Whitaker House Authors in the Spotlight

Maggie Rose

by Sharlene MacLaren

Amidst all of the activity at the recent ICRS show in Denver, a familiar face in hiistorical romance fiction was available to sign copies of the newly released Maggie Rose. Sharlene MacLaren met with hundreds of adoring fans who were anxious to get a copy of this second release in the popular Daughters of Jacob Kane series.

Shar never tires of geting out to meet the people who read her books. Also active in the social media scene, her Facebook, Shoutlife, and Twitter fanclubs keep her busy "meeting" even more readers [sharlenemaclaren.com].

The exciting new release of MAGGIE ROSE continues the saga of the three daughters of Jacob Kane.

A Pursuit of a Calling
The year is 1904, and Maggie Rose, the spunky, friendly, twenty-year-old middle daughter of Michigan resident Jacob Kane, feels compelled to leave her beloved hometown of Sandy Shores to pursue what she feels in her heart are God’s plans for her life—in New York City.

A Heart for the Homeless
Maggie Rose adjusts to her new life at Sheltering Arms Refuge, an orphanage that also transports homeless children to towns across the United States to match them with compatible families. Most of the children have painful pasts that make Maggie aghast, but she marvels at their resiliency. As she gets to know each child, her heart blossoms with new depths of love and compassion.

An Unexpected Attraction
When a newspaper reporter comes to stay at the orphanage in order to gather research for an article, Maggie is struck by his handsome face—and concerned by his lack of faith. She can’t deny their mutual affections, though. Will she win the struggle to maintain her focus on God and remain attuned to His guidance?

Both Maggie Rose and Hannah Grace, the first book in the Daughters of Jacob Kane series, are available now. And look for Abbie Ann in early 2010.

Order now!

Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. She married one of her childhood friends, and together they raised two lovely daughters. Now happily retired after teaching elementary school for thirty-one years, “Shar” enjoys reading, singing in the church choir and worship teams, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and precious grandchildren—and, of course, writing.

The acclaimed Through Every Storm was Shar’s first novel to be published by Whitaker House, and in 2007, the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) named it a finalist for Book of the Year. The beloved Little Hickman Creek series consisted of Loving Liza Jane; Sarah, My Beloved; and Courting Emma. Faith, Hope, and Love, the Inspirational Outreach Chapter of Romance Writers of America, announced Sarah, My Beloved as a finalist in its 2008 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest in the category of long historical fiction.

Shar is an occasional speaker for her local MOPS organization; is involved in KIDS’ HOPE USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children; counsels young women in the Apples of Gold program; and is active in two weekly Bible studies. She and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan, with their lovable collie, Dakota, and Mocha, their lazy fat cat.