As a young woman is cleaning a church, the pastor's widow arrives for a last look around. They find a jar filled with little trinkets from previous church members. The widow explained the jar was "a story jar" and that each item had a special story behind it. Thus three stories emerge about some of the items.

*** A special book just in time for Mother's Day! In between each novella are poems and short true tales from various other people. Many of them are author names I recognize. However, several are not. I saw some poems from children about their mothers. It was so special and gave me such a warm feeling. The stories are inspirational. I found myself near tears of sadness at times, joy at others, and a few times a feeling of awe and wonder that only another mother could understand. Fabulous! ***

This book isn't just for Mother's Day--if you are a mother, have a mother, or would like to BE a mother, this book is for you. The three authors have given us such different stories--they cover all aspects of motherhood, including the desperate wanting to be a mother an infertile woman feels. A lovely book that's as honest as anything I've read lately. There are no easy answers, but God is faithful. I highly recommend!

A collection of heartwarming stories that honors mothers of all ages can be found in "The Story Jar." Top inspirational writers Robin Lee Hatcher, Deborah Bedford and Angela Elwell Hunt team up to produce a continuity story about an ordinary jar that holds an extraordinary power to encourage and heal the heart. The story jar was placed on the alter of a small country church each Mother's Day, and the mothers of the church would each contribute some small memento that has meant something to them during the previous year. Those mementos are the basis for a tale that weaves through several generations of women, and how they drew strength and encouragement from the lessons learned. Also included in "The Story Jar" are tributes from some of the country's top inspirational writers to their mothers including Lori Copeland, Linda Windsor and Jerry Jenkins. This book will inspire women everywhere to rejoice in the gift of children, and after all, this is the reason behind Mother's Day! Now, go get your mom a present!

I loved this book. You will recieve such a blessing from this story. Can't wait for your next book!

Robin Lee Hatcher has done it again. This is undoubtedly one of the best books that I have ever read. The unique "counterpoint" genre similar to Rivers' The Scarlet Thread adds that much more intrigue to the story. This was a book that I did not want to put down.

I loved this book. If you enjoy books by Francine Rivers or Lori Wick, here is an author you should read.

I will definitely have to seek out more books by Robin Lee Hatcher. Chances Are is a wondeful story, filled with heartwarming characters, that will tug at your heart and make you eager to turn the next page. This story is truly hard to put down.

Faith Butler somehow, through all her own trials, manages to be a shining light to all those around her. Only can she get through to her new boss, Drake, who hides his scarred face behind dark curtains and unlit rooms.. who only chooses to show his disfigurement when attempting to scare others away from him. Only Faith realizes that, although he attempts to scare everyone around him, a man that gives a desperate woman a job when turing her away would mean certain death for her daughter and probably starvation for her son and herself... must have a heart of gold. Determined to find that heart of gold that he keeps locked away so tightly, Faith sets a direct path to thaw out the cold surface of her boss.

This story is truly wonderful, and I highly recommend it to others that have enjoyed historical romance tales. Robin Lee Hatcher is truly a talented storywriter.

What a wonderful story. The Characters were warm and richly built. Once started, I could not put it down until I knew that Drake would get over his distaste for women and accept the love that you knew he needed.

This is definitely one of the best historical novel I have read in a while. The emotions just kept leaping out of the pages and tugging at my heart -- and this is what every good novel should do. So maybe the story is not the most original (even though some aspects are). This is actually the third novel I've read about a disfigured, eye-patched leading male character, but still Ms. Hatcher was able to write a gut-wrenching, compelling story. And it's refreshing to see secondary characters have conflicts of their own, and find their own happy ending too. It was just a little too predictable in the end, and maybe the kids should have had a bigger part -- poor Becca was practically non-existant. But these are small details. Overall an above-average, emotion-filled novel.

Dear Lady is the story of Lady Elizabeth Wellington, an English woman in her twenties. She comes to America in 1897 to escape an arranged marriage to Perceval Griffith, Lord Altberry. Lady Elizabeth, having no family of her own, turns to the only good friend she has left, ten year old Janie, whom she had written to but never met. Janie lives in Montana with her father on his ranch.
Elizabeth becomes the schoolteacher for New Prospects, the nearby town, and begins a new life in the small town which is surrounded by mountains. As life goes on, the mayor shows a respectful interest in Beth, or Miss Wellington, as all but one of her students endearingly call her. Yet Beth finds herself falling in love with the mayor's friend; Janie's father. Their hidden pasts, which are brought to the present, and the often unthinkable actions of Beth's friends and enemies surprisingly expose who her heart really belongs to.
I really enjoyed this book because of all the emotions it activated in me. Dear Lady made me feel angry at some characters, shocked at many actions and situations, helpless to change a situation that I knew was wrong, although later on it turned out for good, and made me ache at both sad and joyful parts. Also, there is always some action going on; there are no boring sections anywhere in this book. This is probably the best book I've ever read, and I have read a fair share for one my age. Anyone who appreciates a good emotional romance about faith with action involved will relish this amazing story of unexpected love.

With Dear Lady, Robin Hatcher debuts her new "Coming to America" series of entertaining novels showcasing three different women who came to America to start new lives for themselves. Dear Lady is set in the big-sky country of Montana in the 1800s. Beth Wellington finds that the past she sought to flee, isn't easy to escape, even in a brand new country. Circumstances force secrets into the open, sometimes brining hearts together in unlikely ways, and sometimes tearing them apart. A very highly recommended historical romance, Dear Lady is wonderfully entertaining from first page to last and will leave the reader eagerly looking forward to the next book in this thrilling new series.

"In this rewrite of a previously released 1997 secular romance of the same name, Hatcher (The Shepherd's Voice) reaffirms her calling to the Christian market.

"In 1897, Lady Elizabeth "Beth" Wellington flees an arranged marriage in England to become a school teacher in New Prospects, Montana, the home of her young pen pal Janie Steele. Janie's father, Garrett, expects that Lady Beth will want to be waited on hand and foot, but Beth surprises him by moving into a tumbledown cabin. As Beth settles into her new life, her feelings for Garrett grow while she fends off the mayor's hot pursuit.

"With more emphasis on the role of the church in the developing West and deeper religious introspection for the main characters, Hatcher easily shifts to a new market with a title that will appeal to Tracie Peterson's fans. For all collections." (November 2000)

This is my first book of Robin Lee Hatcher. I was deeply taken by it that I bought the sequels. Had I known earlier that this is a series, I would have read the book in order. Read WHERE THE HEART IS first before this book. That way, you will learn more of Rose. It'll make you understand her more & you will appreciate her friendship with Lark more deeply. Naturally, reading the first book of the series gave more impact on this one. Read in order: It'll make a huge difference.

Here's the series in sequence:

1st: WHERE THE HEART IS ------> 2nd: FOREVER,ROSE --------> 3rd: REMEMBER WHEN ------------> 4th: Kiss me, Katie.

I have read many sequel books and normally, the second/third books of any sequel novels aren't as good as the first one anymore. Even though I haven't read the whole series yet (one more to go) I think it is fair to say that I find all three books satisfying. Each book gets better & better.

The Americana series is about a town called Homestead, Idaho. The creation of the town beginning with just few families in small farm houses, one main street and only few stores to it's booming times with railroads and big hotels. I have only read three of the series but so far, it makes me feel like I am in the town itselft. There are many characters aside from the two primary couples. It contains love stories as well as family and neighborly love scenes. People helping one another is heart warming. Like every small town, everyone knows everybody's business and gossips cannot be avoided. Though I find that flaw amusing in many ways. My favorite aside from the romance story is that the each book contains many updates of the characters from the previous book. I also enjoy reading books about children and their growing up years especially if they become the couple or the main characters in the next book. It is like keeping track of a mini series in T.V.. This is what makes the series so interesting from the beginning to the end.

Rose Townsend is brave & feisty in the outside yet scared & lonely in the inside. Her ugly past have lots to do with her insecurities and fears yet this never sways her from being unselfish & loving. Her spirit and heart remains intact despite her ugly childhood. She's a fighter with warm heart in every way. This is what makes me admire her most but at the same time, i feel sorry for her sadness. Michael Rafferty's childhood was far better than Roses. He was more fortunate & privileged. Living in a mansion with butlers, cooks & maids. A father who cares and a stepmother who treats him fairly and with love... yet he was eaten with hatred towards his half brother. Money & his father's Palace Hotels was the only thing that really mattered to him until he met Rose. With all the comfort & the money he had, he never found and felt the true happiness & contentment of life. Rose showed him that money can't buy it all. They both deserve each other & the happiness they brought upon one another. Lark Rider's friendship with Rose and her love story with Yancy Jones also added a touch of uniqueness in this book. I've read this book twice & my response is even better than the first. This book & the series will be a great addition to your collection.

Heart warming.and very romantic.This was the first book I read and now I look forward to reading more of her work.I just can't get enough.Once you start reading you just can't stop untill you are finished.

The Americana series is about a town called Homestead, Idaho. The creation of the town beginning with just few families in small farm houses, one main street and only few stores to it's booming times with railroads and big hotels. I have only read three of the series but so far, it makes me feel like I am in the town itselft. There are many characters aside from the two primary couples. It contains love stories as well as family and neighborly love scenes. People helping one another is heart warming. Like every small town, everyone knows everybody's business and gossips cannot be avoided. Though I find that flaw amusing in many ways. My favorite aside from the romance story is that each book contains many updates of the characters from the previous book. I also enjoy reading books about children and their growing up years especially if they become the couple or the main characters in the next book. It is like keeping track of a mini series in T.V.. This is what makes the series so interesting from the beginning to the end.

This is the last book of the Americana Series. It's the story of Benjamin Rafferty (son of Michael & Rose in book 2 "Forever, Rose") and Katie Jones (daughter of Lark & Yancy in book 2 "Forever, Rose"). After reading the book synopsis, I was doubtful as to whether I will enjoy this book or not. I thought this book would somehow be a bit boring or too serious considering Katie's involvement in suffrage movement & her firm belief of the woman's rights. I hate to waste my entire time reading about the woman's rights in the the early 1900's. However, I made myself read it because it was part of the Americana Series, which I have started, and "Forever, Rose" is my favorite of all the series. I was excited to read updates of Rose & Lark as well as the rest of the people in Homestead, Idaho. I am glad I wasn't disappointed. As it turned out, the book was very interesting. Robin Lee Hatcher blended the facts with lots of romance & humor. I am happy to say that there was no dull moment. The heart warming love story of Katie & Ben wasn't overpowered by the facts or stories of the suffrage movement either. Everything was just blended perfectly!

Since the... Editorial Reviews pretty much cover the basics or the summary of this book, there is no need for me to carry on...

However, here's the series in sequence: 1st: WHERE THE HEART IS ------> 2nd: FOREVER,ROSE --------> 3rd: REMEMBER WHEN ------------> 4th: Kiss me, Katie.

If you started the series, which I highly recommend... finish it with "Kiss Me, Katie". It's a wonderful end to the Americana Series.

uh hu

Ms. Hatcher has a wonderful way of telling slice-of-life stories set in small town America. Promised to Me is another fine example. I felt like I was one of Jakob and Karola's neighbors, I knew them so well. I came to love each of the children and longed for this couple to discover their love for one another anew. I'll bet this is another award winner for Ms. Hatcher. It's that good. And since I was born and raised in Idaho, I loved seeing the state so lovingly and accurately portrayed in this historical setting. If you want a feel-good read, you can't go wrong with Promised to Me.

The entire Coming to America series is wonderful, and Promised to Me is no exception. I always learn something new about the grace of God from Ms. Hatcher's books. She is one of my favorite authors. Definitely in the top five. Promised to Me delivered her usual engaging characters and seamless plotting. I felt as if I knew all of the characters because the period details were so excellently drawn. This is a story to treasure and a fine addition to a terrific series.

This is my second book of Robin Lee Hatcher. My first book of hers was the FOREVER,ROSE. I was deeply taken by that book so I bought the sequels. Had I known earlier that this is a series, I would have read the book in order. WHERE THE HEART IS, is a lovely beginning of the Americana series.

The Americana series is about a town called Homestead, Idaho. The creation of the town beginning with just few families in small farm houses, one main street and only few stores to it's booming times with railroads and big hotels. I have only read three of the series but so far, it makes me feel like I am in the town itselft. There are many characters aside from the two primary couples. It contains love stories as well as family and neighborly love scenes. People helping one another is heart warming. Like every small town, everyone knows everybody's business and gossips cannot be avoided. Though I find that flaw amusing in many ways. My favorite aside from the romance story is that each book contains many updates of the characters from the previous book. I also enjoy reading books about children and their growing up years especially if they become the couple or the main characters in the next book. It is like keeping track of a mini series in T.V.. This is what makes the series so interesting from the beginning to the end.

Will Rider and Addie Sherwood are both interesting couple. Sad to say that because I've read Forever ROSE first, it ruined this first book for me. I kindda know how the book will run and how it'll end. I even know the action twist, who would die and who would lived as most of the scenes here were given away in the FOREVER, ROSE. I suggest the reader to read the Americana Series in order. It'll make a huge difference... Had I not read Forever, Rose before this one, I am sure I would find WHERE THE HEART IS exciting and a page turner. That is why I decided it is fair to rate it a 5 star as I still thouroughly enjoyed this book despite me knowing what would happend next. There is so many heart warming scenes... I specially like reading about Will's affection for Lark. Lark & Rose (Who will both become the main characters in FOREVER, ROSE) are only 7 & 9 years old in this book but it shows details of the beginning of their friendship. Reading this book will make you appreciate their friendship more when you read FOREVER, ROSE. It will also make you understand Rose better.

Here's the series in sequence:

1st: WHERE THE HEART IS ------> 2nd: FOREVER,ROSE --------> 3rd: REMEMBER WHEN ------------> 4th: Kiss me, Katie.

Read it and ENJOY!

a wonderful book that just goes to show you are never to far gone that love can save you.a story that shows the extent a person will go to for the sake of a child,even one they only just met.a story that tells even love can conquer all,even in a small town like homestead.wonderful characters,and story lines that include not only one couple,but the whole town.two thumbs up for robin lee hatcher!put this one ony your keeper shelf and enjoy reading it for years to come

The Forgiving Hour is a fast paced story that draws you right into the character's joy and pain. Though a good deal of the story is told in flashback, you can easily identify with Claire, Sara and Dakota. It's touching without being too preachy.

Under the Cover Book Reviews: "It is difficult to put into words just how powerful this story is. Suffice to say it will be a keeper. Readers will want to buy one for themselves and others for gifts. Brava, Ms. Hatcher!"

This is a deeply moving book about betrayal, forgiveness, and restoration. The story will tug your heartstrings and leave you rejoicing. While this is a Christian novel, don't let that stop you from reading it. Readers of all faiths can relate to the characters as they struggle with the hurts life has dealt them. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know and giving copies as gifts to the people I love most.

Convicted for a crime he didn't commit, Gabe Talmadge returns to his hometown of Ransom, seeking the love denied to him by his father Hudson Talmadge. Instead of finding the love of his forsaken father, he finds the love of Akira Macauley, owner of the sheep farm, Dundreggan. Gabe also discovers the love of another father, his Heavenly Father. Akira teaches Gabe about love and faith, and he realizes his biggest mistake was forsaking the Lord, several years ago. When he's again mistakenly arrested for a crime he didn't commit, his faith in God is tested, and he learns that it's imperative to always lean on the Lord.

Robin Hatcher adds yet another compelling story to her growing body of works in The Shepherd's Voice. Gabe Talmadge is the wandering soul in search of a home and a place to belong and he finds it in the heart of every reader who reads this enthralling tale, a story that proves that God's redemption is available to all who ask. Hatcher's proven skill at writing compelling, best-selling romance is enriched and enlarged in The Shepherd's Voice.
Patricia Hickman author of Katrina's Wings

Robin Hatcher's THE SHEPHERD'S VOICE is a sober portrayal of Depression era realities with spiritual truths entwined through her well-developed characters.

Akira Macauley believes God answered her prayer for hired help on the sheep ranch her grandfather has left her in Ransom, Idaho, when she finds a penniless vagabond collapsed on the road. With trust in that belief, she hauls him back to the ranch and helps him to regain not only his health, but also his lost faith. The unfolding story of Gabe's tainted past, his life as a convicted murderer, and his struggle to regain his lost faith holds the reader captive. The plot twists and turns test the faith of both Akira and Gabriel and challenge their growing relationship while presenting, with brutal authenticity, a picture of life during Depression years.

Hatcher builds the romantic relationship between Akira and Gabe Talmadge's through worldly realities to a credible happily-ever-after ending in a way that every romance reader will find endearing. Some readers may be discomforted by Robin's strong presentation of Akira Macauley's faith or Gabe's struggle to regain a relationship with God, but her genuine warmth and distinctive writing style make that faith a believable, integral part of their story. Your heart cannot help but be touched by the romance, the spiritual truths, and historical setting. After reading The Shepherd's Voice, you'll understand why this author has received so many writing awards.