This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite
“Calico Brides", written by Darlene Franklin, is a collection of four novellas that will transport the reader back in time to the late 1800’s in Kansas. Four young women are part of the Calico Ladies Sewing Circle, three of whom are lifelong friends and the fourth a reformed scarlet woman. Each of these women has a good heart and becomes involved with a special project to help others this year; however, each girl will find something for herself as well. In 'A Birthday Wish,' Gladys decides she is to help an elderly widower; however, she never planned on losing her heart while working on this project when his grandson arrives on the scene. Annie’s brother is in the army and Annie’s heart is drawn to helping soldiers who are stationed at the nearby fort; however, not everyone welcomes her help. Will Annie be able to win over the fort chaplain? Birdie has left her saloon days behind and wants to help with providing clothing to other girls of similar station; however, funds are limited. When Ned attempts to help, Birdie is not thrilled, but will she be able to accept his help and love? Ruth is a schoolteacher and has a true heart for children, especially three orphan children, and while Ruth believes she knows what is best, their uncle is not in agreement and in the end Ruth and Beau learn more than they thought possible.
I really loved this book! All four of these women are great main characters in this story and I love that their stories are all connected. The author has drawn the stories together in the book. Each of the stories is well-written and is a short, sweet love story. However, they are not so short that the reader misses out on forming a connection with the characters; I was still able to fall in love with the characters. The setting and way of life in this time period has been brought to life which added so much to the stories. The acceptance and love that the other women show to Birdie is a true testimony of Christ’s love for everyone. Also, the women’s Christian testimony and Christian living is reflected throughout their daily living and interactions with others throughout the book; this was well-done by the author as it is an encouragement to the readers to reflect Christ in their daily living as well.
