Across the Shores by Angela K Couch; Kelly J. Goshorn; Carolyn Miller; Cara Putman

Across the Shores
by Angela K Couch; Kelly J. Goshorn; Carolyn Miller; Cara Putman

ISBN-13: 9781636095196
Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Barbour Fiction
Released: April 1, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
More Than Gold (New South Wales, 1851) by Carolyn Miller
Josephine Wilkins left all she knew to follow her brother’s dreams of finding gold across the seas. Daniel Jardine is simply seeking adventure, in a land far away from family responsibilities and duty, two burdens he’s happy to disregard in his quest to be known for himself. When these two meet, they discover that digging deeper than first impressions reveals the true value of one’s character, and real love and faith is worth far more than gold.

The Veil (Baltimore, 1877) by Kelly Goshorn
After Caroline Wilkins is burned during a suitor’s attack, she retreats behind a lace veil and vows only to remove it for a man who will profess his love without seeing what lies beneath. Franz Kohler is a mountain of a man with a gentle heart and a hidden dream of carving intricate Bavarian clocks. When a mutual attraction grows between them, neither is willing to reveal their secrets, jeopardizing any hope of a future together unless two hearts can find the courage to trust again.

Running from Love (Canada, 1905) by Angela K. Couch
Anna Kohler has left her home, and even her country, for the sake of her wayward brother. But when the local Mounted Police takes an interest in them, her hopes for the future collide. Constable Benjamin Cole has a duty to perform, no matter what his heart desires.

Lauren’s Song (Outer Banks, NC, 1942) by Cara Putman
Lauren Randolph’s world has fractured with the death of her parents five years earlier in a boating accident, and now her brother's joined the Navy. John Weary joined the Coast Guard for excitement, not paper-pushing. John promised his friend to do what he can for Lauren while U-Boats hunt along their coastline.


My Review:
Across the Shores is a collection of four short historical romances. Each was set in an interesting situation or location. All three had a Christian message, usually around the heirloom cross with Phil. 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" inscribed on it. There was no sex or bad language. I enjoyed the writing styles the most on the last two stories, but all four were enjoyable.

More Than Gold - 1851, set in the gold fields in Australia. Daniel fell in lust with Josephine at first sight but came to appreciate her caring nature, enduring strength, and abilities. Daniel's highborn, though, and can't marry a penniless American. Or so we're told until, suddenly, he didn't think that'd really matter. The setting was very interesting, but people died of grief or a sickness that no one else had simply because the author wanted them gone.

The Veil - 1877 during the Baltimore railroad strikes. Caroline was assaulted by her intended fiancée and is on the run. She's nearly crushed when she's forced to leave her train during a railroad strike. She met Franz's eyes across the crowd, and he's attracted even though she's wearing a partial veil. He saved her, brought her home, and worked to earn her trust. They both generally acted realistically, and I loved his grandfather.

Running from Love - 1905 in Canada. Anna felt compelled to look after her younger brother, even though he's on the run for theft. He's promised to reform, after all. But he's often away at work, leaving her to transform a decrepit hut into a home. A neighbor, who's also a Mountie, kept lending her a hand with the repairs. Ben and Anna fell in love as they spent time together and came to admire each other. The main characters (even Anna's brother) were delightful and came across as real people, with funny situations coming up naturally.

Lauren's Song - 1942 on the east coast barrier islands where U-boats hunted Allied ships. Lauren's lost a lot of loved ones, and now her brother joined the Navy. She had to take on boarders to make ends meet. John joined the Coast Guard to do something worthwhile--risk his life to save others, not fill out endless paperwork. He worked as a liaison with the military personal coming to the island. He did what he could to help Lauren, but she wanted to be seen as a strong woman worthy of his love. Their friendship deepening as they spent time together.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.