Just when things seem to be looking up for John and Hannah Bradshaw, their world is turned upside down. Years ago, John was in prison when he was told his first wife, Margaret, died. So how is it that she shows up in Sydney Town looking to pick up where they left off?

Her marriage now null and void, Hannah is distraught. But she and John feel they must separate to allow John's first marriage to continue. But is Margaret hiding something after all? And just what will she do to get what she wants?

Just when things seem to be looking up for John and Hannah Bradshaw, their world is turned upside down. Years ago, John was in prison when he was told his first wife, Margaret, died. So how is it that she shows up in Sydney Town looking to pick up where they left off? Her marriage now null and void, Hannah is distraught. But she and John feel they must separate to allow John's first marriage to continue. But is Margaret hiding something after all? And just what will she do to get what she wants? This conclusion to the Sydney Cove trilogy will draw readers in with its suspenseful, romantic, and tender narrative.

Bonnie Leon is the bestselling author of more than ten historical fiction novels. She stays busy teaching women's Bible studies and speaking at writing seminars and conventions. She and her husband, Greg, live in Glide, Oregon.

Enduring Love, the concluding book of Bonnie Leon’s Sydney Cove Series, is a story of a strong heroine caught in an impossible situation. Hannah Bradshaw is overwhelmed with the knowledge that her marriage has never actually been legal, as her husband has been married to a woman who was assumed dead.

Written from Hannah’s point of view, Enduring Love showcases the emotional rollercoaster that a woman would experience in such a difficult situation. The love portrayed between Hannah and John is a deep and faithful love. The reader is kept in suspense throughout the novel as to how such a difficult circumstance could be resolved in a peaceable way. The one disappointing facet of the book is the way that Leon adds difficulty upon difficulty; Hannah is forced to endure much more than just the loss of her relationship with her husband.

When Hannah and John discover the mistake that has been made, they immediately attempt to resolve the situation in a God-honoring way. John seeks reconciliation with his long-lost wife, while supporting Hannah as she attempts to reconstruct her life. When Hannah discovers that John’s wife may have devious aims regarding him, Hannah is forced to decide how to best protect the man she still loves.

Hannah is a strong character who prays continuously for guidance in what she ought to do and asks for God’s protection and help when she encounters difficult or trying situations. John has a strong character as well; he prays to God faithfully and seeks to follow his will in all he does. The relationship of Hannah and John, despite their circumstances, exemplifies the statement that “love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame” (Song of Solomon 8:6, NIV).

This book is enjoyable, and fits well within its genre. The reader can easily sympathize with Hannah and can also learn from her submission and trust in God. Women, in particular, would enjoy this book. – Alyssa R. Guebert, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

http://www.christianbook.com/enduring-love-sydney-cove/bonnie-leon/9780800731786/pd/731786

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Author: Bonnie Leon
Located in: Glide, OR
Submitted: June 25, 2009

    Tell us a little about yourself.  I've been writing since 1989 and my first book was published in 1994. I'm a country gal, wife of thirty-eight years, mother, and grandmother. I love history and love to read and write historical fiction. However, I do have a few contemporary stories just waiting to be told.

    What was your motivation behind this project?  I believe for many years Hannah's story has been waiting inside me to be told. Hannah and I have much in common. Not until I was twenty-three did I realize I was someone of value. I'd always seen myself as being unlovable, trash to be cast aside. When I met Christ I knew I was loved ... unbelievably by the God of the universe who personally created me with intent. I've never been the same. I want everyone to know His unfailing love.

    What do you hope folks will gain from this project?  There is no heartache, no sin, no trouble that is too big for God. He loves at all times and no matter how painful the circumstances He will stand with us and see us through. Often times strength is not demonstrated in fighting against circumstances but in letting go and allowing God to work out His perfect will in our lives. He knows the beginning and the end. We can trust Him.

    How were you personally impacted by working on this project?  While writing the Sydney Cove Series I had to look deep into my own faith. The spiritual battles lived by my characters meant I needed to spend a great deal of time in God's Word. I needed to be inspired by the God of the universe. His Word, His truth is a spiritual feast. God is good and, interestingly, as I worked through this project He had much for me to learn. I was hit with significant personal hardships and was forced to turn to God as my only source of strength. He is strong when I am weak.

    Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists?  I have been blessed and inspired by so many. There are historical figures like Corey Ten Boon, Helen Keller, and Abraham Lincoln who show me I can find courage and hope to be better than I am. I've had many Christian friends who have sacrificed time and energy to mentor me. I thank them. And my mother and father loved me always, even when I didn't deserve it. Through this project I connected with the first people to settle Australia. They are an inspiration. They faced unimaginable hardships but did not give up. Many trusted in God and believed He had a plan for their lives. They helped place the foundation that built the unique and diverse country of Australia.

    Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know:  I'd just like to say that while reading a historical novel readers need to keep in mind that choices made and lives lived by the people in days past were very different from today. Although they experienced the same emotions, life didn't offer the freedoms and choices we enjoy today. There was no expectation that tomorrow would be better. If it turned out to be so, it was an unexpected blessing. People lived and loved, cherishing the joy they found along the way, and when there was none to be had they sought contentment. To do otherwise was to live without peace. It was Paul who said in Philippians 4:12 & 13 "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

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