Can her dreams for the future--and a budding romance--survive the trouble that comes calling?
Larkspur Nielsen is determined to keep her family homestead running and to fulfill their dream of starting a seed catalog, with or without her siblings' help. With Isaac McTavish back in town, Lark finds herself at odds with her own heart and her determination to shoulder the burden of carrying her responsibilities alone. But Isaac is set on convincing her that he's here to stay and she doesn't have to carry everything by herself.
As a new romance blossoms between Lilac and an old schoolmate and the other Nielsen sisters are busy caring for their families, Lark bears more and more responsibility on the farm. When a long-feared threat returns and Lark approaches the breaking point, the life she has always dreamed of is in danger of disappearing forever.
Award-winning and bestselling author Lauraine Snelling has over 80 books published with sales of over 4.5 million. Her original dream was to write horse books for children. Today, she writes adult novels about real issues centered on forgiveness, loss, domestic violence and cancer in her inspirational contemporary women’s fiction titles and historical series, including the favorite, Blessing books about Ingeborg Bjorklund and family.
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
This was my first introduction to the Nielsen sisters. Yes, that’s correct. I started with book 4, the final book in the ‘Leah’s Garden’ series.
The first thing that I noticed was how vividly the author wrote about the homesteading struggles of the Nielsen family in the late 1860s. I felt the physical and emotional challenges of fleeing Linksburg, Ohio, starting afresh in Salton, Nebraska, and fostering patience as the characters learned to wait on God’s timing.
I enjoyed reading about Lilac, the youngest sister, and her role in repairing the family mercantile as well as the blossoming love between her and an old schoolmate.
I was feverishly turning pages as (the eldest sister) Larkspur’s past came calling and the position it put her in to make an important choice. We can’t always run away from our struggles and it’s good to see characters face theirs. It helps us develop empathy and collect the ‘tools’ necessary to fight our own battles. We all have a villain lurking in our past. More than likely, we’ll have to face ‘him’.
I enjoyed how the author allowed her readers into Larkspur’s mind while she debated Isaac McTavish’s role in her life. She realizes what’s at stake with her family farm, her business, and her determination to remain single. When her past comes calling, readers see her grapple with her independence and choose between going it alone or learning to rely on God and Isaac. So often I forget to bring God into the decision process. This was a good reminder.
The theme of wounds and healing was expertly woven into this story. I think what spoke to me most was that long after the battle, we may be left still dealing with destruction. Sometimes we have scars to remind us of our victory.
The theme of loyalty and reliance played out well in this fantastic book. I loved how the siblings supported each other through the highs and the lows. The author’s spotlight on the importance of family was wonderful and I appreciated how they each contributed to individual healing and growth.
Most of all I loved the author's ability to place me in the setting.
I was gifted this copy by Bethany House and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
A Season of Harvest is the fourth book in the Leah's Garden series. The series is about 4 sisters, all named after flowers. The sisters have really faced some hardships in life and despite them not always agreeing with each on everything, when in a bind they are always there for each other. The author has a flair for writing historical fiction that feels real. I could picture many of the things taking place in my mind during this time period. The books and situations are not fancy or full of pretense, in one situation a woman's dress drags in the dirt. Very realistic for this time period. We can feel the tension in many of the scenes but despite this the sisters keep their strong faith. It's so easy to get lost in the long-ago times written here centering around family, faith and unconditional love.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
It's Lark's turn to find happiness, but she seems bound and determined to push it away. She wants to seem content to find her happiness in loving her sisters' families and working her farm. Isaac McTavish has fallen in love with Miss Lark, but she doesn't feel she can depend on him and pushes him away.
In the meantime, Lilac has gone back to Ohio to see their brothers, help her oldest brother reopen his store after the fire, and possibly bring Jonas back with her to help with the harvest on the farm. While there, she reconnects with Sam, an old school mate. He lost his arm in the War Between the States, but he has a teaching credential, so Lilac convinces Sam to apply for the teaching job in her town in Nebraska. Sam sees the opportunity as a godsend and a way to get some distance from his mother's hovering. She means well, but Sam feels suffocated by her ministrations.
There is one anachronism in the book that kind of took me aback. When Sam begins his new school year, he begins his day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. It wasn't written until about twenty years later. That is the only thing I feel I can criticize about the book. I THINK it was customary in those days to recite the Lord's Prayer, or possibly a Psalm to open the school day. The book reads as a slice of life for the frontier farmer. There is a bit of excitement here and there in the plot of the book, but it reads more as a narrative of daily life--almost like a journal. This doesn't mean that the plot is too slow, it means that there is more time to delve into the thoughts of the characters and get to know them even better. It's a fitting wrap up to the series. Lauraine Snelling and Kiersti Giron have done a masterful job with the series and I look forward to see what they come up with next.
Four Strong Stars.
Bethany House provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own
I loved this book! The story is full of surprises, difficult circumstances, accidents, births, death and and some beautiful love stories! I enjoyed the setting of Nebraska in the 1800's. The Nielsen farm comes to life with descriptive words and prose.
The characters are so familiar to me! They're like family! The Nielsen sisters are amazing! They're industrious and never shirk from hard work. I love the closeness of this family and how they include others in their lives! Larkspur is such a take charge woman. She does struggle with matters of the heart. Isaac's character is complex. He loves Larkspur but is hesitant to act on that love.
Faith in God is prevalent throughout the book! I liked that the characters struggled and weren't shy about it. I also enjoyed the stories that were told during the church services. They touched my heart. It's evident that the author values faith.
I was provided a copy of the book from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is book 4 in the series and I started with this one. I recommend reading the others first. This book does do a good job of recapping what happened in the others though. I liked all 4 main characters, Lilac, Lark, Sam and Isaac. I think Sam was my favorite, he lost an arm in the war but he doesn’t let that stop him and he is an awesome school teacher. There was a lot going on in this story and sometimes there was a bit too much going on for me. But I really enjoyed it. Great strong Christian themes and content.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
A Season of Harvest was obtained from NetGalley. This is the fourth installment of Leigh’s Garden. Larkspur is trying to keep the farm and seed catalog company going feeling that she needs to do it all and never ask for help when needed. Issac is ready to put down roots, but a summons from family might shift those plans. Lilac has gone back to Ohio to help her brother. She meets a former classmate and perhaps a new romance. However an old enemy may follow her back west. This is a wonderful read. I love the family and how they come together to help in time of need. The descriptors of pioneer life, make me feel that I am right there.
A SEASON OF HARVEST is the next chapter in this large Nielsen family with the main characters being two of the girls: Lark and Lilac. The story focuses on this family, with glimpses from neighbors and friends and a few notable men, with an historical, small-town setting and aspects of faith with romance and some suspense. Fans of the author and series will enjoy revisiting this family and finding out what happens next.
For me, this was a rough read without having read the previous three books. That isn't usually the case with series from this publisher, but with this author's writing style and the family this series focuses on being all introduced and involved in this story, it made it a bit disconnecting. In the first chapter alone I lost count of the number of people introduced, and then in the second chapter there are just about an equal amount introduced. Then you have one POV from Lark in the first chapter and Lilac's in the second. As I wasn't previously familiar with the characters, I pretty much gave up keeping anyone straight. The character's voices also weren't unique enough to really tell one from the other. The reason I start my review with this caveat is so readers who haven't read the other books are warned that you need to go back and start with book one and proceed from there. It's also so that readers who aren't good at remembering characters know to just wait until the series is all out and then read all the books in short succession. If, however, you've read the other books and are good with characters, you should be just fine. I'm normally quite good at keeping characters all straight and keeping track of them all and I would say that this is the first book where I haven't been able to do that, so it is definitely something to be aware of going in. The author does give some recaps, so you don't actually need to remember what happened in previous books and that is helpful.
I liked this family and the two main characters of this story, Lark and Lilac. They each have their own strengths and talents. They also have different life experiences even being raised together. Lark doesn't know if she'll ever have a chance to marry and raise her own family and Lilac broke an engagement because her fiance didn't really see her so she worries about not continuing what she loves and being herself. They each face challenges, especially in trying to help their family and sustain their farm. Some trouble from the past adds some excitement while some possible romance adds some enjoyment. The romantic interests fell into place fairly easily, but were both different with their own unique personalities. I enjoyed seeing how the relationships blossomed while also working through some different challenges. These characters are full of faith, which is weaved throughout. I also liked the old journal and how it added a family history aspect. It's a fairly predictable read, but still an enjoyable one.
There was one other thing that didn't work for me in this book. I was a bit bored. I think because a lot of the book is predominantly describing the day-to-day life, chores, and relationships of these characters. There are books that I've loved that do the same, but I couldn't seem to engage or connect much except in a few places and not until a fourth of the way through the book. Even then, I wasn't consistently engaged. It seemed like a level of depth or immersion was missing. I felt I could have skimmed or skipped a lot and not missed anything much of the time. Having said that, the second half of the book was better in keeping me engaged. I also know there are readers who enjoy stories like this, so it is a style of writing that does connect with readers. Just not necessarily me.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall sweet book. It's a story of family and faith, with some romance and a bit of suspense. Recommended to fans of the author and series.
Content: Clean Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This is book four in the Leah’s Garden series and although I’ve only read book three previously I have enjoyed getting to know these sisters. Take a step back in time to Salton, Nebraska in 1868 and experience the hardships these women face and how they never gave up on fulfilling their mother’s dream of starting a seed catalog. The cover is so beautiful and tugs you to open up the book and become immersed. Lark strives to do and be everything to everyone and forgets to seek a life for herself until her heartstrings start to pull her toward Isaac but can he be trusted to not disappear. I loved these characters and their stubbornness. A wonderful story of family devotion, faith that binds them together, fulfilling desires of the heart, difficulties that can be hard to bear, and finding love. I wanted more please. I throughly enjoyed getting to know this family as it feels like old friends. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Season of Harvest by Lauraine Snelling and Kiersti Giron, is book 4 in the Leah's Garden series. This is an enjoyable series to read. It's been fun to keep up with the Nielsen family and see how determined they are to carry on the love of flowers that their mother had. It's enjoyable to see how the whole family is there for each other in time of need, even with the distance between them. It's fun to see how close the sisters are and how they care for each other even after they are married and have a family of their own.
This story focuses on Larkspur and a class mate that she reconnects with. It is easy to see God's hand in bringing Larkspur and Isaac together when a need for a teacher opens up where Larkspur lives at just the right time in Isaac's life. This story is filled with family love, growing relationship and even mystery and suspense as the man Larkspur beat in a card game comes after her. I love her determination to take on the responsibilities of the family and keeping the flowers growing for the family to fulfill their dream of a seed catalog in honor of their mother.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review
A heart warming story of a family who was closely connected and supported each other, through all life challenges. The narrative conveys how hard the pioneer days were for families. The author integrates scripture references and applications which were appropriate reminders to all of us for what we face.
I enjoyed book 4 in the Leah’s garden series. The characters drew you in and made you feel a part of the storyline. The fact it was set in the 1800’s helps you realize what it was like and the struggles people faced during this time. I found the book very engaging.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.
"When a long-feared threat returns and Lark approaches the breaking point, the life she has always dreamed of is in danger of disappearing forever,” it states online regarding the Christian novel, A Season of Harvest by Lauraine Snelling with Kiersti Giron.
~ What ~ The fourth book in the Leah’s Garden series, this three-hundred-and-forty-page advanced reader copy targets those interested in a historical romance involving a sister who feels she must be in control of everything, leaving little time for love. The topics of gambling, injuries, physical abuse, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers.
Set in Nebraska in the mid-1800s, this ongoing tale about four sisters involves mainly the eldest, Larkspur, who is stubbornly determined to run the family farm by herself, and Lilac, who questions if she is rebounding when she becomes interested in a past schoolmate. When the past returns to haunt the family, they must band together and trust God on the outcome.
~ Why ~ I appreciate reads where I learn something, and this saga about a family trying to thrive and survive was engaging. I liked the deep commitment Larkspur had for her siblings and the farm and Lilac’s devotion to others. It was thoughtful to focus on how control can wear a person down while pride and fear threaten to take over. The many prayers, written-out hymns, and townspeople’s testimonies were nice additions.
~ Why Not ~ Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story of giving control to God. Since I had only read the third book, I felt the beginning of this one was slow, but it did redeem itself showing how the Lord is always nearby and provides peace when we trust in Him.
~ Wish ~ I hope the final copy includes a list of characters as there are a plethora of them weaved throughout the story. It would have been ideal to add the simple plan of salvation, but it may have been in a prior book. I prefer all pronouns of God to be capitalized for reverence.
~ Want ~ If you read the three prior books in the series, you may enjoy this one that weaves all four sisters together as they learn that they reap what they sow, especially when it comes to trying to control things while learning to let go and let God handle life’s problems.
Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
A Season Of Harvest by Lauraine Snelling with Kiersti Giron is the finale book in Leah’s Garden series. It is a wonderful, warm historical Christian novel and set in 1868. Each book in the series has focused on one of the four Nielson sisters, it is the turn of Lark, the eldest, in this book. Lark has always been a mother hen, looking out for others. She feels that she is destined to be alone, locking her heart up inside in order to protect. Her independence even draws her away from the gifts that God has for her, as she does not believe she is worthy to receive them. Another character is also a loner, riddled with guilt that is left over from the American Civil War. He believes that he does not deserve love, finding it easier to keep moving – but he, too, will miss out on God’s best for him. We all have a past. We must not live there but we can learn lessons from our past. “The past is behind us, but it mold shapes us.” Prayer is important. “Lord… too much swirled in his mind and heart to find the words to pray just now. Good thing the Almighty didn’t require them.” Sometimes there are no words, but God knows just what is in our hearts. When life is uncertain, we can trust God. “She could count on God.” He is just a prayer away. “He is here, whenever we might call upon Him.” God takes the messes of our lives and makes a masterpiece. “God works all things together for good.” God does His best work in the middle of our messy lives. “Not to lose heart if the path you thought lay clear before you seems suddenly murky… Our God is faithful, and He can be trusted.” God loves each and everyone of us. He has no prejudices or preconceived ideas. “Help me to see this boy as You see him.” We need to have the eyes, the ears and the heart of Jesus as we travel through this world. Leah’s Garden has been a wonderful set of books. All the characters are delightfully drawn. They spread the fragrance of God’s love wherever they go. This is a most charming series that will warm your heart and leave you smiling. I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
First sentence: "Make sure you send me a telegram when you get to Linksburg."
What should you know about A Season of Harvest? 1) It's historical ROMANCE set in Nebraska in 1868. 2) It's the FOURTH in a series. 3) Each book focuses on a family of sisters; each novel features at least one romance. 4) There are brothers but they are less important because their romances aren't featured. (Okay, that might be an exaggeration). 5) By the fourth book there are dozens of characters to keep track of. No characters are dropped. 6) If you do not read the novels close together, you may end up super-confused OR super-frustrated OR both.
I have read the other novels in the series. At least I am mostly sure I have read the first two books. (I think I've read the third.) It wasn't recent enough for me to remember ANY details about the story. Not the sisters' names. Not the husbands' names. Not the kids' names. No major plot twists. No minor plot twists.
Is this one written so that it could stand alone? No. Not really. To start with the fourth book would be like tuning into a movie when you've only got thirty minutes left. You might pick up enough to know if you want to watch the movie in its entirety. You might like it enough to want to know the title so that you could seek it out to watch it. But you'll have more questions than answers. When it comes to this novel, I felt the characterization was relying so much on reader's previous knowledge in other books that it was a little lacking.
I did like that the novel shows how the Civil War still has WOUNDS--literal and figurative--that are open. Four or five years might have passed but for those who fought, for those who lost brothers or husbands or fathers or sons, it's still FRESH and very much still a trauma to work through.
Larkspur and Lilac are the two single sisters when the novel opens. The other three novels in the series has focused on the other sisters and their romances.
‘A Season of Harvest’ Fourth book on the Leah’s Garden series By Lauraine Snelling and Kierstin Giron
This series encompasses the stories of four sisters, the Nielsen sisters. And this’ the story of the eldest, Larkspur Grace. Even though I haven’t read the previous stories on this series it didn’t avert me from the storyline. And since I love this author’s writing I knew I was in store for a delightful read. Though, it’s always great to read the rest of the series, since you’ll know of the characters background stories, but I never felt lost or needing the backstory, it can be a standalone novel.
This’ a story of forgiveness, second chances, “be ye kind one to another”, sisters and family, small town life and farm life 💖
What I like most about this book is that the story transports me to my own grandparents small farm with all the pleasant descriptions of daily life. The milking of cows, feeding the chickens, gathering eggs, etc. It’s lovely to think of long gone days where even the children played an important role in life. There’s a strong family unity, Christian values and principles to learn and imitate for our lives today and always. And it’s just wonderful to see how friends and a whole town get together lending helping hands when tragedy strikes. There’s nothing like reading about bygone days.
I loved this excerpt… “Our God is faithful and He can be trusted. That doesn’t mean we won’t know heartache —I’m afraid Jesus promised we would. But though the twists and turns of our lives may often not be what we plan or expect, that doesn’t mean they aren’t for good. Not if we trust them into God’s hands, even though we can’t see the way clear before us.”
Thank you NetGalley and Bethany House for providing this book for review. All opinions are my own.
I have been a fan of author Lauraine Snelling for many years. A Season of Harvest is Book 4 in the Leah's Garden series. I read Book 3 in this series and I am excited to read this book.
We are taking back to the 1860's in Nebraska and Farm Life of the Nielsen Family. Larkspur Nielsen is undeterred by the lack of help from her siblings in running the Farm. She is very focused on keeping the Farm going and starting a Seed Catalog Business. She is finding her more and more lacking the energy to do this alone. Isaac McTavish is back in town and he is doing his best to reassure her she doesn't have to do it alone, he is here to stay and to help her. The past catches up with Lark and it really tries to put Lark over the edge. Could this information cause Lark to lose everything she ever dreamed of? Will Isaac and Lark have a relationship or can that be ruined by the past coming to the present?
WOW, the storyline starts and ends STRONG! Lark is a very independent and determined woman. I really LOVE that she wants the Family to succeed and is willing to do more then her share to get there. Isaac is an AMAZING character. His reassurance to Lark and willingness to help her is amazing. I felt for Lark when the past catches up to her, but again she rises above and gets through that situatioin also. This book is one of Forgiveness, Faith, and Family. I am sad that this is the last book in this series. I am definetly going to read the series in order so get the whole gist of the series! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Fiction Romance. FANTASTIC BOOK!
“A Season of Harvest” is the fourth installment in the Leah’s Garden series, transporting me to 1860s Nebraska, with its vivid setting and charming characters. The series revolves around the Neilson sisters, each named after a different flower.
This book focuses on Larkspur (Lark) and Lilac, two sisters who are very different. Lark, the eldest, exudes strength and determination but struggles with the need for control. Lilac, on the other hand, grapples with her emotions as she navigates feelings for an old schoolmate after her broken engagement.
The sisters’ alternating POVs reveal a journey of self-discovery and reliance on God’s plan. I like how they expose the importance of letting-go-and-letting-God.
I enjoyed the family dynamics and the beauty and challenges of frontier life this story offers, but especially appreciate how it explores surrendering to God. This is an inspiring and rewarding story for those who enjoy Christian Historical Fiction that illuminates the importance of faith and family.
First Line: “Make sure you send a telegram when you get to Linksburg. Series: Leah’s Garden, book 4 Genre: Christian Historical Fiction Author: Lauraine Snelling Page Count: 336
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
A Season of Harvest by Lauraine Snelling is Historical Fiction. This fourth book in the Leah’s Garden series continues the stories of Larkspur, Lilac, Forsythia, and Delphinium, along with their family and friends. Focusing primarily on Larkspur and Lilac, this book provides interesting insight into someone who has reconciled herself to being single. Larkspur accepts the fact she may never marry. So, she focuses on the family farm and building the family’s mail-order seed business.
Meanwhile, Lilac remains open to love even though she walked away from a chance at marriage in the last book. But, in this book, she reconnects with a family friend, and the possibility of marriage looms before her. With men who have to overcome their pasts, this story kept me reading.
While you could read this book alone, I recommend reading the books in order to get to know the characters and their struggles and see how the girls develop and grow into the women God intended them to be. This series is a beautifully written testimony to the power of God’s love and provisions for our lives.
So, if you enjoy historical fiction, check out A Season of Harvest by Lauraine Snelling for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
A Season of Harvest is a wonderful continuation of a series that I’ve been enjoying! The characters are amazing and I love them! I had been waiting for this book so I could see if Larkspur finally gets her own happily ever after. She’s the oldest sister. She keeps everything running and keeps the farm going plus the family together. But she never gets a break.
What happens when she finally meets her match? When she has to rely on other people instead of her own strength? Can she trust God to always have her best interest in mind? And can she trust other people?
The book read quickly. I loved getting to see old friends again and see what had happened in their lives. It’s like catching up with friends you’ve known forever.
Don’t get me wrong. There is suspense. And there are hard times. Tragedies happen. But through it all family prevails and will take care of their own. You’ll love this novel! Just make sure you block off enough time to read this novel instead of having to set it down half way through!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Oh I love a sweet budding romance type novel and this one hit the target with a perfect bullseye!
Larkspur Nielsen runs a homestead with her sisters and even though they have been struggling she is determined to stay strong and keep at it. With the troubles at the homestead she hasn’t had time to worry about her heart. That is until Isaac McTavish comes to town and tries to convince her to let him help. It doesn’t take long for feelings to develop between the two and even more trouble for her at the homestead.
A Season of Harvest is a sweet romance that readers of historical romance will quickly fall in love with. The story played out in such a sweet way that I found myself smiling as I turned the pages. The story has a picture painted so clearly that I felt like I was standing in the places along with these characters. This is the fourth book in the series and while it could possibly be read as a standalone ,I would recommend reading the series in order to get the most out of each and every book. This book has a high faith element and readers will feel that connection as they read and hopefully get something out of it more than just a good story. I recommend this book to readers that enjoy historical romance in the best sense.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
A Season of Harvest by Lauraine Snelling; Kiersti Giron Pub Date 30 Jan 2024 Bethany House,Bethany House Publishers Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance
Netgalley and Bethany House Publishers sent me a copy of A Season of Harvest to review.
Can her dreams--and a budding romance--survive trouble?
With or without her siblings' help, Larkspur Nielsen is determined to keep the family homestead running and start a seed catalog. With Isaac McTavish back in town, Lark finds herself at odds with her own heart and determination to handle her responsibilities alone. But Isaac is set on convincing her that he's here to stay and she doesn't have to carry everything by herself.Isaac wants to convince her that he's here to stay and that she doesn't have to carry everything alone.
Lark bears more and more responsibility on the farm as a romance blossoms between Lilac and an old schoolmate and the other Nielsen sisters are busy caring for their families. When a long-feared threat returns and Lark approaches the breaking point, the life she has always dreamed of is in danger of disappearing forever.The life Lark has always dreamed of is in danger of disappearing forever when a long-feared threat returns.
I give A Season of Harvest five out of five stars!
A Season of Harvest is written by Lauraine Snelling. This author is one that I first read when I became a Christian. She always does such a fantastic job with her stories. This is book four in the Leah’s garden series. I’ve not read all the books but I didn’t have any issues following along.
The Nielsen sisters have found some hardships with starting fresh. However their sister bond is strong and lean on each other when things are not going great.
In this story, it’s Lark and Lilac’s turn to find happiness. However Lark wants to love on her sisters families and work the farm. Enter Isaac McTavish. He has fallen in love with Lark, but she doesn't feel she can depend on him and pushes him away.
Lilac has to return to Ohio to assist her brothers and hopefully bring Sam back to help with the Harvest. While she is there she reconnects with an old classmate, Sam. Sam has his teaching certificate and a mother who is constantly hovering. When Lilac recommends her town for teaching he sees it as a good thing.
I love the historical detail that the author has put into the story. I love this family. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book all thoughts are my own.
This is the fourth in a series that I did not start from the beginning with. This particular book goes back and ties up some loose ends concerning older sister Larkspur, which by the way I really like that name. Anyway, I do think that I would have benefitted more with knowing the dynamics of the family and what Lark was going through if I had started from the beginning. That was my mistake as this is a very well told family drama.
I felt for Lark, as she is seeing a lot of change. Her sisters are marrying and branching out on their own with their families. She acts as a mother hen towards her youngest sister all the while trying to keep the once upon a time family dream of running their own homestead alive. The theme of family and staying together was crucial, I feel the same. They had been through a lot, and I do like that this last book catches up with everyone and wraps everything up. I only wish I started from the beginning first.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Larkspur Is a Hardy Flower, and Larkspur Is a Hardy Woman Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2024 A Season of Harvest is book 4 in the Leah's Garden series by Lauraine Snelling and Kiersti Geron. The stories are about three young women who leave Ohio and move by wagon train to settle in Nebraska in 1865. This story begins Four years later., highlighting Larkspur, the eldest sister, and Lilac, the youngest sister.
If you liked the other three books or any other books by Lauraine Snelling, you will like this one. The story is not very exciting, but we do get to live in Salton Nebraska in 1868. Larkspur, Lilac and their family are our friends. I really felt as though I was there.
Without spoiling I'll just mention that there were a couple of serious accidents, a little romance, and the villain.
I do recommend A Season of Harvest. It's probably best to read the other books first, which I had done, but the author(s) does mention some events from the past stories.
I received a copy of the book from Bethany House through NetGalley, but was not obligated to give a good review.
Lauraine Snelling writes detailed Christian historical fiction with intriguing storylines. In every series of hers that I’ve read, I’ve come away feeling as if I had known the characters in real life. This book continues the story of the Nielsen sisters and is the fourth book in the “Leah’s Garden” series.
This particular book in the series focuses on sisters Larkspur and Lilac. Both are committed to help their family establish their family farm. They have seen their siblings marry and begin families, and in this book they are both wondering what the future holds for them. As the Nielsen family grows, they experience times of happiness, struggle, heartbreak and even danger. But through it all, they hold fast to their faith and God’s guidance in their lives. I’ve enjoyed this series, and would recommend this beautiful series to you.
One recommendation I would make is that you read the books in this series in order. You can read this as a stand alone book, but you’ll appreciate the events in this book more if you’ve read the other three books first.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I have always enjoyed this authors writing because she has this knack of getting readers hooked right away on her stories. They flow easily and I felt like I was planted in the time period. I loved being part of the celebration when the mercantile had their grand reopening. It’s a new beginning for the town. Now people can start to live their lives without worrying so much about loss.
I have read the first three in this series so it helped me fall right into the story without being lost. I would recommend if you haven’t read the first ones it may help. The story catches us up on what has been happening with the sisters. It was fun to see how each one faces struggles and depend on their faith to help them.
It is a very heartwarming story that captures the feelings of family, trust and love. I enjoyed how the characters struggle with issues while relying on faith to help them. It was nice to see how the sisters were there for each other and never turned their back during hard times.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.