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Gresham Chronicles #4
The Jewel of Gresham Green
A charming, Victorian-era romance set in a small town in England from the best-selling author of the Gresham Chronicles.
When Andrew becomes ill and is in need of his surgeon son's skills, and his daughter's quest for privacy advances an evil man's schemes, newcomer Jewel Libby becomes an unexpected support and source of strength to the family.
When Andrew becomes ill and is in need of his surgeon son's skills, and his daughter's quest for privacy advances an evil man's schemes, newcomer Jewel Libby becomes an unexpected support and source of strength to the family.
416 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2008
92 people are currently reading
879 people want to read
About the author
Lawana Blackwell
25 books389 followersLawana Blackwell is a full-time writer with 10 published novels, including the bestselling Gresham Chronicles series. She and her husband have three grown sons and live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
June 8, 2015
4.75 stars.
I didn't realize that there were previous books about Gresham when I picked this up, but that didn't damage my enjoyment of the story or the characters. The setting is absolutely delightful and reminds me of some older books by George MacDonald and Rosa Nouchette Carey. It made me want to step back in time and visit this quaint town. And this has to be one of the prettiest covers ever!
It's not a deeply dramatic tale, nor is the title or blurb very accurate. It's a gentle, personal story of several main characters finding who they are and what their purpose is in the world. Jewel is just one of several; there's a squire who's had a stroke, a preacher who faces gallstone surgery, a doctor who longs to win the heart of the wife he loves, and a wife who needs to grow up and realize her girlish disappointment doesn't need to define who she is anymore. Each of these characters faces decisions and opportunities and must choose the right path.
All that said, I did notice a couple things. There were a few names that were out of place (the name Reese for a girl, especially...that one was about a hundred years ahead of its time), and one nit-pick: as a reader of classic fiction, it irks me when authors go the easy route and have their characters read only books that are considered classics today. There were many, many books that were bestsellers in those days which are less commonly known today, but would be less recognizable today...such as the two authors mentioned above who specialized in Christian fiction of the day and others such as Emily Sarah Holt, Charlotte Yonge, and many more.
I didn't realize that there were previous books about Gresham when I picked this up, but that didn't damage my enjoyment of the story or the characters. The setting is absolutely delightful and reminds me of some older books by George MacDonald and Rosa Nouchette Carey. It made me want to step back in time and visit this quaint town. And this has to be one of the prettiest covers ever!
It's not a deeply dramatic tale, nor is the title or blurb very accurate. It's a gentle, personal story of several main characters finding who they are and what their purpose is in the world. Jewel is just one of several; there's a squire who's had a stroke, a preacher who faces gallstone surgery, a doctor who longs to win the heart of the wife he loves, and a wife who needs to grow up and realize her girlish disappointment doesn't need to define who she is anymore. Each of these characters faces decisions and opportunities and must choose the right path.
All that said, I did notice a couple things. There were a few names that were out of place (the name Reese for a girl, especially...that one was about a hundred years ahead of its time), and one nit-pick: as a reader of classic fiction, it irks me when authors go the easy route and have their characters read only books that are considered classics today. There were many, many books that were bestsellers in those days which are less commonly known today, but would be less recognizable today...such as the two authors mentioned above who specialized in Christian fiction of the day and others such as Emily Sarah Holt, Charlotte Yonge, and many more.
November 3, 2021
I enjoyed getting to see what happens to many of the villagers of Gresham 13-ish years after the close of the last story. (Though I missed hearing about Lydia Clark; I enjoyed her story in the last novel.) I wouldn’t have guessed that Aleda was a “spinster” writer, but I loved that. Jewel Libby and her daughter Becky are sweet characters. There was too much of Donald Gibbs in this to earn a higher rating for me, but the ending was very satisfying.
February 5, 2013
I found this series to be easy on the eyes and easy on the heart. I love the way Blackwell knits all her characters together and interlaces them with lessons in life. I saw lots of wisdom in this 4 book series. My granddaughter has started this journey now. I am interested in what she thinks.
April 30, 2020
This book was written almost a decade after the first 3 in the series, and as such, it does kind of read like a novel-length 'afterward'. That said, I enjoyed revisiting Gresham, and finding out what happened with the characters I'd come to enjoy in the first 3 books, as well as meeting a few new 'faces'.
While this book was strong on the characters, and even provided a redemption arc for a few, I found that the faith element was not as strong in this book as in the previous Gresham novels. That said, it was definitely sufficient to keep this at a solid 4-star rating.
While this book was strong on the characters, and even provided a redemption arc for a few, I found that the faith element was not as strong in this book as in the previous Gresham novels. That said, it was definitely sufficient to keep this at a solid 4-star rating.
November 3, 2008
Lawana Blackwell writes lovely, sweet stories. I enjoyed this book, but not as much as others in the Gresham Chronicles. Considering the title there seemed to me to be extensive focus on other characters. I almost felt that the title should have reflected the drama that centered around Phillip and Loretta [her turn around didn't seem very pausible--too much change, too quickly].
It is a romance, but there was very little interaction between Jewel and Gabriel. The story seemed to be hurriedly finished at the end as if the page quota had been met so the story threads had to be tied up quickly. I would have liked to have seen much more interaction and relationship development between the two rather than that rush at the end.
Oh, well. Would I have read it if I had known all that? Probably--especially if I had just read the first three books in the series. This book leaves lots of room for additional stories as the lives of the Gresham villiagers are worked out. For instance, what gentleman will become indespensible to Aleda. That would make quite a story--one that could be the main focus of a whole book.
It is a romance, but there was very little interaction between Jewel and Gabriel. The story seemed to be hurriedly finished at the end as if the page quota had been met so the story threads had to be tied up quickly. I would have liked to have seen much more interaction and relationship development between the two rather than that rush at the end.
Oh, well. Would I have read it if I had known all that? Probably--especially if I had just read the first three books in the series. This book leaves lots of room for additional stories as the lives of the Gresham villiagers are worked out. For instance, what gentleman will become indespensible to Aleda. That would make quite a story--one that could be the main focus of a whole book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2010
While I appreciated the fact that the spirituality was handled more subtly than it often is in Lori Wick's books, it was hard to keep all the characters straight. It might have helped if I had read the earlier books in the series, but that wouldn't have fixed the ending, where the two couples "finding each other" happened way too abruptly.
January 10, 2019
Diving into the last book of a series is always bittersweet.
The first thing that threw me off a bit, was the time jump. I hadn't realized so much time had passed until a few chapters in. It took me a bit to catch up with where all the characters were, but it didn't take away to much from the story.
As always, Blackwell's characters were stunning. The depth she gave each one is just incredible.
This ended up being my least favorite book of the series, simply because of the theme. It was strong and well handled, but a little mature. While all of it was handled fairly well, there was too much inference for my tastes.
So I would highly recommend the first three books, but I would caution readers under 15 to hold off on this one for a bit.
Now that I have finished this series, I hope to read more by the author.
The first thing that threw me off a bit, was the time jump. I hadn't realized so much time had passed until a few chapters in. It took me a bit to catch up with where all the characters were, but it didn't take away to much from the story.
As always, Blackwell's characters were stunning. The depth she gave each one is just incredible.
This ended up being my least favorite book of the series, simply because of the theme. It was strong and well handled, but a little mature. While all of it was handled fairly well, there was too much inference for my tastes.
So I would highly recommend the first three books, but I would caution readers under 15 to hold off on this one for a bit.
Now that I have finished this series, I hope to read more by the author.
September 8, 2020
A frightening incident causes Jewel and her daughter Becky to flee from Birmingham to Gresham, where they find the town in upheaval. Squire Bartley is dying, and his unscrupulous heir is in town, trying to get his paws on his inheritance as soon as possible. Vicar Phelps is in need of medical care, but Philip Hollis, now grown and through medical school, is practicing surgery in London, and caught in an unhappy marriage. And his sister Aleda, now a published author, seeks solitude in a cottage on the squire's property.
This book was published some years later than the original three books in the series, and it advances the age of the characters so that the Phelps and Hollis children can take center stage. It's enjoyable, but a bit of a lurch. This book probably could be read as a stand-alone, but of course I'd recommend starting with the first book in the series.
This book was published some years later than the original three books in the series, and it advances the age of the characters so that the Phelps and Hollis children can take center stage. It's enjoyable, but a bit of a lurch. This book probably could be read as a stand-alone, but of course I'd recommend starting with the first book in the series.
August 10, 2023
This series reminds me of the Mitford series. I just loved it and wish there were more.
January 31, 2025
Some of the subject matter in this book is much darker than others in the series.
4 stars
4 stars
June 15, 2012
It was fun to read the final installment of The Gresham Chronicles. Alls well that ends well. I really enjoy the way Blackwell introduces new characters (both good guys and bad guys) and interweaves their stories with the Gresham villagers. We get to know them so well and actually care for their well-being, success, and in some cases, "come-uppence" (sounds so English!) and even deserving retaliation. Yeah, I know that's not a nice thing to say, but in this fictional world - I'm just fine with it!
One note here about the book cover. That picture on the back is of one of my FAVORITE English villages. Those cottages really exist on Arlington Row in the little Cotswolds village of Bibury. (It's even more charming in person than the picture portrays.) I've walked up that enchanting row of cottages many times and it does truly transport me back in time...
One note here about the book cover. That picture on the back is of one of my FAVORITE English villages. Those cottages really exist on Arlington Row in the little Cotswolds village of Bibury. (It's even more charming in person than the picture portrays.) I've walked up that enchanting row of cottages many times and it does truly transport me back in time...
October 26, 2012
I really enjoyed certain storylines in this book, but a few things that I didn't like made it, overall, not my favorite in the series.
Note: Don't even try to read this if you haven't read the previous Gresham books. There is a huge cast of characters and each book builds upon the last without going into details of past events or reintroducing people you haven't heard from in a while.
*spoilers* Do not continue reading unless you have read the book!
Note: Don't even try to read this if you haven't read the previous Gresham books. There is a huge cast of characters and each book builds upon the last without going into details of past events or reintroducing people you haven't heard from in a while.
*spoilers* Do not continue reading unless you have read the book!
December 27, 2012
It was one of the best of the series by Lawana Blackwell. There was a forbidden twist in second half of the book. Previous characters developed during their early adulthood and it was fascinating to see how God worked in their lives for their own good. I was sorry to finish this saga as the scenery and smells and flowers color the area of England so nicely. If I could ever write anything like Ms. Blackwell doe, I would be blessed immensely! I feel since reading English/Scottish/Irish stories, I understand myself a little better and imagine myself there in that age very easily.
November 10, 2010
This was a nice uplifting read. It wasn't about a people suddenly "finding God" as some of the bible belt books I've read have been. It's a simple story about Christians who are dealing with the challenges of life and facing them with faith and love for each other. In a word I'd call it charming.
February 11, 2013
I loved this series of books by Lawana Blackwell which takes place in a small town in rural England in the late 1800's. The characters are rich. As a preacher's kid, I identify with the vicar's family and their involvement with the good and bad times of the community's residents. I was sad when this 4th book came to a conclusion and disappointed that there wasn't a 5th.
October 9, 2010
pretty darn terrible. meandering aimlessly, with little emotional investment in the troubles of the characters. an unrealistic and unsatisfying denouement. lacking in period detail and authenticity. plus, some real scumbags are introduced seemingly at random as villains. ??
December 30, 2010
Lawana Blackwell's books are a cut above the standard Christian romance. There were multiple plots and subplots to keep it interesting, and some of the outcomes were genuinely in doubt. And, of course, there was a happy ending!
April 3, 2009
Very glad she came out with another book in the series! This one did not disappoint at all! Blackwell is an excellent story-teller.
October 17, 2014
I absolutely loved this entire Gresham Chronicles 4 book series. It was a light, sweet and comforting journey into the English countryside. Highly recommend!
February 5, 2022
I really hate to see this lovely series end. I tried to read as slowly as I could, but I finished it and am hoping for another ASAP!
June 12, 2022
This was my favorite book in this series about life in a small English village in the 1800s. As with these books, there are multiple story-lines, only one of which really matches the title. Many years have elapsed between Books #3 & 4. Children have grown up, gotten married and had children of their own. A death has occurred - the squire's wife. Jewel is a wonderful character. She is a widow with a young daughter who moves to Gresham to keep her daughter safe from a suspected child molester. The move is assisted by her pastor/wife, characters from book #3, and they send her to Andrew/Julia, the vicar/wife in Gresham. Both Jewel and her daughter, Becky, are just good people -- loving, humble, forgiving. Another main story-line is about Philip, the now grown-up son of Julia, who is a successful surgeon in London. His marriage to Loretta, though, is far from a success. Finally, the squire, still mourning his wife, has a serious health problem, which leads to the appearance of an unsavory nephew. It was a story of trying to find the good in things, of following God no matter what and looking to a better time. No sex or profanity.
April 30, 2022
Couldn't happen to a nicer person
I loved this book. It picks up with the Hollis-Phelps children all grown up. Aleda Hollis has convinced Squire Bartley to let her rent the games keeper's cottage so she can write in peace. But into her life and that of her family enters Mrs. Jewel Libby and her daughter, Becky. Jewel and Becky have come to Gresham to escape the lurking Mr. Dunstan and Aleda allows them to move in with her. Philip Hollis has become a surgeon and is called back to Gresham to take charge of his step father, Andrew's surgery. Philip's marriage is strained and his wife, Loretta is forced by her father to go to Gresham and make an effort to work it out with her husband. Squire Bartley has a stroke and his heir, Donald Gibbs descends on the manor like a vulture waiting for his prey to die. Lots of twists and turns. A wonderful read.
I loved this book. It picks up with the Hollis-Phelps children all grown up. Aleda Hollis has convinced Squire Bartley to let her rent the games keeper's cottage so she can write in peace. But into her life and that of her family enters Mrs. Jewel Libby and her daughter, Becky. Jewel and Becky have come to Gresham to escape the lurking Mr. Dunstan and Aleda allows them to move in with her. Philip Hollis has become a surgeon and is called back to Gresham to take charge of his step father, Andrew's surgery. Philip's marriage is strained and his wife, Loretta is forced by her father to go to Gresham and make an effort to work it out with her husband. Squire Bartley has a stroke and his heir, Donald Gibbs descends on the manor like a vulture waiting for his prey to die. Lots of twists and turns. A wonderful read.
May 18, 2019
Adorable
What can I say, I’m beginning to adore this authors novels. This is the last of this series about the coming’s and going’s on in and around Gresham Green, a beautiful hamlet. I would have love to have read even more about the characters within these pages, but then I guess one can get bored with too much of a good thing. I am however looking forward to opening the other series this author has penned. I think the best thing I get out of this story through the four novels is the way you are drawn into it, the funny bits that have you laughing, or the sad bit that have your eyes watering. When a story can give you such emotion’s, then you know you have thoroughly enjoyed the journey with each one of the people.
What can I say, I’m beginning to adore this authors novels. This is the last of this series about the coming’s and going’s on in and around Gresham Green, a beautiful hamlet. I would have love to have read even more about the characters within these pages, but then I guess one can get bored with too much of a good thing. I am however looking forward to opening the other series this author has penned. I think the best thing I get out of this story through the four novels is the way you are drawn into it, the funny bits that have you laughing, or the sad bit that have your eyes watering. When a story can give you such emotion’s, then you know you have thoroughly enjoyed the journey with each one of the people.
October 20, 2020
I was hoping for this last book of the series to be the best but, alas, it wasn't. The title character is introduced in the city and the early part of the book deepens that story along with presenting her fears that eventually lead her to Gresham. There we run into some of the characters from the previous books but they are on the sidelines in this story. Enter a few other unsavory characters who just seem to become worse as the book goes on.
I found the book discouraging and there is little redemption until the very last pages of the book. Otherwise it feels like wallowing in the misery of others which isn't the way the other books in the series come across.
A disappointing end to the series.
I found the book discouraging and there is little redemption until the very last pages of the book. Otherwise it feels like wallowing in the misery of others which isn't the way the other books in the series come across.
A disappointing end to the series.
July 10, 2023
Making friends with the women (and gentlemen) of Gresham Green has been so wonderful! These are audiobooks for me and I truly listened every chance I got, even I bed late at night when I should have been sleeping.
Julia and Andrew's lives were followed with all the joy, pain, loss and triumph of their children as well. Every character though from neighbors to store keepers, teachers and inn residents were blended into a beautiful tapestry of life in Gresham.
Beverley A. Crick was perfect voicing every character from young to aged making this series one of the best I've ever listened to.
My choices are clean recency or victorian fiction so it also fits that category for me. My hope is that Ms. Blackwell will continue in this genre and write some new stories for our listening enjoyment.
Julia and Andrew's lives were followed with all the joy, pain, loss and triumph of their children as well. Every character though from neighbors to store keepers, teachers and inn residents were blended into a beautiful tapestry of life in Gresham.
Beverley A. Crick was perfect voicing every character from young to aged making this series one of the best I've ever listened to.
My choices are clean recency or victorian fiction so it also fits that category for me. My hope is that Ms. Blackwell will continue in this genre and write some new stories for our listening enjoyment.
April 21, 2018
An uplifting story
I have really enjoyed reading the Gresham Green Chronicles. Once you start reading you can't put it down. From the first book to the third you feel as if you live in the community of Gresham Green. You fall in love with all the characters and get very involved with their lives. You get to attend marriAges, funerals , births and just life in this English village. This one starts out with a wedding and later with a death. New characters are introduced and new situations happen, both glow and bad. Lasagna Blackwell is fast becoming my favorite new author.
I have really enjoyed reading the Gresham Green Chronicles. Once you start reading you can't put it down. From the first book to the third you feel as if you live in the community of Gresham Green. You fall in love with all the characters and get very involved with their lives. You get to attend marriAges, funerals , births and just life in this English village. This one starts out with a wedding and later with a death. New characters are introduced and new situations happen, both glow and bad. Lasagna Blackwell is fast becoming my favorite new author.
January 15, 2023
WITHOUT SPOILERS :)
Overall review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A beautiful book -- I loved seeing the characters of Gresham years after the previous book. I was amazed at where everyone was at in life! Mrs. Blackwell did a wonderful job of mixing all her old characters with new ones, and giving satisfying character arcs. I absolutely loved Jewel and Becky, and Gabriel and Adela were my favourites. Once again, Mrs. Blackwell has crafted a beautiful tale with many subplots and character developments.
Content rating: ⭐️⭐️ - there was much more romance than I expected, and one of the main subplots involved a damaged marriage.
Overall review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A beautiful book -- I loved seeing the characters of Gresham years after the previous book. I was amazed at where everyone was at in life! Mrs. Blackwell did a wonderful job of mixing all her old characters with new ones, and giving satisfying character arcs. I absolutely loved Jewel and Becky, and Gabriel and Adela were my favourites. Once again, Mrs. Blackwell has crafted a beautiful tale with many subplots and character developments.
Content rating: ⭐️⭐️ - there was much more romance than I expected, and one of the main subplots involved a damaged marriage.
January 19, 2017
Charming, clean, quietly compelling
I liked the characters and how they faced their challenges; I liked the lovely setting and I liked the strong values and integrity of the people. I would recommend this series to anyone who liked Jan Kerron's series, or Anne of Green Gables, or quiet love stories and happy endings. It would do well made into a PBS series with its multiple story lines if people of different classes, and it's historical setting in an English village. A very good read, I may read it several times over the years. It is a classic.
I liked the characters and how they faced their challenges; I liked the lovely setting and I liked the strong values and integrity of the people. I would recommend this series to anyone who liked Jan Kerron's series, or Anne of Green Gables, or quiet love stories and happy endings. It would do well made into a PBS series with its multiple story lines if people of different classes, and it's historical setting in an English village. A very good read, I may read it several times over the years. It is a classic.
May 20, 2013
ALL FOUR BOOKS IN THIS SERIES ARE REVIEWED HERE FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE
THE WIDOW OF LARKSPUR INN, The Gresham Chronicles Book #1
Lawana Blackwell
•°o•:*¨¨*:•. THESE PEOPLE BECAME FAMILY .•:*¨¨*:• o°•
Book one of The Gresham Chronicles is set in England/1860s. Julia Hollis has 3 children, servants and a grand home, and everything she needs until her husband suddenly passes away. She finds herself very suddenly deep in debt. She has days before the bank will throw her out and take everything. The only thing they allow her to keep is an old coaching inn in a village she has never heard of.
Initially, this book was hard for me because it focused on Julia’s husband having a secret life of gambling. A life of sin he chose over his family. However, as the story progressed, I was able to relate to so much of what Julia was going through and the growth in Christ that she experienced. God used this book to grow me as well, and minister to my heart to continue to trust Him to see me and my kids through.
There are SO MANY WONDERFUL characters. You get to meet them and become a part of this village life and wish you were there. I am now about to start my 4th book in the series. I know I will be sad when it ends.
I so appreciate how this book is written with faith and God well-written throughout. It is very much the way I live life everyday. God is a part of my everyday life and a natural subject of conversation. But this book doesn’t feel preachy, above-your-head. Just simple and flowing like a gentle river of God’s love. One thing I love, is how the books switch back and forth from different characters perspective. You really get inside each one’s head. It feels like you are watching a miniseries! Each time I read from the books, I feel better and uplifted like I have been around good friends at church. I highly recommend these books.
Book1 - 432 pages
Also, please view her website. It is under her full name and very sweet. www.LawanaBlackwell.com
The Courtship of the Vicar's Daughter, Gresham Chronicles Series #2
•°o•:*¨¨*:•. LAUGH OUT LOUD, CRY, GENUINELY ENJOY .•:*¨¨*:• o°•
Book TWO of The Gresham Chronicles continues in the lovely and now cherished village of Gresham. The details of these books are so rich. The fact that The Larkspur Inn is a boarding house allows for characters to move in and out and change so we can easily expect new ones to grace us with their presence. I love that there are several elderly characters, not just one or two and the author does not shy away from giving detailed descriptions of their emotions and lives. In this second book, you also get to know some of the children better, such as when young Philip goes off to boarding school. I absolutely love Mrs. Kingston. She is so cheeky. I laugh at her antics and enjoyed her thoroughly. Seth and Mercy are my favorite in this book. The way the Lord worked in their lives was amazing, and I found myself really rooting for them. However, the writer takes her time and does not rush the situation so you really get to go on a nice ride as their characters develop in an unexpected way.
The author also makes reference to books or authors that her characters are reading, such as Little Women, An Old Fashioned Girl, Jane Austen, etc. It is fun to see books/authors listed that I recognize.
I highly recommend these books.
Book2 - 416 pages
The Dowry of Miss Lydia Clark, Gresham Chronicles Series #3
•°o•:*¨¨*:•. I WANT TO MOVE HERE! .•:*¨¨*:• o°•
Book THREE of The Gresham Chronicles delivers you right back where you want to be. My only regret is that where Mercy and Seth had such a major role in book two, but they have only minor parts in this book. However, there are plenty of new relationships to follow. Mercy’s brother Harold, actually grows into a very pleasant character in this book. Ooooh, those Sanders men were hard to like in Book two! There is love, faith, jealousy, introspection, the growing pains of youth and more in all of these books. There is also a great deal of humor that is injected at the most unusual moments so that you are caught of guard laughing out loud (and wondering if anyone else heard you!). In fact, Lydia’s dad really reminds me of my own dad who has dry humor that is all to happy to share with strangers and causes Lydia to role her eyes, and sarcastically commented that she’s adopted. Ha ha! Once again, I felt warm and happy and wanting to live in Gresham, surrounded by the love of good friends, and God’s love and simple times. I generally finish these books in a few days to week, allowing one full day off just to devote to reading. I did not plan it that way, but each one was so good, that’s just what happened. I could not put them down!!!
I am so looking forward to reading book #4
Book3 - 398 pages
The Jewel of Gresham Green, Gresham Chronicles Series #4
•°o•:*¨¨*:•.NOT AS GOOD AS THE FIRST THREE .•:*¨¨*:• o°•
Book FOUR of The Gresham Chronicles picks up in April 1884, 15 years after book three ends. It is very sad and depressing in many instances. Several of the old characters are gone, but some are still around. The sad times seem to outweigh the good times so I just did not enjoy this book as much. When it ended, I was finally ok with that, which is really a bummer after love, love, loving the first three.
Book4 - 415 pages
THE WIDOW OF LARKSPUR INN, The Gresham Chronicles Book #1
Lawana Blackwell
•°o•:*¨¨*:•. THESE PEOPLE BECAME FAMILY .•:*¨¨*:• o°•
Book one of The Gresham Chronicles is set in England/1860s. Julia Hollis has 3 children, servants and a grand home, and everything she needs until her husband suddenly passes away. She finds herself very suddenly deep in debt. She has days before the bank will throw her out and take everything. The only thing they allow her to keep is an old coaching inn in a village she has never heard of.
Initially, this book was hard for me because it focused on Julia’s husband having a secret life of gambling. A life of sin he chose over his family. However, as the story progressed, I was able to relate to so much of what Julia was going through and the growth in Christ that she experienced. God used this book to grow me as well, and minister to my heart to continue to trust Him to see me and my kids through.
There are SO MANY WONDERFUL characters. You get to meet them and become a part of this village life and wish you were there. I am now about to start my 4th book in the series. I know I will be sad when it ends.
I so appreciate how this book is written with faith and God well-written throughout. It is very much the way I live life everyday. God is a part of my everyday life and a natural subject of conversation. But this book doesn’t feel preachy, above-your-head. Just simple and flowing like a gentle river of God’s love. One thing I love, is how the books switch back and forth from different characters perspective. You really get inside each one’s head. It feels like you are watching a miniseries! Each time I read from the books, I feel better and uplifted like I have been around good friends at church. I highly recommend these books.
Book1 - 432 pages
Also, please view her website. It is under her full name and very sweet. www.LawanaBlackwell.com
The Courtship of the Vicar's Daughter, Gresham Chronicles Series #2
•°o•:*¨¨*:•. LAUGH OUT LOUD, CRY, GENUINELY ENJOY .•:*¨¨*:• o°•
Book TWO of The Gresham Chronicles continues in the lovely and now cherished village of Gresham. The details of these books are so rich. The fact that The Larkspur Inn is a boarding house allows for characters to move in and out and change so we can easily expect new ones to grace us with their presence. I love that there are several elderly characters, not just one or two and the author does not shy away from giving detailed descriptions of their emotions and lives. In this second book, you also get to know some of the children better, such as when young Philip goes off to boarding school. I absolutely love Mrs. Kingston. She is so cheeky. I laugh at her antics and enjoyed her thoroughly. Seth and Mercy are my favorite in this book. The way the Lord worked in their lives was amazing, and I found myself really rooting for them. However, the writer takes her time and does not rush the situation so you really get to go on a nice ride as their characters develop in an unexpected way.
The author also makes reference to books or authors that her characters are reading, such as Little Women, An Old Fashioned Girl, Jane Austen, etc. It is fun to see books/authors listed that I recognize.
I highly recommend these books.
Book2 - 416 pages
The Dowry of Miss Lydia Clark, Gresham Chronicles Series #3
•°o•:*¨¨*:•. I WANT TO MOVE HERE! .•:*¨¨*:• o°•
Book THREE of The Gresham Chronicles delivers you right back where you want to be. My only regret is that where Mercy and Seth had such a major role in book two, but they have only minor parts in this book. However, there are plenty of new relationships to follow. Mercy’s brother Harold, actually grows into a very pleasant character in this book. Ooooh, those Sanders men were hard to like in Book two! There is love, faith, jealousy, introspection, the growing pains of youth and more in all of these books. There is also a great deal of humor that is injected at the most unusual moments so that you are caught of guard laughing out loud (and wondering if anyone else heard you!). In fact, Lydia’s dad really reminds me of my own dad who has dry humor that is all to happy to share with strangers and causes Lydia to role her eyes, and sarcastically commented that she’s adopted. Ha ha! Once again, I felt warm and happy and wanting to live in Gresham, surrounded by the love of good friends, and God’s love and simple times. I generally finish these books in a few days to week, allowing one full day off just to devote to reading. I did not plan it that way, but each one was so good, that’s just what happened. I could not put them down!!!
I am so looking forward to reading book #4
Book3 - 398 pages
The Jewel of Gresham Green, Gresham Chronicles Series #4
•°o•:*¨¨*:•.NOT AS GOOD AS THE FIRST THREE .•:*¨¨*:• o°•
Book FOUR of The Gresham Chronicles picks up in April 1884, 15 years after book three ends. It is very sad and depressing in many instances. Several of the old characters are gone, but some are still around. The sad times seem to outweigh the good times so I just did not enjoy this book as much. When it ended, I was finally ok with that, which is really a bummer after love, love, loving the first three.
Book4 - 415 pages
January 20, 2022
This is turning out to be a summer of reading about life in quiet English villages and this one certainly fits the bill. I think the titles are slightly misleading. The books have been more about a host of characters rather than "the lady of x" and I've enjoyed the books more because of the interactions of the various characters.
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