomes them in. I enjoyed getting to know Sammie show more and Joel and how protective Sammie is of her brother. The story is filled with mystery as a man from the town is found dead. Suspicion is abound as several subjects are questioned. It was no surprise to me that the children would be on the list of possible suspects. After all, no one knows anything about them.

There is excitement in the town when an out of control fire threatens them. Men rush to do what they can but it is in God’s hands as the flames grow closer. I liked how the author illustrates how trusting God is important. Margaret has struggled with that for so long, but now she knows she needs to put her worries aside and let God take her doubts away.

The best part for me was reading about the relationship between Margaret and Andrew grow as they became protective of Sammie and Joel. The children are in danger but the town is there to make sure the right person has custody of them. The faith element is woven very nicely throughout the story and shows how faith and trust are important for each of us to have. I enjoyed the author’s notes at the end of the book. It gives readers an inside look at the history of Bridal Veil and the logging company.

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

Wow!! Miralee Ferrell's Christmas story started with a pillow fight and knocked me unto my reading backside and kept me there until the final sentence. There was something magical about this story of love promised; love lost;and a parent denying his child the all-important blessing and right to be his own person.

I loved the steadfast character of Deborah, whom we meet as a 16-year-old girl, caring for her sick mother. Five years later,single Deborah is still caring for her very ill mother, show more helping her erst-while lover Curt's father prepare for Curt's mother's funeral. I love how Deborah can sweetly stand up to Curt's father, yet not be mean or bitter. This is a very hard way for most people to react to those who are prickly!

I finished this book with the very sated feeling of, "I've just read a great book(though short),and now it is time to step back from reading for a few hours and savor this warm, fuzzy feeling." Great holiday reading!

I was provided this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. show less