Although this is book 4 in the Chaparral Hearts series it can be read as a stand-alone. I found it interesting to read about the mud caves in San Diego county in 1873, as I knew nothing about their existence. This book contains some strong, spunky women who make the best of situations and get the job done while relying on their Faith and God’s Word to see them through. Life is hard and survival in the wilderness takes dedication and a strong work ethic. I found this book refreshing and inspiring as the women and Gideon were fighters to not let their afflictions cripple them but to find inner strength to survive. The characters are raw and real and the story is engaging and easy to read. Even in the midst of the storms of life God still has a plan and it shines through the pages and gives us hope. I look forward to reading more in this series as I found it interesting and enjoyable.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required. ( )

Murmur in the Mudcaves by Kathleen Denly is a Christian Historical romance. A visually impaired veteran comes to California to become a cook for a ranch. Bridget “Biddie” Davidson comes to California to find her long-lost older sister. She comes west with her adopted father and her best friend. When the two meet, their lives become a little complicated. I loved the interactions and storyline development.

From the moment I picked up this book, I found myself unable to put it down. With stubborn tenacity and determination, Biddie and her long-lost sister kept this book interesting. Gideon adds an interesting dimension to this story as well. The author illustrates how people often can overcome huge obstacles and, in the process, find the faith God intended for us along with the person God intended for us as well.

So if you enjoy Christian Historical Romances, check out Murmur in the Mudcaves by Kathleen Denly for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

“If you doubt God’s forgiveness, then it seems to me, you’ve been listening to the wrong voice. “

Kathleen Denly brings us back to eastern San Diego County, CA, in Murmur in the Mudcaves(#4 Chaparral Hearts). The year is 1873, and Biddie Davidson, whose adoptive parents and story we read in a previous book, has become a young woman, ready to start her own bakery. But God and her biological sister, Ginny Baker, whom she hasn’t seen since she was four, have other plans for her, or at least, in Ginny’s case, her money.

Biddie meets the war-damaged hero, Gideon Swift, when he shows up to cook for Oliver Baker and his ranch, neither still in existence. When Gideon discovers three women in the middle of the desert with no real shelter, his sense of gentlemanliness will not let him leave the three women alone. But can a man who is damaged from the war really be the protector the women need in this wild place? Gideon has a lot to learn about blaming himself for circumstances beyond his control and also about forgiving himself for false guilt. I love one of the characters who ends up helping him learn this!! Not one I would have imagined.

I love the way Matthew helps interpret Scripture correctly for Gideon, both stealing his argument that he wasn’t strong enough and and offering hope for his spiritual condition as well. That’s what Jesus does. While He may or may not offer physical healing, that healing is never without spiritual healing also offered freely.

I did question one part of the story. “Even as kids, Ginny had always felt she had something to prove.” How would Biddie have understood this at 4 yrs old, since that was the last time she had seen her sister?

I liked that there are some issues and relationships left unresolved, and we are promised another book. I really hope Ginny and Clyve get their own story. Clyve slowly morphed into my fave secondary character. Denly drew him such that I despised him at first, so that is really saying something!

Of course, sometimes Denly just makes me smile. For example: “Biddie could talk a camel into trying to swim the Gulf of Mexico.” What a great word picture!!

With great discussion questions at the end and Denly’s obvious research, Murmur in the Mudcaves is a book I recommend. The Chapparal Hearts Series should probably be read in order.

Notable Quotables:

“God’s voice convicts us when we’ve done wrong, but it sounds like you’ve been living with a heap of shame clogging your ears.”

"Being a man isn’t about what you can’t do, it’s about what you choose to do.” ( )

A lovely story set in 1873 in the southwest, full of adventure, danger and more. Biddie has a dream - to open a bakery and help her adoptive parents with their charity. Will this dream ever become a reality? Gideon was in the war and returned healthy, except for the debilitating migraines that followed him home. He has not been able to accept the forgiveness of the Lord after all those war experiences and thus also cannot forgive himself. Feeling like less than a man, will he ever let faith and hope return to his life?

True joy came from true love and true love couldn’t be earned - it was a gift! But who was worthy of such a gift? Would any of the well developed characters learn that true joy?

An ARC of Chaparral Hearts Book 4 was received through WildHeart Books, BookFunnel and CelebrateLit. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited. ( )

Murmur in the Mud Caves was an intriguing, suspenseful, historical romance. It’s my first book by Kathleen Denly and I’m excited to read more. Set in the late 1800’s in the wilds of the Southern California desert, a young woman journeys to help her sister, but finds unexpected danger and love.

I enjoyed “Biddie.” She’s a positive, thoughtful, ambitious woman who wants to repay her adoptive family by opening her own bakery. When she receives a letter from the sister she hasn’t heard from in 18 years needing money, she travels from San Francisco to the wild Southern California desert. She and her friend Lucy along with her adoptive father make the journey, but when her father is injured in an accident, Biddie and Lucy go on alone. Biddie’s sister Ginny isn’t what she remembers. Her manners are gruff and unwelcoming. It’s clear she’s been through unspeakable things and her ranch is completely destroyed.

Gideon Swift lost much during the war. Suffering from partial vision, migraines, and guilt over the past, he’s come to the same ranch to serve as cook. With a destroyed ranch and surly proprietress, he hangs around to make sure she’s taken care of. When two other young women arrive with no man in sight, he’s determined to offer his help and protection. As the four work to rebuild the ranch, they face snakes, bandits, and other dangers which threaten to destroy all they’ve worked for.

I loved learning more about the mud caves through this story. They’re definitely worth Googling. The messages of hope and second chances with a touch of faith were expertly woven through the story. Biddie is the glue that binds them all together & offers love and hope to both her sister and Gideon. I loved her optimism and faith which served to lift those around her. The romance was enjoyable and left me wanting even more. I loved Gideon and his perseverance through his pain and suffering.

This delightful story is easily read as a standalone. I suggest reading on a full stomach as descriptions of Biddie’s delightful confections will make you hungry. Highly recommend to Western Christian romance fans and those who enjoy Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Tracie Peterson. I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. ( )