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Ella Dess #1
The Girl Called Ella Dessa
Ella Dessa Huskey bears ugly scars from a young mountain lion's attack. After her mama's death, the disfigurement symbolizes her pa's rejection and his selfish decision to abandon her in a rugged cabin on the mountain. His rejection and her scars convince Ella Dessa she'll never be worthy of love. When two brothers show concern for her safety and urge her to leave the cabin, she finds herself thrilled. But she's even more self-conscious of her blemishes.
At the foot of the mountain, in Beckler's Cove, Ella Dessa finds shelter. She moves in with a pregnant woman whose gold-seeking husband has abandoned her. The overburdened woman needs help with her household of five children, and Ella Dessa is eager to repay her for a place of shelter. She finds afternoon work at the only store in the cove and jumps at the chance to attend school. God's grace brings friendship, even love. But will Ella Dessa ever be cherished for the inner beauty blossoming beneath her scars?
Written for the General Market (G) (I) : Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature. Similar women’s fiction novels in this genre may be categorized women’s fiction, inspirational women’s fiction, christian fiction, and clean, wholesome women’s fiction.
At the foot of the mountain, in Beckler's Cove, Ella Dessa finds shelter. She moves in with a pregnant woman whose gold-seeking husband has abandoned her. The overburdened woman needs help with her household of five children, and Ella Dessa is eager to repay her for a place of shelter. She finds afternoon work at the only store in the cove and jumps at the chance to attend school. God's grace brings friendship, even love. But will Ella Dessa ever be cherished for the inner beauty blossoming beneath her scars?
Written for the General Market (G) (I) : Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature. Similar women’s fiction novels in this genre may be categorized women’s fiction, inspirational women’s fiction, christian fiction, and clean, wholesome women’s fiction.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2015
137 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 6, 2018
Not a romance
This isn't a romance. It's about poverty, abuse, death and growing up. Very tragic. And a little bit boring. I read all of it and then at the end there was no end. You have to buy another book. And it looks almost as depressing as this was. And it was depressing. There are triggers in the book too. Domestic abuse and sexual abuse of a minor. It's about a young girl growing up in the back woods. Not what I thought it was going to be at all.
This isn't a romance. It's about poverty, abuse, death and growing up. Very tragic. And a little bit boring. I read all of it and then at the end there was no end. You have to buy another book. And it looks almost as depressing as this was. And it was depressing. There are triggers in the book too. Domestic abuse and sexual abuse of a minor. It's about a young girl growing up in the back woods. Not what I thought it was going to be at all.
July 13, 2015
Ella Dessa grabbed my heart at the very beginning and did not let go!
There was a time in history that required children to grow up faster than they do today, but this poor child went through more than most adults can handle. It's obvious, IMHO, that the majority of the cruelty inflicted on Ella by her (step)father was borne of self hate. The man had enough issues to drown in and no faith. Her mother's strong faith and teachings to her daughter, kept Ella Dessa moving in the right direction...even when Ella wasn't sure what that direction was. Living in near poverty, the child often questions her situation, but we never see her truly fall into self-pity. She's resourceful and optimistic, and always ready to help someone else.
All of the residents of the poor mountain town were a part of Ella's life for a reason - either a blessing...or a lesson.
Ella Dessa found truth in the words in the Bible...in more ways than one...and I'm am definitely looking forward to the next book to see where she goes. Will she choose one of the brothers? Does she meet her father? Will she realize her own self worth?
Kudos to the author!
There was a time in history that required children to grow up faster than they do today, but this poor child went through more than most adults can handle. It's obvious, IMHO, that the majority of the cruelty inflicted on Ella by her (step)father was borne of self hate. The man had enough issues to drown in and no faith. Her mother's strong faith and teachings to her daughter, kept Ella Dessa moving in the right direction...even when Ella wasn't sure what that direction was. Living in near poverty, the child often questions her situation, but we never see her truly fall into self-pity. She's resourceful and optimistic, and always ready to help someone else.
All of the residents of the poor mountain town were a part of Ella's life for a reason - either a blessing...or a lesson.
Ella Dessa found truth in the words in the Bible...in more ways than one...and I'm am definitely looking forward to the next book to see where she goes. Will she choose one of the brothers? Does she meet her father? Will she realize her own self worth?
Kudos to the author!
June 19, 2015
I love historical fiction and generally favor well-written tales from the era of the American Revolution. But I’m glad I advanced a few years into the 1830’s with “The Girl Called Ella Dessa.”
This story takes place in the mountain foothills of the South and draws you into the variety of characters—both good and bad—who call Beckler’s Cove their home. Ella Dessa is lonely, scarred and abandoned. But she is offered hope in the God-fearing kindness of others.
I was very caught up in this tale of a young girl, emerging into womanhood, who has everything going against her. Yet her will to survive and the love of her recently deceased mother, lead her to trust others who truly care. She sorts through the good and evil she sees in her world and gains strength from her belief that God is watching over her.
“The Girl Called Ella Dessa” by Karen Campbell Prough is an inspiring story of faith and survival, in the midst of an often-dark world. This book appears to be the first in a series. I look forward to the sequel.
This story takes place in the mountain foothills of the South and draws you into the variety of characters—both good and bad—who call Beckler’s Cove their home. Ella Dessa is lonely, scarred and abandoned. But she is offered hope in the God-fearing kindness of others.
I was very caught up in this tale of a young girl, emerging into womanhood, who has everything going against her. Yet her will to survive and the love of her recently deceased mother, lead her to trust others who truly care. She sorts through the good and evil she sees in her world and gains strength from her belief that God is watching over her.
“The Girl Called Ella Dessa” by Karen Campbell Prough is an inspiring story of faith and survival, in the midst of an often-dark world. This book appears to be the first in a series. I look forward to the sequel.
May 29, 2015
A Great Debut by author Karen Campbell Prough
THE GIRL CALLED ELLA DESSA is a touching and page turning story of an impoverished young girl
in the rustic Smokey Mountains. Ella Dessa has endured physical and emotional suffering, often at the hands of others. We meet Ella Dessa right after the death of her mother and newborn baby brother. She is abandoned by her emotionally and physically abusive father. In the midst of hardship, she experiences kindness, generosity and acceptance within her community. We observe this shy thirteen year old break out of her shell and find faith and hope for the future. The other characters in the story are equally engaging. I hope the author will reward us with a sequel so we will be able to see how Ella Dessa's story continues.
THE GIRL CALLED ELLA DESSA is a touching and page turning story of an impoverished young girl
in the rustic Smokey Mountains. Ella Dessa has endured physical and emotional suffering, often at the hands of others. We meet Ella Dessa right after the death of her mother and newborn baby brother. She is abandoned by her emotionally and physically abusive father. In the midst of hardship, she experiences kindness, generosity and acceptance within her community. We observe this shy thirteen year old break out of her shell and find faith and hope for the future. The other characters in the story are equally engaging. I hope the author will reward us with a sequel so we will be able to see how Ella Dessa's story continues.
May 28, 2015
Fans of historical fiction set in the south will love The Girl Called Ella Dessa. Karen Campbell Prough triumphs in a story about the scars, both inner and outer that shape lives, showing those who triumph and those who fail in clear detail. Written with just enough dialect to give the feel of time and place, The Girl Called Ella Dessa takes the reader back to a time when nothing could be taken for granted, a time when life was hard and faith was sometimes the only thing to cling to. It triumphs in showing that it is inner qualities that make a person worthy of love, not the outer scars. I highly recommend this excellent book.
March 19, 2015
Amazing book by an author that is new to me. Brought me into the story of a young girl growing up and didn't let me go. The book is written in a way that you feel like you are right there back in the 1800s and enduring the hardships of that time. As you go through the book you start to love this young girl and want life to get easier for her. You'll have to read it to see if it does. I can see a sequel happening- or maybe it's my wishful thinking. I received a copy of this book for my honest review.
November 16, 2015
Karen Campbell Prough's debut novel THE GIRL CALLED ELLA DESSA pulled me into the story and era from the very beginning. I usually don't read historical-set fiction, but I definitely enjoyed this story. My heart went out to young Ella Dessa, from the sad loss of her mom to the by-choice loss of her father. Yet, what I appreciated in this story is a girl who by the end of the book does not hate nor hold grudges. And the message of hope and confidence in God who knows what He's doing when it comes to mapping out our lives was truly inspirational.
July 15, 2015
The Girl Called Ella Dessa is a book that just leaves you feeling fortunate for all that God has blessed us with. I found this book to be an easy read. I was moved by the characters and their willingness to help a young girl in a time of need. The time period of the book really made me think about how much has changed over time, but yet we need to reach out to others when they need help. I am eager to read the next book to see what life brings Ella Dessa.
April 19, 2015
Page Turner
I enjoyed this very sweet read. Open ended for the second book. I can't wait for it to come out.
I enjoyed this very sweet read. Open ended for the second book. I can't wait for it to come out.
August 9, 2017
Timeframe: 1836
Locale: I haven't a clue
As is par for the course, I read book three of a series without knowing it, and today I finished book one.
This book is of Ella Dessa's early years, a sweet girl with a hard upbringing. Her mother and baby brother died shortly after Ella Dessa helped to deliver him. Now she's left alone with her monster of a father. She loved her mother so very much, and was grieving terribly. But, with no one else to help, twelve year old Ella Dessa was left to tend to nearly everything her mother had in the house, and with farm animals.
It was a good book. Maybe not for everyone. Not sure how much romance you can get with a 12 year old. But it's clear it's around the corner as she's budding into a little beauty. She's already caught the eyes of two brothers who seem to realize there's more to Ella Dessa than an orphaned little girl. She has a heart of gold, is bright, loving and resourceful.
Book two will unleash the romance I'm sure. Book three, With This Peace, which I read a few months ago, was very, very different, but again, good.
September 7, 2018
I loved this book! I had already read book 3 in the series, so was thrilled when I was able to get the 1st book free. Talk about showing how God helps us get through severe trials, this author is a master at it! (in both books that I've read so far) I couldn't put this one down. It was so good, that I broke my own rule and bought the 2nd book in the series so I could read the whole series. You'll be happy to know though that each book stands alone. They do leave you wanting more, but there are no cliff hangers. Having already read the last book, I'm hoping she will write another one for the series.
September 18, 2018
The Girl Called Ella Dessa by Author Karen Campbell Prough a one of those books I couldn't put down.
A tender story of a young girl who had to grow up too fast. The only person who loved her was her mother. This love kept Ella going though her father's abuse and then his leaving her on her own. That is one part of the book that I didn't like.
But this is a book about finding hope, about people coming together to help and bless the life of the one little girl. Ella is determined to make her life better.
I love those people around her, of how she makes friends by being who she is.
I am eager to read the next 2 books in the series.
A tender story of a young girl who had to grow up too fast. The only person who loved her was her mother. This love kept Ella going though her father's abuse and then his leaving her on her own. That is one part of the book that I didn't like.
But this is a book about finding hope, about people coming together to help and bless the life of the one little girl. Ella is determined to make her life better.
I love those people around her, of how she makes friends by being who she is.
I am eager to read the next 2 books in the series.
March 17, 2015
The Girl Called Ella Dessa is a pretty good book. I just love Ella Dessa. I felt a connection with her from page one. I liked that it was set in the mountains in 1836. The descriptions in the book made me feel like I was right there during that time. I cannot wait to read more about Ella Dessa, as I hope there is a sequel to this book. Five stars
August 30, 2019
Well-written historical novel using descriptive analogies of the times to portray the hard life of the early 1800s hills people. More so is the very difficult lives of the women, many who lived in abusive situations with multiple children. Novel is extremely engaging, drawing one into the era while relating to the tragic life of the young main character, Ella, who must seek other living arrangements following the passing of her mother during childbirth. Although I prefer novels with definitive endings, I realized that this story is more of an ongoing saga. Highly recommended for those readers who yearn to learn of the pioneer mountain settlers and their lives in SE America.
August 31, 2019
Wonderful book!
The characters vividly come alive in this story, either weaving their way into your heart or wanting justice for their evil behavior. The author gives a realistic description of those living in a backwoods cove in the mountains in the pre-Civil War Era of the 1830's. Ella Della is a wonderful main character that will draw you to her pursuit of happiness while she gives herself totally to helping others. You will find yourself wanting to hear the rest of her story. This is the best book I have read in a long time. I love authors that write wholesome books that feed your soul.
The characters vividly come alive in this story, either weaving their way into your heart or wanting justice for their evil behavior. The author gives a realistic description of those living in a backwoods cove in the mountains in the pre-Civil War Era of the 1830's. Ella Della is a wonderful main character that will draw you to her pursuit of happiness while she gives herself totally to helping others. You will find yourself wanting to hear the rest of her story. This is the best book I have read in a long time. I love authors that write wholesome books that feed your soul.
May 29, 2020
The Girl Called Ella Dessa
This was a really good story. Life in the mountains can be hard on families trying to eek out a living . Poor Ella Dessa , her mother was birthing a baby, and her dad would not even come in to help. Ella Dessa was scared, for she had no idea what to do to help her mother. She was only twelve years old. This story is the life of Ella Dessa and the many hardships she endured. One saving factor was her Mother taught her about God and her belief help guide her. Much more to this story. You will find it worth while to read.
This was a really good story. Life in the mountains can be hard on families trying to eek out a living . Poor Ella Dessa , her mother was birthing a baby, and her dad would not even come in to help. Ella Dessa was scared, for she had no idea what to do to help her mother. She was only twelve years old. This story is the life of Ella Dessa and the many hardships she endured. One saving factor was her Mother taught her about God and her belief help guide her. Much more to this story. You will find it worth while to read.
July 16, 2017
This is such a great book!! Very exciting and keeps you interested. Make sure to keep reading it--the beginning is a bit slow but only the first chapter or so...this author is very good at writing! It has no bad langue and little sexual stuff..some kisses not explained in detail or anything like that :) I recommend this for any age over 12 since it does tackle some hard issues as in men beating wife and kids. Thank you so much for writing this book! So good keep it up!
September 5, 2017
I loved this book and found it hard to put down. It does have some heavy subjects that were handles well. Abuse such a beating a wife and children are a hard thing for me to understand as they have never been in my life and I could feel the pain that the characters
. Ella Dessa is a great young girl who rose above a sad life. The minute I got home from camping I bought the 2nd and 3rd book of this series. Yea, cause I felt there was more to her story.
. Ella Dessa is a great young girl who rose above a sad life. The minute I got home from camping I bought the 2nd and 3rd book of this series. Yea, cause I felt there was more to her story.
July 7, 2020
A touching coming of age story
Ella Dessa is strong in all the right ways. Abandoned by her father, she learns to overcome her scars of the past to survive and thrive in the harsh world of the Georgia mountains in the 1830’s. I loved this historical setting and I loved the way the author delicately handled the harsh realities of life in in an unforgiving land. I’m ready to rest the next book in the series!
Ella Dessa is strong in all the right ways. Abandoned by her father, she learns to overcome her scars of the past to survive and thrive in the harsh world of the Georgia mountains in the 1830’s. I loved this historical setting and I loved the way the author delicately handled the harsh realities of life in in an unforgiving land. I’m ready to rest the next book in the series!
August 15, 2020
Ebook
They live in a secluded part of Virginia, life is very hard. Her Pa greats her Mother, hates her and doesn’t provide for them. Her Mother dies in child birth. Her Pa abandoned her, inferring she’s not really his. She is taken in by a woman that neds help with her 5 children. She likes two brothers, but she’s only 13, not ready for love. Life holds what kind of future for her?
They live in a secluded part of Virginia, life is very hard. Her Pa greats her Mother, hates her and doesn’t provide for them. Her Mother dies in child birth. Her Pa abandoned her, inferring she’s not really his. She is taken in by a woman that neds help with her 5 children. She likes two brothers, but she’s only 13, not ready for love. Life holds what kind of future for her?
January 24, 2017
Ella Dessa
Wonderful reading. Seemed like a true story being written about some young lady's life of heartbreak, untrust, graving for true love and acceptance for her self image of herself.
Karen Prough has brought to life the possibility of this story being true.
Amazing reading! Could not put the book aside! Thank you.
Wonderful reading. Seemed like a true story being written about some young lady's life of heartbreak, untrust, graving for true love and acceptance for her self image of herself.
Karen Prough has brought to life the possibility of this story being true.
Amazing reading! Could not put the book aside! Thank you.
May 24, 2017
Wonderful story of how God grants forgiveness and love
Story of such horrible suffering that turns out to be blessings in disguise. A simple time when things were very difficult and hardships were a part of life, but neighbors care and help one another, and God's love and help with forgiveness is evident in every situation. Beautiful story of love and triumph!
Story of such horrible suffering that turns out to be blessings in disguise. A simple time when things were very difficult and hardships were a part of life, but neighbors care and help one another, and God's love and help with forgiveness is evident in every situation. Beautiful story of love and triumph!
May 22, 2020
Good Christian historical novel
I enjoyed the characters in the book&historic story . It's a shame on how they were so poor and not even able for the necessities of life. I enjoyed the christian part and I recommend the book& the author. Thank you for no sexual contents., and for bringing the Lord into the book?
I enjoyed the characters in the book&historic story . It's a shame on how they were so poor and not even able for the necessities of life. I enjoyed the christian part and I recommend the book& the author. Thank you for no sexual contents., and for bringing the Lord into the book?
August 28, 2021
Clean inspirational fiction. Ella is a kind hearted girl who has seen much suffering in her young life. This book centers on Ella but the back stories of others will squeeze your heartstrings. I rarely give a 5 * rating, I save those for books I can't put down. This was one of those for me. I felt the love and the pain. Well written.
August 13, 2017
Reading and reviewing books
Wonderful story! I really like the way this was all put together. I could actually feel the times of how things were back then. And abuse can happen anywhere and any time.
Wonderful story! I really like the way this was all put together. I could actually feel the times of how things were back then. And abuse can happen anywhere and any time.
November 24, 2017
Wonderful, but heartbreaking
Ella Dessa is a beautiful and strong girl who sees many hardships in her young life. I enjoyed the characters and their "town" very much. I do recommend this book.
Ella Dessa is a beautiful and strong girl who sees many hardships in her young life. I enjoyed the characters and their "town" very much. I do recommend this book.
February 10, 2018
In 1830, in Beckler's Cove, Georgia, Ella Dessa lost her mother and baby brother during child birth.. Ella's step-father rode off and left Ella at age 13 to survive on her own, leaving very little food in the shack ,a few chickens, and a couple of under fed cows outside.. The people in the Cove helped out and found a job for Ella, living with a family and taking care of five children. In this home she experiences happiness, kindness, and generosity from all the people in the Cove which made her feel blessed. Two brothers, Jim and Samuel McKnapp lived near the cove they were always looking in on Ella to ensure she was safe.
This is a touching story that pulls at your heart. The characters were outstanding with personalities that made them come alive. I loved the way Ella always looked on the bright side of things and stayed close to God. In the novel's background were sprinkles of bits of historical moments for that era adding to the story. The book was interesting from page one until the end. Ms Karen Campbell Prough has talent that shine in her story telling. This is an easy to read and a fast paced novel. I have read all three books in the series and I hightly recommend this series to all, even teenagers. It is a good, clean, inspirational, historical novel. Thank you Ms Prough for a wonderful series.
This is a touching story that pulls at your heart. The characters were outstanding with personalities that made them come alive. I loved the way Ella always looked on the bright side of things and stayed close to God. In the novel's background were sprinkles of bits of historical moments for that era adding to the story. The book was interesting from page one until the end. Ms Karen Campbell Prough has talent that shine in her story telling. This is an easy to read and a fast paced novel. I have read all three books in the series and I hightly recommend this series to all, even teenagers. It is a good, clean, inspirational, historical novel. Thank you Ms Prough for a wonderful series.
March 25, 2019
Intriguing and heartfelt
Such a great book about the true spirit of mountain people! Their bravery, kindness, hardiness, and spirit of community is shown in the wonderful characters in this book.
Such a great book about the true spirit of mountain people! Their bravery, kindness, hardiness, and spirit of community is shown in the wonderful characters in this book.
September 12, 2019
Ella Dessa
A story of hardship and abuse vs loving family interactions. The story, clothes, and transportation are realistically portrayed for the time period. Anxious to read the next book in the series.
A story of hardship and abuse vs loving family interactions. The story, clothes, and transportation are realistically portrayed for the time period. Anxious to read the next book in the series.
September 22, 2019
Heartbreaking story of young girl who loses her mother and is then abandoned by her abusive father. Thanks to a caring neighboring family, she finds a strength she didn't realize she had and then has hope for a future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews