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Monday, February 27, 2012

Review of Love Finds You in Nazareth, Pennsylvania



Love Finds You in Nazareth, Pennsylvania by Melanie Dobson


Summerside (2011)

Reviewed by Diana L. Flowers
4-1/2 stars~

Enthralling Read!



Melanie Dobson sweeps us away on a spellbinding journey into the New World; a half untamed land fraught with strife and dangers on every hand, and pervaded with hidden, forbidden passions. Two couples in a Moravian community in Germany, are chosen by lot to marry, Christian and Susanna Boehler, and Catherine and Elias Schmidt. Although Susanna does not know Christian personally she accepts her lot, wanting only to travel to the colonies in America and share their faith in God with the Indians. The beautiful Catherine was raised into wealth and is not ready for the hardships that await her in this savage new land of Nazareth; and the separation from her new husband that is required by their religious sect.
Susanna and Christian's marriage is never consummated, for she becomes ill and he must travel to minister to the Indians without her, along with Catharine and Elias. Unbeknownst to all, Christian is in love with his friend's beautiful wife, and suffers torment day and night over her, and the fact that that his lot was chosen to marry Susanna, a woman he does not love. Even in his passion in ministering to the Indians, he cannot control his passion towards the beautiful Catherine, and falls into a web of deceit and betrayal. 


What happens when Elias discovers Christian's and Catharine's secret, and will Susanna's love for this stranger, her husband, ever be returned? Will their dedication to the Indians' salvation be rewarded, or end up in tragedy?

This was not your typical, lighthearted Love Finds You read, but was filled with complex relationships, and an intense plot that will keep the reader turning those pages well into the night. Melanie Dobson's research was impeccable and therefore lends to the realism of her characters and storyline (and some of it wasn't at all pretty), but she stays true to the times and the many dangers that were ever present. 


Some of this book will leave the reader heartbroken, and definitely more appreciative of what our ancestors went through for their faith and love of this great country we call home. The forbidden passions were handled with discretion and does not cross over the boundaries of Christian fiction. 


Great writing, Melanie Dobson! 


Bio: Guest Reviewer Diana Flowers is Senior Review on Overcoming Through Time - With God's Help. Diana loves reading historical Christian fiction and is a favorite reviewer for many authors.


GIVEAWAY:  Melanie is giving away a paperback copy of this book to someone who leaves a comment on this post.  Please leave your email address.
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50 comments:

  1. IngridFebruary 27, 2012 at 7:23 AM

    Thank you Diana for the great Review of this Book, I wish I could start reading it right now, it sounds so good. Please add me to your Contest.
    Blessings


    ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melanie DobsonFebruary 28, 2012 at 2:07 AM

      Thanks so much, Ingrid! I hope you enjoy the story.

      Delete
  2. polFebruary 27, 2012 at 8:00 AM

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book and author, for a christian romance it seems like a lot of passion is there, I would like to see what happens when they marry without love as time moves forward.
    I would be most interested in your drawing for this book.
    Thanks
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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    Replies
    1. Melanie DobsonFebruary 28, 2012 at 2:08 AM

      It was very interesting to write a romance novel about a married couple (who didn't know each other when they married), but I enjoyed the challenge of it. I hope you enjoy it too! Blessings,

      Delete
  3. Diana FlowersFebruary 27, 2012 at 8:38 AM

    Hi, Ingrid, and Paula! You both gave a reviewer the greatest gift you can give her; reading her review and wanting the book BADLY. That is what I so strive for when I write them, so thank you. I was reading Rita Gerlach's review to my sister in AZ over the phone (she doesn't read much), and she had to get pen and paper and write down title, author, ordering info, lol! So I felt like I had done my job! Not that it is a job, but a pleasure!

    Hoping for a win for you, and like I mentioned in the review, Paula, Melanie handles all that passion discreetly.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anne PayneFebruary 27, 2012 at 10:35 AM

    Thank you, Diana :) Your review has gone beyond making this reader want the book, but to actually looking up and studying the Moravian's history in the Church!

    Please enter me.
    homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

    FYI Carrie: I had to try three times on the comment verification before I got one I could read!

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    1. Diana FlowersFebruary 27, 2012 at 11:19 AM

      I agree, Anne! Those captchas (sp?) on here are rough! Thank you, Anne, for your kind words. Wow, you're researching Moravian history?! I was so fascinated with this book! Sooo different, and like you, Anne, I love learning new things about different cultures and religious groups and how they first came into being. I hope you get a chance to read this one...verrry interesting!

      Delete
    2. Melanie DobsonFebruary 28, 2012 at 2:11 AM

      I hope you enjoy learning about the Moravians as much as I did. I got a note yesterday from a reader who said they just met an Alaskan lady whose grandfather came to know Christ through Moravian missionaries a hundred years ago. The reader was pleased to know a bit of the history of the Moravians.:)

      Delete
    3. Anne PayneFebruary 28, 2012 at 10:15 AM

      I should have known they had come to NC since we are home to the Cherokee but I must have been sleeping through history class when they taught about that :) It was fascinating reading some of their history here and how the dispersed throughout the US.

      Delete
  5. misskallie2000February 27, 2012 at 12:49 PM

    I read Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa and can't wait to read your new LFY. I have this one on my wish list and also as a new author. Love Finds You in Nazareth, Pennsylvania does not sound like the other LFY books I have read but I know I will love it.
    Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Diana FlowersFebruary 27, 2012 at 2:35 PM

      I believe you will love it, too, misskallie! It has alot of substance and an intriguing storyline! I have LFY in Homestead, Iowa, on my Kindle and am looking forward to reading it! I think Melanie won a Christy for LFY in Homestead, or some kind of award for it...does someone know?

      Delete
    2. Melanie DobsonFebruary 28, 2012 at 2:14 AM

      I'm so glad you liked LFY in Homestead! Thank you for letting me know. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the Amana people and learning about their heritage as well. That one did win a Carol Award (thanks, Diana!). I hope you like this story too. The Moravians lived in community like the Amanas and cherished their friendships.

      Delete
  6. UnknownFebruary 27, 2012 at 1:20 PM

    Dianna, your review is classy and I feel Melanie's book could become a classic among historical Christian romance stories. I NEED to read this book! The American Indian and their history is an ongoing study for me, and to think the missionary angle went on during this time frame is new and fascinating to me. I can hear a compelling and sad love story and think Melanie has chosen a much different story idea to write. Cheers to you both. Thanks for this appealing giveaway and the chance to win a great read. I hope I do!

    Blessings,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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    1. Diana FlowersFebruary 27, 2012 at 2:42 PM

      Thank you, Barb, and you are classy, too! :) I love that...I "NEED" to read this book! Us avid readers totally understand that NEED to!! LOL! I hope you get a chance to read it; I believe you will really enjoy it, and the Indian/missionary relationships are particularly interesting!

      Delete
    2. Melanie DobsonFebruary 28, 2012 at 6:08 PM

      Ditto what Barbara said. :) Thank you, Diana, for such a great review! (Barbara) it has been fascinating to me as well to learn about the American Indians. I learned a bit about their history on the East Coast when I wrote this book and now I'm learning about their history on the West Coast as I research/write a book set on the Oregon Trail. My problem is that I enjoy researching so much that it's hard for me to stop the research and start writing. :)

      Delete
  7. Marian BaayFebruary 27, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    As always a great review Diana. I already have this book on my Kindle, so don't enter me for the giveaway. Just wanted to tell how much I love reading your reviews Diana! :)

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    1. Diana FlowersFebruary 27, 2012 at 3:13 PM

      You're such a sweetheart, Marian! And we have a mutual admiration society going on, because I love reading yours as well!

      Delete
    2. Melanie DobsonFebruary 28, 2012 at 11:04 PM

      Thanks for getting it on Kindle, Marian! I hope you enjoy it.

      Delete
  8. Teresa MathewsFebruary 27, 2012 at 7:31 PM

    Oh Diana, why must you make these reviews so good??? LOL!!! Now I really want to read this one! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diana FlowersFebruary 27, 2012 at 7:50 PM

      LOL, Teresa! Sounds juicy, doesn't it? And you can win it on this blog!

      Delete
    2. Teresa MathewsFebruary 27, 2012 at 8:22 PM

      WOOHOO! Got my fingers and my eyes crossed! At least that's the way it feels after the headache I've had all day. :)

      Delete
    3. Diana FlowersFebruary 27, 2012 at 10:29 PM

      Hoping you get a good night's rest and wake up headache free!

      Delete
    4. Marian BaayFebruary 28, 2012 at 10:40 AM

      Teresa, if you don't win it, I can loan it to you. :)

      Delete
    5. Teresa MathewsFebruary 29, 2012 at 1:18 AM

      Thanks Marian! :)

      Delete
    6. Melanie DobsonMarch 2, 2012 at 1:56 AM

      :) I hope you enjoy the story!

      Delete
  9. Susan CraftFebruary 27, 2012 at 10:33 PM

    Thanks for such an enticing review, Diana. Will put this on my to read list. You used a word in one of your replies that struck me - "substance" -- you made us realize that it is a book with substance and depth.

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    1. Diana FlowersFebruary 28, 2012 at 7:45 AM

      Thank you, Susan! I know you love history and this book is loaded with it, and Melanie's extensive research made it more than just a romance. Kind of like another author I know whose initials are S.C. from S.C., just a different setting! ;)

      Delete
    2. Melanie DobsonMarch 2, 2012 at 1:55 AM

      My problem is that I enjoy the research so much that it's hard for me to stop researching and actually start the writing. :) I hope you enjoy the story, Susan. The Moravians were (and are) a fascinating group.

      Delete
  10. Judith RoblFebruary 28, 2012 at 7:00 AM

    Great review! And I'm another who NEEDS to read this book. I hope it's not too late to enter the giveaway.

    jrlight620 (at) yahoo (dot) com.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Diana FlowersFebruary 28, 2012 at 7:49 AM

      Welcome, Judith, and no, you are not too late! A lady who NEEDS this book surely NEEDS to win! Throwing your name in our little cyber-hat here!

      Delete
    2. Melanie DobsonMarch 2, 2012 at 1:53 AM

      Thank you, Judith. I hope you enjoy the story! Blessings,

      Delete
  11. Pegg ThomasFebruary 28, 2012 at 7:32 AM

    Great review! Makes me sure want to read this one. :)
    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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    1. Diana FlowersFebruary 28, 2012 at 7:52 AM

      Thank you, Pegg! It's a delight to "see" you as always, and here's hoping for a win for you!

      Delete
    2. Melanie DobsonMarch 2, 2012 at 1:52 AM

      I hope you enjoy it, Pegg! Thanks so much.

      Delete
  12. Lori BentonFebruary 28, 2012 at 4:39 PM

    I find this (still relatively new to me) Moravian marriage by lot tradition endlessly fascinating. I look forward to reading this!

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    1. Melanie DobsonFebruary 28, 2012 at 6:49 PM

      It was fascinating to me too! Especially when I discovered that my great-grandparents had been married by lot in the 1750s. They were married for fifty-eight years. :)

      Delete
    2. Diana FlowersFebruary 28, 2012 at 7:13 PM

      You will really enjoy this one, Lori! I learned so many fascinating things!

      Delete
  13. BethFebruary 28, 2012 at 4:51 PM

    Ooo, this one sounds great! I hope it's not too late to be entered in the giveaway! Thanks for the chance to win.

    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melanie DobsonFebruary 28, 2012 at 6:49 PM

      Thanks, Beth! I think you're right on time to be entered. :) Blessings,

      Delete
    2. murrayFebruary 28, 2012 at 7:32 PM

      well written review and both book and cover look like a good read

      Delete
    3. Diana FlowersFebruary 28, 2012 at 8:12 PM

      That is a nice compliment coming from someone such as yourself, Murray. Hoping to do a review on YOUR new novel as soon as I can get a copy of it in my hands! :)

      Melanie is a wonderful award winning author, and I believe you would find this book intriguing.

      Delete
  14. Wendy NewcombFebruary 28, 2012 at 7:49 PM

    This sounds like a great book, thank you for the review and for hosting the giveaway.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
    wrensthoughts.blogspot.com

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    1. Diana FlowersFebruary 28, 2012 at 8:14 PM

      It's always a pleasure to hear from you, Wendy, and good luck in the drawing! I know you will enjoy this book!

      Delete
  15. SharonFebruary 28, 2012 at 9:34 PM

    Have not read any of Melanie's books. This one sounds good. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
    Sharon
    smoore at tcq dot net

    ReplyDelete
  16. Carrie Fancett PagelsFebruary 28, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    I haven't read any of Melanie's books yet myself, but this one really sounds great. I have it for my Kindle and hope to get to it soon!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Diana FlowersFebruary 28, 2012 at 10:05 PM

      As much as you love colonial history, I think this one might fascinate you, Carrie...very different.

      Sharon, I believe you will be pleasantly surprised with Melanie's books! Alot of substance...not just a lighthearted read...but a pleasurable one.

      Delete
    2. Melanie DobsonFebruary 28, 2012 at 11:07 PM

      I hope you enjoy it, Carrie. I really appreciate all your encouragement!

      Delete
  17. Carrie Fancett PagelsMarch 4, 2012 at 3:21 PM

    PEGG THOMAS, you are the WINNER per random.org. CONGRATS!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diana FlowersMarch 4, 2012 at 4:54 PM

      Congrats, Pegg! You are in for a reader's treat!

      Delete
  18. NanMarch 8, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    I just found your blog and truly enjoyed your review of this book. It is definitely now on my list to read. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

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