I have to say that I have read several of this series, "My Heart Belongs in..." by now and I love all the ones I've read. My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah is another great book. It is a historical fiction book covering a time period about 100 years ago when immigrants coming into America were the Greeks suffering from a drought. Their presence was filled with conflict because they often filled in wherever they were needed, even when that gap was caused by workers on strike protesting poor working conditions. As a result, there were demonstrations and riots protesting these interim workers, and Greeks were looked down upon in disdain.

Leanna McKee was a recent newlywed whose husband was killed in a coal mining accident. She had been raised in Boston as a debutante, but rebelled against her upbringing because she was incensed about the treatment of immigrants and their poor working conditions. As a result she broke away from her family, who gained their wealth from such factories, eloped with an workingman and became a teacher of immigrant children in Utah. Her husband's death left her in a town filled with male mine workers and few other women. She was determined to leave the area and began looking for employment somewhere else.

Alex Pappas was a friend of Leanna's husband, working with him in the mines. He befriended Leanna and employed her to watch his niece and nephew before and after school while their family was busy with work. An attraction began to grow between the two, one a widower and the other a widow. But circumstances and prejudices seem to work against them all the time. The Pappas family enjoyed their friendship with Leanna, but would not approve of anything more because she was not Greek.

The first part of the book begins slowly. We get acquainted with the history of each of the principle characters and their personalities first before the situation changes. I really enjoyed learning something of the Greek culture. Both Alex and Brianna are haunted by their past failings. Alex has turned his back on God after the death of his wife, to his family's distress, but remains stalwart in supporting his family's move to America to begin their lives again. He fights against his attraction to Leanna because prejudice against them being together is very strong and could lead to danger for his family.

Toward the end of the book circumstances looked bleak, and I began to feel the despair of the characters as they fought against unfair treatment and snobbery. There were some interesting twists in the plot and the tension was well built. The author had me rushing to the very end in suspense to see how it was going to work out.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Barbour Publishing as part of the Barbour Review Crew program on behalf of the author. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." ( )

Title: My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna’s Choice
Author: Angie Dicken
Pages: 256
Year: 2017
Publisher: Barbour Books
My rating 5 out of 5 stars.
Each book in the “My Heart Belongs” series is unique and a stand-alone, and I’ve enjoyed reading each novel! In this latest novel set in the early 1900s, a young widow named Leanna wrestles with her unforgiving heart toward her husband and herself. On top of which Leanna decides to help two Greek children in the coal mining community along with her other students. Leanna has known sorrow, hunger and being disinherited by her family as she followed her heart in marrying beneath her social status and following what she believed was God’s call on her life.
Now, with very little means to support herself, Leanna is fighting prejudices and the elements just to survive. Leanna is a very caring, loving character though she recognizes within her heart she would be just as high and mighty as others in the coal town who are acting against the Greeks and others if life hadn’t changed for her with her now deceased husband Jack.
Leanna is my favorite character in the book as she walks out her faith, her struggles and even owns her failures. On top of this, Leanna strongly opposes how others are mistreating people based on their heritage. Eventually her faith in God is what shines the brightest throughout the book. I enjoyed the Greek sense of family and traditions, plus learning how family members are titled compared to how I grew up. This is a great story that touches the heart and reminds us we are all loved by God and created uniquely!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )

This is an interesting story. I have never read a book about the Greeks. It was the first book I have read that even mentioned the Greek immigrants. I liked Leanna and it would have been hard to decide what to do with her life as a new widow. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

What a pleasant surprise I had in store for me as I began the story. I loved the setting in Utah and found it to be quite intriguing. I especially liked the time period , but most of all I loved learning about the Greeks. The author has done an amazing job of sharing racism in America by opening my eyes to a culture I never thought of. The book is rich in Greek heritage and I could hear the laughter and fun in the background as they shared meals together.

Leanna is a woman who is trying to make it on her own. She has come to the small town to get away from her family. She is accustomed to the finer things, but her parents are hard to deal with. I loved how her faith really helped her make decisions that were difficult at times. There were a few times I did want to scream at her because she made things harder on herself. She was quite a mess at times by always making sure she doesn’t offend anyone. I wanted her to stand up for herself a bit more.

Alex was my favorite character. I loved his strong family values and his hard working ethics. As a Greek , he knew people in the town didn’t like him. His heart was heavy at times and I wanted him to find peace. It’s funny I have always thought we can’t help who we fall in love with, and this story really follows that thinking. Leanna and Alex definitely have an attraction to each other, but they both see prejudice working in the town.

The story centers on will the couple get together or not. For me this one was a bit different because of the minor characters that play such a key role in Leanna and Alex's life. There are a few that speak wisdom to them and others that share their heart. For all of us, we want to provide for our family and be happy. Will the town accept Leanna as she explores her relationship with Alex? Can Alex find a way to make his parents happy and find true love? This is one story that is a must read for everyone. It is rich in history, faith and reminds us that prejudice can happen to anyone.

“I pray that one day we will all see one another for our hearts and not our origins,”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program . The review is my own opinion. ( )

A story that begins with grief and guilt, then adds hate for a nationality, and you will wonder where you are, it could be anywhere in the early 1900’s. This story takes place in a mining town in Utah, and we are hit head on by people who decide that because some of the settlers are from Greece they are bad people.
There is something for everyone, and not everyone is as they appear, some are just what we think they are, but others portray someone else. When I think of prejudice against a nationality I think of the East, like Boston or New York City, but never gave a thought to the Western parts of this county, like Utah. An eye opener, but I really shouldn’t be surprised, as people are people, and fallen.
I loved my time here with the Pappas family, would love to visit with them again, but you will be quickly caught up in this fast pace read.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour and was not required to give a positive review. ( )