Archive | August 2024

Fields Of Bounty by Lauraine Snelling with Kiersti Giron

Aug26

A Fresh Hope For Tomorrow

Fields Of Bounty by Lauraine Snelling with Kiersti Giron is a marvellous Christian historical novel that will leave you smiling. It is the third book in Leah’s Garden series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order as each one follows on from the previous books. This one is set in 1867.

Once more we join the four Nielsen sisters as they continue to make their lives in a new prairie town. Each book focuses on a different sister. It is Lilac, the youngest, in this book.

We see how life is not always fair, but God is always faithful. We question why bad things happen to the faithful people of God. We do not know the answer but “this hasn’t taken Him by surprise.” God sees our end from our beginning. It is in the hard times that we learn and we grow.

New life is springing up in all its forms – from livestock to crops to babies. Everything is multiplying. We need to remember that all good things come from our Father. “I can’t say thank you enough. Our Father is so gracious.” God longs and delights to give us good gifts.

It is important to start the day right and to dedicate it to God. “He headed over without his usual morning time of devotions today… It was never wise to head into battle unprepared.” Each day presents us with challenges. We need to be grounded in God in order to have the right frame of mind.

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The Resistance Sisters by Anna Stuart

Aug23

To Live & To Love

The Resistance Sisters by Anna Stuart is a powerful historical novel that is grounded in fact. It is the fourth book in Women Of War series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The book is set over the summer of 1944 in Warsaw, Poland. It surrounds a family with three daughters and a teenage son. We hear of the resistance of Warsaw and witness the incredible bravery of ordinary citizens trying to save the city that they love. “Not all resistance is with guns.” Resistance comes in many forms as we follow the siblings as they try to disrupt the evil Nazi regime.

Warsaw is a much-loved city. It is heartbreaking to see it destroyed. “Buildings can be rebuilt. It’s the spirit of the nation that we are fighting to keep and you girls are a vital part of that.” The Poles are loyal to the city that they love. From the youngest to the oldest resident, resistance is in their blood. Some will die. There will be sacrifices by all but their will and their love will live on.

Although the Nazis take lives without a thought, we see that the sisters recognize the value of life. “Treat the dead with respect… He may be a Nazi but he’s still someone’s son.” Soldiers on all sides have mothers who will grieve their loss.

Despite the hardship and cruelty, the Polish people retain their humanity. “We’ve done the fighting… Let’s pray to God that we can now do the living and the loving.”

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A Time To Bloom by Lauraine Snelling with Kiersti Giron

Aug19

Trusting In His Timing

A Time To Bloom by Lauraine Snelling with Kiersti Giron is a most delightful Christian historical novel that I adored. It is the second book in Leah’s Garden series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first as book two starts where the former book ended in 1866.

As the novel opens, the four sisters are settled in the ever-growing frontier town. A wonderful community pulls together but the town is not without its’ problem element. An alcohol tent attracts those looking drown their sorrows as well as those who just like drinking. We see the dangers of alcohol as it changes characters, blighting the lives of others.

Prairie life is hard. Crops face the elements of nature and natural pests. Farmers and their families have to be built of firm stuff, able to pick themselves up and start again.

The church is important and the building is already built. It shares its space with the village school but the teacher desires her own building. She is persistent with her wishes.

We see that the church is so much more than bricks and mortar. The church is the people. It is people who serve each other and God.

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The Seeds Of Change by Lauraine Snelling With Kiersti Giron

Aug19

Safe In His Shadow

The Seeds Of Change by Lauraine Snelling with Kiersti Giron is a most charming Christian historical novel that will swell your heart with love. It is the first book in Leah’s Garden series which promises to be fabulous.

The action is set in 1865 as we follow a family of four sisters as they journey westwards across America in search of a new life and safety. The girls have a pioneering spirit and are not afraid to muck in where needed on the wagon train.

We see the fragility of life as characters are struck down with illness or accidents. Medicine is primitive, often relying on herbs and natural remedies to help to heal. It is important to trust God. “I trust Your healing.”

Everyone grows up quickly on the wagon train. It is a community that must pull together if they are to survive. There is strength in numbers. They travel six days a week, knowing the importance of rest and a day for the Lord.

Knowing God and putting Him central to our lives is important. “You got to think and ask God for guidance.” God knows us better than we know ourselves and we can trust Him. “I choose to trust You. Peace eased out tension.” When we know God, we can experience a supernatural peace despite our circumstances.

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