❤️✝️ "I Surrender All" (Desires of the Heart) (2021) ✝️❤️ - Book Review

MY REVIEW 

 

Series: Desires of the Heart (Book #2)

Paperback: 260 pages 

Publisher:  Independently Published (January 23, 2021) 

Language: English

ISBN-13: 979-8593864567

⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information

“When the very private, independent McAllisters start their ranch in a nice quiet area outside of town, no one thinks anything of it. They stay to themselves, don’t cause any trouble, and are just considered normal newcomers… 

Until the community finds out that the four oldest children, who have always been dressed and raised as boys, are actually girls! They are rough, tough and beautiful; and of age to marry.

The secret is out and the men are lining up to win their attention. But, who is brave enough to try to tame them? When they find themselves having to depend on others to fight against evil men, not once, but twice; they experience for the first time, to trust true friends, but also how to trust God. Overcoming their pride and independence to give God control of their lives, doesn’t come easy. During the darkest of days, they find the greatest blessings in life are found when they finally give up bitterness and revenge and cry out to God, I Surrender All.

Join the McAllisters as they learn about things they had never experienced before; friendship, love and trust; as they fight real battles and find true love.”

 

Thank you in advance to the author, Lynne Lanning, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not requested or required, and all words are my own.

Right off readers will notice the darker themed cover, a departure from the first book Where He Leads. The modern models for the cover don’t seem to reflect the historical setting the book is set in. Though the years are never mentioned, it is two years after the first book.

Even though the author does a great job of establishing some history of the first book in this novel, I would recommend reading the first one prior to this to get the entire feel of the story and where it starts.

 

The title I Surrender All doesn’t really seem to fit with the book’s plot. This book is more “mature” than the previous one. The vocabulary and sentence structure is more mature, yet still follows the Little House on the Prairie type of vibe that was established in the first book. Fans of that series will notice that as the series went on, it took a more mature theme while keeping a simplistic style. This book stays true to the dialogue of the time.

 

But, I Surrender All also has darker themes to it as well. There is mention/themes of physical abuse, slavery, kidnapping, attempted murder, and murder as well that play a significant part in a plot deeper in the novel.

 

An issue I had with this book was the repeated use of the series name Desires of the Heart. In some version it was used three (3) to four (4) times. It was a bit repetitious.

 

This time around, the story is told in third person format from multiple POVs. Other than Sam, Daisy, Tommy, Lilly, and Kathleen; no other characters from the first book appeared in this novel. Also, there was no further mention of Lilly’s siblings or what happened to them. That was something I was curious about. I would’ve been interested to find out what happened to at least the brother she saw when she was in school.

 

This book introduces a new family – the McAllister family, particularly the sisters, who were strong because of the circumstances; even using masculine short versions of their name – Alex, Will, Marc.

 

Lanning introduces us to the McAllister sisters, namely Alex and Will, with a literal bang! But, Lilly, being who she is wants to find out what is going on. And, there’s a reason the family is hiding.

 

But, the girls don’t know how to be girls so they ask Lilly to help. Even Tommy’s mother, Kathleen, helps.

 

That isn’t the only surprise – a private investigator shows up looking for the McAllisters.

 

When Will is seriously injured, the family is wondering who is after the family.

 

As it turns out, Mary’s missing husband Donald shows up and starts a legal battle with her. And, his friends show up as well. However, Cliff (an attorney), decides to investigate. What he finds is not pleasant news.

 

Where Alex is smitten with the sheriff, her sister will is smitten with James – the doctor. Not even halfway through there is a marriage proposal which came as little surprise to me.

 

There is a point where Lilly is taken at gunpoint and I was proud of her for talking in “code” with Kathleen. And there were more moments in there that could’ve really been drawn out for suspense or excitement.

 

After one “gang” is taken care, of, another shows up. This leads to an investigation that held a promising plot point and gets dark with some of the themes mentioned. And, another member of Tommy’s family shows up, one that will be the center of book #3 along with a sister from this book – Marc.

 

In addition, the McAllister family also faces another tragedy. And, this is the part where the story really picks up and becomes fascinating, but not for long. Motives are never mentioned and it seems like a bit of a let-down in a way.

 

Those used to more drawn out, complex suspense reads with depth could be disappointed in this book. I am interested to see exactly how the next book, Trust and Obey, is going to play out.

 

This was, overall, a promising and sweet read. But, I do feel it could use more adjectives. “Nice” was a bit overused in chapter one (1). This is also written with short chapters, and at times short scenes that seem more to be transition than anything substantial to move the story along.

 

I would suggest using dates to give the reader some reference as to when this is taking place, also where is the town in relation to a bigger city.

 

I Surrender All has strong Christian themes, references to God, bible quotes, and reliance on prayer for most decisions and problem solving as was done back in those times.

  

 

 

RATING:

 

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads

 

BOOK NOT ON Bookbub

 

4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)

 

 

Other Books in the Series:

 

Series: Desires of the Heart (Book #1)

Paperback: 265 pages 

Publisher:  Independently Published (November 22, 2020) 

Language: English

ISBN-13: 979-8698338789

⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information 

 

 

“By the age of 11, Lilly had suffered more horrific circumstances, than any adult should have to bear. She lost both of her parents and the only home she ever knew, then was forced to move away from her brothers and sisters.

Why had God allowed all of this tragedy?

 

Papa had found the perfect home for her before his death. Through her new family’s loving care and instruction, Lilly grew into a beautiful young lady, filled with compassion, intelligent and having a strong faith in God.

 

When she met Tommy, her heart flipped! How could she make all of the life lessons she had learned, her faith in God, and Tommy fit into God’s plan for her life? Was Tommy truly part of God’s plan for her?

 

Tommy and his mother’s past brought possible danger to anyone close to them. Could Lilly put her family through that? Should she abandon Tommy and the feelings she had for him? Could prayer be the answer? 

 

With more circumstances beyond their control fighting against them, it seemed their troubles would never end.

 

Would God allow her the Desires of her Heart?”

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Lynne’s stories are full of romance and action mixed with humor and sass; her poetry is full of inspiration… most is from life lessons learned herself, or taught by previous generations. She has a way of encouraging her readers to identify with the characters while evoking emotion.

 

 

You can find her on the following social media accounts:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lynne-Lanning-Author-106487871200755

 

Website: http://lynnelanning.com/

 

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