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Wartime Brides #1
Love's Harvest
Love's Harvest is a fictionalized account of the biblical book of Ruth set during WWII. Noreen Hirsch loses everything, including her husband and two sons. Then her adopted country goes to war with her homeland. Has God abandoned her? Rosa Hirsch barely adjusts to being a bride before she is widowed. She gives up her citizenship to accompany her mother-in-law to her home country. Can Rosa find acceptance among strangers who hate her belligerent nation? Basil Quincey is rich beyond his wildest dreams, but loneliness stalks him. Can he find a woman who loves him and not his money? Three people. One God who can raise hope from the ashes of despair.
105 pages, ebook
Published March 29, 2016
102 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Linda Shenton Matchett
62 books656 followersLinda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A self-professed history geek, she is a volunteer archivist and docent at the Wright Museum of World War II. Linda has published more than twenty-five books. When not writing, she enjoys exploring historical sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 13, 2018
There wasn't anything bad in this story, I just didn't care for it. The idea of a WWII era retelling of "Ruth" intrigued me, but it fell flat. For one, the author didn't pay attention to details, and I was so confused by how old the twins were when the father died! (They were supposedly 7, but the years didn't add up right.) Another time she says Rosa has her hair in two braids and wrapped around her head, and then suddenly mentions her hair is only shoulder length. Huh? There were also historical inaccuracies that jarred my reading.
I also didn't care for the huge age gap between Rosa and the "Boaz" character. I know it happens sometimes, but that doesn't mean I like it.
The writing was okay. I was never really that interested in any of the characters. I never felt like I was there with them. Supposedly the "Naomi" character lost her faith in God, but I failed to see that happen. No, there wasn't much in the way of Christianity except for some talk of praying, and one Bible reading.
All together it left me confused, glad it was over, and eager for something else to read.
I also didn't care for the huge age gap between Rosa and the "Boaz" character. I know it happens sometimes, but that doesn't mean I like it.
The writing was okay. I was never really that interested in any of the characters. I never felt like I was there with them. Supposedly the "Naomi" character lost her faith in God, but I failed to see that happen. No, there wasn't much in the way of Christianity except for some talk of praying, and one Bible reading.
All together it left me confused, glad it was over, and eager for something else to read.
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August 9, 2016I hadn't looked at the description of Love's Harvest before I started reading it. As I went on in the book I realized I knew this beautiful love story. I recognized the grief of the main characters in their losses. I saw the resolution to return home and the desperate desire to find any hope in the day to day struggle. This retelling of Naomi and Ruth's saga from the Bible feels fresh and relevant. It's setting is in the early 1900's and War World I. Noreen and Rosa doubt God and His will, His path for them, and His place in their lives. How much can one take and have any faith? I loved how the plot came together in a sweet and vital ending. The seeds of angst and pain produced a beloved harvest! Read this one and find a renewed affection for Naomi, Ruth, and God's redeeming power.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
August 11, 2016
Love’s Harvest by author Linda Shenton Matchett is a retelling of the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi during the time of World War 2. Naomi is British and Ruth is a German and both have been dealt harsh blows in their lives. I have always enjoyed Ruth and Naomi’s story, the love, loyalty, and friendship those two women had for each other with being in-laws but not only that, but coming from two different cultures. I quite enjoyed reading this novella and seeing that story played out in a different period of time and place but the theme remains the same. This story also explores the prejudices toward others, especially when judged by your whole culture. It is something to think about in our day and age.
I received a copy for an honest review through Celebrate Lit and the opinions are my own.
I received a copy for an honest review through Celebrate Lit and the opinions are my own.
December 9, 2023
When Love’s Harvest appeared on one of my recommended lists, I knew I hadn’t read it or purchased it, so I immediately rectified that situation. What I failed to notice was that the story was inspired by the book of Ruth. (Some spoilers below)
At first, I wasn’t invested in the story, as Noreen and Edmund moved from place to place, which created a bit of a travelogue vibe for me. But then, I saw the connection with Ruth, especially as Rosa declares she will not leave Noreen, even as she returns to England. Rosa announces she is forever connected to Noreen’s family and gives the classic scripture reference “where you go, I will go…” (BTW, I also went back to check the full synopsis on my Kindle and found the “inspired by the biblical story of Ruth…”). From this point, it was easy to see the similarities with Ruth, but I would stress, this book was “inspired by Ruth” but is not a carbon copy.
If we compare the book of Ruth with Love’s Harvest (LH), you can see an obvious difference: Ruth has 4 Chapters and averages 4 pages in length, whereas LH has 17 chapters with a total of 126 pages. The difference in length is where the author fleshes out and contextualizes the Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz relationship into the more complete story and lessons of the LH characters Rosa, Noreen, and Basil. The author makes the story unique to this pre-war and WWII time period.
LH presents Noreen becoming progressively more disenchanted with her situation God has allotted to her. We see her bartering with God as Edmund becomes sicker and sicker. Then, shortly before Edmund dies, she talked to the Lord and tells him her heart is breaking and questions what good can come from Edmund’s death. By 1940, her boys are dead from a railroad yard accident leaving her and the wives, Odelia & Rosa unable to make ends meet. She again, pleads with God to help her understand the “WHY” of her situation. She shortly comes to the conclusion that she must return to England in order to survive. She tells the wives to marry, but they say they will travel with her, but just like Ruth and Naomi, you know what transpires.
We are told that LH is a story of hope and redemption and it clearly was. At the end, Noreen, Rosa, and Basil could give thanks and praise for God’s guidance, direction, and restoration of faith and hope. Noreen is given the gift of a grandson. Basil, who as an older father, thought he would never have a wife or a family is concerned about the unsettledness of the world, but Noreen, out of her life experience, tells Basil that even when choices seem limited, God’s people can pray.
This was a good story with the setting centered in Germany and England during WWII. While this story happens during the war, we do not see fighting, soldiers, airplanes, or battles, as the story in England is a sliver of life from the home front with people living their lives during difficult times. I rated it a 4.4. I hope soon to read book two in this series.
At first, I wasn’t invested in the story, as Noreen and Edmund moved from place to place, which created a bit of a travelogue vibe for me. But then, I saw the connection with Ruth, especially as Rosa declares she will not leave Noreen, even as she returns to England. Rosa announces she is forever connected to Noreen’s family and gives the classic scripture reference “where you go, I will go…” (BTW, I also went back to check the full synopsis on my Kindle and found the “inspired by the biblical story of Ruth…”). From this point, it was easy to see the similarities with Ruth, but I would stress, this book was “inspired by Ruth” but is not a carbon copy.
If we compare the book of Ruth with Love’s Harvest (LH), you can see an obvious difference: Ruth has 4 Chapters and averages 4 pages in length, whereas LH has 17 chapters with a total of 126 pages. The difference in length is where the author fleshes out and contextualizes the Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz relationship into the more complete story and lessons of the LH characters Rosa, Noreen, and Basil. The author makes the story unique to this pre-war and WWII time period.
LH presents Noreen becoming progressively more disenchanted with her situation God has allotted to her. We see her bartering with God as Edmund becomes sicker and sicker. Then, shortly before Edmund dies, she talked to the Lord and tells him her heart is breaking and questions what good can come from Edmund’s death. By 1940, her boys are dead from a railroad yard accident leaving her and the wives, Odelia & Rosa unable to make ends meet. She again, pleads with God to help her understand the “WHY” of her situation. She shortly comes to the conclusion that she must return to England in order to survive. She tells the wives to marry, but they say they will travel with her, but just like Ruth and Naomi, you know what transpires.
We are told that LH is a story of hope and redemption and it clearly was. At the end, Noreen, Rosa, and Basil could give thanks and praise for God’s guidance, direction, and restoration of faith and hope. Noreen is given the gift of a grandson. Basil, who as an older father, thought he would never have a wife or a family is concerned about the unsettledness of the world, but Noreen, out of her life experience, tells Basil that even when choices seem limited, God’s people can pray.
This was a good story with the setting centered in Germany and England during WWII. While this story happens during the war, we do not see fighting, soldiers, airplanes, or battles, as the story in England is a sliver of life from the home front with people living their lives during difficult times. I rated it a 4.4. I hope soon to read book two in this series.
February 8, 2019
I liked the book; but I thought that it would be much better than it was. The Author used the book of Ruth as a blueprint for her story. I like the idea of basing the story on Ruth; but I think the Author went to far trying to make her story to much like the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. First let me say of Ruth. She was a very righteous woman. She ended up being a Great Grandmother of Jesus. See Matthew 1:5. I liked the idea basing it on Naomi and her 2 daughter-in-laws. But that should have been as far as it went. It's true that Ruth was a Moabites and was from a different country from where they found themselves; but Naomi and Ruth does not appear to have been affected by prejudice. Whereas in the story of, "Love's Harvest," Rosa daughter-in-law to Noreen a German was in England and the victim of prejudice. I think as the Author bent the story to try and parallel the story of Ruth it made the story stiff and not as compelling as it could have been.
March 23, 2022
I genuinely enjoyed this modern tale set mainly in England in the 1940s and patterned after the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi. It is wonderfully woven with Ms. Matchett’s own characters Rosa, Noreen and Basil. This beautifully crafted novella stays true to the themes of the Old Testament account with added twists that make it unique and give it merit of its own. One of the main differences in this story is the inclusion of the effects of prejudice that Rosa suffered because of her heritage which Ruth probably encountered but are not detailed in the biblical account. Like the biblical characters, the fictional characters are admirable and faith-filled. If you are looking for a quick read that will inspire and encourage, try this one.
April 19, 2020
I loved this story! A moving story that takes place during World War II. Noreen loses her husband and her two sons and decides to move back to her own country in England with her faithful daughter-in-law, Rosa. Noreen makes a living by selling baskets and Rosa works on a farm to help provide for both of them. Rosa endures hostility from some of the workers because she is German, but one of her co-workers treats her with kindness. The overseer of the field also treats her well. The story is similar to the story of Ruth in the Bible. It is a very moving story of how God provides for us even when things don't go the way we planned.
August 10, 2020
I think this was a very appropriate book to read for the time in which I live now. Things haven't really changed much and prejudice causes hatred on all sides. I recommend this book to absolutely everyone. It handles it very well! Also, I like how similar it is to Ruth's story. Very well done!
February 22, 2026
Love's Harvest is a beautiful story. Noreen leaves her home country when she marries, but as Hitler gets stronger, her husband gets weaker. She will raise her son's to become husbands, but tragedy will strike again. She moves back to England with her daughter in law, but prejudice follows her. Their faith in God will sustain them.
October 24, 2018
A wonderful modern twist on the book of Ruth
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the comparisons of a modern day Ruth. Totally realistic and something that could have taken place in any era. Showing the kinsman redeemer and how God always provides
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the comparisons of a modern day Ruth. Totally realistic and something that could have taken place in any era. Showing the kinsman redeemer and how God always provides
March 14, 2019
Wholesome and Relatable
Although some parts of the story seemed to be a bit short on descriptions, the characters are detailed enough to make the reader want to continue the story until the end.
Although some parts of the story seemed to be a bit short on descriptions, the characters are detailed enough to make the reader want to continue the story until the end.
May 28, 2019
A Harvested Love 💘
A lovely romance that retains a gracious story telling. Based on the Biblical story of Ruth (Old Testament), it is touching, sad how people treat those who are different from them, and inspirational how hope, faith and God works. Read and enjoy.
A lovely romance that retains a gracious story telling. Based on the Biblical story of Ruth (Old Testament), it is touching, sad how people treat those who are different from them, and inspirational how hope, faith and God works. Read and enjoy.
July 19, 2020
I really liked the cover for this book it was just so romantic. This was a good story and a surprise at the end that was so good. Linda hit the ball right over the third basemans head for a slide into triple! This was a print book.
February 22, 2023
Ok
Always loved story of Ruth. This is a decent approximation to it. It is well done except it seemed to come to an abrupt end. It could have been fleshed out' better toward the end. That would have made it more complete, in my mind.
Always loved story of Ruth. This is a decent approximation to it. It is well done except it seemed to come to an abrupt end. It could have been fleshed out' better toward the end. That would have made it more complete, in my mind.
January 17, 2019
Love's Harvest is a fictionalized account of the biblical book of Ruth set during WWII. Noreen Hirsch loses everything, including her husband and two sons.
November 17, 2019
Clean endearing romance from the WWII era written in the form of the Naomi and Ruth story from the Bible. Very easy heart warming story.
September 17, 2021
I liked the idea of a WW II retelling of Ruth and Naomi. Easy to read and insightful in the story details. Those who like history, stories with a message, and romance will love this book.
April 19, 2022
Love the story
August 29, 2023
A Great Book. It will remind you of the book of Ruth in The Bible. Highly Recommend this Book. New Author for me but I will be reading more of her work.
August 10, 2016
What would you do if you suddenly had to leave your country and travel to a foreign land? As Noreen faces this new adventure, tragedy strikes. Will she be able to overcome the hurt and heartache? The author did a great job describing the struggles people faced as Hitler ruled over their land. When it seems impossible to stay in Germany , Noreen and her daughter-in-law travel to England.
It is refreshing to read a book that focuses on God and how we are sometimes not satisfied with what we have. "God doesn't always give us the answer we expect ." The book is beautifully written about survival, trust, hope and faith. The characters were developed with ease and I didn't want to put the book down. I felt the hurt when Rosa was treated badly for being German and living in England. What must it be like to be treated with hate because you are different from others? The emotions felt so real I felt like I was there watching Rosa as tears slipped down her face.
I love historical fiction that retells a biblical story. The author has done an exceptional job of bringing a wonderful story from the bible and with her words made the story come to life. I could see the women working in the fields and their faces as they tried to work faster. Thank you for a story that is filled with faith and honor.
"God gives to whom he wishes. It is our job to accept it with joy and thankfulness and to share it with others."
I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit for an honest review.
It is refreshing to read a book that focuses on God and how we are sometimes not satisfied with what we have. "God doesn't always give us the answer we expect ." The book is beautifully written about survival, trust, hope and faith. The characters were developed with ease and I didn't want to put the book down. I felt the hurt when Rosa was treated badly for being German and living in England. What must it be like to be treated with hate because you are different from others? The emotions felt so real I felt like I was there watching Rosa as tears slipped down her face.
I love historical fiction that retells a biblical story. The author has done an exceptional job of bringing a wonderful story from the bible and with her words made the story come to life. I could see the women working in the fields and their faces as they tried to work faster. Thank you for a story that is filled with faith and honor.
"God gives to whom he wishes. It is our job to accept it with joy and thankfulness and to share it with others."
I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit for an honest review.
August 5, 2016
“Love’s Harvest” by Linda ShentonMatchett is a retelling of the Naomi and Ruth story set in pre-WII Germany and England. The first part of the book is mainly for setting up the story for Noreen and Rosa to head back to England, so you know that the male characters are going to die. I liked how the characters’ names started with the same letter as the Biblical characters (except for the baby Obed). So Naomi is Noreen, Ruth is Rosa, Chilion is Conrad, Boaz is Basil… I also liked how she worked in the “Levirate marriage” into a more modern setting. I had never really considered that Ruth may have been “discriminated” against being from Moab until I read this book and Rosa was looked down on because she was a German during WWII. There seemed to be an error in the date for Chapter 2. The book starts in 1923 and by the 2nd chapter it is 1931, but it seems to be soon after they left Russia (in 1923). Later, Noreen mentions to Conrad that he was only 7 when his father died but he was five when they left Russia, so using the 1931 date, he would have been 12 when Edmund died. This book was a quick read and I enjoyed reading it.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and to participate in the Celebrate Lit blog tour. All thoughts and opinions are my own and no other compensation was received.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and to participate in the Celebrate Lit blog tour. All thoughts and opinions are my own and no other compensation was received.
August 7, 2016
I have always loved the story of Ruth and Naomi, seeing how strong Naomi’s faith in God was even after she lost everything she loved. Ruth vowed to stay by Naomi’s side even after she was told she could go back home. Love’s Harvest is the retelling of this sweet Biblical account and one you will want to read. Set pre WWII.
Noreen Hirsch as lost it all including her husband and two sons, in the midst of this heartache the country she has adopted as her own goes to war with the country she is from. She can’t help but to wonder has God abandoned her? Rosa as lost her husband and now vows to stay by her mother in law’s side and moves with her to a country she feels she is not welcome. Basil Quincey is rich and lonely, all he wants is a woman who will love him and not his money. Can he find this woman? Can Rosa find acceptance amongst strangers?
I really loved how the author uses this great story to show how forgiveness, trust and loyalty is so important in our relationships with others and with God. She also includes facts about WWII! She definitely did her research and I definitely highly recommend this book to anyone!! It is one you will love!!
Thank you to Celebrate Lit, the Publisher and the Author for providing me a copy of this book for my honest review!!
Noreen Hirsch as lost it all including her husband and two sons, in the midst of this heartache the country she has adopted as her own goes to war with the country she is from. She can’t help but to wonder has God abandoned her? Rosa as lost her husband and now vows to stay by her mother in law’s side and moves with her to a country she feels she is not welcome. Basil Quincey is rich and lonely, all he wants is a woman who will love him and not his money. Can he find this woman? Can Rosa find acceptance amongst strangers?
I really loved how the author uses this great story to show how forgiveness, trust and loyalty is so important in our relationships with others and with God. She also includes facts about WWII! She definitely did her research and I definitely highly recommend this book to anyone!! It is one you will love!!
Thank you to Celebrate Lit, the Publisher and the Author for providing me a copy of this book for my honest review!!
August 15, 2016
"Please, don't try convincing me to leave you. If you're going. I will go too. If you stayed, I would stay. You are my family, and even your God has become mine." If this statement sounds somewhat familiar, then you will really want to read Linda Shelton Matchett's "Love's Harvest". "Love's Harvest" by Linda Shenton Matchett is a retake of the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi. The setting for this story takes place in Russia and Germany and England.
While reading "Love's Harvest" I was continually reminded of Ruth and Naomi's love and loyalty to each other, except in this story it was Rosa and Noreen. And the story wasn't in a barley field but in a garden and centered around Hitler.
Mr. Basil Quincy is "Boaz". But in this story Basil wasn't such a nice guy in his younger days and Noreen is worried about Rosa.
I love the title, it fits perfectly for the ending of this novella.
This is my first time reading anything by Linda Shenton Matchett but I am hoping she writes more retakes of Biblical characters.
This story is a love story and full of forgiveness and loyalty and forgiveness.
I was given a print copy by the author and Celebrate Lit for my honest review as part of a book tour.
I have given "Love's Harvest" by Linda Shenton Matchett five stars.
While reading "Love's Harvest" I was continually reminded of Ruth and Naomi's love and loyalty to each other, except in this story it was Rosa and Noreen. And the story wasn't in a barley field but in a garden and centered around Hitler.
Mr. Basil Quincy is "Boaz". But in this story Basil wasn't such a nice guy in his younger days and Noreen is worried about Rosa.
I love the title, it fits perfectly for the ending of this novella.
This is my first time reading anything by Linda Shenton Matchett but I am hoping she writes more retakes of Biblical characters.
This story is a love story and full of forgiveness and loyalty and forgiveness.
I was given a print copy by the author and Celebrate Lit for my honest review as part of a book tour.
I have given "Love's Harvest" by Linda Shenton Matchett five stars.
August 3, 2016
Love's Harvest is a beautiful retelling of the story of Ruth. Although it's set in the early 1900's the author does a great job of making it relevant to readers today.
The women in this book have lost the loves of their life and are forced to step out on faith and trust God to provide for all they need. You will be captivated from the first word and will find yourself transported back in time to a world forgotten.
With war looming all around and her mother country being the instigators of said war, Rosa is having a hard time in her new country of England. She's doing the best she can to provide for Noreen but predjudice against the people of Germany runs rampant.
I truly loved this story and how it spoke to my heart. Sometimes I have trouble understanding how bible stories ccan relate to me today but after taking this journey with Rosa and Noreen, I have a new perspective and love for the story of Ruth. God will provide all we need, we just have to take a step of faith and trust Him to guide us. I truly hope you will grab a copy of Love's Harvest and experience the journey of a lifetime.
The women in this book have lost the loves of their life and are forced to step out on faith and trust God to provide for all they need. You will be captivated from the first word and will find yourself transported back in time to a world forgotten.
With war looming all around and her mother country being the instigators of said war, Rosa is having a hard time in her new country of England. She's doing the best she can to provide for Noreen but predjudice against the people of Germany runs rampant.
I truly loved this story and how it spoke to my heart. Sometimes I have trouble understanding how bible stories ccan relate to me today but after taking this journey with Rosa and Noreen, I have a new perspective and love for the story of Ruth. God will provide all we need, we just have to take a step of faith and trust Him to guide us. I truly hope you will grab a copy of Love's Harvest and experience the journey of a lifetime.
May 28, 2016
One of my favorite Bible stories is of Ruth and Naomi, so I was a little nervous about how a WWII version would be. Turns out, I loved it almost as much as the original! I immediately fell in love with Noreen. She was such a strong wife and mother, willing to do anything for her family, even moving to a foreign land! After she let her husband and sons I thought it might be the end for her, but her faith carried her in an admirable way. It reminded me how important it is to lean on God for everything.
When Noreen and Rosa travelled to England I was curious how it would mirror Ruth and Naomi's journey, but the author did not disappoint. She wrote the story in a way that fit perfectly to the time period, and yet held the same spirit as the biblical story. This novella was a joy to read and I hope there is more in store!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
When Noreen and Rosa travelled to England I was curious how it would mirror Ruth and Naomi's journey, but the author did not disappoint. She wrote the story in a way that fit perfectly to the time period, and yet held the same spirit as the biblical story. This novella was a joy to read and I hope there is more in store!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
August 2, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was a short, quick, and easy read, but the characters and plot were well developed. It is a retelling of the account of Ruth from the Bible, but I didn't pay attention to that detail as I picked up the book and started reading. Then I had my, "AHA!" moment as I realized what was happening. Then I wondered, "How is the author going to do ___________?" (Whatever situation I knew was coming up.) I was always pleased with the author's take on the story.
Those who enjoy historical fiction and romance, especially stories set during the time of World War II, and those who love the book of Ruth will enjoy this fresh take on a beloved narrative. I certainly did.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
Those who enjoy historical fiction and romance, especially stories set during the time of World War II, and those who love the book of Ruth will enjoy this fresh take on a beloved narrative. I certainly did.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.
August 15, 2016
I was intrigued about reading a story based on the book of Ruth from the Holy Bible.
Linda Shenton Matchett gives us the story of Noreen Hirsch, who loses her husband, then her two sons, while living in Germany, her husband's homeland. Determined to return to her beloved England, Noreen's two daughter-in-laws insist on going with her, but Odelia backs out at the last moment. Noreen and Rosa board the train to travel to England.
Linda does a great job with the re-telling of the story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. I would never have thought to compare the story to characters living during World War II, but Linda captures the reader's attention from the beginning, when Noreen and her husband leave Russia, to the end -- and Basil.
Although this book is self-published, the story itself is a good one, and I am happy to recommend it to readers!
Happy Reading!!!
April 20, 2016
This is a delightful take on the story of Ruth set during World War II. A big difference with the original story is that Noreen and Edmund are citizens of different countries which only recently were at war with each other. When Noreen and Rosa go to England, Rosa has a hard time fitting in because of World War II. And Basil, as Boaz, was not someone Noreen thought well of while growing up in England.
This is a quick read that does a good job of covering the Biblical story. God doesn’t always answer prayers as we would like, but He always cares about His children. I received a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
July 25, 2016
Love’s Harvest by Linda Shenton Matchett is a warm and touching Christian read!
I very much enjoyed this short book! Matchett deftly winds a brief historical account of famine and war, with their aftermath, through the decade’s long story of Noreen Hirsch and her family; husband Edmund, twins Conrad and Manfred, Odelia and the beloved Rosa. Matchett gave just enough history to give the book historical substance while weaving Noreen’s own tale throughout the pages. Her narrative left me wanting more of Noreen and Rosa’s family story.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I very much enjoyed this short book! Matchett deftly winds a brief historical account of famine and war, with their aftermath, through the decade’s long story of Noreen Hirsch and her family; husband Edmund, twins Conrad and Manfred, Odelia and the beloved Rosa. Matchett gave just enough history to give the book historical substance while weaving Noreen’s own tale throughout the pages. Her narrative left me wanting more of Noreen and Rosa’s family story.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2016
This is a fun, easy story that rewrites the Naomi & Ruth Biblical story and places it in the WW II era. It's easy to fall in love with Rosa (representing Ruth in the Bible) and her loyalty and love for Noreen (Naomi in the Bible). This book is not only about trust and loyalty, but also about forgiveness. It also has some interesting facts about WW II. My favorite quote from the author: "None of us deserve what we have...God gives to whom He wishes. It is our job to accept it with joy and thankfulness and to share it with others." Everyone should take the time to read this sweet book.
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