When her father's debts, brought on by heavy drinking, threaten Leah Carlson's family ranch, she fights to save it. When handsome banker Steven Harding must decline her loan request, he determines to do what he can to help. Just as he arrives to serve as a much-needed ranch hand, Leah's family secrets—and the pain of her past—come to a head. They could destroy everything she's fought for. And they could keep her from ever opening her heart again.
This is western historical romance that offers hope and healing to the deepest wounds in a woman's past.
Miralee Ferrell and her husband, Allen, live on eleven acres in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge in southern Washington State, where they love to garden, play with their dogs, take walks, and visit their grown children. She is also able to combine two other passions—horseback riding and spending time with her married daughter—since she lives nearby--and they often ride together on the wooded trails near their home.
Ironically, Miralee, now the author of over twenty books, with many more on the way, never had a burning desire to write—at least more than her own memoirs for her children. So she was shocked when God called her to start writing after she turned fifty. To Miralee, writing is a ministry that she hopes will impact hearts, and she anticipates how God will use each of her books to bless and change lives.
Miralee has done it again!!!! Dreaming on Daisies continues the saga of a small town in Oregon. The book may be number three in the series but can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. The characters and setting are so real to life, you are transported there while reading. Leah and Steven are introduced in the previous book but their characters are developed more in this book. They both have families and problems to deal with. I love how she weaves her story while the characters deal with their issues of trust, faith, and all the other problems that everyday people face. I always hate when I reach the end of the book knowing I have to wait a while for another book to be released. Way to go Miralee!!!!!
Miralee Ferrell is an amazing author and this book didn't disappoint! Leah's story keep me rooted to my seat and hanging on to every word. This is a story with a deeply rooted message in God's love and faithfulness, providing hope to the hopeless. I can't wait to read more by this fantastic author! Read my full review: http://faithlovebooks.blogspot.com/20...
Dreaming on Daisies, the third book in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series, is about Leah Carlson who we first met briefly in book one where she was a member of Katherine's quilting circle. When I first learned she was getting her own story I was excited to learn more about the mysterious Leah. One thing I didn't expect from Leah's character, but was very pleased by, was her strength and determination. She has the ability to get things done and she succeeds at the tasks set before her. She almost single-handedly ran the ranch because of her father's own human weaknesses but, at the same time she was vulnerable and had some serious trust issues when it came to men. She was the type of heroine I look for in a book, rugged yet feminine.
Steven Harding was introduced in book two where he was reunited with his sister Beth. After Beth being separated from Steven and their mother at a young age, they have a lot of catching up to do but it leads to some very difficult feelings of being excluded on Steven's part. Because of it a little envy and jealousy spring forth. But with God's help both Leah and Steven work through their issues and a sweet romance develops.
What do I love most about this book? With Dreaming on Daisies, just like books one and two, I really identified with the main character. Leah's father had a very common human weakness that made him a slave, so to speak, and unable to keep up with his duties on the ranch and be a proper father to Leah. When I was a child I WAS Leah because my dad had the same weakness. I feel many readers will identify with her story as well and learn how to better cope through the message this books conveys. Miralee Ferrell has a way of helping the reader through her writing by using a scriptural foundation and Biblical teachings that speak to the heart of a person and that's one of the reasons I love this series so much. It also has characters that I craved to read more about, such as Wilma Roberts and Frances Cooper, and I wasn't disappointed. Their grumpy but friendly banter often had me laughing and I found myself looking for their next interaction. They can be put out with each other at times but their friendship runs deep and it comes through beautifully in every scene. I also loved the fact that this story moves us a little ways out of Baker City and onto Leah's father's ranch for most of the story. I love books written in a "Western" setting. Ranches, horses and Cowboys just make a great story even better and that's one of the reasons Dreaming on Daisies is my favorite book in this series. Add to that a strong storyline, great character development, historical Oregon as a beautiful backdrop and a Christian foundation and you have an amazing finale to what I feel is a very strong series. Miralee Ferrell speaks to you through the written word and will touch your heart in a way that's seldom done through fictional writing. I personally recommend this book, this entire series, to anyone that loves historical romance with a personal message!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for my honest review and no monetary compensation was received.
Come to Me, All You Who Are Weary and Burdened, and I Will Give You Rest
Sometimes love and healing spring up from the most unlikely of places.
At age 23, Leah Carlson has experienced more than her share of heartache. After her mother's death nine years earlier, her father spiraled into alcoholism and her brother fled. Since then, Leah has worked herself to the bone to maintain the family's ranch and to keep her desolation and fear of abandonment from bubbling over, but her situation is quickly coming to a head, and she must face the truth or risk drowning in the aftermath.
Steven Harding, a relative newcomer to Baker City, Oregon, has a good job at the bank and has overseen the reunion of his family. However, his well-hidden issues of bitterness and loss continue to plague him. Uncertain of what his future holds, he returns to his roots by taking a side job at Pape's ranch. As he struggles to come to terms with his own past, he realizes that he must begin to determine the direction of his future, as well. Is it possible for the Lord to bring healing and renewal after so many years--and, more importantly, are Leah and Steven prepared to receive it?
In this third novel of the "Love Blossoms in Oregon" series, Miralee Ferrell again demonstrates her uncanny ability to interweave historical fiction with contemporary reality. She illuminates issues that are timeless in their ability to impact and bring hope to the lives of those suffering from the pain of addiction, depression, abandonment, and more, all while building characters who are believable and familiar. "Dreaming on Daisies" can be read as a standalone story, but it does bring the trilogy full-circle and allows readers to see the growth of former characters as they combine seamlessly into a communal whole. This series will bless and inspire all adult readers, offering true compassion, understanding, and ultimately triumph to a world in desperate need.
Young Leah Carlson is saddled with running the ranch of her increasingly ne'er-do-well father, Charlie Pape. Heart-sick over his wife's death years before, Charlie visits the saloon and leaves more and more of the day-to-day running of the ranch to Leah and the ranch foreman. Charlie's son,and Leah's brother,Tom, lights out for places unknown as soon as he is able. With Charlie's continued drinking and gambling, the ranch is soon in dire straights.
Steven Harding, a bank teller, and brother of Beth (from Wishing on Buttercups, the previous book),is unable to extend a bank loan. He then thinks to lend aid by renting a room at the ranch and helping with the ranch chores. This way he can also be close to Leah, of whom he is becoming fond.
This is the third full-length book in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series by Miralee Ferrell. Set in the 1880's in Oregon, the book grabs your attention because the characters grapple with issues that are troublesome today: betrayal, deceit, desertion, inability to trust, pride, sharp tongue, forgiveness, sibling rivalry for parent affection,etc. Miralee uses skillful word pictures, fun characters, well-timed humor, and beautiful prose to present her enduring stories of love and the Old West. Not to be missed!
Although this is the third in a series, fourth if you count the novella, Forget Me Not, it stands alone well. I was provided an advance copy of this book by the author in exchange for a review.
Miralee Ferrell has a writing style that pulls you into the pages of her books. Dreaming on Daisies invites you into the lives and romance of characters briefly mentioned in previous books within this series. Her characters are so real--you will find strong personalities, people who learned to look at themselves though others' eyes, people who struggle with addictions, warm and inviting personalities, and so many more real-to-life character traits. A person would be hard-pressed not to find someone in her stories with whom you can relate. I have found this book to be very enjoyable. In fact, I have enjoyed this story the most from the Love Blossoms in Oregon Series. The banter between characters and the events that transpire throughout the story are what draw me. I have a sincere appreciation for the Christian thread throughout the story, always keeping God and her faith as the core of her writing. A copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.
Sometimes it's great when novels can reach deep inside us and reach the pain we often have hiding inside our hearts. When Miralee Ferrell decided on a theme for her latest novel in the Love Blossoms in Oregon Series, she knew she what she wanted to convey in Dreaming on Daisies. From the outside, people can appear happy but on the inside is another story. For Leah Carlson, she was still dealing with the pain of her mother's death six years ago. When that happened it seemed it took the life of the man she once knew as her father and dumped him inside a bottle of whiskey he was so found of getting lost in at the saloon in Baker City.
For years bitterness continued to grow not only in finding ways to keep from hating the man her father was becoming, but at the way she had worked so hard to make the ranch a success and now it seemed like all their money was tied up in her father's drinking binges. No matter what great ideas she had to try and turn it around, her father believed that Leah didn't possess the common sense to understand ranching was a man's business and part of his pride.
Leah had also lost her older brother Tom, when he decided to walk away from ranching and never left word where he was going or why he even left. So all Leah had to figure out the broken places of her life was pieces of what she could understand. She must try to convince the bank to provide her with a small loan to help get them back on track otherwise the only thing remaining that she has held onto all this time will be losing the ranch she has loved since she was a child. That would be the one thing that would ultimately break Leah.
Steven Harding wished he had better news for Leah when she came to him to inquire about obtaining a loan to help get them through the winter, but since the deed didn't have her name on it and her father wasn't the one inquiring about a loan, the only thing he could offer her was he would keep on trying to convince the bank to give her a chance. But without her father's signature on the loan documents, Leah would have to find another way to save the family ranch. She just wasn't hoping to rely on Steven Harding to do it. But when a mining accident leaves Steven without a place to stay, he believes he has the solution to both of their problems. If Lean agrees to let him stay on the ranch, he will help with the manual labor her father seems no longer interested in doing. But is the ranch the only thing Leah could lose?
I received Dreaming on Daisies by Miralee Ferrell compliments of David C. Cook Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. This is a powerful novel that portrays the effects of what alcoholism can have on not only the person who is addicted but the family who is struggling with dealing with it. This novel conveys a story of a young woman who's been emotionally damaged by a father who turned to alcohol and abandoned her emotionally, and a mother who abandoned her physically. It's no wonder that Leah has trust issues dealing with anyone in her life. They can leave scars even on the strongest Christian that can linger for a lifetime. The author's hope in writing this novel is that some aspect of the story would minister to their heart and that Jesus can heal every broken and wounded heart that's brought to Him as she writes in the Author Note at the conclusion of this novel. There is also a Reader's Discussion Guide in the novel as well. Well worth a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and hit home in my western romance lover's heart!
Dreaming on Daisies by Miralee Ferrell is the third book in the “Love Blossoms in Oregon” series. It is, in short, a great read!
I had not heard of Miralee before her book “Blowing on Dandelions”, and ever since I have been eating up her books!
This one follows Leah Carlson who has had a life full of hardship and hurts. Her Mother died while she was on the verge of becoming a young lady, just when a girl needs her Mom the most. Her Father fell into drinking to keep his pain at bay, not even thinking about the increased pain he was bringing to hid daughter. With the only other love in her life left, the family ranch, she fell into caring for it with gusto!
Leah meets Steven Harding at the bank where he works, he sees a young woman who has touched his heart and he sets out to help her in any way he can. While he is doing this, he too must come to face some hurt and bitterness in his life and work to free his heart. In the process the two form a bond and help each other see the God’s hand in their lives.
I loved this book, it opened my eyes to how bitterness can burrow into your heart and blind you to so much in life if you are not careful guard your heart against the things man can do unto you. But when you take the time to see the hurt in others and open yourself to helping them, your life can take on a whole new meaning and open your heart to forgiveness that you never dreamed was possible.
You can read this book as a stand alone, but you will not regret getting the whole series.
Dreaming on Daisies was a beautiful read. Leah Carlson is trying to keep hold of her precious ranch and deal with some amazing revelations and hurt from the past. Will she allow her past to affect her future?
Steven Harding is starting over in a new town. He doesn't particular like his full time bank job, but he is thankful for it. He is also thankful for the opportunity to help Leah hold onto her dream.
Much of this book is about leaving things that belong in the past, right where they belong, in the past. Forgiveness is required. The one to forgive is gone, but forgiveness is truly for the one forgiving...not the recipient.
I loved the well developed characters in this book. In an unusual twist, my favorite character was the main male character! I really liked Steven. He had his own emotional issues with which he struggled, but he also was so willing to help and please others. His character was so well developed. I really enjoyed his story.
The reader is again introduced to the wonderful characters from the previous books, yet this book stands very well on its own.
Once again, MiraLee Ferrell has written a beautiful historical Christian novel. The characters seem real, the lessons taught are so important, and the story plot is somewhat bittersweet, as life is. Yet, it is a beautiful story that is wrapped up with an ending that leaves the reader feeling happy and blessed. I truly enjoyed this read, and I highly recommend it!
Dreaming on Daisies is the final book of Miralee Ferrell's Love Blossoms in Oregon Series, but can be read without having read the previous books. We meet a number characters from previous books in the series, who now seem like old friends. This book focuses on the values of telling the truth, forgiving and trusting others and having faith in God's love for us.
Charlie Pape battles with grief after losing his wife, having his son walk out, and has major issues with pride. His daughter, Leah, is struggling with her own grief over the loss of her mother and younger brother, and is beside herself with the problems her father's drinking has caused. Steven Harding, a new employee at the bank, would like to help, but Leah is reluctant to trust him. Steven also suffers from feelings of desertion. When cantankeous Frances Cooper takes it upon herself to set Charlie on the right path some interesting situations develop.
Miralee does a superb job of building beautiful stories around timeless problems and big as life characters with all the quirks, and good and not-so-good traits of people that we might encounter in our everyday life. The setting of this series is in Baker City, Oregon in the 1800's. The moral codes are much different than today's, but the lessons are every bit as applicable. These books are such enjoyable reading I keep wishing they were longer, and would love to see the series continue through several generations of these characters.
Dreaming On Daisies (Love Blossoms in Oregon series #3 ) By: Miralee Ferrell I was drawn into this story by the author right from the start. Miralee Ferrell has Penned an awesome story from start to finish. When I started reading Dreaming On Daisies I did not want to put it down. This is the third book in the series Love Blossoms In Oregon and I do want to say that it is my favorite. This is a good clean western historical romance and I loved it . I did not have any problems following the story or the characters. You will meet some of the same characters from the other two books. I would suggest reading the first two books in the series before you read Dreaming On Daisies, You will understand it better. This is Leah Carlson and Steven Hardings story. Leah lives with her dad on their family ranch. Leah goes to the bank and wants a loan for the ranch ,for improvements. She is turned down. Now Steven feels really bad and wants to help her someway. Leah feels she has been let down most of her life. She cannot trust anyone, she is afraid too. Steven works at the bank and he also has some family issues. I loved these two characters. Will Leah and Steven learn to trust again? I want go into the story to much , I do not want to give to much a way. Miralee did not disappoint me on Dreaming On Daisies and you will love it too. I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review, and I have given it .
**I was given an advanced copy by the author for an honest review** Leah has long since decided that in her life nothing is constant. Her mother died when she was young, her father is an alcoholic, and her brother has run away from home. She has decided that no matter what, nothing good was going to come her way, and no man would ever look at her they way they looked at her pretty friend Beth. Soon, she is introduced to Steven, Beth's brother, who against all odds, determines to win over Leah, no matter how long it takes.Both Steven and Leah know there is an attraction, although neither know its mutual. They begin to talk, and as their stories come out, both reveal the hurts that they have been through with parents and family, and the forgiveness they know they need to give, but seem to have a hard time finding the right mind set for the forgiveness. As more of Leah's past comes to light with the return of her brother, she stands to lose not only the love of Steven but that of her father as well. Will she be able to find room in her heart to forgive the past or will it continue to haunt her forever? I loved this read, it was quick and easy, and fun. I would definitely recommend this read out to anyone who wants a good book to curl up with!
Dreaming on Daisies by Miralee Ferrell She has done it again! Drawn into the Oregon continued saga of a small town. From the first chapter to the last (which I always hate because I want it to continue on), she takes real life human situations and embeds her characters with them. Introducing Leah and Steven in the last book and adding more close friends the stage is set for this book. Still true to the characters from the boardinghouse, the bond is seen through words. Living in the past brings nothing but heartache. Leah must face a lot of “ghosts from her past” and learn how to live with them in every aspect of life. Miralee brings us face to face with the many emotions, draws on our hearts and minds as the story reveals unforgiveness, anger and resentment. I love how this town from long ago can still today be true in each of our lives. God worked on my heart through the words and actions of the characters brought to life with my own memories and pictures of my life. Thank you Miralee for such a clean and Godly book! I love the romance of this era, old fashioned yet modern for many. I appreciate the opportunity to once again read for you and review!
Dreaming on Daisies Book Review While this book is the 4th in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series, it could be read alone. However you will want to read the whole series so you can meet and get to know the varied characters in the story. Each character adds depth and personality to the story and makes you feel like you know the whole community. Dreaming on Daisies is a story about a family that has its foundation in lies and secrets. Each member has their own resulting wounds and pain. Bitterness and pride get in the way of healing. When a virtual stranger ends up living on the ranch and helping out, an unexpected romance develops with neither person sure they can trust enough to love. Conflicts arise, tempers flare, confrontations occur, and eventually through God’s grace healing begins in the way each of them needs. Forgiveness is the catalyst for change and it made me think of situations in which I need to forgive also. It is a moving story that will make you feel deeply. Sometimes I got frustrated with the characters just as I would if the person were real. And I rejoiced when they got it right! It was a good book, but you should read the whole series!
Miralee Ferrell is one of those authors who writes novels that live in your heart. Every book I have ever read by her just speaks to you and makes you feel things as you devour the story. And Dreaming on Daisies is no different. The Love Blossoms in Oregon series has probably been my favorite but I found the books she wrote for the Love Finds You line coming in a close second.
This book here is number 3 in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series and it is a hard choice over who would be my favorite character. I personally love Wilma and Frances. If you have read the previous books you will recognize many of the people but these two women quickly grew to become favorites. One of the things that spoke to me in this story was the feeling of being loved. We never know how much the rebellion or coldness on the outside is a show, and all they really want is love. Needless to say, I don't want to give anything away, but this book is a must have!! Went on my keeper shelf with the others.
DREAMING ON DAISIES is the third in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series, but it easily stands alone. I didn’t read any of the two previous books but had no problem keeping up with what was happening in this story.
Leah is a very strong heroine, caught in a world of loss. Her mom died, her brother took off, and her stepfather checks out of life by becoming a drunkard. Steven, too, suffered a lot of loss. His sister vanished as a child, when she was recovered his mother checked out to dote on her, he lost his family land, and his home. I wondered how these poor characters would persevere and conquer.
I enjoyed reading this book, but it wasn’t stupendous, I must keep this on my bookshelf great. It was more of a happy, quiet read that left me satisfied with a story well told, but I won’t have any problem passing my copy on to a friend.
If you like historicals, books based on Oregon history, then DREAMING ON DAISIES will be a great book to check out. Recommended.
Wow! Miralee has written yet another wonderful story. For me not having read the first two books in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series. Dreaming of Daisies could stand alone for anyone that just picks it up for a good read. But most likely, like myself they are going to want to read the first two books to the series.
The story was full of challenges for most of the characters. Leah had been betrayed for so long that she had a trusting issue. Harding was a hero to me. I believe his calming spirit and the love for The Lord kept him grounded and helped see Charlie and Tom through some tough times where there was new beginnings for all of them.
Through my hectic schedule I was always happy when I could sit down to read Dreaming of Daisies. I have enjoyed it immensely. Miralee is an inspiration to many including me.
**I was sent and advanced copy of this book by the author for an honest review**
I have read each book in this series by Miralee Ferrell and just love them. I love how she weaves past characters into each new story so we get to see "what they are up to".
This story of Leah and Steven was, I felt, something we could all relate to. We have all had stuff in our lives that we would like to change or improve and what-ifs that may not get answered the way we expect or hope for. I really love how in each book there are strong Christian influences in the main character's life and how they all learn to really trust the Lord and lean on Him. These books are always an inspiration.
Thank you, Miralee for another book that I know i will reread again and again!
I really enjoyed the fourth book in this great series. I have read and appreciated two of the other books in this series and this one did not disappoint either. I enjoy books set in the past which give me insight of how it was like to live on a ranch. Leah lives on a ranch with her father and due to some problems, pretty much runs things. She receives some help in the form of Steven who comes to work for her as a ranch hand. I liked the strong characters in the book and how they worked together to make their dreams pan out. This book can be read by itself or as part of the series. I highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a good, strong story. I received this book free to review.
A fabulous read about Leah, her brother Tom, Steven, Charlie and Florence. Leah runs the ranch with her stepfather, Charlie. Steven comes to Baker City, OR to work in the bank where Charlie has his ranch mortgaged. Charlie is a very difficult person because of his drinking. Florence is a very strong, dominant, no nonsense lady in their town. So that's the set up for the story which unfolds in a page-turning story of loss, love, redemption, and remembrances. You'll really enjoy the writing style, character development, conflict resolution and Biblical values throughout. I enjoyed it immensely!
I enjoyed this book very much. I was into the characters and couldn't put it down. Leah Carlson, the heroine, was so unusual in that she did not react the way you would expect people to in her situation. She is a captivating heroine. The other characters are intriguing as well. The whole situation is unusual and the way things are resolved are fascinating. I don't want to give away any of the plot as I hate spoilers but it is a fantastic book and worth your time. When I finish a book completely in one day it means that I am captured by it. I usually take 1 1/2 -2 days with a book and this one kept my interest.
Review of: Dreaming of Daisies, By: Miralee Ferrell
This book is the story of Leah Carlson. She lives on the family ranch. She works hard to try to take care of it. Her father can't be relied on to take care of it like he should. He spends his time drinking and getting drunk. They are in debt. Leah tries to get a bank loan an is declined. Leah is known for her strength and temperament. Can she save her family ranch?
This is the third by that I have read by Miralee Ferrell. Such a wonderful writing style. It is so easy to relate to the characters in this book and their problems. This is a must read book. Be sure to get your copy.
Dreaming on Daisies is an emotional journey that is both entertaining and encouraging. Leah Carlson is a young woman who has been hurt by secrets and strife. However, as this beautiful story conveys, wounded hearts can find healing. I loved this wonderful, historical romance and highly recommend it, as well as the other books in Miralee Ferrell’s Love Blossoms in Oregon series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts expressed are my own.
another wonderful book that brings you back to Baker City and makes you fall in love with all the characters that Miralee Ferrell has brought to life in this great series, and I love how she integrates new people in each book that makes you want the series to never end. and the best part about all of her books is the Christian faith and the way she tells their stories in a way that you could almost believe these people lived.Great job again Miralee Ferrell love your books
Pride, anger, mistrust, and selfishness are all dangerous partners. It seemed to me that most of the main characters in this book struggled with one or more of these issues. Leah, Charlie, Steven, Tom, and Frances were the primary ones with the mother of Leah and Tom being another, although she was already deceased at the time of the story. Her decisions and actions had a significant impact on them and Charlie. Often in reading a story like this, we can see ourselves in various characters. When we put the book down with a desire to be a better person or to overcome our own besetting sins, we know the author has accomplished her goal in writing the story, at least to some degree. As we relate with one or more of the characters, we are encouraged to make some changes. Although the story is set in 1881 in a much different environment than modern times, we are drawn to them as they struggle with hurts, disappointments, disillusionment, fears, and pain. We are reminded once again that the true answer to all of our problems are found in God. I suppose I could relate more initially with Steven because he worked in a bank, an office job. Like him, I did my share of outdoor work when I was young, but found my way into the business world. Unlike him, I never had a desire to return to outside work. My favorite characters were Buddy and Millie who were always in the background seeking to help everyone else do their best and offering their love and wisdom as opportunities arose. They constantly provided a steadying influence for everyone else. No, they could not resolve all the problems for everyone but they were simply there showing a Christian spirit all the time. I want to be more like that.