LOVE FINDS YOU IN VALENTINE, NEBRASKA

“I found myself immediately sucked into LFY in Valentine, Nebraska. The heroine was especially captivating. I liked her combination of sweetness and determination.” Lyn

“I’ve enjoyed reading books by Irene Brand for over twenty years. And this one is my favorite so far. I love the setting. I love the characters, I love the plot twists, and I love the ending.” Lena

“A lovely story, it is rich in details of the Nebraska setting and of ranch life. This is the first Summerside Press book I’ve encountered, and I am very favorably impressed.” Martha

“What a read! This book is one you will read in two to three days. You won’t be able to lay it down.. . . Wealth, kidnapping, danger and love all wrapped together.” Jane

A HUSBAND FOR ALL SEASONS

"A Husband For All Seasons" has to be the best book ever written. You did such a super job in writing it and I feel that God was with you in writing it.. . . It was so well put together and the story kept moving and the reader isn't bogged down with so many ramblings and thoughts from everyone. From now on I shall be one of your best fans. (Roberta, MO)

"I don't usually drop a note to the authors of the books that I read, but this one is more than deserving of a moment of my time to do so. . . .Over my Christmas break I decided to enjoy a good book. I'm so glad that I was directed to yours. It was wand inspiring. I truly enjoyed it from cover to cover and look forward to reading many more of your efforts . . May God continue to bless and use you to His glory!" (Judy, ON, Canada)

"I just finished reading this book. WOW! I really appreciated the depth of each of the characters. I also appreciated how you sent each of them on their journey to find God's plan for their lives. I felt the story was much more realistic and had more depth than a lot of the recent novels I've read. . . Thank you for allowing God to use you in this avenue!" (Miriam, OH)

Book Reviewers Evaluation:

THE CHRISTMAS CHILDREN

"THE CHRISTMAS CHILDREN is one very special story for the holiday season. Alive with the spirit of Christmas and its true meaning, this book is a charming gift of love and devotion that conquers even the hardest of hearts. For a special addition to your holiday keeper shelf, I highly recommend THE CHRISTMAS CHILDREN for your shopping list."

Reviewed by Diana Risso for Romance ReviewsToday at www.romrevtoday.com

SONG OF HER HEART

Is the sweet story of a woman past her prime, finding an unexpected answer to her prayer to be a missionary. I loved Norah's character - not the typical young beauty, but rather a fortyish, slightly overweight woman with a bucketful of insecurities. She's sacrificed her life to care for an ungrateful family, and now she's breaking free. Mason is a hero to love - a tall, handsome cowboy, quiet and wounded from past events, but he still remains faithful to God. The faith message is strong but not overpowering. It shows that sometimes the answers to our prayers are right in front of our nose. Irene Brand does an excellent job of setting the scene of the Nebraska countryside, from the big Hereford bull that Norah first encounters to a devastating tornado. Readers will find SONG OF HER HEART a delightful read. Be sure to pick up a copy of Love Inspired's 200th book, SONG OF HER HEART. "February 2003., 252 pp., $4.75., 0-373-87207-0

Vickie McDonough

LOVE AT LAST

The following review by Vickie McDonough appeared in January, 2003 on The Word On Romance website.

"LOVE ALMOST LOST is an intriguing story of suspense, romance, and faith. This emotionally charged tale of a young woman, bitter about her past, contains a powerful message of forgiveness and restoration. Irene Brand does an excellent job portraying the early 1900's time period. I don't know that I've read a book in this era before, and I found it fascinating. LOVE ALMOST LOST holds a thrilling mystery that unfolds right before your eyes, with spine-tingling danger and heart-throbbing romance."

AUTUMM'S AWAKENING

Wonderfully written, Irene B. Brand treats readers to a view of Ohio Belgian horse country intertwined with a sweet romance that is a treat to read. Autumn struggles with the hurts of the past while searching for peace and reconciliation. Nathan is a gentle hero, complete with flaws, that will touch reader's hearts. While AUTUMM'S AWAKENING is an inspirational romance, readers will not find the message overly preachy, but gently woven into the fabric of the story.

Readers will want to look for SUMMER'S PROMISE, a fall 2001 release, the sequel to AUTUMN'S AWAKENING. This story will feature the third of the Weaver sisters, Summer.
I highly recommend AUTUMN'S AWAKENING.

Reviewed by Romantic Times Magazine

"The Test Of Love (3) is well written, beginning with great potential for a fast-paced, unique story, but slips into a slow-moving traditional romance fans will still enjoy.

Reviewed by Under The Covers

"Very Highly Recommended
Ms. Brand's creativity is a joy to behold. Watching her story unfold is like opening a present and not being able to wait to see what's in the package. Ms. Brand creates characters that are true to life, that struggle with the same things real people do.
The Test Of Love is a truly spiritual romantic experience that readers should not miss. Kudos to Ms. Brand on another great story".

Reviewed by Old Book Barn Gazette

"The Test Of Love by Irene Brand is not only emotional, inspirational and totally unforgettable, it gives us hope that with a little faith true love does exist. After all, who could ask for anything more romantic than that."

TENDER LOVE

Reviewed by Romantic Times Magazine

"Tender Love (4 1/2) by Irene Brand, is rich with interesting characters, heart-warming emotions, and lots of struggles. Mark Tanner is a disillusioned pastor who needs a live-in nanny. Alice Larkin is just the perfect person for the job. But an elderly mother-in-law and a neighbor with desires to be the next Mrs. Tanner could seriously jeopardize Alice and Mark's chances for happiness. Then add to that conflict a church council member who believes pastors should be paupers, and you've got a situation that only God could straighten out. Readers will certainly enjoy how He does it!"

SUNSET SKY
The book was rated 3 by Romantic Times
Highly Recommended by Under the Covers Book Review
A quote from UNDER THE COVERS
"THE SUNSET SKY is an exciting tale of a woman who fought for women and their rights before it was heard of. Trish is a strong yet softhearted woman who fights for those who cannot do it themselves. Trevor is a strong handsome man who likes Trish the way she is and will give her the adventure of a lifetime. These two are a strong leading couple and their road to discovery of love is an uplifting inspiration to us all. This is a wonderful story to read and to reflect upon what road God is leading us down. Great job Ms. Brand!"

Rated 4 by BOOKBUG ON THE WEB REVIEW "THE SUNSET SKY is a charming, inspirational romance many readers will enjoy just to learn about the early colonials and life in the Williamsburg colony during the reign of Govenor Spotswood. You will visit the Saponi Indians and learn about the tribe's religious beliefs, along with Trish's comparision of the Creation and Saviour of her convictions to what the Indians believe. You experience the heroine's inner thoughts as she comes to terms with what she is seeking in a mate, then watch as a friendship blossoms into love. Irene B. Brand has written a meaningful romance filled with strong characters, which will leave readers with a warm feeling as the story ends."

A GROOM TO COME HOME TO

Review by Affaire De Coeur
"Brand has put together a challenging plot that is wonderful to work through.  There are no easy answers and that's the secret of this success."

Review by Old Book Barn Gazette
"Together Beth and Clark find their way through the brambles of life, and the reader is left with a worm sense of coming home - spiritually, as well as physically.  Although I don't normally read this type of book, I found the book all the more inspiring with the belief that true love does conquer all, if you just walk in faith."

FEUD AT CRAIGIEVAR CASTLE
"Very Highly Recommended." by UNDER THE COVERS BOOK REVIEWS

"This is an exciting and intriguing tale of one woman's courage and strength in the face of adversity. Sara discovers that God has not abandoned her when she needs him the most. Tyson Fraser is a strong but gentle man who learns that fighting isn't the only answer. Ms. Brand has created a wonderful story with characters who are genuine and believable. Their thoughts and feelings come alive on the pages. This story shows us to have faith in one's God and to stand in your convictions. I applaud Ms. Brand on creating this memorable story of faith and love."

HEIRESS (Love Inspired 9/98)
"Highly Recommended" by UNDER THE COVERS BOOK REVIEWS
"Heiress is a great read. The characterization is deft and knowledgeable, the settings detailed, and the motivations believable. Allison (heroine) is very human, flawed, striving, and all together likable. She struggles with life, tries to do right, and wrestles with weighty problems of faith in the workplace, in her own life, all without being dogmatic."

"The Love Inspired series is the best thing to ever happen to women's fiction. I have particularly enjoyed your book HEIRESS. It served as a reminder to me that God is always faithful and always ready to grant us peace, as long as we remember to take the time to ask."

Penny - Indiana

TO LOVE AND HONOR (Love Inspired 1/99)

Review by RENDEZVOUS,
published by LOVE DESIGNERS WRITERS' CLUB, INC.,
Calumet City, Illinois.

"High school Social Studies teacher at Maitland High, in Maitland, a small town in southern Illinois, Violet Conley is quite content with her life till news leaks out that she is related to the wealthy Kansas City Conleys and her mother is released from prison because of a terminal illness. Even though it means losing many friends, including her principal who is dating Violet, she brings her mother, whom had severed all ties with her when found guilty of murdering her father, home to care for till she dies.

Her friend and neighbor, widower Roger Gibson, always there for support when problems overwhelmed her, helps her through these difficult times but falls in love with Violet, soemthing Violet refuses to accept. She has been alone all her life, how could someone love her? The Bible quotes are so meaningful in this story and a source of inspiration. You will come away with the thought of how the Bible can give strength and hope in the most dire situations. This is a tear jerker with a beautiful conclusion. Ms. Brand's characters encounter real life situations in a realistic manner."

Comments by Readers:

TO LOVE AND HONOR (Steeple Hill, NY)

"Congratulations on writing TO LOVE AND HONOR! It was a very good novel. I liked the hero so much - he was so loving, kind and tenderhearted, not afraid to shed tears, and, yet a real strong man. I liked Roger's and Violet's faith in Christ - they really lived it. I wish you had put an epilogue saying she had a baby and what sex it was. What a lovely warm lady Violet was.

Also, I wanted to tell you I read HEIRESS awhile ago. It was also an excellent book. I've been reading your books since 1984 when Thomas Nelson first published you. Then Zondervan and Revel, too.

You are a woman who has perfected her craft, and I always look forward to reading your books. Whether in "Heartsong," or Steeple Hill. I prefer the contemporary books.

May God richly bless you and yours. Best wishes with your writing. Your up-lifting inspirational novels are a real joy to read. I loan my books out to many ladies, and they enjoy them ever so much.

Marcia - Michigan
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