An Equal for Edith

Lilac City #5

by Donna K. Weaver

Spinster Edith Vosburg may yet find love but in the most unexpected place… amidst the rubble of an earthquake.

After the death of his wife last year, Dr. George Rasmussen decides he needs a fresh start. When he interviews for a position in a small Wyoming cow town, he discovers that his late wife’s dear friend, Edith, lives there. He’s impressed by her but tells himself he’s too busy caring for his three children to consider anything more than friendship.

Edith is perfectly happy as a spinster. Or so she says. When she sees George again after so many years, she’s surprised at the spark of attraction. She puts the thought out of her head, determined not to betray her friend’s memory.

When Edith travels to San Francisco with friends and George accompanies them to collect his children, disaster strikes. Surrounded by the destruction of the massive earthquake, with fires raging all around, the two are thrown together, fighting to survive.

Yet from the devastation, emerges hope for a possible new future—one Edith has always wanted. One with a family of her own.

But only if she can let go of the past...

Books in the Lilac City Novella Series
Lancaster Legacy Series
* A Match for Maude
* A Dandy for Doris
* A Lady for Luke
* A Fella for Frances

Resilient Kendricks Series
* An Equal for Edith
* An Angel for Abe (coming June 2025)
* An Enigma for Edgar (coming 2025)
* A Wildcat for Willie (coming 2025)

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2023

About the author

USA Today best-selling and award-winning author - wife-mother-grandmother-Navy brat-Army veteran-karate black belt-Harry Potter nerd-online gamer.

Reviews

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back in the small town of Lilac City, WY. This time we get to know Edith Vosburg, the sheriff's spinster sister. She lives with her brother and cooks and cleans for him. Edith hasn't found love yet, and thinks she never will--not in a small town like Lilac City. She's about to be surprised.

Dr. Charles Rasmussen has decided to accept a job as the doctor in the small Wyoming town of Lilac City. It's just what he thinks his oldest daughter needs--it will get her away from her new materialistic friends in San Francisco. He's struggling raising his children, especially a teenage girl, after the death of their mother. Maybe a fresh start will help them all.

This is a lovely story of an older couple finding love--Edith for the first time and Charles for the second time. I enjoyed the way this couple interacted. Edith had been friends with Charles' first wife and they lost touch after one of the moved. I liked how their developing feelings for each other took them both by surprise and they had to work through it.

This story also takes place in San Francisco during the time of the massive earthquake and subsequent fires. I liked how Edith kept a clear head and used everything she had learned during her life to help those around her. She knew how to take charge without being overbearing.

The title says novella, but it's almost 200 pages so I don't consider it a novella. I listened to the audiobook and am so glad the same narrator has done the entire series. She does a wonderful job.

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Later Love

I enjoyed this romance about a couple who had been friends for years. When George lost his wife, he reconnected with her dearest friend, but how will his children take it?. A trip to San Francisco lands them in the middle of the 1906 earthquake and fire. Lots of excellent detail and human interaction in this story. A great read.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was so good to be able to dive into Edith’s story. She’s one of those not quite understood characters in the earlier books. But you know there’s so much more to her as the series moves on. I was very happy when the author announced she was working on Edith’s story. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I think I might have a new favorite in the series. But honestly every one of them I have enjoyed. I’ve loved being able to continue to see all the characters from previous books in the later books.

I listened to this book and have to say that every time I hear the narrator’s voice I am transported right back to Lilac City. I love this little city and all the people there. The author did such a great job building this world. And the narrator helped bring it to life through her voicing the characters.

Edith’s adventure has her traveling as a companion with Maude and her husband to San Francisco. A fun surprise happens when the soon to be new doctor in Lilac City also happens to be traveling with Edith and her friends back to San Francisco. This new Dr., George Rasmussen happens to be an old friend of Edith’s from years ago. They lost contact with each other but now have the chance to catch up.

Both of them have had many ups and downs and heartaches. It was so fun to watch their reunion and for Edith to meet his children again.

I loved watching Edith’s strength through all of the trials that come her way. Her strength and quick thinking showed her fortitude when many events come their way during their trip.

Edith and George’s friendship was fun to watch be rekindled and for them to develop stronger feelings for each other. There’s so much behind it and you’ll have to read or listen to the book to discover all of the great ins and outs of their story. I loved it.

Content: Clean. Some moments of peril, childbirth, and doctoring but nothing graphic.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay! Another story in the Lilac City Novella series! I have enjoyed all of the books in this wonderful series by Donna K. Weaver. I especially liked this story because the main characters were more mature (in the 40s) which made them very relatable to me. Edith is a strong-willed woman, yet not so “modern” as to seem out of place in her time period. She’s resigned to the thought that marriage has passed her by, then life throws her a curve. She is conflicted by her feelings, and I was rooting for her the whole time. George is effectively written allowing readers to see his grief, the issues he’s dealing with as a single parent, and his maturity about his feelings (that he still loves his departed wife, but he’d like the opportunity to love again). On top of everything else, the characters must deal with an earthquake and citywide fire. Highly recommended.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook and this may be my favorite of this series so far. The historical aspect of the story was so interesting and gave a great picture of what it would have been like to be in this crisis situation. The serious nature of the crisis moved the romance to a back seat in a way (as it would in a real crisis) yet it was still obvious through it all. Edith's personality kind of reminded me of a favorite aunt who was brusk and out spoken but kind and loving as well. Edith is maybe not the typical heroine but I liked her.

No sex, language
Implied violence and threatening situations
*I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook and voluntarily chose to review it.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I received a free copy of the clean historical novella An Equal for Edith: A Lilac City, Wyoming Novella book 5 by Donna K. Weaver and this review was given freely.
Realistic characters, a longing for love, some action, a strong lead character and a happy ending can be found in this wonderful companion novella to the Hamblin siblings finding love series. Donna K Weaver re-acquaints us with the characters of prior sequels in this family saga where a pregnant Maude and her husband Charles Merrick find themselves taking the spinster midwife and former teacher Edith Vosburg on what turns out to be a disaster and emotion filled wedding/anniversary trip to visit Charles's friend James Milburn as well as a reunion for Edith with her former best friend's family in San Francisco, California.



Merged review:

5 stars
I received a free copy of the clean historical novella An Equal for Edith: A Lilac City, Wyoming Novella book 5 by Donna K. Weaver and this review was given freely.
Realistic characters, a longing for love, some action, a strong lead character and a happy ending can be found in this wonderful companion novella to the Hamblin siblings finding love series. Donna K Weaver re-acquaints us with the characters of prior sequels in this family saga where a pregnant Maude and her husband Charles Merrick find themselves taking the spinster midwife and former teacher Edith Vosburg on what turns out to be a disaster and emotion filled wedding/anniversary trip to visit Charles's friend James Milburn as well as a reunion for Edith with her former best friend's family in San Francisco, California.

[Donna Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, I'm the author, so I'm biased. There's so much history about this dreadful event.

As a teen, I lived in San Francisco, so I know and love the city. Having been through a few earthquakes there and having vivid memories of the Bay Area Quake that brought down a part of the Bay Bridge (that we used to travel on all the time), I understand the magnitude of what hit San Francisco.

As soon as I knew Maude and Charles would be taking their wedding trip there--and it just happened to be 1906--I knew what had to happen while they were there. So, where for Edith to find the love she's been waiting half her life for?

Merged review:

Yep, I'm the author, so I'm totally biased. But I loved Edith and George's story.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

The year is 1906 and the Merricks are finally taking a honeymoon. They are going to San Francisco and taking a midwife, Edith, with them since they are having a baby. Boy, are they in for some adventure.
Edith runs into an old family friend Lilac City. He is the husband of her best friend Caroline. He needs to return to San Francisco to help his family pack up and relocate to Lilac City. The four of them travel together to San Francisco. Edith is so excited to be reunited with this family. After all, she delivered their first child.
Great series.
Well done, Donna K. Weaver – But everything I read that you have written is well done

[Shirley kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth the wait

When I first started reading this book I admit I thought I’ll get through this book quickly. Little did I know the intensity was very present for several chapters. It still was a book hard to put down. There was family devotion and love as well as romantic love woven in the mix of emotions.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is the fifth book in the series and not the last book. But I think it was one of my favorites of the series. Edith is 40 years old and most definitely a spinster. She isn’t looking for love. She thinks that passed her by many years before. It isn’t that she wasn’t ever given the opportunity to marry but those that had asked just wanted someone to cook and clean for them.
Then one day her dearest friends husband shows up in town. The problem is, he is a widower. Her best friend has passed from this life. The question is what is her best friends husband to her now?
I liked Edith’s strength and fire in this book. And I liked the good doctor. He was a kind man.

[Jeene Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

History, romance, and finding love

Another enjoyable story in thus series. I suggest that you read them in order or at least book 1 before this one.

It's nice to have a story for finding love at 40 when you never expect to.

This one is set in a very historic event which adds to the drama as well as highlights the changes for women in the west.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edith was almost forty and thought she'd never find the love and family she's dreamed of when her old friend Caroline's husband George comes to Lilac City to join a doctor's practice. Sadly his wife died of cancer a year ago and he wants a new life with his three children who have become spoiled and lost their way after the loss. He travels back to San Francisco with Edith, Charles, and Maude who are on their honeymoon, which is more like a babymoon. Edith took charge in the book in particular after the earthquake and unrest. The wealthy learned how little their possessions meant when they had to fend for themselves without electricity and running water and buildings burning.

The Audible narrator has a nice smooth tone with voice changes including western accents and inflections in all the right places.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give it a 4.5 stars.
A good clean romance with a little history and drama: I really enjoyed it. The characters are well-developed and the continuity is great.
I would high recommend it and the series.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Dr George Rasmussen decides he needs a change following his wife’s death the year before so he travels to Lilac City, Wyoming where he meets up with his wife’s former friend, Edith. She travels to San Francisco with friends and as George returns home to his children. While there, they suffer through an earthquake and a fire. Edith relates well to his children and he discovers they work well together. This is a touching book about loss, suffering, and learning to love again.

[LaDonna J. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book

I really enjoyed this book I read it into the wee hours. I've enjoyed each of the books in the series, hope Abe gets his bride.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading, I was unable to put this amazing book down. Set in San Francisco during the great 1906 earthquake and fire, the author brings out human nature at its best and its worst. Edith Vosburg had spent her life serving her brother, her community, and her friends. It was therefore second nature to step into the breach when the world went up in flames. Working side by side with Dr George Rasmussen, she discovers a level of acceptance she has never known. Feelings are aroused and at her mature age, Edith never expected to feel the way she does about George. The only difficulty is that George's late wife was her best friend and feelings of betrayal rise up, overwhelming her tender feelings for the doctor. George is in awe of the woman Edith has become. He knew her as his wife's dearest friend and even then she had been competent and caring. However, in the current crisis, she has proved her worth over and over and works diligently at his side. This mature love story not only reunites old friends but also brings hope and healing to a broken family. I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written standalone novel, a copy of which I received as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Equal for Edith is a Lilac City Novella Book 5. Donna K Weaver has spun a wonderful Western romance story. I have read all five books and An Equal for Edith has sweet characters from previous books and new characters that I fell in love with. At 40, Edith Vosburg thinks love had passed her by. Doctor George Rasmussen has come to Lilac City to become the second doctor in the growing town and have a new beginning after the death of his wife, who had been a close friend of Edith. Charles and Maude were finally going on their wedding trip and Edith was to accompany them as Maude’s companion. George goes with the group back to San Francisco. What follows a multilayered story. There is a terrible earthquake that taxes everyone to stay alive and safe. While at the same time George and Edith begin to fall in love. Donna has written family dynamics, the after fall of the earthquake, and Maude has her baby early. There is so much action and excitement that I couldn’t put the book down. I really enjoyed this book and series. I received an arc for free in exchange for my honest voluntary review.

[Tayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just going to write some stray thoughts on this one, partly because I read it a while ago and also because I have a mountain of reviews to write before I entirely forget details.

This is actually my favourite of this novella series to date. Edith is a formerly contented spinster who is starting to second guess if she gave up on love too easily/quickly as she observes all the happy couples around her. She falls into orbit with an old friend George, who is moving to Lilac City with his young family after the passing of his wife, who was Edith's dearest friend.

This was just so incredibly sweet. It was great seeing Edith and George get to re-know each other after falling out of touch for so many years. Edith was enormously easy to root for as a character and I found George to be charming. Despite the shorter length Weaver still managed to pack a lot in and with suitable depth, and I loved the family dynamics.

[Aud · Rating 5 out of 5]

"An Equal for Edith" by Donna K. Weaver
Yes, this is a sweet and clean truly romantic love story or is it stories? A story that exemplifies Christian values and the practicality of those values without even a little bit of preaching involved. Prayers do get answered although not always as quickly as a person might wish. If you have unfulfilled prayers, this story may bolster your ability to persevere. With all the power and strength this story evokes, it still is a light fun read. Happy Reading ! !
Note: I received an ARC of this story from the author. I was supposed to look for typo's and such… I hope I found them all but sometimes I just got so caught up in the story,,, well I may have missed a few. This review reflects my honest opinion(s).

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc and the views and opinions are my own. This was a wonderful story that took you back in time. The author’s words bring you into the story where you can feel their pain and fear. My favourite part was when Edith is cooking over an outdoor stove she made and the rich are gathered around demanding that she cook for them. You will have to read what she says. I laughed! Edith and George worked well together and I loved how the children got involved with keeping them together. A really good read that I would recommend to all.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this series was over after Frances we'd, but I am so glad Mrs. Weaver is continuing it. Edith is a wonderful lady and deserved her own HEA. This was such an interesting twist including an old friend, but also the devastation of the San Francisco earthquake. I loved learning more about that and seeing how our heros worked through those hard times. This was a wonderful story and I'm so happy for Edith and George.

[Donna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories that have strong women, especially at a time where women were not seen as such. The characters were great in this story and I loved how the children grew after suffering hardships. The San Francisco earthquake added some good suspense and drama to the story.This is a sweet, clean romance.