Set in 1901 Michigan, this wonderful novel highlights what the world was like before medicine was regulated. Natural remedies were the base of many of the ‘cures’ that were circulated among the people. Doctors and pharmacists were just being introduced to various pills that could replace some of those remedies, however, their potency was sometimes in question. Unfortunately there were swindlers who road into town with their ‘medicine show’ to entertain and sell their famous tonics to the unsuspecting public. But those tonics didn’t really kill anyone, did they?
A most enjoyable story of a pharmacist and a pharmacist’s widow who seem to be on a course to save the town.
I received this ARC through CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own. ( )

This is a nice story about a woman who loses her husband and is left to support her child by herself. In this time period it was hard to find a job for a woman. Maggie does have a gift of baking and it pays off win she wins a prize in a baking contest. I love the time period and how the author makes the story come alive.

I thought it was interesting to read about the 1900s and especially about the new pharmacy in town. Maggie's husband used to be a pharmacist so she knows a lot about medicine. She clashes with the new pharmacist in town when her son and Thomas's son have a fight. It was funny that the boys were fighting over whose dad was the best pharmacist. It is hard to imagine that during this time period, aspirin and other drugs were just being introduced. Some people, like Maggie were skeptical of this new medicine practice.

Thomas sure has his hands full with a houseful of kids and a new pharmacy to open. When he becomes very ill, Maggie is thrown into caring for him. Oh my that was an adventure just having her try to be civil to him and try to control his unruly bunch of kids. Having lost his wife has been hard on all of them. The author gives us some great characters who try to outdo Maggie in the baking department and it leads to some sharp words and fun moments.

There are a few surprises and a new person in town that stirs up trouble that makes the story enjoyable. The town faces tragedy while Maggie and Thomas try to work together to overcome the crisis. The new man in town was my least favorite character because he was arrogant and pushy. does make friction between people wherever he goes and kinda thinks he is better than others. Overall a nice story from a time period where new discoveries in medicine were happening and a woman with a dream that she hopes to see happen.

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

3.5 Stars

While this is the second book in a series (and my first introduction to Kathleen Rouser), I didn’t feel at all like I was coming into the middle of a story. Secrets and Wishes definitely stands on its own.

To me, this book felt very episodic which, to be fair, is how the description reads. For my personal taste, the overarching conflict just wasn’t enough to really engage me in the story. I did, however, enjoy spending time with Thomas, Maggie, their children, and some of the residents of Stone Creek, Michigan as well as the information and knowledge Thomas and Maggie have about medicine and other healing remedies, adding a unique angle to the story.

Rouser takes readers to a small town and introduces them to many of the blessings and challenges of the small town in 1901. There are also the dangers that threaten their way of life (and in one case their actual lives) through the introduction of outsiders.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )

Kathleen Rouser writes an endearing Christian historical fiction romance from the early 1900's. This was the first book that I have read by this author. I did not realize that it was a squeal. When I read the last page of Secrets and Wishes, I had to go on Amazon and purchase Rumors and Promises. I can not wait to start it. Even though I will be reading them out of sequence, I am sure I will enjoy both. Secrets and Wishes worked fine as a stand alone book.

Her characters are so well crafted, you will find yourself caring for each of them. She has an ability to make a sitting or location come to life. I found the information and details of the apothecary from that era interesting, especially some of the herbs used. The names are familiar to me through essential oils and the uses have not changed. This time period was very hard, with epidemics of measles, scarlet fever and whooping cough. Towns were lucky to have their own doctor. When the doctor was out to deliver a baby or to a farm area, the pharmacist would be called on for advise, dispensing medicine, or sometimes stitching a wound. You can tell Ms. Rouser enjoys history and has done an excellent job in her research.

I loved the heroine Maggie Galloway. Being a widow, raising her son by herself, she had to be a strong woman and she was. At first, I had a hard time with Thomas Harper, he seemed weak and a complainer at first. Thomas too had lost his spouse, but he was raising four children and trying to run the apothecary by himself. Even though Thomas and Maggie did not see eye to eye on many things, they found they had a lot in common after all.

I always love when an author is able to weave a faith based message in their story. I found Ms. Rousers story to be a delightful read and I would recommend it.

I received a copy of this book from the author through Interviews and Reviews.com The opinions expressed in this review are my own. ( )