Ellie's Haven by Sharlene MacLaren*A Review

ABOUT ELLIE'S HAVEN
A courageous young woman seeking refuge...

Ellie Booth was never the type to run away. But she'd witnessed her stepfather commit a heartless crime, and, knowing he'll stop at nothing to keep her quiet, she has no choice but to flee. Soon, she finds herself in Wabash, Indiana, scrambling for a cover identity to evade her stepfather. For lack of a better option, she answers an ad for a wife/housekeeper/nanny, praying that her lack of experience won't be obvious.

A widowed father with no domestic skills to speak of...

Gage Cooper is reaching the end of his rope. With four children between the ages of three and ten, he needs a reliable nanny, yet each one he's hired has thrown up her hands and deserted her post. When an attractive, spirited young woman applies for the "job," he knows he should pray about the matter, but his desperation for help propels him headlong into a marriage of convenience.

A trial by fire of their wedding vows...

Ellie immediately falls in love with the Cooper children, and, not long after, with their father. Soon, the "marriage of convenience" becomes less of a business arrangement as husband and wife yield to an attraction neither one had expected. When secrets of the past and dangers of the present arise in their lives, their marriage is put to the test, and God alone knows what will become of their union.


Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Whitaker House (March 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1603742131
ISBN-13: 978-1603742139
Shipping Weight: 0.5 ounces


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Born and raised in west Michigan, Shar attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree way back in 1971, she traveled internationally for a year with a small singing ensemble, then came home and married one of her childhood friends. Together they raised two lovely, wonderful daughters, both of whom are happily married and enjoying their own families. Retired in 2003 from 31-years of teaching, Shar loves to read, sing in the church choir and worship team, travel, and spend time with her family, in particular, her wonderful, adorable grandchildren, Dylan, Alexis, and Gavin!
A Christian for forty+ years, and a lover of the English language, Shar has always enjoyed dabbling in writing—poetry, fiction, various essays, and freelancing for periodicals and newspapers. Her favored genre, however, has always been romance. She remembers well the short stories she wrote in high school and watching them circulate from girl to girl during government and civics classes. “Psst,” someone would whisper from two rows over, and always with the teacher’s back to the class, “Pass me the next page.”
Shar is a an occasional speaker for her local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS’ HOPE USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children, counsels young women in the Apples of Gold program, and is active in two weekly Bible studies. She and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with their lazy, fat cat Mocha.

MY REVIEW
  I really love this book. Ellie’s Haven is such a tender, compassionate book that it will grip your heart. This is book two in the River of Hope series. Ellie’s Haven is one of my favorite books for 2011. Sharlene MacLaren is an excellent author and I love her writing style.
  I like that Ellie’s Haven has so many interesting parts. I couldn’t wait to read it each day, but was sad to finish. Very interesting, lovable characters.
  Ellie’s Haven has suspense, hate, mother-daughter love, friendship, family, new relationships, new beginnings, murder, forgiveness.
  Ellie and Gage make a good couple even though their age difference is really big. Gage sees Ellie as a young girl for quite a long time, but finds out she is really capable. She soon shows Gage that age isn’t all that important in a relationship.
  It’s really special how Ellie and her mom each come to the Lord, but at different times through different people and the love they have for each other.
  This book is highly recommended and I know you will love it. The release date is March 2012. Keep a look out for Ellie’s Haven and all books by Sharlene MacLaren.

Order from Amazon

Thank you to Whitaker House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255