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Farm Fresh #5
Plum Upside Down
Farm Romance and Farm Living - a new take on Christian Romance Novels!
Christian Contemporary Romance with a Farm Lit Flair
Topsy-Turvy... or Right-Side Up?
Green Acres newcomer Chelsea Riehl is annoyed she’s assigned to farm work alongside the only other single, a faith-filled hippie with a missionary vision. She'd hoped to organize events and keep her heart safe, not pit plums with annoying Keanan Welsh.
Discouraged by Chelsea's lack of spiritual depth, Keanan is confused when she offers to arrange meals for the church Alpha program he is co-hosting. Maybe he misjudged her, after all.
When fake it ’til you make it gives way to stepping out in faith, both Chelsea and Keanan have some soul-searching to do. And while getting on the same page spiritually is a good start, other barriers may keep their budding romance from flipping right-side up.
About The Farm Fresh Christian Romance Series
1. Raspberries and Vinegar (free Christian Romance novel!)
2. Wild Mint Tea
3. Sweetened with Honey
4. Dandelions for Dinner
5. Plum Upside Down
Love farm life?
Plum Upside Down is the fifth novel in the Farm Fresh Romance series. This Christian romance series follows the adventures, romantic and otherwise, of a group of young women who purchase an old farm together in northern Idaho to grow their own organic food and prove to those around them that they can make a difference. These farm romance novels are stories of farm life with a focus on local food. The Farm Fresh Romance series doesn't pad the issues nor preach about them, but allows the characters the freedom to grapple with environmentalism and sustainability as believers.
Award-winning Christian contemporary romance series at its finest!
*~* EXCERPT *~*
Lights dimmed in the back of the room, and Keanan looked up to see Chelsea, sweater and purse tossed over her shoulder, striding near, her unfriendly gaze seemingly fixed on Tracy.
He frowned. What was all that about?
Chelsea’s eyes didn’t waver from Tracy’s as she spoke. “Ready to go, Keanan?”
“Yes.” He stood, flexing his shoulders. Sitting for so long was more difficult than physical labor. “Good to meet you, Tracy. I’ll see you next week.”
He didn’t miss the speculative gleam as Tracy looked between him and Chelsea. Discomfort sifted through him. Tracy couldn’t be interested in him any more than Chelsea could. Neither woman needed to size up the competition. Chelsea had made her dislike of him obvious enough in the few weeks they’d known each other. Besides, it didn’t matter. He wasn’t looking for romance.
Tracy stretched a hand to Chelsea. “I’m Tracy Grindle. I don’t believe we’ve met?”
Was she offering sincere friendship? That would be good. They must be about the same age.
“Chelsea Riehl. Nice to meet you.” She sidled a bit closer to Keanan as she shook Tracy’s hand.
Awkward. Keanan took a step back, further from the two women who seemed to analyze each other. He glanced toward the door.
Pastor Ron waited by the light switch, a bemused expression on his face.
Keanan turned to the impasse before him. “Time to go, ladies. Pastor Ron’s ready to lock up.”
Neither moved.
Christian Contemporary Romance with a Farm Lit Flair
Topsy-Turvy... or Right-Side Up?
Green Acres newcomer Chelsea Riehl is annoyed she’s assigned to farm work alongside the only other single, a faith-filled hippie with a missionary vision. She'd hoped to organize events and keep her heart safe, not pit plums with annoying Keanan Welsh.
Discouraged by Chelsea's lack of spiritual depth, Keanan is confused when she offers to arrange meals for the church Alpha program he is co-hosting. Maybe he misjudged her, after all.
When fake it ’til you make it gives way to stepping out in faith, both Chelsea and Keanan have some soul-searching to do. And while getting on the same page spiritually is a good start, other barriers may keep their budding romance from flipping right-side up.
About The Farm Fresh Christian Romance Series
1. Raspberries and Vinegar (free Christian Romance novel!)
2. Wild Mint Tea
3. Sweetened with Honey
4. Dandelions for Dinner
5. Plum Upside Down
Love farm life?
Plum Upside Down is the fifth novel in the Farm Fresh Romance series. This Christian romance series follows the adventures, romantic and otherwise, of a group of young women who purchase an old farm together in northern Idaho to grow their own organic food and prove to those around them that they can make a difference. These farm romance novels are stories of farm life with a focus on local food. The Farm Fresh Romance series doesn't pad the issues nor preach about them, but allows the characters the freedom to grapple with environmentalism and sustainability as believers.
Award-winning Christian contemporary romance series at its finest!
*~* EXCERPT *~*
Lights dimmed in the back of the room, and Keanan looked up to see Chelsea, sweater and purse tossed over her shoulder, striding near, her unfriendly gaze seemingly fixed on Tracy.
He frowned. What was all that about?
Chelsea’s eyes didn’t waver from Tracy’s as she spoke. “Ready to go, Keanan?”
“Yes.” He stood, flexing his shoulders. Sitting for so long was more difficult than physical labor. “Good to meet you, Tracy. I’ll see you next week.”
He didn’t miss the speculative gleam as Tracy looked between him and Chelsea. Discomfort sifted through him. Tracy couldn’t be interested in him any more than Chelsea could. Neither woman needed to size up the competition. Chelsea had made her dislike of him obvious enough in the few weeks they’d known each other. Besides, it didn’t matter. He wasn’t looking for romance.
Tracy stretched a hand to Chelsea. “I’m Tracy Grindle. I don’t believe we’ve met?”
Was she offering sincere friendship? That would be good. They must be about the same age.
“Chelsea Riehl. Nice to meet you.” She sidled a bit closer to Keanan as she shook Tracy’s hand.
Awkward. Keanan took a step back, further from the two women who seemed to analyze each other. He glanced toward the door.
Pastor Ron waited by the light switch, a bemused expression on his face.
Keanan turned to the impasse before him. “Time to go, ladies. Pastor Ron’s ready to lock up.”
Neither moved.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2015
43 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Comer
88 books236 followersValerie Comer is constantly amazed that living, talking, dreaming characters appear in her mind and flow from her fingertips and, from there, to her delighted readers. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily-ever-afters as much as she does hers, sharing rural life in western Canada with her husband, adult children, and adorable grandkids.
Valerie is a two-time USA Today bestselling author and a two-time Word Award winner. She is known for writing engaging characters, strong communities, and deep faith into her green clean romances.
CONTACTING VALERIE
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valerie@valeriecomer.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 4, 2015
This book is about Chelsea and Keanan, newcomers to the organic farm in northern Idaho purchased by Chelsea's sister Sierra and her two close friends. I really enjoyed the first three books in this series and then liked book four even more. Personally, I find it rare for a series to get better and better, but this series just keeps surprising me.
In Plum Upside Down, Valerie Comer has dug even deeper and, in Chelsea, bared parts of the spiritual journey of a kid who grows up in a Christian home that most of us are completely unwilling to think about, let alone talk about. In this book, Valerie tackles the question, "Does God actually love me personally or does He just love me as a part of the whole world?" She lays bare the longing many of us have experienced as we watch the passion of a new believer who knows what it's like to live without Christ and can't believe how amazing He is. And she boldly proclaims that those of us who can't remember NOT knowing the Gospel can still be blown away by His love and His power in our lives. And she does it in a way that DOESN'T make you feel like you're studying theology!
This book has a really great story line with totally loveable characters. The themes of environmentalism and sustainability are continued and expounded upon. We even get to travel to South Africa for a bit! It's all done so masterfully, I found myself a little in awe as I finished it, wiping away my tears and realizing I had not only just finished a really fun story, but that I had experienced an encounter with God and that there was a newness and a freshness about our relationship that hadn't been there when I started the book.
In Plum Upside Down, Valerie Comer has dug even deeper and, in Chelsea, bared parts of the spiritual journey of a kid who grows up in a Christian home that most of us are completely unwilling to think about, let alone talk about. In this book, Valerie tackles the question, "Does God actually love me personally or does He just love me as a part of the whole world?" She lays bare the longing many of us have experienced as we watch the passion of a new believer who knows what it's like to live without Christ and can't believe how amazing He is. And she boldly proclaims that those of us who can't remember NOT knowing the Gospel can still be blown away by His love and His power in our lives. And she does it in a way that DOESN'T make you feel like you're studying theology!
This book has a really great story line with totally loveable characters. The themes of environmentalism and sustainability are continued and expounded upon. We even get to travel to South Africa for a bit! It's all done so masterfully, I found myself a little in awe as I finished it, wiping away my tears and realizing I had not only just finished a really fun story, but that I had experienced an encounter with God and that there was a newness and a freshness about our relationship that hadn't been there when I started the book.
February 1, 2018
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
I have read many of Valerie Comer’s books and keep coming back because of the strong characters, and the conflicts they face in both life and faith. It says a lot for her writing I got confused when I started Plum Upside Down as to whether I’d already read this book because I knew the two of them in relation to each other. I soon figured out where Keanan was first introduced and his conflict with Chelsea begun, but it had been a couple of years since I read Dandelions for Dinner, and for even minor characters to stay so clear just demonstrates why I keep coming back.
I believe Plum Upside Down may be the most complex of her works I’ve read so far, regardless of series. This is definitely a discussion-worthy book for the faith aspects as well as what these two people face as a couple. I had some issues with how the book seemed to be condoning peer pressure where faith was concerned, though it was often unintentional, especially in how it made Chelsea feel unworthy and worthless. I shouldn’t have been worried. That is only one of the very real issues struggled with in the story. There are a lot of snap judgments and assumptions between the two of them that make everything more difficult.
Chelsea is not firm in her faith in the beginning, though she refuses to admit it to herself as much as to anyone else. She sees how easy and deep a relationship with God seems to be for the other inhabitants of Green Acres and considers herself lacking in comparison. It doesn’t help that the organizational skills she thought would make her a valuable member of the community are unnecessary on the farm. She’s reduced (her words, not mine) to simple farmhand labor, an indication that she’s certainly not perfect either. The pressure to do something more, be something more, is never stronger than when she’s with Keanan.
He dismisses Chelsea’s gifts and how she’s been using them, because he sees anything tied to privilege as tainted. He embodies the phrase “Holier than thou” for me not it how he acted as much as in how he judged the worthiness of others, or most specifically, of Chelsea. He doesn’t seem to have any difficulty accepting how the other members of the farm have chosen to express their faith or find their calling, but from the start, he judges Chelsea as a pampered princess who should face up to her own lack of value.
It’s interesting the contrast in perceptions from one of the other farm members who pointed to how Chelsea jumps in where needed without complaint, but its Keanan’s perspective that has the strongest impact on Chelsea, and not always in a good way. I’m reminded of a conversation I had with my mother years ago. I said I felt like I wasn’t contributing enough to helping people. She turned around and pointed out the many hours of programming I did while volunteering for my online writing group, efforts, along with being part of the moderating team, that helped others get the inspiration and encouragement that’s critical to living full lives. I had not even considered that in the context of giving because I fell into the position and enjoyed what I was doing.
This is how I see Chelsea. She devotes hours organizing events for her church in Portland even after she moves to the farm, allowing them to provide for the less well off in their community and even fund outreach missions like Keanan went on. Without efforts like hers, those missions wouldn’t happen, but because it’s not hands on in foreign countries, it has no value to him. This also raised another issue for me because elevating missions abroad while ignoring the suffering at home is another form of judgement. It’s saying because people in Africa, to use the example from the book, don’t have the same life as in America, their life is worse off than every person in America (where the book is set). Starving in a land of plenty is still starvation. I’m not saying Keanan believes this, but that his words imply that he does, something tied up with his own history, and an attitude that exists in the real world.
Remember what I said about discussion worthy? As a reader, I had to be patient, but Keanan has his own issues that brought him to such judgements. His break from privilege left a bad taste in his month, and he can’t see how that’s tainting his view of the world until he’s hit over the head with a very heavy brick. I still think he has room to grow in that direction, but he comes to some pretty shattering conclusions by the end that point him in the right direction. And to his credit, he doesn’t fall back on the bad habit of blaming others as he does with Chelsea in their early relationship but faces up to the truths God reveals to him.
After what I said above, you’ll think I didn’t like Keanan at all, but that would be far from the truth. He’s wonderful with children, caring, and truly focused on helping people see into their own hearts. It’s quite likely an afterimage of fighting his attraction to Chelsea that makes him so blind to her strengths and to her weaknesses. She’s the only one he pushes to abandon everything she’s known and do what he thinks is the proper calling, and while that’s the part I don’t agree with, he does recognize her own fears eventually and helps her to resolve them where her faith is concerned, so it’s certainly not all negative between them. If it were, Chelsea would not have been inspired to break down her barriers instead of settling for an okay, but not transcendent, life.
I thought for a while that Chelsea would be called upon to make all the adjustments in the story, which isn’t why I read romances. A proper relationship is a mutual compromise that allows something stronger to grow out of the union. Had she persisted in seeing herself as the lessor, a child at Keanan’s knee, the relationship wouldn’t have worked for me at all. Instead, she grows and he’s hit with a brick. Yes, I’m avoiding spoilers, but things get scary and crisis-filled for a good while which allows both of them to look at what they are doing to each other and in their relationship with God, making this a fascinating, deep story.
This book focuses very heavily on faith and learning your own value and purpose, but it is still true to the Farm Fresh series by also having hands-on work descriptions and out-there housing options that involve everyone to put into place. I love how Green Acres brings disparate people together as a community and a family whether they live at the farm or only come to visit. The heart in these books is tangible even when the main characters are frustrated or struggling with what their hearts tell them is true on both a faith and relationship level. Besides, the characters are real enough to linger across years, as are their questions.
I have read many of Valerie Comer’s books and keep coming back because of the strong characters, and the conflicts they face in both life and faith. It says a lot for her writing I got confused when I started Plum Upside Down as to whether I’d already read this book because I knew the two of them in relation to each other. I soon figured out where Keanan was first introduced and his conflict with Chelsea begun, but it had been a couple of years since I read Dandelions for Dinner, and for even minor characters to stay so clear just demonstrates why I keep coming back.
I believe Plum Upside Down may be the most complex of her works I’ve read so far, regardless of series. This is definitely a discussion-worthy book for the faith aspects as well as what these two people face as a couple. I had some issues with how the book seemed to be condoning peer pressure where faith was concerned, though it was often unintentional, especially in how it made Chelsea feel unworthy and worthless. I shouldn’t have been worried. That is only one of the very real issues struggled with in the story. There are a lot of snap judgments and assumptions between the two of them that make everything more difficult.
Chelsea is not firm in her faith in the beginning, though she refuses to admit it to herself as much as to anyone else. She sees how easy and deep a relationship with God seems to be for the other inhabitants of Green Acres and considers herself lacking in comparison. It doesn’t help that the organizational skills she thought would make her a valuable member of the community are unnecessary on the farm. She’s reduced (her words, not mine) to simple farmhand labor, an indication that she’s certainly not perfect either. The pressure to do something more, be something more, is never stronger than when she’s with Keanan.
He dismisses Chelsea’s gifts and how she’s been using them, because he sees anything tied to privilege as tainted. He embodies the phrase “Holier than thou” for me not it how he acted as much as in how he judged the worthiness of others, or most specifically, of Chelsea. He doesn’t seem to have any difficulty accepting how the other members of the farm have chosen to express their faith or find their calling, but from the start, he judges Chelsea as a pampered princess who should face up to her own lack of value.
It’s interesting the contrast in perceptions from one of the other farm members who pointed to how Chelsea jumps in where needed without complaint, but its Keanan’s perspective that has the strongest impact on Chelsea, and not always in a good way. I’m reminded of a conversation I had with my mother years ago. I said I felt like I wasn’t contributing enough to helping people. She turned around and pointed out the many hours of programming I did while volunteering for my online writing group, efforts, along with being part of the moderating team, that helped others get the inspiration and encouragement that’s critical to living full lives. I had not even considered that in the context of giving because I fell into the position and enjoyed what I was doing.
This is how I see Chelsea. She devotes hours organizing events for her church in Portland even after she moves to the farm, allowing them to provide for the less well off in their community and even fund outreach missions like Keanan went on. Without efforts like hers, those missions wouldn’t happen, but because it’s not hands on in foreign countries, it has no value to him. This also raised another issue for me because elevating missions abroad while ignoring the suffering at home is another form of judgement. It’s saying because people in Africa, to use the example from the book, don’t have the same life as in America, their life is worse off than every person in America (where the book is set). Starving in a land of plenty is still starvation. I’m not saying Keanan believes this, but that his words imply that he does, something tied up with his own history, and an attitude that exists in the real world.
Remember what I said about discussion worthy? As a reader, I had to be patient, but Keanan has his own issues that brought him to such judgements. His break from privilege left a bad taste in his month, and he can’t see how that’s tainting his view of the world until he’s hit over the head with a very heavy brick. I still think he has room to grow in that direction, but he comes to some pretty shattering conclusions by the end that point him in the right direction. And to his credit, he doesn’t fall back on the bad habit of blaming others as he does with Chelsea in their early relationship but faces up to the truths God reveals to him.
After what I said above, you’ll think I didn’t like Keanan at all, but that would be far from the truth. He’s wonderful with children, caring, and truly focused on helping people see into their own hearts. It’s quite likely an afterimage of fighting his attraction to Chelsea that makes him so blind to her strengths and to her weaknesses. She’s the only one he pushes to abandon everything she’s known and do what he thinks is the proper calling, and while that’s the part I don’t agree with, he does recognize her own fears eventually and helps her to resolve them where her faith is concerned, so it’s certainly not all negative between them. If it were, Chelsea would not have been inspired to break down her barriers instead of settling for an okay, but not transcendent, life.
I thought for a while that Chelsea would be called upon to make all the adjustments in the story, which isn’t why I read romances. A proper relationship is a mutual compromise that allows something stronger to grow out of the union. Had she persisted in seeing herself as the lessor, a child at Keanan’s knee, the relationship wouldn’t have worked for me at all. Instead, she grows and he’s hit with a brick. Yes, I’m avoiding spoilers, but things get scary and crisis-filled for a good while which allows both of them to look at what they are doing to each other and in their relationship with God, making this a fascinating, deep story.
This book focuses very heavily on faith and learning your own value and purpose, but it is still true to the Farm Fresh series by also having hands-on work descriptions and out-there housing options that involve everyone to put into place. I love how Green Acres brings disparate people together as a community and a family whether they live at the farm or only come to visit. The heart in these books is tangible even when the main characters are frustrated or struggling with what their hearts tell them is true on both a faith and relationship level. Besides, the characters are real enough to linger across years, as are their questions.
March 21, 2024
I have so enjoyed this series (still have 1 more book to go in it) but this one.. I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could! This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read with such a powerful and moving message. Yes, it is a romance.. but the romance between God and His child is of greater focus than between a man and woman. I love that the male lead recognizes that until the woman he loves understands God's love for her, he has no business pursuing her. I love that he prays for her and the prayers Valerie writes out in this book are amazing, as well as the songs she shares through her characters' worship. There is so much more I could say that I love about this one, but I would give too much away. Even if you don't care for romance or read it much, I encourage you to read this one. I tend to be one who says read all the books in a series in order, but if this isn't a series that appeals to you.. skip to this book (book 5) and read it alone. The story is that good and that moving. This will be one I read again (a rarity) and one I will recommend often.
June 10, 2018
This is one of her best...!!!
Every word of this beautiful story has gripped my heart. I couldn’t put it down! The way Chelsea discovered the Truth about where she was with Jesus and how He brought her into an intimate relationship with Himself...and gave her His choice for her husband is indeed a fascinating story - one you will NOT want to miss!!
Every word of this beautiful story has gripped my heart. I couldn’t put it down! The way Chelsea discovered the Truth about where she was with Jesus and how He brought her into an intimate relationship with Himself...and gave her His choice for her husband is indeed a fascinating story - one you will NOT want to miss!!
March 18, 2024
Wow so powerful
This is such a touching story. The power of God's word is brought out so well. The scripture is perfect and on point. Be sure to have lots of Kleenex handy. So far I think this is my favorite book in the series.
This is such a touching story. The power of God's word is brought out so well. The scripture is perfect and on point. Be sure to have lots of Kleenex handy. So far I think this is my favorite book in the series.
July 21, 2025
Plum Upside Down
I enjoyed this book about a young woman' s struggle to have a deeper relationship with God and be assured of His love for her. She also had to learn not to prejudge people, specifically Keaton.
I enjoyed this book about a young woman' s struggle to have a deeper relationship with God and be assured of His love for her. She also had to learn not to prejudge people, specifically Keaton.
December 17, 2024
I really liked the spiritual aspect of this book.
December 30, 2020
I actually got some good advice on getting closer to Jesus from this one.
August 3, 2015
Title: PLUM UPSIDE DOWN
Author: Valerie Comer
Publisher: GreenWords Media
August 2015
ASIN: B01293X0CK
Genre: historical romance
Series: A Farm Fresh Romance #5
Christian Contemporary Romance with a Farm Lit Flair
Topsy-Turvy... or Right-Side Up?
Green Acres newcomer Chelsea Riehl is annoyed she’s assigned to farm work alongside the only other single, a faith-filled hippie with a missionary vision. She'd hoped to organize events and keep her heart safe, not pit plums with annoying Keanan Welsh.
Discouraged by Chelsea's lack of spiritual depth, Keanan is confused when she offers to arrange meals for the church Alpha program he is co-hosting. Maybe he misjudged her, after all.
When fake it ’til you make it gives way to stepping out in faith, both Chelsea and Keanan have some soul-searching to do. And while getting on the same page spiritually is a good start, other barriers may keep their budding romance from flipping right-side up.
About The Farm Fresh Christian Romance Series
1. Raspberries and Vinegar (free Christian Romance novel!)
2. Wild Mint Tea
3. Sweetened with Honey
4. Dandelions for Dinner
5. Plum Upside Down
Love farm life?
Plum Upside Down is the fifth novel in the Farm Fresh Romance series. This Christian romance series follows the adventures, romantic and otherwise, of a group of young women who purchase an old farm together in northern Idaho to grow their own organic food and prove to those around them that they can make a difference. These farm romance novels are stories of farm life with a focus on local food. The Farm Fresh Romance series doesn't pad the issues nor preach about them, but allows the characters the freedom to grapple with environmentalism and sustainability as believers.
I really enjoy Ms. Comer’s books, especially the faith message that is included. She offers no apology for the message of truth, which in this case is loving Jesus whole-heartedly, with passion, and going, when He says “go.”
PLUM UPSIDE DOWN started a bit slow, and Chelsea started out as somewhat a jerk. Keanan, on the other hand, I fell in love with almost right away. He might be odd by the world’s standards, but he was 100% sold out to God. I love the community of farmer/believers they both live in, and I am intrigued by Keanan’s choice of living in a silo. I’m going to have to research them. It is interesting reading about all the work they went into making the communal living work. I’m anxious to read the sixth book in the series, coming soon.
If you like contemporary romances but shy away from “indie” books because they might be not as well written, Valerie Comer is not someone to be afraid of. Her writing is top-notch, highly edited and engaging. She is in the top-five list of my favorite contemporary romance authors. Don’t miss PLUM UPSIDE DOWN or any of her other books in this series, listed above.
4.5 stars. Available in ebook. 277 pages.
I obtained this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Author: Valerie Comer
Publisher: GreenWords Media
August 2015
ASIN: B01293X0CK
Genre: historical romance
Series: A Farm Fresh Romance #5
Christian Contemporary Romance with a Farm Lit Flair
Topsy-Turvy... or Right-Side Up?
Green Acres newcomer Chelsea Riehl is annoyed she’s assigned to farm work alongside the only other single, a faith-filled hippie with a missionary vision. She'd hoped to organize events and keep her heart safe, not pit plums with annoying Keanan Welsh.
Discouraged by Chelsea's lack of spiritual depth, Keanan is confused when she offers to arrange meals for the church Alpha program he is co-hosting. Maybe he misjudged her, after all.
When fake it ’til you make it gives way to stepping out in faith, both Chelsea and Keanan have some soul-searching to do. And while getting on the same page spiritually is a good start, other barriers may keep their budding romance from flipping right-side up.
About The Farm Fresh Christian Romance Series
1. Raspberries and Vinegar (free Christian Romance novel!)
2. Wild Mint Tea
3. Sweetened with Honey
4. Dandelions for Dinner
5. Plum Upside Down
Love farm life?
Plum Upside Down is the fifth novel in the Farm Fresh Romance series. This Christian romance series follows the adventures, romantic and otherwise, of a group of young women who purchase an old farm together in northern Idaho to grow their own organic food and prove to those around them that they can make a difference. These farm romance novels are stories of farm life with a focus on local food. The Farm Fresh Romance series doesn't pad the issues nor preach about them, but allows the characters the freedom to grapple with environmentalism and sustainability as believers.
I really enjoy Ms. Comer’s books, especially the faith message that is included. She offers no apology for the message of truth, which in this case is loving Jesus whole-heartedly, with passion, and going, when He says “go.”
PLUM UPSIDE DOWN started a bit slow, and Chelsea started out as somewhat a jerk. Keanan, on the other hand, I fell in love with almost right away. He might be odd by the world’s standards, but he was 100% sold out to God. I love the community of farmer/believers they both live in, and I am intrigued by Keanan’s choice of living in a silo. I’m going to have to research them. It is interesting reading about all the work they went into making the communal living work. I’m anxious to read the sixth book in the series, coming soon.
If you like contemporary romances but shy away from “indie” books because they might be not as well written, Valerie Comer is not someone to be afraid of. Her writing is top-notch, highly edited and engaging. She is in the top-five list of my favorite contemporary romance authors. Don’t miss PLUM UPSIDE DOWN or any of her other books in this series, listed above.
4.5 stars. Available in ebook. 277 pages.
I obtained this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
March 7, 2017
Chelsea Riehl is fairly new to the farm that her sister Sierra and friends founded. The farm community offer courses and event hosting and Chelsea thought her event planning skills would be her contribution to the mix, but so far she's spent most of her time peeling plums, processing tomatoes, and cutting up beef.
Everyone else who lives on the farm is married or engaged, except Chelsea... and Keanan, the hippie-style guy with the guitar. Neither one of them is looking for a relationship – especially not with the other.
Chelsea and Keanan are polar opposites – and they start out with an instant dislike for one another. I found that a little irritating at first, but they quickly discover a budding attraction and I just as quickly developed a fondness for them both. Keanan's faith is so deep that it stirs a longing in Chelsea's spirit and causes her to struggle with comparisons and a sense of unworthiness.
This is book 5 in the Farm Fresh Romance series, where each novel features different characters from the expanding Green Acres farm community. I'm not really a fan of romance as the main plot thread, but what I like about this series is that along with engaging characters and the romance thread, there's also a faith thread and the chance to vicariously live life on a self-sustaining farm.
Most, if not all, books in the Farm Fresh series include a recipe (this time it's Plum Upside Down Cake). New for this story, the author has created a playlist of Keanan's songs, and a list of the Bible verses that he shared with Chelsea.
Don't let that last item scare you. This isn't a preachy novel. Chelsea's biggest issue is that she doesn't dare believe that God really loves her personally. Naturally, as she opens up to her friends about this, the conversation will be about faith, but it's clearly Chelsea's need and not an author-driven agenda (although I'm sure the author agrees!)
Valerie Comer is a prolific Canadian author of Christian romance (plus one clean mainstream fantasy novel). As well as the Farm Fresh series of novels, she writes the Riverbend Romance novellas. For more about the author and her books, visit valeriecomer.com.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
Everyone else who lives on the farm is married or engaged, except Chelsea... and Keanan, the hippie-style guy with the guitar. Neither one of them is looking for a relationship – especially not with the other.
Chelsea and Keanan are polar opposites – and they start out with an instant dislike for one another. I found that a little irritating at first, but they quickly discover a budding attraction and I just as quickly developed a fondness for them both. Keanan's faith is so deep that it stirs a longing in Chelsea's spirit and causes her to struggle with comparisons and a sense of unworthiness.
This is book 5 in the Farm Fresh Romance series, where each novel features different characters from the expanding Green Acres farm community. I'm not really a fan of romance as the main plot thread, but what I like about this series is that along with engaging characters and the romance thread, there's also a faith thread and the chance to vicariously live life on a self-sustaining farm.
Most, if not all, books in the Farm Fresh series include a recipe (this time it's Plum Upside Down Cake). New for this story, the author has created a playlist of Keanan's songs, and a list of the Bible verses that he shared with Chelsea.
Don't let that last item scare you. This isn't a preachy novel. Chelsea's biggest issue is that she doesn't dare believe that God really loves her personally. Naturally, as she opens up to her friends about this, the conversation will be about faith, but it's clearly Chelsea's need and not an author-driven agenda (although I'm sure the author agrees!)
Valerie Comer is a prolific Canadian author of Christian romance (plus one clean mainstream fantasy novel). As well as the Farm Fresh series of novels, she writes the Riverbend Romance novellas. For more about the author and her books, visit valeriecomer.com.
[Review copy from my personal library.]
August 13, 2015
Plum Upside Down is the fifth book in Valerie Comer's Farm Fresh series. I've read many series and have found that often later books lack the freshness and appeal of the first books, and many completely fizzle. This is not the case with Plum Upside Down. Ms. Comer's newest book revisits the Galena Landing crew, but her character focus has a level of spiritual depth that is unmatched in the previous four books. Characters Chelsea (Sierra's younger sister) and Keanan have personality conflicts in the beginning of the book. Closer inspection shows that the conflict is more spiritual even as the attraction between the characters becomes quite passionate. Keanan's profound faith and desire to help others through missions is integral to his life as he lives out his faith day by day. Chelsea grew up in a Christian home and went though the required steps to be baptized and does believe in God, but she doesn't live in faith or have a relationship with God. She longs for her faith to be 'real' like Keanan's but she struggles, and often shuts out God's love for her. She realizes that Keanan won't accept anyone into his heart that doesn't share his relationship with God which leaves her feeling unworthy and even more distant from the One who loves her even more than Keanan ever could. This story drew out my own wavering relationship with God and reminded me how important it is to stay in relationship and faith with Him. The story is so touching and for me, required a few tissues as I watched (read) Chelsea beat herself against the Rock of Faith until she was broken and able to receive the mercy and blessings God has for all who believe in Him. Well paced, tender romance, and for me, one of Valerie Comer's best.
August 4, 2015
Plum Upside Down ( A Farm Fresh Romance #5 )
By: Valerie Comer
This is the fifth book in a Farm Fresh Romance series. I hate to say that this was my first to read in this series, but I really enjoyed it and it want be my last. Valerie now has me hooked . She did a fantastic job of pinning the story and the characters. I did not have any problems following either one. Plum Upside Down is a good clean farm romance and farm living Christian romance. I loved the two main characters Chelsea and Keanan. Chelsea who comes in dressed high fashion all the time, but she needs God to help show her the way. Keanan , who I loved right away is a Christian, but looks like a hippy. These two seem so different as day and night. They both are at Green Acres which is a communal living and a farm life which faces a local food. Like I said before I really enjoyed this story and caught myself laughing a few times and then some sad times tears were flowing so hard down my face that I had to stop reading and grab a kleenex . Can Keanan an help change Chelsea’s way of thinking about God? I loved the way Valerie use scripture flowing through the story .
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review, which I have given.
By: Valerie Comer
This is the fifth book in a Farm Fresh Romance series. I hate to say that this was my first to read in this series, but I really enjoyed it and it want be my last. Valerie now has me hooked . She did a fantastic job of pinning the story and the characters. I did not have any problems following either one. Plum Upside Down is a good clean farm romance and farm living Christian romance. I loved the two main characters Chelsea and Keanan. Chelsea who comes in dressed high fashion all the time, but she needs God to help show her the way. Keanan , who I loved right away is a Christian, but looks like a hippy. These two seem so different as day and night. They both are at Green Acres which is a communal living and a farm life which faces a local food. Like I said before I really enjoyed this story and caught myself laughing a few times and then some sad times tears were flowing so hard down my face that I had to stop reading and grab a kleenex . Can Keanan an help change Chelsea’s way of thinking about God? I loved the way Valerie use scripture flowing through the story .
I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review, which I have given.
January 5, 2017
Chelsea Riehl, Sierra’s sister, has finally decided to join her sister and their new friends at Green Acres Farm. But they keep assigning her boring things to do — and always with their “resident hippy” who, to put it mildly, gets on her nerves.
There’s not much organizing for her to do yet; even worse, she didn’t realize she would be putting in so many hours on cooking, gardening, etc. And the only single man nearby is not someone she would like to get to know better. What’s a girl to do? Will she stay put — or will she return home? After all, she’s still organizing events in her hometown . . . it would be easier to actually be there.
I sure hope I haven’t said too much. I’m always trying to not reveal any spoilers, because I really want you to read the book for yourself. It’s a great book . . . and . . .
I’m really thrilled to hear that it won’t be the last one in this series. Valerie does such an amazing job, promoting a farm fresh lifestyle in this series. The characters are fun, interesting, and life gets messy for them – just like it does for us.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful series.
Happy Reading!
September 4, 2015
Raised in the church, Chelsea has always known she was saved. But the passion Keanan has for the Lord — and the lost — leaves Chelsea wondering where things went wrong.
I expected Plum Upside Down to be a fairly simple, sweet story. At least, that’s how it seemed to begin. Granted, Chelsea and Keanan were determined to dislike each other, but other than that…
Chelsea wanted her faith to grow, but I doubt she anticipated the process that would involve. Yet her growth seems very authentic. Sometimes it is not knowledge that grows us, but putting that knowledge into practice. I was definitely drawn into the story, especially in the second half. I suspect many have wanted that same growth Chelsea experienced, and I loved the journey she experienced.
Plum Upside Down is the fifth book in the Farm Fresh Romance series. While the stories can stand alone, they are intertwined, and I suspect you’ll want to read them all. (Including book #6, which will release in Spring, 2016.)
(This review was first published on my blog -- sarahruut.com. I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.)
I expected Plum Upside Down to be a fairly simple, sweet story. At least, that’s how it seemed to begin. Granted, Chelsea and Keanan were determined to dislike each other, but other than that…
Chelsea wanted her faith to grow, but I doubt she anticipated the process that would involve. Yet her growth seems very authentic. Sometimes it is not knowledge that grows us, but putting that knowledge into practice. I was definitely drawn into the story, especially in the second half. I suspect many have wanted that same growth Chelsea experienced, and I loved the journey she experienced.
Plum Upside Down is the fifth book in the Farm Fresh Romance series. While the stories can stand alone, they are intertwined, and I suspect you’ll want to read them all. (Including book #6, which will release in Spring, 2016.)
(This review was first published on my blog -- sarahruut.com. I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts expressed here are entirely my own.)
August 12, 2015
Book 5 in the Farm Fresh Romance series. Single Chelsea Riehl is among other married couples who live at Green Acres farm. Communal farming is what the gang does best. Another resident, Hippie Keanan Welsh, carries the work load and gives up his tent to build a grain bin house on the farm. Work at the farm throws Chelsea and Keanan together more often than not. Keanan is so in love and acceptance of God. Chelsea grew up going to church and Sunday School. She knows God but has never gave her heart fully to him. The attraction is there but Keanan wants her to have a full relationship with her savior. Chelsea prays God's fullness floods her entire being. Bible study time together is a start. Keanan is off on a mission trip to Africa. When something happens to Keanan, Chelsea's entire world is shook to the core. She has to fully give it to God to carry her through the storm. This is a most wonderful spiritual book that touches deeply on having an intimate relationship with God. Comer's writing is outstanding and this is the deepest book yet in this series.
August 4, 2015
Plum Upside Down by Valerie Comer is Book 5 in the Farm Fresh Romances. This a refreshing Christian romance in the series about sustainability and communal living set on Green Acres Farm.
This book deals with Chelsea and Keanan. Their personalities clash on first meeting, the upscale city woman with the fashionable clothes and the hippie laid back man.
They gradually begin to feel an attraction when they are thrown together volunteering in their church.
Chelsea discovers that her faith is not the same as Keanan.
Her faith is something she has always known, accepting Christ as a child, going to Christian schools. The fake it till you make it kind of faith\vs Keanan's deep personal relationship with God.
Chelsea's character could mirror my own life as I struggle like her to obtain that deep personal relationship with the Lord.
Thank you, Valerie, to opening my eyes to what I need to do in my life.
This book is definitely a must read and I look forward to more books in this series.
This book deals with Chelsea and Keanan. Their personalities clash on first meeting, the upscale city woman with the fashionable clothes and the hippie laid back man.
They gradually begin to feel an attraction when they are thrown together volunteering in their church.
Chelsea discovers that her faith is not the same as Keanan.
Her faith is something she has always known, accepting Christ as a child, going to Christian schools. The fake it till you make it kind of faith\vs Keanan's deep personal relationship with God.
Chelsea's character could mirror my own life as I struggle like her to obtain that deep personal relationship with the Lord.
Thank you, Valerie, to opening my eyes to what I need to do in my life.
This book is definitely a must read and I look forward to more books in this series.
Read
October 8, 2015As a latecomer to the community named Green Acres Farm, Chelsea feels like an outside, even though her sister has been involved since the beginning. Adding to her discomfort is a through-back to the Jesus People of decades ago, Keanan. Prissy Chelsea and hippie look-alike Keanan are in agreement on one thing: they don’t like being pushed together by the happily married other occupants of the communal farm.
I enjoyed this story and the contrasts between the two lead characters. The farm was somewhat familiar, as I’d read the first book of the series some time ago. So we settled in like old friends, and I took a ring-side seat to watch their up and down relationship.
The faith message in this story is gentle but important, and Ms. Comer’s research brings locations and other details to life.
Plum Upside Down is a fast read, but the story and characters linger in my memory. It earns five stars.
I enjoyed this story and the contrasts between the two lead characters. The farm was somewhat familiar, as I’d read the first book of the series some time ago. So we settled in like old friends, and I took a ring-side seat to watch their up and down relationship.
The faith message in this story is gentle but important, and Ms. Comer’s research brings locations and other details to life.
Plum Upside Down is a fast read, but the story and characters linger in my memory. It earns five stars.
March 18, 2016
I've loved this whole series, but this book made me question the infatuation for a couple chapters. However, a plot twist and beautiful ending redeemed it in my eyes, which is why it still gets 4 stars.
The problem: a little preachy at times. It is Christian romance, so that might be expected, but the previous FFR books seemed to integrate faith into the story more and offer up sermons less. To the author's credit, the questions the characters were asking and seeking answers to were lifelike--I've asked some of the same questions--and a lot of the time she frames them through the characters well. Even so, some of it got a little tiresome.
But never fear! The second the story goes to Africa the didacticism fades and the beautiful love stories (between Keanan and Chelsea, and Chelsea and God) reign supreme.
Finally, the best part of this book may have been the author's testimony of Christ in the afterword.
The problem: a little preachy at times. It is Christian romance, so that might be expected, but the previous FFR books seemed to integrate faith into the story more and offer up sermons less. To the author's credit, the questions the characters were asking and seeking answers to were lifelike--I've asked some of the same questions--and a lot of the time she frames them through the characters well. Even so, some of it got a little tiresome.
But never fear! The second the story goes to Africa the didacticism fades and the beautiful love stories (between Keanan and Chelsea, and Chelsea and God) reign supreme.
Finally, the best part of this book may have been the author's testimony of Christ in the afterword.
April 25, 2016
After spending a great deal of time at the Green Acres Farm while her sister was going through some medical issues, Chelsea thinks her skills as an event planner will work into the scheme of the farm nicely. Little did she realize how hard fitting in with all the married couples would be. She is single and also struggling with her relationship with God. She is not the only single person living on the farm. Keegan is the long haired, guitar toting, tent inhabiting hippie who showed up one day and never left. Now, he is putting down roots, building a home on the farm and getting under Chelsea's skin. Soon, she realizes she doesn't despise him, she envies him and his relationship with God.
August 9, 2015
Plum Upside Down by Valerie Comer is a contemporary romance novel Book 5 in A Farm Fresh Romance Series. Chelsea is a newcomer to Green Acres planning to use her computer skills as an organizer. Instead she assigned to work with Keanan, a hippie missionary. When Chelsea volunteers to organize the meals for the church Bible Study group, They both realize that maybe they misjudged each other. When they begin to fall in love, they find not only spiritual differences but other obstacles. Can they overcome these difference and come together in love? I was given this book for an honest opinion. I am enjoying this series and give this a 5 star review.
August 4, 2015
The Farm Fresh Series has been a series that I have thoroughly enjoyed, and this book is a wonderful addition to the series. It is always fun catching back up with the people from Green Acres Farm. This book follows Chelsea and Keanan on their rocky road to discovering their love for each other and Chelsea's journey to rediscovering her faith in God. Valerie always draws you into the lives of the characters and the story line from the first pages and this book was no exception. I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review, and this is another one from this author that I definitely recommend. I am certainly looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 5, 2015
When this popped up in my Kindle last night (I'd pre-ordered it, which is very rare for me), I started reading and put off things today to keep reading. For me, that's praise. :) This book is my favorite in the series so far. I really identified with Chelsea, and Keanan was a different sort of hero, even a bit from the other men in the Farm Fresh series, exceptionally passionate for/in Christ, who falls for somewhat-conventional Chelsea. As usual, strong setting, strong characters, strong Christian message, all woven together by a wonderful storyteller. I look forward to book six of the series!
February 22, 2016
Life Upside Down
How deep is your faith or do you struggle like Chelsea a believer from Idaho to serve God at the ends of the earth or South Africa. Valeria Comer does not disappoint by weaving an inspirational romance and developing a close relationship with our Creator. As a committed believer do we only serve God in the comforts of our community and church or are we willing to serve in a third world country. Will a super big motivate your love of God to move to the ends of the earth. Well developed characters with a plot that has some unexpected turns. Travel the world. Life Upside Down, not what we envisioned in our comfort zone.
How deep is your faith or do you struggle like Chelsea a believer from Idaho to serve God at the ends of the earth or South Africa. Valeria Comer does not disappoint by weaving an inspirational romance and developing a close relationship with our Creator. As a committed believer do we only serve God in the comforts of our community and church or are we willing to serve in a third world country. Will a super big motivate your love of God to move to the ends of the earth. Well developed characters with a plot that has some unexpected turns. Travel the world. Life Upside Down, not what we envisioned in our comfort zone.
August 25, 2015
This book kept making me wish that I had more plums on my tree so I could try out the recipe in the back. I have enjoyed all 5 of the books in this series, but this was one of my favorites.
Ms. Comer explores an alternative communal lifestyle while focusing on self sufficiency in an area where it can be a little more difficult. Intertwined into the story is issues of faith, a rush to judgement and deeper relationships with each other.
I cannot wait to read the next one!
Ms. Comer explores an alternative communal lifestyle while focusing on self sufficiency in an area where it can be a little more difficult. Intertwined into the story is issues of faith, a rush to judgement and deeper relationships with each other.
I cannot wait to read the next one!
August 9, 2015
This is the 5th book in the Farm Fresh series. This series is among my favs and one I want to continue on for many more books. Start with book one, but come join the characters on the farm in Idaho and enjoy learning more about them and their walk, faith and struggles. Dynamite series and you still meet the characters in the previous books in each new one which I love.
Valerie has become a must buy author for me as I've loved everything she's written, that I've read.
Valerie has become a must buy author for me as I've loved everything she's written, that I've read.
December 28, 2015
The end of this series for now. I appreciated how the author treated issues of faith, with characters that were well aware of their own imperfections coming face to face with God's perfect love. I think this series is one that resonated with me because it met me where I am at in life. There's a time to read about adventures and romances a world away from your own reality, but sometimes reading about people your age that share your beliefs can be very powerful.
July 27, 2015
Chelsea and Keanons story is truly amazing. The team at Green Acres will feel like a part of your family by the end of the book. The way Keanon helps Chelsea realize that she needs to let God show her the way to him. You will feel God working on every one in this beautiful story. I had the honor to review this book for the author. Thank you for helping to understand how to be closer to God..
September 22, 2015
Another win.
I have have always enjoyed reading Valerie's romance novels. She has a great way of incorporating the love of God, and love for others. She has great talent in pulling you into her stories. It is so wonderful to have authors who write clean romance novels, and this book is no different. I hope to read more from her soon.
I have have always enjoyed reading Valerie's romance novels. She has a great way of incorporating the love of God, and love for others. She has great talent in pulling you into her stories. It is so wonderful to have authors who write clean romance novels, and this book is no different. I hope to read more from her soon.
August 27, 2015
Great Clean Fun Reading!!!
I have enjoyed all of Valerie's books. All her characters come to life. I could picture them as the book proceed. I have written down so many notes and scriptures in order to share with others Thanks Valerie for some good, Godly books.
I have enjoyed all of Valerie's books. All her characters come to life. I could picture them as the book proceed. I have written down so many notes and scriptures in order to share with others Thanks Valerie for some good, Godly books.
November 2, 2015
Wonderful series
I've read everyone of the farm fresh books and have not once been disappointed. Here is another deeply touching story. I hope there will be more. Not sure I will ever tire of this group.
I've read everyone of the farm fresh books and have not once been disappointed. Here is another deeply touching story. I hope there will be more. Not sure I will ever tire of this group.
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