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A Soldier's Rest
Men and women have served in our country since the very beginning. . .and paid the price for their service.
In Prodigal Patriot, Josiah Tuttle's father wants to disown him for fighting with the Patriots.
Josiah’s son Caleb almost loses the family farm when it earns no income during the War of 1812 (Bridge to Love).
Army surgeon Dr. Jay Andrews can’t shake the horrors of the battlefield operating rooms in Tobogganing for Two.
In Love’s Glory, Army ace Garan Schmidt returns from WWI to learn he has a child he never knew about.
And in the Homefront Dreams of 1943, army widow Clarinda Tuttle Finch worries about what will happen when her three grown children all join the services during the second world war.
All of them need God’s faith, hope and love to find rest from the battlefronts.
In Prodigal Patriot, Josiah Tuttle's father wants to disown him for fighting with the Patriots.
Josiah’s son Caleb almost loses the family farm when it earns no income during the War of 1812 (Bridge to Love).
Army surgeon Dr. Jay Andrews can’t shake the horrors of the battlefield operating rooms in Tobogganing for Two.
In Love’s Glory, Army ace Garan Schmidt returns from WWI to learn he has a child he never knew about.
And in the Homefront Dreams of 1943, army widow Clarinda Tuttle Finch worries about what will happen when her three grown children all join the services during the second world war.
All of them need God’s faith, hope and love to find rest from the battlefronts.
554 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2016
4 people want to read
About the author
Darlene Franklin
185 books104 followersAward-winning author and speaker Darlene Franklin lives in cowboy country—Oklahoma and loves writing about the American West. Oklahoma also has the benefit of being the home to her son, his wife, and their four beautiful children. Darlene loves music, needlework, reading and reality tv. Talia, a Lynx point Siamese cat, proudly claims Darlene as her person. Darlene is the author of seventeen contracted books and novellas, as well as several hundred short pieces. Two of her books have finaled in ACFW’s Book of the Year (now the Carol award) contest: her novella, Dressed in Scarlet, and her cozy mystery, A String of Murders.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 20, 2017
A Soldier's Rest by Darlene Franklin
-1. Prodigal Patriot
Maple Notch, Vermont....May, 1777....Sally Reid, lives in the beautiful pine and evergreen scented mountains of Vermont. Her brother and father are Patriots who serve alongside Allen's Green Mountain Boys and may soon be called upon if there is a war, as are many of their neighbors. Her childhood friend and neighbor Josiah Tuttle's father is a Tory but Josiah is torn as to where his loyalties are. When tragedy strikes and his father forbids his involvement with the Reid family will Josiah honor his demands or will he follow his heart? Tragedy and grief would be enough for any family to deal with but with bitterness and hate in mens hearts and thus guiding those men to force out families from their very homes, it could be disastrous. Sally, her younger siblings and a very pregnant mother find themselves in that very situation, but they trust God to protect and provide for them while they live in a secret cave at the edge of their property.....I won't share more as I don't want to spoil the story.
For a short story it is filled with so much and takes the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride with tears, grief, joy, laughter, sadness, excitement and faith. We see the effects of war, hate and bitterness, neighbors pulling together, history in the making and I love the faith elements and spiritual roots woven throughout the storyline.
-2. Bridge of Love
Maple Notch, Vermont....May, 1816....Beatrice Bailey loves flowers but this continued freezing and snowing—even into the warming months of spring and into the summer!—has unsettled her. Never has she seen such a summer. And what of the farmers crops? Calvin Tuttle and the other farmers in the community of Maple Notch are concerned, very concerned and rightly so. How can they provide for their families and the community if their crops keep freezing? They certainly can't keep borrowing from the bank in order to replant—again, repeatedly. The whole community is in danger if this unusual weather continues as it has been. Calvin comes up with an innovative idea, but will the other farmers agree to his plan? Will it be enough to save his crops—and possibly the communities—and pay off the bank loan allowing him to court the banker's daughter? Ah, but the banker has other plans for his daughter and they do not include Calvin or any farmer from Maple Notch...oh, no siree. There are some unforeseen surprises just around the bend—or in this case bridge—that could change everything. However bleak things appear, Beatrice and Calvin trust God will have His way in their lives—including love and so they hold onto that hope.
I like how the Bridge to Love follows the same family from Prodigal Patriot. There are some similar problems with the hero and heroine as the father of the heroine is not impressed with the hero and he must prove himself worthy. Arrogance and pride-fulness coupled with greed and price gouging, forgiveness, grace, joy, community spirit and I love the historical detail of Vermont and the Year of No Summer...something I had not known before reading this novella.
-3. Tobogganing for Two
Plymouth, Nebraska...1875...Laura Evans and her sister, Eliza—who is paralyzed—leave their home in Maine to move to Plymouth, Nebraska to take care of her Aunt Minnie Bell as well as her sister. Aunt Minnie said the doctor—Dr. Jay Andrews—would meet the stagecoach and bring them to her home. But where is the doctor? When the doctor does arrive, he is nothing like Laura expected.
Dr. Jay Andrews moved to Plymouth to “escape” after caring for the wounded during the Civil War. Even here, he finds himself with a young paralyzed patient—Eliza Evans. He plans to help her in anyway he can...that is if Laura will allow him to. They don't agree on the care to be given Eliza on many levels. Will they call a “truce” and work together to do what is best for Eliza or forever be at odds? And what of Eliza, what does she want?
This is a heartwarming, sweet story with characters facing the same struggles we often face; self-doubt, forgiveness—even of oneself, redemption, learning to trust again, a strong faith in God, romance and love. Aunt Minnie is a great character and soon became one of my favorites.
-4. Love's Glory
Abilene, Texas...May, 1919....Lies and desertion chase Beth from her home town in 1919. Everything is changing—cars are common and airplanes helped win the War to End All Wars. Even the German-Americans of New Brandenburg, Texas, renamed their town Old Glory to prove their patriotism. None of that matters to Beth Smith. In 1917, her boyfriend Garan Schmidt enlisted in the Army—and left her pregnant. She left home and built a new life for herself and her daughter. When Garan finds Beth and their daughter in May 1919, he is eager to make amends and start over. Beth is unsure if she is ready to tell the truth that will set them all free.
Elsbeth Koch, or Beth as she goes by now, has a secret that no one knows in her new home in Abilene, Texas—and she plans to keep it that way. However, her secret is about to be discovered when she goes to the airstrip to meet the aeroplane the twin brother of her friend, Agnes is on—Alfred, one of the flying aces returning home from war in Europe. The other flying ace and Alfred's friend, Smitty—wait, Smitty is her Garan Schmidt—but how can that be, she was told he died in the war. Smitty is surprised and overjoyed when he spots Beth with Alfred's family. But he is about to get an even bigger surprise.
Beth and Smitty have a lot to work out before they can even hope to have a future together. Beth is concerned once the lies and secret she has carried with her the last 14 months is revealed she will loose her job and friends. I was so hoping they would work things out and have a life together. Of course, nothing is easy, especially the important things—Beth and Smitty must come to terms with the past before they can turn toward the future. I enjoyed reading this lovely story of redemption, love and forgiveness.
-5. Homefront Dreams
Maple Notch, Vermont....November, 1942....War widow Clarinda Tuttle Finch and newly elected mayor of Maple Notch doesn't like change but in the middle of WWII changes are a given—there is really no way around it. But here in her town of Maple Notch she wants to hold onto tradition as long as she can, if only the town council would agree with her. High school principal, and one of the councilmen, Ralph Quincy is not traditional in any way. He is all for new and innovative ways of handling challenges that come along in the community and has some sway with other council members. It is no wonder he and Clarinda are often on the opposite sides of a discussion and decision concerning the town. What surprises him the most, he never expected to become friends with her and her family. There are some hard decisions to make regarding a long held tradition and some unexpected surprises that may bring heartache and grief. Add some twists to the storyline and unexpected surprises which had me cheering on the characters and chuckling at certain parts. The characters faced challenges: fear, grief, joy, forgiveness, hope, starting over/second chances, faith and love—in each other and God's unfailing love.
This is a fitting ending to this boxed set of novellas, honoring our brave soldier's from our history—thank you for your sacrifice and God bless you. Darlene Franklin has taken us back in time in this historical retelling in such detail—even in these short stories—it as if I was walking alongside the characters.
-1. Prodigal Patriot
Maple Notch, Vermont....May, 1777....Sally Reid, lives in the beautiful pine and evergreen scented mountains of Vermont. Her brother and father are Patriots who serve alongside Allen's Green Mountain Boys and may soon be called upon if there is a war, as are many of their neighbors. Her childhood friend and neighbor Josiah Tuttle's father is a Tory but Josiah is torn as to where his loyalties are. When tragedy strikes and his father forbids his involvement with the Reid family will Josiah honor his demands or will he follow his heart? Tragedy and grief would be enough for any family to deal with but with bitterness and hate in mens hearts and thus guiding those men to force out families from their very homes, it could be disastrous. Sally, her younger siblings and a very pregnant mother find themselves in that very situation, but they trust God to protect and provide for them while they live in a secret cave at the edge of their property.....I won't share more as I don't want to spoil the story.
For a short story it is filled with so much and takes the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride with tears, grief, joy, laughter, sadness, excitement and faith. We see the effects of war, hate and bitterness, neighbors pulling together, history in the making and I love the faith elements and spiritual roots woven throughout the storyline.
-2. Bridge of Love
Maple Notch, Vermont....May, 1816....Beatrice Bailey loves flowers but this continued freezing and snowing—even into the warming months of spring and into the summer!—has unsettled her. Never has she seen such a summer. And what of the farmers crops? Calvin Tuttle and the other farmers in the community of Maple Notch are concerned, very concerned and rightly so. How can they provide for their families and the community if their crops keep freezing? They certainly can't keep borrowing from the bank in order to replant—again, repeatedly. The whole community is in danger if this unusual weather continues as it has been. Calvin comes up with an innovative idea, but will the other farmers agree to his plan? Will it be enough to save his crops—and possibly the communities—and pay off the bank loan allowing him to court the banker's daughter? Ah, but the banker has other plans for his daughter and they do not include Calvin or any farmer from Maple Notch...oh, no siree. There are some unforeseen surprises just around the bend—or in this case bridge—that could change everything. However bleak things appear, Beatrice and Calvin trust God will have His way in their lives—including love and so they hold onto that hope.
I like how the Bridge to Love follows the same family from Prodigal Patriot. There are some similar problems with the hero and heroine as the father of the heroine is not impressed with the hero and he must prove himself worthy. Arrogance and pride-fulness coupled with greed and price gouging, forgiveness, grace, joy, community spirit and I love the historical detail of Vermont and the Year of No Summer...something I had not known before reading this novella.
-3. Tobogganing for Two
Plymouth, Nebraska...1875...Laura Evans and her sister, Eliza—who is paralyzed—leave their home in Maine to move to Plymouth, Nebraska to take care of her Aunt Minnie Bell as well as her sister. Aunt Minnie said the doctor—Dr. Jay Andrews—would meet the stagecoach and bring them to her home. But where is the doctor? When the doctor does arrive, he is nothing like Laura expected.
Dr. Jay Andrews moved to Plymouth to “escape” after caring for the wounded during the Civil War. Even here, he finds himself with a young paralyzed patient—Eliza Evans. He plans to help her in anyway he can...that is if Laura will allow him to. They don't agree on the care to be given Eliza on many levels. Will they call a “truce” and work together to do what is best for Eliza or forever be at odds? And what of Eliza, what does she want?
This is a heartwarming, sweet story with characters facing the same struggles we often face; self-doubt, forgiveness—even of oneself, redemption, learning to trust again, a strong faith in God, romance and love. Aunt Minnie is a great character and soon became one of my favorites.
-4. Love's Glory
Abilene, Texas...May, 1919....Lies and desertion chase Beth from her home town in 1919. Everything is changing—cars are common and airplanes helped win the War to End All Wars. Even the German-Americans of New Brandenburg, Texas, renamed their town Old Glory to prove their patriotism. None of that matters to Beth Smith. In 1917, her boyfriend Garan Schmidt enlisted in the Army—and left her pregnant. She left home and built a new life for herself and her daughter. When Garan finds Beth and their daughter in May 1919, he is eager to make amends and start over. Beth is unsure if she is ready to tell the truth that will set them all free.
Elsbeth Koch, or Beth as she goes by now, has a secret that no one knows in her new home in Abilene, Texas—and she plans to keep it that way. However, her secret is about to be discovered when she goes to the airstrip to meet the aeroplane the twin brother of her friend, Agnes is on—Alfred, one of the flying aces returning home from war in Europe. The other flying ace and Alfred's friend, Smitty—wait, Smitty is her Garan Schmidt—but how can that be, she was told he died in the war. Smitty is surprised and overjoyed when he spots Beth with Alfred's family. But he is about to get an even bigger surprise.
Beth and Smitty have a lot to work out before they can even hope to have a future together. Beth is concerned once the lies and secret she has carried with her the last 14 months is revealed she will loose her job and friends. I was so hoping they would work things out and have a life together. Of course, nothing is easy, especially the important things—Beth and Smitty must come to terms with the past before they can turn toward the future. I enjoyed reading this lovely story of redemption, love and forgiveness.
-5. Homefront Dreams
Maple Notch, Vermont....November, 1942....War widow Clarinda Tuttle Finch and newly elected mayor of Maple Notch doesn't like change but in the middle of WWII changes are a given—there is really no way around it. But here in her town of Maple Notch she wants to hold onto tradition as long as she can, if only the town council would agree with her. High school principal, and one of the councilmen, Ralph Quincy is not traditional in any way. He is all for new and innovative ways of handling challenges that come along in the community and has some sway with other council members. It is no wonder he and Clarinda are often on the opposite sides of a discussion and decision concerning the town. What surprises him the most, he never expected to become friends with her and her family. There are some hard decisions to make regarding a long held tradition and some unexpected surprises that may bring heartache and grief. Add some twists to the storyline and unexpected surprises which had me cheering on the characters and chuckling at certain parts. The characters faced challenges: fear, grief, joy, forgiveness, hope, starting over/second chances, faith and love—in each other and God's unfailing love.
This is a fitting ending to this boxed set of novellas, honoring our brave soldier's from our history—thank you for your sacrifice and God bless you. Darlene Franklin has taken us back in time in this historical retelling in such detail—even in these short stories—it as if I was walking alongside the characters.
January 31, 2017
Book 1 Prodigal Patriot
This was a sweet historical Christian book set just before the American Revolution! A wonderful story of honor and commitment despite your family and neighbors' views! Only God can heal what's broken and change a man's heart! Absolutely loved it!
Book 2 Bridge to Love
A sweet story of struggle and faith! Calvin Tuttle is the son of Josiah and Sarah from book 1! He too is in love with a forbidden woman! In many ways this storyline is similar to the first book but their struggles are different and of course the time period is different! I love how the community of Maple Notch, stick together to feed the town in the middle of the Year of no Summer, as well as to see these two lovebirds together despite Bea's father's stubborn resistance!!
Book 3 Tobogganing for Two
Another beautifully sweet story, this was about hope and trust! This book also takes on disabilities and discusses war time amputees as well and injuries leading to paralysis!
The love story begins almost immediately and blossoms naturally! Laura learns to trust Dr. Jay with not only treating her disabled sister but also with her heart! A very tender story!!
Book 4 Love's Glory
Premartital sex is a subject rarely talked about in sweet romance books, but Darlene not only talks about it, she handles it in truth and love! Can these two sinners find love and forgiveness? Can they somehow right their wrong? Will their family and community open up their hearts to the truth, and graciously accept them and their daughter? Discover God's grace and forgiveness in this wonderfully tender and dramatic tale! This story rings with truth and could be written about today just as easily as yesteryear!
Book 5 Homefront Dreams
I'm especially fond of two people who either hate each other or at least are against each other but fall in love by the end of the book! A wonderful surprise ending in this tale that is connected to the first two books that take place in Maple Notch, Vermont!
I also loved the generations of family history that's revealed in this book! Now I have to go read the books in the middle you fill in a few gaps! Happy reading everyone!!!
This was a sweet historical Christian book set just before the American Revolution! A wonderful story of honor and commitment despite your family and neighbors' views! Only God can heal what's broken and change a man's heart! Absolutely loved it!
Book 2 Bridge to Love
A sweet story of struggle and faith! Calvin Tuttle is the son of Josiah and Sarah from book 1! He too is in love with a forbidden woman! In many ways this storyline is similar to the first book but their struggles are different and of course the time period is different! I love how the community of Maple Notch, stick together to feed the town in the middle of the Year of no Summer, as well as to see these two lovebirds together despite Bea's father's stubborn resistance!!
Book 3 Tobogganing for Two
Another beautifully sweet story, this was about hope and trust! This book also takes on disabilities and discusses war time amputees as well and injuries leading to paralysis!
The love story begins almost immediately and blossoms naturally! Laura learns to trust Dr. Jay with not only treating her disabled sister but also with her heart! A very tender story!!
Book 4 Love's Glory
Premartital sex is a subject rarely talked about in sweet romance books, but Darlene not only talks about it, she handles it in truth and love! Can these two sinners find love and forgiveness? Can they somehow right their wrong? Will their family and community open up their hearts to the truth, and graciously accept them and their daughter? Discover God's grace and forgiveness in this wonderfully tender and dramatic tale! This story rings with truth and could be written about today just as easily as yesteryear!
Book 5 Homefront Dreams
I'm especially fond of two people who either hate each other or at least are against each other but fall in love by the end of the book! A wonderful surprise ending in this tale that is connected to the first two books that take place in Maple Notch, Vermont!
I also loved the generations of family history that's revealed in this book! Now I have to go read the books in the middle you fill in a few gaps! Happy reading everyone!!!
January 17, 2017
Very good!
This anthology follows a family through generations, living in a town called Maple Notch. From the revolutionary war to world war 2, they persevere and thrive with help from God and loved ones.
This book was very well written. After finishing it, I am much encouraged and entertained. This author never disappoints.
This anthology follows a family through generations, living in a town called Maple Notch. From the revolutionary war to world war 2, they persevere and thrive with help from God and loved ones.
This book was very well written. After finishing it, I am much encouraged and entertained. This author never disappoints.
January 18, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of books about soldiers and their families. Each one represents a different war and brought me into the time period. Highly recommend.
April 22, 2017
I truly enjoyed this collection of five separate novellas. I liked that three of them are based on the same families from the town of Maple Notch, in three different time periods. Each reads as a stand alone story. Though, I would love to see all the Maple Notch stories in a single collection.
Each of the stories in this boxed set tells of different wars, servicemen, and their families. The characters in each story lean on their faith to get through difficult times. Some struggle a bit more than others.
There is a bit of a twist in Tobogganing for Two that I found very interesting.
No spoilers from me, though.
Thank you to all who have served in the armed forces of America throughout her history.
*There are a few minor distractions of typographical errors, missing or wrong words.
Each of the stories in this boxed set tells of different wars, servicemen, and their families. The characters in each story lean on their faith to get through difficult times. Some struggle a bit more than others.
There is a bit of a twist in Tobogganing for Two that I found very interesting.
No spoilers from me, though.
Thank you to all who have served in the armed forces of America throughout her history.
*There are a few minor distractions of typographical errors, missing or wrong words.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews