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McKenna's Daughters #2
Mary's Blessing
When her mother dies, Mary Lenora must grow up quickly to take care of her brothers and sisters. Can love help her to shoulder the burden?
Mary Lenora Caine knows she is adopted. As she was growing up, her mother called her “God’s blessing.” But now that she’s gone, Mary no longer feels like any kind of blessing. Her father, in his grief, has cut himself off from the family, leaving the running of the home entirely in Mary’s hands.
As she nears her eighteenth birthday, Mary can’t see anything in her future but drudgery. Then her childhood friend Daniel begins to court her, promising her a life of riches and ease. But her fairy-tale dreams turn to dust when her family becomes too much for Daniel, and he abandons her in her time of deepest need.
Will Daniel come to grips with God’s plan for him? And if he does return, can Mary trust that this time he will really follow through?
Mary Lenora Caine knows she is adopted. As she was growing up, her mother called her “God’s blessing.” But now that she’s gone, Mary no longer feels like any kind of blessing. Her father, in his grief, has cut himself off from the family, leaving the running of the home entirely in Mary’s hands.
As she nears her eighteenth birthday, Mary can’t see anything in her future but drudgery. Then her childhood friend Daniel begins to court her, promising her a life of riches and ease. But her fairy-tale dreams turn to dust when her family becomes too much for Daniel, and he abandons her in her time of deepest need.
Will Daniel come to grips with God’s plan for him? And if he does return, can Mary trust that this time he will really follow through?
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 31, 2012
Mary Murray has had a very hard life, especially since her Mother and older Sisters died when she was eleven. Her father had depended on her to raise her younger sister and two younger brothers. A lot of responsibility for a child, while father then looses himself in his grief.
Daniel has know Mary all his life and becomes smitten with her, ah you will think now someone is going to rescue her. Not quite that easy. There is a lot more tragedy and heartbreak on the way. There will be some questions answered and others still to be revealed.
This is such an enjoyable and quick read, that you don't want it to end....can't wait until next year when hopefully all will be revealed. In the meantime, enjoy this book, it is well worth it.
I received this book from First Wildcard Tours and the Publisher Realms, and was not required to give a positive review.
Daniel has know Mary all his life and becomes smitten with her, ah you will think now someone is going to rescue her. Not quite that easy. There is a lot more tragedy and heartbreak on the way. There will be some questions answered and others still to be revealed.
This is such an enjoyable and quick read, that you don't want it to end....can't wait until next year when hopefully all will be revealed. In the meantime, enjoy this book, it is well worth it.
I received this book from First Wildcard Tours and the Publisher Realms, and was not required to give a positive review.
April 3, 2022
3.5 stars.
June 1, 2012
Mary’s Blessing is the second book in the McKenna’s Daughter series and is about one of the other triplets that were split up at birth. While this is a great stand-alone and they give you plenty of information to keep up with what is going on with the story, I recommend reading the first book too.
Right from the start, with the Prologue you are sucked in to this sad tragedy and your heart breaks for what unfolds. Then we are introduced to Mary the woman who has a hard sad life. Her mother and older sisters died when she was eleven and she has been taking care of her siblings and her household ever since with little help from her father who checked out with grief. She is such a responsible young lady that you just come to adore and respect.
Daniel is Mary’s friend and has always been a part of her life but recently more begins to develop. Daniel is in love with Mary and would love to take her away from all her responsibility and give her a better life but it is not that easy.
I really enjoyed this book about Mary. Her life is filled with struggles and tragedy yet she handles it with grace (most of the time) and I loved seeing how her life unfolded. Mary’s Blessing is a quick and easy read that you can’t devour fast enough. I am dying to find out how the McKenna’s daughters series will end and I’m on pins and needles waiting for them to encounter!! Can’t wait for the next book!
I received this book free from First Wildcard Tours in exchange for my personal and honest review and opinion. All opinions are my own.
Right from the start, with the Prologue you are sucked in to this sad tragedy and your heart breaks for what unfolds. Then we are introduced to Mary the woman who has a hard sad life. Her mother and older sisters died when she was eleven and she has been taking care of her siblings and her household ever since with little help from her father who checked out with grief. She is such a responsible young lady that you just come to adore and respect.
Daniel is Mary’s friend and has always been a part of her life but recently more begins to develop. Daniel is in love with Mary and would love to take her away from all her responsibility and give her a better life but it is not that easy.
I really enjoyed this book about Mary. Her life is filled with struggles and tragedy yet she handles it with grace (most of the time) and I loved seeing how her life unfolded. Mary’s Blessing is a quick and easy read that you can’t devour fast enough. I am dying to find out how the McKenna’s daughters series will end and I’m on pins and needles waiting for them to encounter!! Can’t wait for the next book!
I received this book free from First Wildcard Tours in exchange for my personal and honest review and opinion. All opinions are my own.
May 21, 2012
More like 4.5 stars but close enough to five to round up.
I really enjoyed this story and read it quickly. The writing was good and the style easy to follow, yet rich with language that evoked emotion. The prologue alone was enough to choke me up. Then the story launched into various dramatic situations that made me think about a few Little House on the Prairie episodes. Daniel was a sweetheart, but he had some maturing to do. I couldn't help pitying Mary's situation and how much responsibility she had, but at the same time I could see how much she needed her family to help fill that gap in her life that couldn't seem to ever be filled.
The spiritual and emotional ARC was well done for a number of characters including Mary's younger sister. I liked seeing her growth and also watching Daniel mature into a young man that could be trusted. The situation with Mary's dad was sad, but there was a lot of truth in what he said about our days being numbered. It's easy to forget that we won't all live to a ripe old age, but there is nothing we can do about that. Anyway, I liked watching this couple slowly rebuild their relationship, and witnessing Mary learning to trust Daniel again. It was a heartwarming story with a sweet ending. The best part was it never bored me but kept me reading. These days I am easily bored, so that's a clear sign that this novel is a good book.
I really enjoyed this story and read it quickly. The writing was good and the style easy to follow, yet rich with language that evoked emotion. The prologue alone was enough to choke me up. Then the story launched into various dramatic situations that made me think about a few Little House on the Prairie episodes. Daniel was a sweetheart, but he had some maturing to do. I couldn't help pitying Mary's situation and how much responsibility she had, but at the same time I could see how much she needed her family to help fill that gap in her life that couldn't seem to ever be filled.
The spiritual and emotional ARC was well done for a number of characters including Mary's younger sister. I liked seeing her growth and also watching Daniel mature into a young man that could be trusted. The situation with Mary's dad was sad, but there was a lot of truth in what he said about our days being numbered. It's easy to forget that we won't all live to a ripe old age, but there is nothing we can do about that. Anyway, I liked watching this couple slowly rebuild their relationship, and witnessing Mary learning to trust Daniel again. It was a heartwarming story with a sweet ending. The best part was it never bored me but kept me reading. These days I am easily bored, so that's a clear sign that this novel is a good book.
September 27, 2017
Years ago I read Maggie's Journey. I loved it then. I finally got the second and third book in the series as I always wanted to know what happened to the other two sisters of the triplets that were separated at birth.
This is the second of the triplets introduced in the McKenna's Daughters series.....Mary.
Mary's Blessing
Synopsis for my own benefit...spoilers to follow...
Right away I opened Catherine's Pursuit when I finished this one and breezed through it in a few hours today. I needed to know how they found each other. Review to follow.
I loved the first book years ago, but I can't say the same for this second book. My tastes have changed a bit since then. I still enjoy a good Christian romance. And I don't meant to be critical, but I appreciate more mature writing than I did then. Understand though, that this is just me. Many, many young women will love this book as I would have a few years ago. My rating is simply based on the difference between what I loved then and what I love now. A matter of taste.
This is the second of the triplets introduced in the McKenna's Daughters series.....Mary.
Mary's Blessing
Synopsis for my own benefit...spoilers to follow...
Right away I opened Catherine's Pursuit when I finished this one and breezed through it in a few hours today. I needed to know how they found each other. Review to follow.
I loved the first book years ago, but I can't say the same for this second book. My tastes have changed a bit since then. I still enjoy a good Christian romance. And I don't meant to be critical, but I appreciate more mature writing than I did then. Understand though, that this is just me. Many, many young women will love this book as I would have a few years ago. My rating is simply based on the difference between what I loved then and what I love now. A matter of taste.
June 19, 2012
Mary's Blessing by Lena Nelson Dooley
Realms (May 15, 2012)
Mary Lenora Murray was adopted by parents who had recently lost a child while on the last wagon train west in 1867. When she is thirteen years old, Mary's mother and her two older sisters die in the cholera pandemic, leaving her the oldest child with three younger siblings to raise. Her father, in his grief, pours himself into keeping the farm going, leaving the running of the home entirely in Mary's hands. --Short Book Description
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring. --Isaiah 44:3
My Review:
I loved this book. This is a story about how a family grows together, supporting each other through adversity and coming to understand each other. I like how issues are straight forward and not hedged or ignored. Soothing. Advice and explanation helpful to those experiences are an example of real life, facing things head on and not sidestepping what needs to be addressed. Undoing a wrong by helping each other to see ways to backup, retrace their steps, and through clarity, ask forgiveness. Love expressed through listening and untangling misconception is key in any relationship. This is a sweet story of reconciliation and beginning again. Parent to child, neighbor to neighbor, friend to friend, seeing a need and meeting it without expecting return but with honest affection. I liked how this story helped each person examine themselves by reflection rather than by scolding or zeroing in on where they were coming up short. Especially with her younger sister, Mary led by kindness and when her sister needed to take responsibility, she was able to continue in the way she had been treated.
I highly recommend this series, McKenna's Daughters, and look forward to the final book in the trilogy. It will all come together with a satisfying outcome, and I am eager to find out how! The first chapter of Catherine's Pursuit is in the back of this book. I am not going to read it! I have to wait until 2013 to find out what happens next!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lena Nelson Dooley is an award-winning author with more than 650,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers--where she received the Mentor of the Year award in 2006--DFW Ready Writers, and Christian Authors Network. She lives in Hurst, Texas, with her husband of over 45 years. Visit the author's website.
***Special thanks to Althea Thompson | Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House | Charisma Media for sending me a review copy.***
Realms (May 15, 2012)
Mary Lenora Murray was adopted by parents who had recently lost a child while on the last wagon train west in 1867. When she is thirteen years old, Mary's mother and her two older sisters die in the cholera pandemic, leaving her the oldest child with three younger siblings to raise. Her father, in his grief, pours himself into keeping the farm going, leaving the running of the home entirely in Mary's hands. --Short Book Description
For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring. --Isaiah 44:3
My Review:
I loved this book. This is a story about how a family grows together, supporting each other through adversity and coming to understand each other. I like how issues are straight forward and not hedged or ignored. Soothing. Advice and explanation helpful to those experiences are an example of real life, facing things head on and not sidestepping what needs to be addressed. Undoing a wrong by helping each other to see ways to backup, retrace their steps, and through clarity, ask forgiveness. Love expressed through listening and untangling misconception is key in any relationship. This is a sweet story of reconciliation and beginning again. Parent to child, neighbor to neighbor, friend to friend, seeing a need and meeting it without expecting return but with honest affection. I liked how this story helped each person examine themselves by reflection rather than by scolding or zeroing in on where they were coming up short. Especially with her younger sister, Mary led by kindness and when her sister needed to take responsibility, she was able to continue in the way she had been treated.
I highly recommend this series, McKenna's Daughters, and look forward to the final book in the trilogy. It will all come together with a satisfying outcome, and I am eager to find out how! The first chapter of Catherine's Pursuit is in the back of this book. I am not going to read it! I have to wait until 2013 to find out what happens next!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lena Nelson Dooley is an award-winning author with more than 650,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers--where she received the Mentor of the Year award in 2006--DFW Ready Writers, and Christian Authors Network. She lives in Hurst, Texas, with her husband of over 45 years. Visit the author's website.
***Special thanks to Althea Thompson | Publicity Coordinator, Charisma House | Charisma Media for sending me a review copy.***
August 8, 2012
From the first page to the last, Mary's Blessing is a sweet romance, the kind I love to settle back in my recliner for a few hours to read. While Mary suffers much grief in her eighteen years, Daniel lives an easy life by comparison. After knowing Mary since they arrived by wagon trail years earlier and admiring the way she cared for her younger brothers and sister, Daniel finally decides to court her.
Don't assume it will be clear sailing after that because Ms. Dooley really ramps up the conflict. Mary's family issues take front and center, and soon differences in how they want to begin their married life become insurmountable obstacles. Add in stress and fatigue, and things go south fast. At one point, I wanted to give Daniel a good kick in the pants, but he came around and vowed to show Mary that he'd changed. Not only did I enjoy cheering both main characters on to their happily-ever-after, but the secondary characters added so much dimension to the story. A great read! I look forward to reading the last triplet's story, Catherine's Pursuit.
Disclosure: I received this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
Don't assume it will be clear sailing after that because Ms. Dooley really ramps up the conflict. Mary's family issues take front and center, and soon differences in how they want to begin their married life become insurmountable obstacles. Add in stress and fatigue, and things go south fast. At one point, I wanted to give Daniel a good kick in the pants, but he came around and vowed to show Mary that he'd changed. Not only did I enjoy cheering both main characters on to their happily-ever-after, but the secondary characters added so much dimension to the story. A great read! I look forward to reading the last triplet's story, Catherine's Pursuit.
Disclosure: I received this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
August 6, 2013
Mary is my favorite of the McKenna's Daughters series. Very much enjoyed this book.
January 2, 2018
I haven't read very many books by Lena Nelson Dooley, just an occasional one. This one sounded interesting. MARY'S BLESSING is a story of one of three identical triplets who were separated at birth. Mary kept the name her birth family gave her, but apparently she was never told the true story of how she came to live with the Caine family, because she suffers from the "my birth mother didn't want me and gave me away" syndrome (her mother died at birth).
She finds it hard to believe that Daniel wants to court her and takes everything he says as gospel -- which suits him just fine because he's a man and wants to tell her like it is and have her mindlessly agree.
A bad accident forces Mary to stand up for herself and her family and Daniel doesn't like what he's seeing. How dare she stand up to him and choose her family when they need her?
When a relative speaks truth to him, Daniel has some soul searching and growing up to do. Will he take the wise advice along with the gospel truth and change his ways enough to w in Mary back? Or will the horrible accident and all the changes separate them forever?
Ms. Dooley is kind of a name in historical fiction having written for years for Heartsong Presents and Love Finds You in and Rhealms, as well as other well-known publishers. Fans who LOVE historical fiction -- especially set along the time of the Oregon Trail, will want to read this book.
MARY'S BLESSING is formula historical romance, with the mandatory death, the at-least-one parentless siblings (or daughter) and struggling to make ends meet. Readers will know what to expect, but it is still an enjoyable read, and at times it is spellbinding. The conversations are a bit stilted, but I'm not sure if it's how they talked back then or if it's just the way the author writes.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
She finds it hard to believe that Daniel wants to court her and takes everything he says as gospel -- which suits him just fine because he's a man and wants to tell her like it is and have her mindlessly agree.
A bad accident forces Mary to stand up for herself and her family and Daniel doesn't like what he's seeing. How dare she stand up to him and choose her family when they need her?
When a relative speaks truth to him, Daniel has some soul searching and growing up to do. Will he take the wise advice along with the gospel truth and change his ways enough to w in Mary back? Or will the horrible accident and all the changes separate them forever?
Ms. Dooley is kind of a name in historical fiction having written for years for Heartsong Presents and Love Finds You in and Rhealms, as well as other well-known publishers. Fans who LOVE historical fiction -- especially set along the time of the Oregon Trail, will want to read this book.
MARY'S BLESSING is formula historical romance, with the mandatory death, the at-least-one parentless siblings (or daughter) and struggling to make ends meet. Readers will know what to expect, but it is still an enjoyable read, and at times it is spellbinding. The conversations are a bit stilted, but I'm not sure if it's how they talked back then or if it's just the way the author writes.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
October 22, 2021
Well…….
This story was okay, but just okay. I didn’t really enjoy reading it because there were so many parts that were just empty words that didn’t really add anything to the story. I had to force myself to keep reading to the end of the story. I didn’t care for Mary’s character, either, which was a big problem since she was the main character in the story. I was disappointed in this book.
This story was okay, but just okay. I didn’t really enjoy reading it because there were so many parts that were just empty words that didn’t really add anything to the story. I had to force myself to keep reading to the end of the story. I didn’t care for Mary’s character, either, which was a big problem since she was the main character in the story. I was disappointed in this book.
June 22, 2018
Mary's life has not been easy since the death of her mother. She has taken care of her younger siblings and her father without any care for herself. Adopted as a baby, Mary doesn't know why her first parents gave her away. Because of that, she feels no one really wants her for herself. God will have to work some miracles to change her attitude and her heart. I'm looking forward to book #3.
November 4, 2019
Love this series. Love the characters. This was the toughest read of the three books.
January 22, 2024
Loved this book ❤
June 16, 2012
Mary Lenora Murray has spent her whole life it seems trying to figure out just who she is. She learned early on that she was adopted and currently living with her father, Kenneth Murray and her three siblings. Her mother passed away along with her three sisters leaving her in the role as caretaker and mother at only 13. Looking at her life, she wishes her father, would step up and take on the responsibility at helping her care for her brothers, George and Bobby along with her sister Frances. But all he seems to do is poor himself into taking care of their farm and then coming in exhausted at the end of the evening with nothing but an appetite left for her. Mary knows that this will be her burden until the children are grown up enough to take on more of the responsibility and before that happens, she'll be too old to finally have a life for herself.
Daniel Winthrop has been Mary's childhood friend and as they both have grown, Daniel realizes he has more than just friendly feelings for Mary. He sees how hard she works carrying for her family and knows she would make the perfect wife for him. By marrying her, he could give her the life of luxury so she wouldn't have to work so hard any longer, he could provide her with servants to take care of the house, and fill their lives with love and a family of their very own. Now if he can only convince Mary of their future together.
When Mary learns of Daniels interest in being more than just her friend, she wonders if it's possible to begin a life for herself or will she always have to care for her family's needs before her own?
In the latest novel from Lena Nelson Dooley, Mary's Blessing is the second book in the McKenna's Daughters series and picks up perfectly with a brief introduction from book 1, which I loved. At first, I thought I had read this book before, but LOVED how Lena captured the beginnings of Mary's birth so that the reader can truly pick this one up as a stand alone and love it just as much as the first book.
In this one, we get to see how Mary is growing up after being adopted along the Oregon Trail by her mother, Melody and father, Kenneth. Now that Mary has lost her mother, she feels burdened and worn out by all that she has to do while trying to care for the house, the children and try to find a life for herself in there as well. She dreams of a day when she can begin a life for herself, but may soon realize that God has bigger plans for her than what she could ever believe is possible. Now she struggles at trying to find a way to make a relationship with Daniel work when difficulties keep on piling up on her shoulders and she soon learns that Daniel may not be the man she thinks he is.
I received Mary's Blessing compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and LOVED this one. Being a huge fan of the first book, I couldn't wait to see what happened to the little baby that the Murray's adopted. The reader will even get a sneak peek at the next book in the series as Mary learns more about the real family she was a part of along the Oregon Trail. This is a beautiful book about learning how to be a servant of Christ and more importantly how to maintain a love for doing it without being resentful. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to read Catherine's Pursuit coming in 2013.
Daniel Winthrop has been Mary's childhood friend and as they both have grown, Daniel realizes he has more than just friendly feelings for Mary. He sees how hard she works carrying for her family and knows she would make the perfect wife for him. By marrying her, he could give her the life of luxury so she wouldn't have to work so hard any longer, he could provide her with servants to take care of the house, and fill their lives with love and a family of their very own. Now if he can only convince Mary of their future together.
When Mary learns of Daniels interest in being more than just her friend, she wonders if it's possible to begin a life for herself or will she always have to care for her family's needs before her own?
In the latest novel from Lena Nelson Dooley, Mary's Blessing is the second book in the McKenna's Daughters series and picks up perfectly with a brief introduction from book 1, which I loved. At first, I thought I had read this book before, but LOVED how Lena captured the beginnings of Mary's birth so that the reader can truly pick this one up as a stand alone and love it just as much as the first book.
In this one, we get to see how Mary is growing up after being adopted along the Oregon Trail by her mother, Melody and father, Kenneth. Now that Mary has lost her mother, she feels burdened and worn out by all that she has to do while trying to care for the house, the children and try to find a life for herself in there as well. She dreams of a day when she can begin a life for herself, but may soon realize that God has bigger plans for her than what she could ever believe is possible. Now she struggles at trying to find a way to make a relationship with Daniel work when difficulties keep on piling up on her shoulders and she soon learns that Daniel may not be the man she thinks he is.
I received Mary's Blessing compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and LOVED this one. Being a huge fan of the first book, I couldn't wait to see what happened to the little baby that the Murray's adopted. The reader will even get a sneak peek at the next book in the series as Mary learns more about the real family she was a part of along the Oregon Trail. This is a beautiful book about learning how to be a servant of Christ and more importantly how to maintain a love for doing it without being resentful. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars and can't wait to read Catherine's Pursuit coming in 2013.
September 6, 2012
Ever since Mary Lenora Murray was eleven years old she has been sister, stand-in-mother and care taker of her younger sister and two young brothers. This was after her mother and two older sisters died. She has not just been the caretaker of the children but of all the household chores that had been taken care by of her mother's and older sisters.
Mary's father has disconnected himself from his family as if he no longer was a father other than the care of the farm and she was at least thankful for that. But it would nice to have someone to confide in and lean on when it came to the children and the house.
Mary has always none she was adopted but did not know the circumstances of the adoption or her birth parents. She knew her adoptive parents loved her deeply. Although her father grieved much over the death of his wife and two daughters Mary knew he loved her and her young siblings. She just would like to here some encouraging words from him.
When would she ever be able to have a life of her own with all she had in her present life? Her childhood friendship with Daniel seems to be turning into more than friends. She just did not know how to meld the two lives together. That of a future with Daniel and the life she had now.
Daniel knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Mary and give her all the things she deserved. He would prove to her he would be a responsible husband and provider. He would move her away from the farm and hire someone to care for the beautiful house he planned to buy in town.
This is how the story goes, this is not a fairy tale this is real life. The author writes a beautiful yet heart wrenching story of tragedy, responsibility, love and faith in God. God always has a plan and it is not always what we expect. Sometimes a tragedy can pull us away from God and sometimes it brings us closer. Life is not a bowl of cherries. If it were it would get mighty boring. This book is definitely not boring. I had to make myself put the book down so I could do what I needed to do.
Lena did not disappoint me with book two of Mckenna's Daughters.
I loved book one, Maggie's Journey, book two was just as good.
Can't wait to read book three, Catherine's Pursuit coming in 2013.
I highly recommend this book/series.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I purchased this book for my personal reading pleasure. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
I have a giveaway
of Mary's Blessings
provided by Charisma House
ENTER GIVEAWAY ON MY BLOG - It's Time To Read Mamaw
If you found this review Helpful Vote yes or no here.
Mary's father has disconnected himself from his family as if he no longer was a father other than the care of the farm and she was at least thankful for that. But it would nice to have someone to confide in and lean on when it came to the children and the house.
Mary has always none she was adopted but did not know the circumstances of the adoption or her birth parents. She knew her adoptive parents loved her deeply. Although her father grieved much over the death of his wife and two daughters Mary knew he loved her and her young siblings. She just would like to here some encouraging words from him.
When would she ever be able to have a life of her own with all she had in her present life? Her childhood friendship with Daniel seems to be turning into more than friends. She just did not know how to meld the two lives together. That of a future with Daniel and the life she had now.
Daniel knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Mary and give her all the things she deserved. He would prove to her he would be a responsible husband and provider. He would move her away from the farm and hire someone to care for the beautiful house he planned to buy in town.
This is how the story goes, this is not a fairy tale this is real life. The author writes a beautiful yet heart wrenching story of tragedy, responsibility, love and faith in God. God always has a plan and it is not always what we expect. Sometimes a tragedy can pull us away from God and sometimes it brings us closer. Life is not a bowl of cherries. If it were it would get mighty boring. This book is definitely not boring. I had to make myself put the book down so I could do what I needed to do.
Lena did not disappoint me with book two of Mckenna's Daughters.
I loved book one, Maggie's Journey, book two was just as good.
Can't wait to read book three, Catherine's Pursuit coming in 2013.
I highly recommend this book/series.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I purchased this book for my personal reading pleasure. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
I have a giveaway
of Mary's Blessings
provided by Charisma House
ENTER GIVEAWAY ON MY BLOG - It's Time To Read Mamaw
If you found this review Helpful Vote yes or no here.
August 4, 2013
Mary Lenora Murray had loving parents but a very hard life. She knew that she was adopted but didn't know who her mother and father were or why they gave her away, she did know though that she was loved by her adopted parents. Mary had two older sisters, a younger sister and two younger brothers. Her mother and two older sisters died from cholera when she was eleven so she had to grow up fast and at a young age. Once her mother had died Mary had to take care of her father and siblings, her father was never the same and life was changed.
Daniel Winthrop came west in the same wagon train that Mary's family was in so they knew each other their whole lives, Daniel is 20 and Mary will soon be 18. Daniel gets permission from Kenneth, Mary's dad, to court Mary. After a short time he takes Mary on a Friday Surprise trip to Portland and when they return they find Kenneth laying in the field with a terrible cut on his leg. When they get him to the doctor, the doctor doesn't even know if he'll make it and if he does they might have to amputate his leg.
As Mary is caring for her father Daniel is falling deeper in love and has their future all planned out, Mary doesn't like what he plans so they have an argument and Daniel leaves in a huff. He is supposed to return so he can take her home to bathe, see her siblings and then return her to the doctor's office, but he never returns.
WOW! Mary's story is one that tears at your heart. She takes everything that is handed to her, and it's a lot, but keeps on going and giving her best for her family. She shows such strength for having to take over a household at such a young age with no resentment or anger. Sometimes maybe a little wishful thinking for some time for herself, but she pulls herself together and continues on with the life that she's been given.
I'm so glad I have the third book, "Catherine's Pursuit", so I can get started on it right now. All I can say is that if you get "Maggie's Journey" you might as well get the other two at the same time, that's what I did and I'm really glad.
Daniel Winthrop came west in the same wagon train that Mary's family was in so they knew each other their whole lives, Daniel is 20 and Mary will soon be 18. Daniel gets permission from Kenneth, Mary's dad, to court Mary. After a short time he takes Mary on a Friday Surprise trip to Portland and when they return they find Kenneth laying in the field with a terrible cut on his leg. When they get him to the doctor, the doctor doesn't even know if he'll make it and if he does they might have to amputate his leg.
As Mary is caring for her father Daniel is falling deeper in love and has their future all planned out, Mary doesn't like what he plans so they have an argument and Daniel leaves in a huff. He is supposed to return so he can take her home to bathe, see her siblings and then return her to the doctor's office, but he never returns.
WOW! Mary's story is one that tears at your heart. She takes everything that is handed to her, and it's a lot, but keeps on going and giving her best for her family. She shows such strength for having to take over a household at such a young age with no resentment or anger. Sometimes maybe a little wishful thinking for some time for herself, but she pulls herself together and continues on with the life that she's been given.
I'm so glad I have the third book, "Catherine's Pursuit", so I can get started on it right now. All I can say is that if you get "Maggie's Journey" you might as well get the other two at the same time, that's what I did and I'm really glad.
July 13, 2014
Mary's Blessing
by Lena Nelson Dooley
In the second book of her McKenna's Daughters series, Mary's Blessing, Mrs Dooley introduces us to Mary Lenora. Mary is one of the two triplets adopted to separate families at birth; the third was raised by their birth father. Mary captured my heart from the first few pages. We join the story when Mary is 17 and is saddled with the responsibility of a home and her three siblings. Her mom and two older sisters died when Mary was 11. Mary's father is so grief stricken he scarcely speaks to her unless something is needed. When the three children become very ill and Mary is close to collapse the ladies from church intervene giving her relief and in doing so access the situation in the home.
Mrs. Dooley is a story teller who can weave romance, family relationships, scriptural truths and suspense all the while keeping you on the edge of your seat. Her development of Mary's character was splendid. As she looks into the very heart of a courageous, loyal and morally strong young woman we see one who is seeking love and validation. She give us a spectrum of male characters. In the father we see a man whose heart is ruled by life's events and we see the consequences. We see in a young man's heart the need for spiritual guidance and understanding. A mature Christian challenges a young man in his faith with the concept of servanthood.
I love how she uses everyday life, troubles and trials, sin, repentance, and changed lives to challenge the reader. None of her characters are perfect. Life is not portrayed as easy and without any challenges.
I loved Mary's Blessings. The pace, the style of writing all flowed so well it was a delight to read.
by Lena Nelson Dooley
In the second book of her McKenna's Daughters series, Mary's Blessing, Mrs Dooley introduces us to Mary Lenora. Mary is one of the two triplets adopted to separate families at birth; the third was raised by their birth father. Mary captured my heart from the first few pages. We join the story when Mary is 17 and is saddled with the responsibility of a home and her three siblings. Her mom and two older sisters died when Mary was 11. Mary's father is so grief stricken he scarcely speaks to her unless something is needed. When the three children become very ill and Mary is close to collapse the ladies from church intervene giving her relief and in doing so access the situation in the home.
Mrs. Dooley is a story teller who can weave romance, family relationships, scriptural truths and suspense all the while keeping you on the edge of your seat. Her development of Mary's character was splendid. As she looks into the very heart of a courageous, loyal and morally strong young woman we see one who is seeking love and validation. She give us a spectrum of male characters. In the father we see a man whose heart is ruled by life's events and we see the consequences. We see in a young man's heart the need for spiritual guidance and understanding. A mature Christian challenges a young man in his faith with the concept of servanthood.
I love how she uses everyday life, troubles and trials, sin, repentance, and changed lives to challenge the reader. None of her characters are perfect. Life is not portrayed as easy and without any challenges.
I loved Mary's Blessings. The pace, the style of writing all flowed so well it was a delight to read.
September 15, 2013
Series McKenna's Daughters -book #2 "Mary's Blessing" by Lena Nelson Dooley
I read the books out of sequence and this is entirely do-able because the series is about triplets left when their mother dies soon after their birth and the dad had no idea how he would care for his girls. He lovingly chose two sets of parents and let them adopt his girls only stipulation is that their names remain and he would not try to see them again.
Each of the girls knew they had been adopted but never knew they were one of three. I loved the way Lena told these stories and brought them to a reconciliation at end of stories.
Mary grew up with the Murray family, she was loved and a joy to her Mom who always said she was a blessing to the family. She lost her new mom though at an early age and had to take care of her younger siblings and the house...becoming more like a Mom then a sister. She felt like she would never have a life of her own, she lovingly accepted her way of life and it only became a problem when she became older and started noticing a young man who wanted to be more then a friend.
He promises her so much and she is torn between a life with him and staying with the family that needs her.
You will enjoy reading this story and seeing how it all works out when everyone listens more to God then to their own thoughts and feelings.
You can read one-two or three of these books but I am sure you will enjoy them more if you read the whole series and see how they are reunited again.
I read the books out of sequence and this is entirely do-able because the series is about triplets left when their mother dies soon after their birth and the dad had no idea how he would care for his girls. He lovingly chose two sets of parents and let them adopt his girls only stipulation is that their names remain and he would not try to see them again.
Each of the girls knew they had been adopted but never knew they were one of three. I loved the way Lena told these stories and brought them to a reconciliation at end of stories.
Mary grew up with the Murray family, she was loved and a joy to her Mom who always said she was a blessing to the family. She lost her new mom though at an early age and had to take care of her younger siblings and the house...becoming more like a Mom then a sister. She felt like she would never have a life of her own, she lovingly accepted her way of life and it only became a problem when she became older and started noticing a young man who wanted to be more then a friend.
He promises her so much and she is torn between a life with him and staying with the family that needs her.
You will enjoy reading this story and seeing how it all works out when everyone listens more to God then to their own thoughts and feelings.
You can read one-two or three of these books but I am sure you will enjoy them more if you read the whole series and see how they are reunited again.
July 24, 2012
This is only the second book I’ve read of Lena’s and love it as much as the first. Lena Nelson Dooley is a fantastic author and one I will read again and again.
This book Mary’s Blessing is incredible. I love the title of the book and the cover. Such a beautiful picture of Mary.
Mary has had a hard life. She was adopted and that makes her wonder why her natural parents didn’t love her. She felt very loved until her foster mother and two older foster sisters died. Then at a very young age she had to take over the house and caring for the younger siblings.
Mary and Daniel have known each other for all of their lives and now he wants to call, but can he take on a ready made family and an ailing father?
How deep is Daniel’s love.
Mary’s Blessing is full of love and hardship, also heartbreak. In all of this Mary knows her family comes first. Will Mary and Daniel ever get to share their love and hearts? What becomes of the family?
These and many more of the questions get answered in this wonderful book.
This book is full of love, romance and life’s difficulties and answers.
I recommend this book for all of romance lovers out there.
Thank you to Charisma House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
This book Mary’s Blessing is incredible. I love the title of the book and the cover. Such a beautiful picture of Mary.
Mary has had a hard life. She was adopted and that makes her wonder why her natural parents didn’t love her. She felt very loved until her foster mother and two older foster sisters died. Then at a very young age she had to take over the house and caring for the younger siblings.
Mary and Daniel have known each other for all of their lives and now he wants to call, but can he take on a ready made family and an ailing father?
How deep is Daniel’s love.
Mary’s Blessing is full of love and hardship, also heartbreak. In all of this Mary knows her family comes first. Will Mary and Daniel ever get to share their love and hearts? What becomes of the family?
These and many more of the questions get answered in this wonderful book.
This book is full of love, romance and life’s difficulties and answers.
I recommend this book for all of romance lovers out there.
Thank you to Charisma House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
June 19, 2012
Lena has penned another heart wrenching book about the McKenna daughters. I loved Maggie's Journey and Mary's Blessing did not disappoint!
Mary's mother has died and her father leaves everything to Mary. He doesn't even attend church with the family, and Mary is so embarrassed. When her brothers get sick with the measles she is practically run ragged taking care of them and all of the household chores. The ladies of the church step in and let her father know that he is taking advantage of Mary, that he needs to be the parent here.
Mary's friend Daniel begins to court her and she sees a light at the end of the tunnel. Will she really be Daniel's wife and get a true fairy-tale?
This is a beautiful book about how to be a true servant of Christ, even when things are difficult. I loved how the prologue took you back to the Oregon Trail where Mary was born. It brought the reader who may not have read the first book right into the story. Mary knew she was adopted which made the story harder, with loosing her mother. At the end of the book there is a glimpse into the next story, the third baby girl who was adopted. I am anxious to read that one. These books are very dear to me as an adopted child myself. Lena has done a wonderful job writing them. I highly recommend this one!
Mary's mother has died and her father leaves everything to Mary. He doesn't even attend church with the family, and Mary is so embarrassed. When her brothers get sick with the measles she is practically run ragged taking care of them and all of the household chores. The ladies of the church step in and let her father know that he is taking advantage of Mary, that he needs to be the parent here.
Mary's friend Daniel begins to court her and she sees a light at the end of the tunnel. Will she really be Daniel's wife and get a true fairy-tale?
This is a beautiful book about how to be a true servant of Christ, even when things are difficult. I loved how the prologue took you back to the Oregon Trail where Mary was born. It brought the reader who may not have read the first book right into the story. Mary knew she was adopted which made the story harder, with loosing her mother. At the end of the book there is a glimpse into the next story, the third baby girl who was adopted. I am anxious to read that one. These books are very dear to me as an adopted child myself. Lena has done a wonderful job writing them. I highly recommend this one!
June 10, 2013
Mary's Blessing, the second book in the McKenna's Daughters series, continues the captivating tale of Angus McKenna's triplet daughters who were separated at birth. This book is just as good as the first in the series. It is filled with interesting characters, misunderstandings, stubborn pride, tragedy and love.
Mary lives a hard life with her adopted family. It wasn't always that way. However, after the death of her adoptive mother and two older sisters, Mary becomes the caretaker of a younger sister and two brothers with no real support from her father. He runs the farm but has just checked out of life. After years of this treatment, she feels rather hopeless about her future, until Daniel steps in and reveals his feelings.
Daniel has always lived a comfortable life with wealthy parents. He loves Mary and wants to court her, marry her, and provide her with a posh life. He plans to buy a big house for them and fill it with servants.
When tragedy befalls Mary's family once again, will the love she shares with Daniel be strong enough to survive? What is God's will for her life? Will Daniel learn to love and serve Mary the way God calls him to?
Mary lives a hard life with her adopted family. It wasn't always that way. However, after the death of her adoptive mother and two older sisters, Mary becomes the caretaker of a younger sister and two brothers with no real support from her father. He runs the farm but has just checked out of life. After years of this treatment, she feels rather hopeless about her future, until Daniel steps in and reveals his feelings.
Daniel has always lived a comfortable life with wealthy parents. He loves Mary and wants to court her, marry her, and provide her with a posh life. He plans to buy a big house for them and fill it with servants.
When tragedy befalls Mary's family once again, will the love she shares with Daniel be strong enough to survive? What is God's will for her life? Will Daniel learn to love and serve Mary the way God calls him to?
June 26, 2013
Mary's Blessings is also a very well-written Christian novel. Mary is a very likable young lady whose life is not anything like she had hoped for. Becoming mother to her younger siblings from a young age after the loss of her beloved adoptive mother was a tremendous blessing to those siblings and to her father. Daring to dream of love and marriage to Daniel, her childhood friend, Mary and Daniel learn to seek God's will for their lives and the courage to follow it. Finding that she is a triplet and separated from those sisters at birth gives her the dream of finding those sisters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book - more than a romance or a western historical novel, it is the journey of growing closer to God through the circumstances of Mary's life, and seeing that family is not just who we are related to by blood. Rather, family are those we live with, love and are loved by, and share a common faith and goals.
October 4, 2018
Your attention is caught by the wonderful book in the first few pages. This to me is the sign of a great book. The characters are warm and deeply rooted in their faith. I enjoyed this book immensely and am looking forward to reading more by this delightful author. I need to catch up on what the other two sisters are doing!
Thank you for writing such an entertaining and heart-warming book Mrs. Dooley.
Thank you for writing such an entertaining and heart-warming book Mrs. Dooley.
March 31, 2016
This is a wonderful story. My heart broke from the beginning when Mary's mother dies giving birth to her and her sisters while on the wagon train headed west. So much happens to Mary and her new family. She has to grow up really fast. I loved her story and her struggles. Wonderfully written. I was given a copy with no requirement to review it.
November 9, 2012
Love the emotion and life of Mary! A young girl, doing the work of a woman. Daniel is such a great character to accompany her! Thanks for a great series, Mrs. Dooley! Can't wait for the third book of the series; Catherine's Pursuit! :)
November 28, 2012
Book 2 of 3
May 3, 2013
This book far surpassed the first book in this series. There was much more to this storyline. I couldn't put it down. It definitely was a page turner! Highly recommend this one.
November 5, 2013
The next tale in this series -- again, wonderful story, great characters.
January 2, 2016
I enjoyed this one as much as the first one. I need to now get the third one and see how the author pulls it all together!
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