When Holly Christenson’s husband is killed on his family’s farmstead, his siblings—especially the second eldest who is now in control—heartlessly casts her from their midst.
She takes a train to Denver and moves into the Broad Street Boarding House. With help from the Cartwright sisters and Cane, an obliging gentleman next door, she lands a teaching job. The holidays are upon them, and while helping Cane Givens at the Mission House and overseeing the Christmas play, sparks fly between the young couple.
A mysterious and unwelcome visit from her brother-in-law, Trip Christenson, and his reluctance to leave Denver is unsettling and suspicious. Join Holly, Cane, and the Cartwright sisters as they attempt to unravel Trip’s motivation before someone gets killed.
Holly’s Hallmark is a tribute to those special qualities that others see in us. This is a story of forgiveness, redemption, a homeless mission house, and faith that God will have His way in bringing love and security to those who trust in Him.
Marlene Bierworth lives in Ontario, Canada and her goal is to inspire her readers to "Dream Big Dreams and Live Big Lives.
She seasons her stories to include action, adventure, romance and emotional conflicts, with the meat of the tale touching on current issues that concern families. When the story is told, the book ends, whether it is a short story or a full length novel.
Included on her list are books for 'Teens' and the 'young at heart', intended to inspire readers to put feet to their dreams. Marlene has written adventures, romance, suspense, historical western and mysteries for both teens and adults. You can find a complete list of titles at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00J9RM116
Life's experiences feed Marlene's imagination and from them evolve characters and adventures that will keep the reader turning the pages.
Fiction is her favorite genre but non-fiction continually tugs at her heart strings when there is a truth to be told or encouragement to give. She has published Book 1 in an ongoing series on the "ABC'S of MARRIAGE" complete with tips and worksheets for study and reflective purposes, for private study between couples or for groups. Successful marriages are her passion and she loves to interact with others to promote healthy marriages.
"Life is an adventure waiting to be told" and it is Marlene's goal to "help book lovers experience it to the fullest." Join her fan base and stay informed.
I am enjoying this new series, The Broad Street Boarding House. The stories can be read in any order. When the train comes to town, someone from the livery is there to assist, whether to take them and their luggage to the hotel or one of the boarding houses. The Broad Street Boarding House owners are the spinster Cartwright sisters, Sophia and Sybil. The story is a historical-based mystery, suspense, with a sweet, clean romance.
“Holly’s Hallmark is a tribute to those special qualities that others see in us. This is a story of forgiveness, redemption, a homeless mission, and faith that God will have His way in bringing love and security to those who trust in Him.”
The story begins in Kansas in 1875, with Holly Christenson recently losing her husband, Jerome when his workhorse crushed him. Holly will be confronted by Jerome’s family, telling her that she isn’t blood and needs to leave within a week. Holly is still grieving but begins the process of packing up her belongings and, in the process, finds notes from her husband, preparing her if something were to happen to him.
“There’s nothing too small or big for our God. Lean on Him, and everything will be all right.”
The story’s plot will have Holly traveling by train to Denver, Colorado, with no purpose or place to go. At the train depot, she will be met by the livery driver, Cane Given, who suggests she go to the Broad Street Boarding House, where he will take her. Spinster sisters Sophia and Sybil have one available room and allow her to stay, but they also like to know about their guest—and learn that Holly is recently widowed.
“You are truly a woman of great character—to leave so peaceably and blindly trust God will lead you all the way to Colorado.”
The story will also have Holly and Cane becoming friends immediately. He offers to help her by suggesting to the school board for any available teaching positions. He also tells her about his ministry feeding those who are in need. It will have Holly agreeing to help in this endeavor.
I liked the two main characters, Holly and Cane, and their interaction with each other and with other people. Holly’s teaching style is favorable to her female students, and she has garnered friendships within the community. Throughout the story, you can see God’s hand at work in the lives of the people in Denver and with those who have compassion for their fellow citizens. You can’t help but like Cane and Holly, their giving spirit, and rather than feel sorry for themselves or anyone else, they are upbeat and encouraging. You can see a slow, budding romance between them, but they don’t rush their feelings.
“She marveled at the notion that one might fall in love a second time—it would no doubt be different, for Cane was nothing like her deceased husband—but he did exhibit qualities that gave a woman reason to believe in second chances.”
Overall, the story is heartwarming and a great reminder of how we need to treat one another, how we are all God’s children. I liked the characters, their interactions, and their compassion for those around them, especially ones less fortunate. Rather than make anyone feel bad about being down on their luck, Holly can allow others the joy of using their talents even when they are experiencing hardships.
“Help? I never considered myself a helper, but I suppose that means my icy heart hasn’t shut down. Perhaps the Lord will see beyond my bitterness and lead me out the other side of this mess.”
But, this story also has the downside of people who only think of themselves, like one of Holly’s brother-in-law, Trip, who treated her poorly and now wants her to come back. His story doesn’t add up, and he isn’t someone to be trusted—and he proves that to be true. But, God is working in the lives of many people, and that includes protecting his children. Life and death hang in the balance because of evil—but love and faith reign true. Best of all, another beautiful story has the coveted happily ever after ending.
“God was neither early or late in providing for His children.”
Started a little slow, but turned into an excellent story with a lovely Christian message as Holly and Cane overcame the challenges they faced. A good read.
Delightful story about Holly and Cane, with a bit of Christian morality interspersed with Christ's messages throughout, but not overdone. A fast paced novel, interesting characters, insightful bits about being careful of one's public image, that shows a stark difference from today's mindset, while still being forward thinking. Love how the author gives examples to remind us of Whose image we are created in.
Holly is recently widowed but, even in her grief, her brother-in-law tells her he needs her cabin, effectively kicking her out of her home. She packs her bags and heads to Denver for a fresh start. She meets Cane and they quickly become friends, sharing many of the same beliefs. She becomes immersed in Cane’s ministry of feeding those in need. Then, her brother-in-law finds her in Denver. Surely he is up to no good, but you really need to read this to find out more! A wonderful, clean read just right for the holidays! I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
This is a wonderful addition to The Broad Street Boarding House series. Holly and Trip's story is a well written romance with just the right amount of drama and suspense to keep you turning the pages. If you are a fan of Christian Historical fiction, you will love this book. I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
What a great story, which takes many different turns as it plays out. Some truly lovely characters with great giving hearts. Lots of really good notions on learning, giving, sharing and life in general - and eternal as well. I recommend it for a really feel-good story to warm your heart.
Marlene Bierworth’s latest addition to the Broad Street Boarding House series is a good one. It has romance, mystery and intrigue. Holly is a true lady and her reaction to her in-laws is amazing. What a great teacher she is also. I really enjoyed this book.
A nice story and quick read. A nice atoryline a bit more to it than a lot of the BROAD STREET Boarding house stories so it was fun to read. I just wish it was in real life that easy to get some one to change their lives to be more Christian!
Thank you Marlene Bierworth, I enjoyed Holly and Cane's story very much, It was fun, sweet, and had a rough ending, but it worked out good, even for the bad guy.
I listened to this one on audio. The narrator did a great job bringing it to life. This book is short and sweet but packed with a great story and fantastic characters.
Cane- works at the livery and runs the mission house for the less fortunate. Holly- recently a widow, kicked out after 10 days went to Denver. This engaging story has great dialog along with theme of forgiveness and letting God take care of rough situations. Their story has a loving hea!