Sing in the Sunlight by Kathleen Denly ~ Book Review + Giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  Sing in the Sunlight
Author: Kathleen Denly
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Series: Chaparral Hearts, Book 2
Release Date: March 2, 2021

Pages: 414

Richard Stevens isn’t who he thinks he is. Neither is the woman who now claims his last name.

Disfiguring scars stole Clarinda Humphrey’s singing career, her home, and her family, but she refuses to let her appearance steal her future. While attending The Young Ladies Seminary in 1858 Benicia, California, she finds a man who promises to love and cherish her. Instead he betrays her, leaving her with child, and Clarinda must take drastic measures to ensure her child doesn’t suffer for her foolishness.

Richard Stevens’s life hasn’t turned out as he expected, and when a shocking letter turns even his past into a mystery, he travels to San Francisco in search of guidance. On the way, he encounters a mysterious young woman hiding beneath a veil. That night he experiences a dream that sends him on a quest to find the bride God has chosen for him. He never imagines she’s already told everyone they’re married.

Unwilling to lie, nor accept a marriage of mere convenience, Richard wants the real thing. Yet Clarinda’s not interested in love, only a chance to save her child. Can he help her rise above the pain that runs deeper than her scars to accept a love worth every risk?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

My Thoughts

After reading Kathleen's first book and falling in love with the characters there I didn't know how she was going to top that but boy did she! I completely enjoyed reading about Clarinda and Richard. They were amazing characters. The story line was beautiful, filled with the elements of forgiveness, courage and finding who you are in God. And did I mention Richard?! (insert dreamy eyes!)

Let's chat about these characters. Clarinda has lived her entire life in hiding and in fear of what others will think about her scars. She has lived with this idea that her parents never wanted her near because of her scars. She hides behind veils constantly. I must admit I had strong feelings regarding her parents at first but then as you keep reading you definitely understand that it was all a misunderstanding. There are some characters you will definitely fall in love with like Fletcher! He is the perfect family member. Then you have Arnie who you will despise!! What a spineless jerk! (Trust me you'll have the same feelings!)

Let's not forget about Richard!! He goes through a journey of his own in this story as he finds out who he truly is. He is amazing and understanding especially when he meets Clarinda. He not only sees her but is captivated with her. He sees her like no one else does or ever have. Seriously he is swoony. I won't tell you more because you definitely have to read it and if you want to catch the first one check out my review here.  Although this could be read as a stand-alone I highly recommend you read the first book. It introduces you to Richard and it was lovely to see some of the past characters even if it was just for a few minutes. 

Kathleen Denly does an amazing job once again. She writes such great romance but its more than that. She weaves God throughout the whole storyline and the research she has done is impeccable. Especially when dealing with adoption and unwed motherhood in that time period. I can't wait to see what else comes from this author!

My Rating: 4 Stars/ Loved every moment!

Swoon-Worthy Level - 💗💗💗💗 (so many moments!!)

Favorite Musings/Quotes:

"He's a fool, whoever he is. To let a woman as special as you slip from his grasp only shows how stupid he is. His choice has nothing to do with your worth."

I received this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review.  All views expressed are only my honest opinion. 

About the Author

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

 

More from Kathleen

Hiding our Flaws

We all have things we’d like to change about our physical appearance. Personally, I’ve yet to lose the weight I gained with my last pregnancy and sitting behind a desk all day hasn’t helped things any. Despite this, I know that my husband, kids, family, friends, and most importantly, God, loves me just as much now as when I was my healthiest self. I want to lose the weight not because I need to earn someone’s approval but because I know I’ll feel better and be able to do more without tiring as quickly if I do. In the meantime, I’m okay with where I am because it’s the best I’ve been able to do so far.

This level of self-acceptance has come with maturity and the love of a godly man. When I was younger, I’d spend hours in front of the mirror trying to disguise my flaws beneath layers of makeup and stomach smoothers. In fact, one of the most memorable moments of my courtship with my now husband was the day I returned from a women’s retreat. I hadn’t gotten much sleep all weekend and we’d had to pack up and leave early, so I’d made the unusual decision to skip my makeup that morning. I was going to carpool back to the church, grab my car, and head home for a nap. What was the point in painting my face when the only people who’d see it were the women who’d seen me wake up bare-faced that morning anyway? Well, it turns out my now husband had missed me. So he was waiting in the church parking lot when we arrived, just to say hi before I went home. Sweet, right? Um yeah. At the time, part of me thought it was sweet, but more of me wanted to melt into the floor’s carpet and vanish from sight. I had ZERO makeup on, people! And I had bags under my eyes! *gasp* *shudder*

Needless to say, after almost nineteen years of marriage, he’s seen me a few times without my makeup on. Actually, these days, I only wear makeup for videos, photographs I intend to share online, special events, and (if the kids are nice to me that morning) church. Not that I don’t have my insecure moments or those photographs that friends share but I really wish they wouldn’t. (You know who you are.) But overall, I am okay with how I look because I know that I am loved and accepted.

However, in Sing in the Sunlight, my character, Clarinda, feels unloved, and unwanted by those closest to her. She describes parts of herself with words like hideous. She uses long sleeves, high necks, gloves, and veils to hide herself from a world that has rejected her. And she keeps almost everyone at arm’s length—especially God. So when she finally lets someone in, only to be betrayed, it sets off a series of desperate decisions that tangle her in a web from which she cannot find an escape. It’s my prayer that her story will touch readers’ hearts and show them how much they are loved—flaws and all.

Blog Stops

 Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 2

Simple Harvest Reads, March 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Texas Book-aholic, March 3

lakesidelivingsite, March 3

Inklings and notions, March 4

Genesis 5020, March 4

For Him and My Family, March 5

A Novel Pursuit, March 5

Betti Mace, March 6

deb’s Book Review, March 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 7

Labor Not in Vain, March 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 8

Connie’s History Classroom, March 9

The Meaderings of a Bookworm, March 9

Older & Smarter?, March 10

Adventures Of a Travelers Wife, March 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 12

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 12 (Author Interview)

KarenSueHadley, March 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 13

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 14

Blossoms and Blessings, March 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle Paperwhite, one bookish scarf, one pair of bookish socks, one bookish necklace, one Chaparral Hearts Pen, and one custom bookmark made and signed by Kathleen Denly!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1089f/sing-in-the-sunlight-celebration-tour-giveaway