A people's fate depends on these couples and the underground railroad leading up to the Civil War. Each story was interesting and good characters.

Ebook from netgalley and publishers with thanks. Opinions are entirely my own.

I have always been fascinated with this era of American history. I just can't understand how some folks felt it was right to own another human being and mistreat them the way some slave owners did. I truly admire the courage and strong faith of these slaves to endure and to eventually seek their freedom though flight from their cruel masters. Additionally, the courage of those operating the Underground Railroad is equally admirable, given the risks they faced to themselves and their families if caught assisting the freedom seekers. This collection of books not only contain sweet stories of love and determination but also capture the essence of true humanity during this period of history. Each book contained within this collection is a standalone volume and is excellent reading.

This romance collection includes nine novellas which each focus on the Underground Railroad. The settings are diverse and range from 1840 to 1860, including states in both the North and the South. Something that I really enjoyed and found particularly interesting was that the characters represented such a distinct breadth; in some cases they were abolitionists, as expected, but some were free blacks or even slaves themselves. Because the stories were so short, the climax and denouement occurred quickly, somewhat curtailing the suspense, which is my only grievance. It would have been exciting to see each tale as a novel-length work or even to have them all woven together into a single narrative.

Despite the obviously somber backdrop, none of the stories include graphic details, and they are all clean. The gravity of the risks that those helping the freedom seekers took is one of the driving themes, and it also parallels that of the apostles and the early Christian church. The position that lawmen found themselves in, forced to uphold unjust laws regardless of their personal beliefs, was an aspect that I had never really considered before. Strong female protagonists throughout the stories demonstrated that they were just as involved as the men, even if they at first stumbled upon the underground railroad’s workings unintentionally, as was the case in two of my favorites: “Follow the Christmas Star” and “The Winter Quilt.” This collection will appeal to anyone looking for an inspirational read that provides shining examples of faith under fire that are certainly pertinent in today’s increasingly secular society.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an e-copy of this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A helpful and encouraging book, especially for women, The Struggle Is Real discusses the trials we face in life and offers ways to turn them around so we grow rather than despair. Its ten chapters share personal stories of the author and others and how they overcame hardships, with the help of God. She believes we can find beauty in all of life, including our struggles. Why do we expect things to go well when so often the opposite holds true? I felt this book dealt with our unrealistic expectations in a sound way. The author’s approachability, honesty, and vulnerability make the text easily accessible. I especially like “The Rewrite” chapter, which teaches how to rewrite our stories by following “the Freedom Cycle.” Changing our mind-set can set us free from the bondage and burdens of our everyday troubles. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. all opinions are my own.

Going through hardships and believing that there's a Higher Being at work. This is the reason why these stories were interesting. This book would appeal to those who are interested in suspense and action as well. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

Barbour Publishing has me hooked now on The Underground Railroad Brides Collection, featuring nine authors new to me that offer fine historical romances. Gee, I was just whittling down my TRB list and now this! A happy happenstance! 5/5

Pub Date 01 Jun 2018  

Thanks to Barbour Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#TheUndergroundRailroadBridesCollection #NetGalley

The Underground Railroad Brides Is made up of Nine Novellas. The 1st one is about reconciliation - the 2nd one is about a dichotomy between settings slaves free & a loving slave owner. The 3rd is about traveling on the Underground Railroad. The 4th is about healing from loss. The 5th is about transporting on the Railroad. The 6 is regarding danger - being wanted - fugitive - love. The 7th is about helping/ not helping with the Underground Railroad. The 8th is about deceit. The 9th is about trusted or not to be trusted now that is the question;) Each one is so important and they are so unreal - love it so. GOD is running it all and so it should be.

This is a novella collection of 9 stories set before the Civil War during the Underground Railroad time. In all the stories the examples of faith,strength,courage,perseverance were there. The conductors were there to lead the slaves to freedom. The stories were gripping and had me holding my breath a few times praying the characters would make it safely to freedom before being caught by the slave hunters. The people helping the slaves did so at a great risk to themselves and their family even risking death and jail. This did not stop them though their faith was strong and God brought them through. Reading about the Underground Railroad and the Civil War is one of my favorite time periods to read about. It's wonderful discovering new to me authors in these collections too. I hope to see many more books by the authors of this collection.
Pub Date 01 Jun 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

For those readers who love stories with feel good endings, this book is for you. Giving readers a point of view from a horrific historical era, you feel the pain, sorrow and despair that then gives way to hope, faith, and love. Good read.

Title: The Underground Railroad Brides Collection 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom Before the Civil War
Authors: Barbara Tifft Blakey, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A. Coleman, Cecelia Dowdy, Patty Smith Hall, Terri J. Haynes, Debby Lee, Darlene Panzera, Penny Zeller
Publisher: Barbour Books
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

" The Underground Railroad Brides Collection 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom Before the Civil War" By Authors: Barbara Tifft Blakey, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A. Coleman, Cecelia Dowdy, Patty Smith Hall, Terri J. Haynes, Debby Lee, Darlene Panzera, Penny Zeller

My Thoughts.....

"Nine historical couples walk the road to love even as they dare to escape and help others break free from the injustices of slavery between 1849 and 1860. From Southern states of Georgia and South Carolina to above the Mason-Dixon Line in Indiana and Pennsylvania, they work within the network known as the Underground Railroad."

Emma Underground by Barbara Tifft Blakey
A beautiful love story as a wife who wants to reconciles with her husband. What had happened up to this point to caused this situation for Emma and Paul?

Follow the Christmas Star by Ramona K. Cecil
How will 'Edith Applegate struggles to reconile her desire to help bring people out of bondage and her growing affection for a former Southern slave owner' all turn out for her in the end?

Under the Sails of Love by Lynn A. Coleman
What happens when Charlotte Kimbrel finds herself traveling the Underground Railroad by sea on Captain Zachery Browne’s ship?

The Bakery Bride by Cecelia Dowdy
Will Ruth be able to get over her grieving for Thomas? Will she accept a new love as she heals from the pain of slavery and learn to love again?

Place of Refuge by Patty Smith Hall
What will happen when Hudson Wallace is asked by Jorgine Emerson to help her transport her slaves to freedom?

Free to Love by Terri J. Haynes
What happens as Winnie starts having feeling for the Hiram, who was a fugitive as their lives cross at an Underground Railroad station? Will they be able to overcome danger and find freedom in love?

The Winter Quilt by Debby Lee
What happens when Coral Martin after moving with her parents will want to help Josiah Williamson with the working of the Underground Railroad movement?

The Song of Hearts Set Free by Darlene Panzera
Will Annie Morrison, discovers the man she’s fallen in love with may be a slave catcher in disguise?

Freedom’s Flight by Penny Zeller
Why did the Reverend Matthias Sorenson who assisted in runaway slaves need assurance that Annalise Van Houten is to be trusted?

Now to get all of these questions and so much more answered you will have to pick up this Barbour novella collections of 'The Underground Railroad Brides' to get all of the answers. I found each of these stories so very well written even though some of the reads for me were somewhat painful in all that its particular story was about. It was very hard reading the lengths both the slaves [runner] and conductors went through in helping these slaves get their freedom. I will also say I did learn a lot from the read especially in finding out how important Canada was the freed slave. Overall I will say this was a pleasant read. I would have liked to have known a little more about the research accuracy for each of these historical reads. However, one can tell from the reads that these authors really put in a lots of work in bringing all of this out to the reader in all of the reads having a HEA. So, we are given some history along with some clean sweet faith filled romances[love story] that will keep your interest turning the pages to see what will be coming next.

There is hope for the future when people come together to fight evil and when men and women find love in the midst of great challenges. And through it all, faith is the key to victory in these stories from nine inspiring Christian authors.~ from the back blurb

I especially love the Barbour novella collections because I often get to meet new-to-me authors, as was such the case here. I knew only two in this one and was pleasantly surprised by the other seven. I also love when the writers collaborate together in keeping one theme throughout. Since I don't know much about the Underground Railroad in our history, it was interesting to learn some of the inner workings through the characters in each book. I could feel the fear and trepidation of getting caught, but yet their heart for aiding slaves to freedom compelled them to risk life and limb. I can't imagine the lengths both the slaves and conductors went to to assure success, what a time of fear it must have been! Only faith in God could sustain each one and ministering to slaves made it all worthwhile. Since I'm a romantic at heart, my other favorite part is seeing each couple fall in love and unite together in one mutual cause. I loved each story as the authors brought their own unique writers voice to the mix. Reading about history through the pages of fiction is always a fun way for me to learn!

* I received a complimentary copy from one of the authors in this collection and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own. *

The Underground Railroad comes alive with the romance and danger of helping slaves make their way to freedom. The stories of nine couples ranging from 1840 to 1860. They show you that even in circumstances beyond your control that God hand is in it all.


Emma Underground by Barbara Tifft Blakey 1851 New York
Emma just married off her last daughter and is an outcast in town trying to make amends like God has told her to do for a past event. She's been trying to talk to her husband he doesn't want to listen and is too busy with his work with the Underground Railroad. Emma thinks her husband is having an affair. When a stranger to town helps her a couple of times she decides that he's trustworthy and asks his help to find her husband's mistress. Instead inadvertently repeats the past and must race to save the runaway slaves and her husband from a slave catcher and prison. Emma causes a diversion to help everyone escape. When her husband hears what Emma did their long lasting love is rekindled with a renewal of wedding vows.


Follow the Christmas Star by Ramona K Cecil Indiana December 1850

Edith isn't pleased with having to move from her childhood home with her farther. Wade is the new accountant at the family's Pork Packaging business. He goes to check out his new place of residence and finds Edith and one of her students. She immediately is suspicious because of Wade's southern accent. The family is supportive of the abolishment of slavery. As Edith and Wade start realizing that they have feeling for each other their differences don't matter. That is until Wade's brother a slave catcher comes to town looking for runaway slaves. At the company Christmas party Edith sees Wade talking to his brother and thinks he's working with him. Wade over hears 2 of his brothers helpers planning to search Edith's house looking for slaves. He rushed to warn them and brought into the situation and decides he can't stay out of any more. Edith and Wade go to warn their co-conspirators and find out Edith's young student is involved. Taking the route they believe the girl took they go to find her. They find her and the slaves just in time and Wade causes a distraction. He's injured in the process, but taking care of the injury must wait. Their feelings are revealed and a proposal is made with Edith moving back to her beloved home.


Under the Sails of Love by Lynn A Coleman Georgia 1860

Charlotte is the daughter of a plantation owner with slaves but helps other slaves escape to freedom. Her farther wants to marry her off. Zach is a ship's captain who comes to the house with another man on business. Zach transports slaves and is leaving the next day. Charlotte has slaves that she must send north. She approaches Zach for help. Realizing that she doesn't want to return home she talks Zach into letting her come along on the trip. As they travel north Zach and Charlotte get to know each other better. Zach never wanted to marry because of his life at sea. Charlotte shows her courage by keeping slave catchers off the ship. They realize that they're falling for each other. Charlotte confesses her feelings. Zach is conflicted and then realizes that he can have both. A proposal is made and accepted. They travel with a slave family to Zach's family farm where they marry and start their life together.


The Bakery Bride by Cecelia Dowdy Pennsylvania 1859
Ruth comes into Joseph's family bakery looking for work. She shows her skills by making her special bread and even though his mother strongly disagrees, Ruth is hired. Joseph wants to get to know her but she is keeping her past a secret. Without realizing it they both become involved in helping slaves. As they work together in the bakery and the Underground Railroad they become closer much to his mother's disapproval.
A woman that Joseph used to see comes back into the picture which he isn't happy about. Ruth gets jealous but doesn't know what to do about thinking she's to spend the rest of her life alone. When Joseph and Ruth have a date she reveals her past. Joseph decides to take over as pastor of his church. His involvement with Ruth and leaving the bakery makes his mother extremely upset and she conspires with the other woman to show up at the church. Joseph doesn't want to be at odds with his mother so he reveals all and they make up. Ruth and Joseph get married. She and his mother take over running the bakery.

A Place of Refuge by Patty Smith Hall South Carolina 1857
Jorgine is under the control of her uncle. She finds out that the man she fell in love with years ago is back in the area. Hudson has a rake reputation but it's a cover for working with the Underground Railroad. Jorgine seeing a signal goes in search of her friend but runs into Hudson and asks for his help. She begins working with Hudson helping slaves. They realize working together that the feelings from years ago have never gone away. Jorgine is to marry another man that her but decides she can't marry someone she doesn't love. Her uncle makes a surprise visit and knows all about her and Hudson's activities. She makes an deal with her uncle but escapes to warn Hudson. They to his home and from there make their way north were after the war they come back and help with the reconstruction. She wonders what happened to her old home which Hudson has bought back.

Free To Love by Terri J Hayes Maryland 1850

Winnie & Hiram are slaves who meet when he's injured and needs to stay longer at the station that she helps to run. They begin to have feeling for each other right away but nothing happens but friendship because Hiram has to continue his journey north. They get know each other and Hiram help save some troublemaking slaves. Information is revealed that Winnie is working extra to pay too free her and her parents. Hiram goes to see how he will escape. Winnie gets pulled into a riot against her master and must flee. She meets up with Hiram who gives up his place and goes back to help her parents. Safely in the north Winnie waits every day for them to show up at the meeting place.


The Winter Quilt by Debby Lee Indiana 1840
All Coral wants to do is go back to her former life and marry the man of her dreams. Her parents don't want her to have anything to do with her former beau but won't reveal why they moved and don't like him. Josiah has come to help her farther to build their new house with a special room. When an accident befalls her farther Josiah helps with other chores and well and tries to find out if Coral can be trusted. Working together around the house they become closer and when an escaped slaves shows up they must work together to hide him. Coral is brought into help out and she begins to realize that she's not thinking about her former beau as much as Josiah.. Coral's beau shows up to propose revealing his business as a slave catcher. She turns him down and her father and Josiah are arrested. They're released and Coral finds a home for her quilt. Josiah proposes and they work to help the freedom seekers.

The of Hearts Set Free by Darlene Panzea New Jersey 1851
Annie's family is neutral when it comes to slavery, but when a runaway saves her brother's life they help him. Isiah was supposed to help the slave that is at Annie's house, he meets up with them at the boat. He used as a cover that he was secretly courting Annie. When Isaiah needs help because his hiding place is revealed he enlists Annie again for help. Her family decide to become helpers to the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman. Isaiah and Annie use the courting as their cover for their work and become closer as time goes by. Her brother and Isaiah are brought into the slave catchers group. When Annie and her friend see Isaiah with the catchers Annie doesn't trust him any more until after the slaves are released. Annie helps to get the town from being fearful of the slave catcher. Annie accepts Isaiah's proposal as long as she can continue to work with him.

Freedom's Flight by Penny Zeller Tennessee 1856
Annalise is under the guardianship of her aunt & uncle who give her no freedom. She allowed to attend Matthias's church but he doesn't trust her. She over hears a conversation between him and is family about the Faith Train. She is asked to help by sewing clothes with his sister. They become friends. Matthias and Annalise become closer and work together. She over hears her uncle and his friends plotting to capture and jail Matthias but he doesn't believe her. When he's approached and it doesn't feel right he turns the slave away. Since he plan fails her uncle decides to kill Matthias. Annalise goes to warn him and asks to be taken along when he leaves. She escapes and the go back to his family in Ohio where they continue to help the Faith Train with slaves.


These books were great and I enjoyed them. They showed how people were able to with God's help the less fortunate even if they were that themselves.

Nine authors each penned one of the stories in this historical, romance collection. Some of the featured couples are freedom seekers, but many are among those aiding them. It is encouraging to see how God brings out love in the hardest of circumstances. I gave two of the stories 5 stars, three 4 stars, three 3 stars, and one 1 star. Eight of the stories had interesting plots, five of which were well written, and three of which seemed to have been written by less experienced but promising authors. I would have appreciated author's notes on some of the stories to know more about the research in order to ascertain the historical accuracy. For example, were slaves allowed to find additional work and to keep the money they earned, and were some slaves given permission to live in boarding houses for which they paid rent. Overall this book was a pleasant read. Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation and was not required to give a favorable review.

I absolutely loved this collection. Each story involved both runner and conductors. However, the love story was only about one or the other. Each is well written and very engaging. Clean and faithful. Highly recommend this collection.

A great collection of pre Civil War stories. I found the collection to be well written and enjoyed each selection.

This is a well-written collection of novella-length stories by several authors. Some of them are quite suspenseful, and all the stories kept my interest. There were a couple of the stories that I think could be expanded into an interesting full-length novel., if not a series. Since these are shorter stories, it does not take long to read each one individually. I liked this collection very much,

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion about this book.

This is a compilation of nine stories from fictional women who lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s and how they were able to be reunited with their first loves. Despite the overarching romance theme in the collection, it was refreshing to read about the diverse circumstances in which all nine female characters hailed from humble backgrounds to those who were more educated and held teaching positions and even physical disabilities. The women in these stories possess strong characters and did not let their situations overwhelm despite knowing that their rights were limited.

Nonetheless, it was a bit disappointed that there were no people of colour in the stories expect in one story where there only mentioned as household slaves during the American Civil War era. This would be a great book to cuddle with in the colder months or when you need a pick me up and a flicker of hope that true love can exist.

The Underground Railroad Brides Collection by various authors is a very engaging work of short stories set during the time the Underground Railroad was active. The authors are: Barbara Tifft Blakey, Ramona K. Cecil, Lynn A. Coleman, Cecelia Dowdy, Patty Smith Hall, Terri J. Haynes, Debby Lee, Darlene Panzera and Penny Zeller.
I really enjoyed this collection. There is a lot of action and suspense that at times had my heart beating quite fast. Throughout each story is the reliance on God and people doing God’s will. Each conductor firmly believes that he or she is following God’s plan for their life. Of course, the slave hunters believe that what they do is right as they have the law on their side so each reader will have to make their own decision in that regard. God is a great focus of the book but it does not come across as preachy or overdone. There are instances in the book where the slave hunters go after free blacks if they cannot find the slaves they are searching for. I found this book to be very thought provoking and made me think about what risks I am willing to take for God in today’s divisive world. I wholeheartedly give this book 5 of 5 stars. It is engaging and I believe a realistic picture of time in which it is set.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The Underground Railroad Brides Collection 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom Before the Civil War is a collection of nine stories. These stories include:
Emma Underground by Barbara Tifft Blakey
Follow the Christmas Star by Ramona K. Cecil
Under the Sails of Love by Lynn A. Coleman
The Bakery Bride by Cecelia Dowdy
A Place of Refuge by Patty Smith Hall
Free to Love by Terri J. Haynes
The Winter Quilt by Debby Lee
The Song of Hearts Set Free by Darlene Panzera
Freedom’s Flight by Penny Zeller
I liked all of these stories and enjoyed being introduced to all of these authors. My favorite would have to be Barbara Tifft Blakey’s Emma Underground.
I give this collection 5 stars.

A slow starter but ultimately paid off, I liked the theme of the stories. It wasn’t my favourite collection but there were still some brilliant heroines!