This is book one of a new series entitled 'Sisters at Heart' and seems to be a promising opener for this series. Ann Shorey has yet again created a story that is heartwarming and easy to read.

The Civil War has devastated a country - leaving families destroyed, homes lost, dreams shattered and lives forever altered. Towns are changed as young men, fathers and sons never come home and others that have lost everything and are seeking a new start stumble into towns looking for work. It seems that everyone is dealing with a grief of their own - trying desperately to make it all work out into something new.

The story is the same for Faith Lindberg who lost her father and brother to the brutal cruelty of war. In her small town she is constantly confronted with the memories that lurk on every street and around every corner. To add to this her fiance, Royal Baxter is presumed dead. All the dreams that Faith had held so dear prior to the outbreak of war and the onslaught of loss are shattered and she longs desperately for a new beginning.

Left with her ailing and aging grandfather, Faith looks to move west. The problem is how will she convince her grandfather to sell the family store and move with her. In the midst of all this comes an unlikely ally - a veteran of the war and his sister, a nurse. As Faith gets to know the two she becomes aware that what God has planned for her is not what she has planned. Add to this the unexpected return of her fiance and you have a mix of all kinds of emotions.

How far will Faith go to see her dream of leaving behind the small town with all the memories go - will she slow down and ask God what He would have her to do?

See the story unfold in the vivid imagery classic of Ann Shorey.

Thank you Revell for this review copy. ( )

No offense to the author, but I found myself unable to finish this book. I made to 40% and still couldn't get into it. The granddaughter and grandfather are on opposite ends. Granddaughter wants to leave. Grandfather wants to stay. Grandfather holds on to memories, while he can. Granddaughter wants to leave the memories behind and move somewhere else to start over. I think the potential is there, but it's not the right formula for me. ( )

Ann Shorey is TALENTED!! This book is one that you will get lost in and have it read in no time at all. I loved this book from first page to last. Ms. Shorey's writing style is splendid and instantly captivates the reader's mind and heart.

Sweet Faith is a character that really warms your heart and brings a smile to your face. She's been through so much heart ache, loosing her mom and grandma so close together and then her father and her brother both perished during the Civil War. All she wants now is to move west with her grandfather to leave behind the memories and the pain of the past. But, then she meets Rosemary, a woman who has seen the tragedy's of war first hand as a nurse and is snubbed by the females of Noble Springs, sans Faith. Rosemary and Faith become fast friends and help each other in a time of need.

Amazing Curt. That is all I can use to describe him. Injured in the war, he feels himself unworthy of anyone's love for fear that they will fear him. He has an issue of facing the memories of the war that haunt, but when he meets the beautiful Faith, it may be just what he needs to move past it.

I loved watching these two become friends and fall in love without their ever knowing. Faith thinks Curt has eyes for another and Curt thinks that Faith will run off with Royal Baxter...a character that I didn't enjoy but knew he HAD to be a part of the story. And, Nate Lingberg...bless his soul. I loved his character more than any of them. My grandfather passed away December of 2010 from a long battle with Alzheimer's, so Nate's character was close to my heart for that reason.

With a powerful message from God of love, hope, second chances and helping others in a time of need, this story will warm every readers heart. God's love speaks volumes through the characters in this story and the reader will walk away with a feeling of friendship renewed, and a longing for the next installment in this amazing, heartfelt new series. A defnite 5 Book worthy novel and high on my 2012 recommended reading list!

This review originated at Reviews By Molly in part with a blog tour. ( )