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Shirley Kiger Connolly, graduate of Institute of Children's Literature, majored in English and Journalism during her college years.An avid reader of romance, Shirley pens both historical fiction romances and also nonfiction devotional books.
A speaker at women's retreats and luncheons, Shirley leads Koinonia Community women’s groups and is an active mom and grandma.
Shirley loves rearranging her furniture, cross-stitching, doing needlework, and watching old TCM movies. Active in Hearts through History Chapter of Romance Writers of America and Faith-Hope-Love, RWA, Shirley also is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).
Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite
The year is 1878 and Annabelle Jordan knows that she hasn't made the most prudent choices in her life. Taken in by her uncle after the death of her parents, she finds herself an unwed mother of not one but two girls. She was promised marriage by Captain Sinclair Davies when she had her daughter Suzanna fifteen years ago, but instead sent him away. It has been six years since she had her second daughter Geraldine, by Sinclair, and she is still unwed! After an uproar in her uncle's church about her children she is cast out. Annabelle decides that for the sake of her girls she will head west and find Sinclair and marry him. What happens though when she meets Major Carlton Radcliffe on the train ride west? Will she find Sinclair, or does God have something else in store for Annabelle? "Say Goodbye to Yesterday" is a unique story. Annabelle Jordan finds herself in a situation that wasn't common during the mid 1800's: an unwed mother with two children. I really enjoyed getting to know her character. Her choices were so easy to understand. I could especially see why she would lose her faith in God, but it was interesting to see how God was working in her life even though she didn't realize it! The love she felt for her children was obvious, and I felt her heartbreak at allowing Suzanna to make her own decisions. I always like strong female characters and Annabelle easily fit the bill, but there is also a vulnerability with her character that adds depth! Sinclair seems to be a smooth talker who convinces her that marriage would happen, promising twice to marry her. The author slowly allows us to glean Sinclair's true character. Major Carlton Radcliffe is the opposite of Sinclair; he is such a commendable character, who is a real asset to the story. I found his story to be intriguing. Even though he carried issues from a failed marriage, he didn't let that dissuade him from his faith in God! I have to say my favorite secondary character in this story is the six year old Geraldine. She is an absolute gem, who put a smile on my face several times!
As a fan of historical fiction it isn't often that I find such a unique story. Normally I can figure out what will happen within the first few pages, but Shirley Kiger Connolly kept me wondering what would ultimately happen with this one. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this one. The faith-based messages woven in make it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a good clean read that will leave them longing for more from this author!
