Mary’s Redemption is book two in the McKenna Sisters series by talented author Lena Nelson Dooley. This Christian historical novel is filled with life and Christian lessons. Even though it is the second book in the series, it is easily read and understood by itself.

Set in 1885, this is the story of Mary and Daniel. Mary is the eldest in her family and has taken exceptional care of her siblings and father. Her faith and church are very important to her. Daniel has admired and loved Mary and wants to court her.

There are twists and turns all throughout this poignant story. The characters are carefully designed and were realistic. I enjoyed the care and concern Mary’s church family freely gave her. The tale flowed at an even pace. I was quickly invested in it and wanted to keep reading.

I highly recommend this lovely novel. It swept me away to another time and place with its exceptional writing. I rate it a 5 out of 5 stars. A complimentary copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Mary’s Redemption

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 11, 2025

Her childhood friend wants to rescue her from her responsibilities, but she can’t abandon her grieving family.

Despite being adopted, Mary Lenora Caine was always “God’s Blessing” to her mother. But after her mother passes, and her father can barely cope, Mary bears the burden of running the home on her own. Her drudgery hides any blessings for her future, until her childhood friend, Daniel, begins courting Mary with promises to take care of her.

For years, Daniel Winthrop has carried a torch for Mary, but his vision for their future together clashes with her duty to her family. Can’t she see he’s offering a better life? But when Mary’s faced with her worst possible scenario, Daniel isn’t sure he can handle the burden.

Mary and Daniel seem set on a path that will test their dreams and the boundaries of their love. Can they trust God’s plan for them and overcome the obstacles between them and their future together?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 1,000,000 copies of her 50+ books sold. Her books have appeared on the CBA, Publisher’s Weekly, and ECPA bestseller lists, as well as Amazon bestseller lists. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the local chapter, ACFW – DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network. She likes to create characters and stories that grip her readers hearts.

More from Lena

My mother died when I was 7 years old. Back in my growing up years, grown-ups didn’t tell children a lot of things. My aunt, who was living with my mother and father and older brother when I was born, gave me some surprising information when I was in my 30s. After my mother came home from the hospital with me, she had to go back in a little while later. She had surgery to remove a mass of bones and tissue they believed was my twin that didn’t develop.

I found that interesting, because there had been times over the years when I felt as if part of me was missing. I became fascinated with the connections between twins and other multiple births. This fascination planted the seed that became the stories of the McKenna Sisters series.

At one time, there was a lot of discussion about which influenced people more—heredity or environment. These discussions added depth for the story of the triplets. I prayed a lot when writing these books, and God helped me see how to connect the girls when they didn’t know about their other sisters.

They were definitely reared in totally different environments, and Mary’s was the hardest. It was difficult for me to put her through so much anguish.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 26

Stories By Gina, March 27 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 28

Vicky Sluiter, March 29 (Author Interview)

lakesidelivingsite, March 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 1

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 2

For the Love of Literature, April 3 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, April 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 5 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, April 6

Cover Lover Book Review, April 7

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 8 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, April 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54185

A Heart’s Gift by talented storyteller Lena Nelson Dooley is a Christian historical romantic fiction novel. It has so many twists and turns in it that you will be kept on your toes throughout the entire book. This is Book 1 in the author’s Love’s Road Home Series.

Set in 1890s gold rush era of Colorado, this is the story of Lorinda and Franklin. Their story is touching. The author keeps God and a spiritual message in the forefront of this novel, which is just one of the reasons that I loved it so much.

I was immediately captivated by the story and characters. With her deft writing ability the author took me to the Rocky Mountains to a cattle ranch. I learned a few things while I fell in love with some of her characters and despised the others.

Author Dooley has a wonderful style of writing. Her romance was sweet and yet I could feel the tension building between Lorinda and Franklin. The dialog was authentic and flowed smoothly. Emotions jumped off of the pages and into my heart.

The secondary characters were amazing. I enjoyed the housekeeper. She was a voice of calm and wisdom at times when needed. The heart to heart discussions between men were right on point. Some of them even made me chuckle.

I highly recommend this wonderful book. It is full of surprises, life lessons, inspiration, mystery, danger, and romance. I found it to be a page turner that I was unable to set down. It receives a 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: A Heart’s Gift

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian historical romance

Is a marriage of convenience the answer?

Franklin Vine has worked hard to build the ranch he inherited into one of the most successful in the majestic Colorado mountains. If only he had an heir to one day inherit the legacy he’s building. But he was burned once in the worst way, and he doesn’t plan to open his heart to another woman. Even if that means he’ll eventually have to divide up his spread among the most loyal of his hired hands.

When Lorinda Sullivan is finally out from under the control of men who made all the decisions in her life, she promises herself she’ll never allow a man to make choices for her again. But without a home in the midst of a hard Rocky Mountain winter, she has to do something to provide for her infant son.

A marriage of convenience seems like the perfect arrangement, yet the stakes quickly become much higher than either of them ever planned. When hearts become entangled, the increasing danger may change their lives forever.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lena Nelson Dooley has been an author for 36 years. Her 51^st book released in June 2020. Raised in Arkansas, she married a Texan 56 years ago. They have lived in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex for decades. She is an active member of ACFW and one of the founding members the DFW local chapter. She’s often been a speaker for other writers’ groups and conferences, both as a keynote speaker and a workshop teacher. Her fans love reading her books filled with characters who grip your heart.

THE STORY BEHIND A HEART’S GIFT

I’ve been a lover of history for decades. In college and graduate school, all my elective courses were history. Of course, I chose the countries and eras I wanted to learn about. When I began writing novels, my first one was a contemporary story. After that at least 75% or more of my novels have been historical, from 1805 through the early 20^thcentury.

I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship between Joseph and Mary the mother of Jesus. The Bible doesn’t give us a lot of information about their relationship. But by his actions, we can assume that Joseph believed the angel and Mary about her baby. He didn’t do the usual thing and put her away quietly. Instead, he protected her, and from the day He was born, he became the earthly father of Jesus. I’ve often thought about what that meant for Joseph and for Mary. When I wrote a story of a marriage between a man and a single mother, I used the emotions that I feel God has revealed to me about their relationship.

The first time I read a marriage of convenience novel, I loved it. And I’ve read quite a few. I’ve also written a few. A Heart’s Gift is one of them. This book was an easy and interesting book to write.

I’m what’s called in the industry a seat-of-the-pants author, more or less. I do have the complete outline of the story in my head. When I sit down to write, I know where I’m going, but I don’t have every single scene plotted out as some authors do. And I pray a lot. During the time I’m writing a book, God drops ideas into my mind. Not just while I’m writing, but other times, too. That’s the exciting thing about writing. This keeps it fresh for me.

During the writing of A Heart’s Gift, there’s a place where I just stopped and said, “God, what am I going to do now?” When you get there, you’ll know what scene I mean, but I don’t want to give a spoiler.

I never dreamed that the book would turn into a suspense novel in the last quarter of the book, but God knew. And it made it a better book.