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Ella Dess #3
With This Peace
The Third Installment in Ella Dessa's Story
Fear threatens to choke Ella Dessa when her husband tells her that he and his two brothers are leaving her and their two children to make their way to a village called Tampa. So far, the flat Florida landscape and alligator-infested swamps have failed to impress Ella Dessa, and thoughts of Indian problems strike fear deep in her heart. She longs for the beautiful mountains of Georgia, a treasure her small family left behind.
But the decision has been made, and tragedy leaves Ella Dessa and her children at the mercy of a runaway slave and Seminole Indians. Then the shelter of a deserted log cabin and the return of one of her husband's brothers wraps her in a blanket of hope. But can they make their way back to the mountains?
Fear threatens to choke Ella Dessa when her husband tells her that he and his two brothers are leaving her and their two children to make their way to a village called Tampa. So far, the flat Florida landscape and alligator-infested swamps have failed to impress Ella Dessa, and thoughts of Indian problems strike fear deep in her heart. She longs for the beautiful mountains of Georgia, a treasure her small family left behind.
But the decision has been made, and tragedy leaves Ella Dessa and her children at the mercy of a runaway slave and Seminole Indians. Then the shelter of a deserted log cabin and the return of one of her husband's brothers wraps her in a blanket of hope. But can they make their way back to the mountains?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2017
55 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 4, 2017
I hardly know where to begin with this book. I was both baffled by it and fascinated by it at the same time. Like I said at my 86% update, it's a VERY different book.
Time Frame: Late 1840's.
Location: The whole thing is set in a largely unsettled region of central Florida.
Characters: Three brothers (at the beginning) one wife and two little ones, adding a few here and there as they travel, but they're always just passing through. Then a runaway slave becomes an extremely important part of the story.
Christian value: Oh yeah!
The book starts off with Ella saying, "I hate Florida", and that never changes. A hair-brained idea by Ella's brother-in-law to leave the family home in the hills of Georgia, to make a living in the remote areas of Florida, where cattle "roam everywhere", "free for the taking", causes Jim, Samuel and Duncan to uproot everything, with Ella (Jim's wife) and their little son and daughter.
Constant fear of Seminole Indians, alligators, snakes, wild hogs, bear, wolves and being eaten alive by mosquitos makes their adventure regrettable. At some point two of the brothers leave to find a settlement with which to trade, fully intending to meet back up with them along the route their map indicates.
Here's where the story goes south, and I don't mean geographical. Tragedy, Indian visits, threats that they will be run off by the Army, water shortage, storms, livestock getting loose, wild hogs... Sheesh, I don't know what else they faced on their journey!
Without giving much away, Ella is alone trying to protect her "babies". One lone runaway slave named Luke comes into her life and the grace of God shines like the sun. Ella had always trusted God, but her new circumstances caused great fear. But Luke, who was a truly respectful, godly man helped her through the most horrible times in her young life. Oh, and let me tell you, times were rough.
There was tragedy, yes, a lot, but the undercurrent within it all was a love for and trust in the Lord, and a belief He would bring them through everything they faced.
This book kept me up until the wee hours of the morning....I couldn't put it down. I don't suggest you read it at bedtime, but I do recommend it.
Time Frame: Late 1840's.
Location: The whole thing is set in a largely unsettled region of central Florida.
Characters: Three brothers (at the beginning) one wife and two little ones, adding a few here and there as they travel, but they're always just passing through. Then a runaway slave becomes an extremely important part of the story.
Christian value: Oh yeah!
The book starts off with Ella saying, "I hate Florida", and that never changes. A hair-brained idea by Ella's brother-in-law to leave the family home in the hills of Georgia, to make a living in the remote areas of Florida, where cattle "roam everywhere", "free for the taking", causes Jim, Samuel and Duncan to uproot everything, with Ella (Jim's wife) and their little son and daughter.
Constant fear of Seminole Indians, alligators, snakes, wild hogs, bear, wolves and being eaten alive by mosquitos makes their adventure regrettable. At some point two of the brothers leave to find a settlement with which to trade, fully intending to meet back up with them along the route their map indicates.
Here's where the story goes south, and I don't mean geographical. Tragedy, Indian visits, threats that they will be run off by the Army, water shortage, storms, livestock getting loose, wild hogs... Sheesh, I don't know what else they faced on their journey!
Without giving much away, Ella is alone trying to protect her "babies". One lone runaway slave named Luke comes into her life and the grace of God shines like the sun. Ella had always trusted God, but her new circumstances caused great fear. But Luke, who was a truly respectful, godly man helped her through the most horrible times in her young life. Oh, and let me tell you, times were rough.
There was tragedy, yes, a lot, but the undercurrent within it all was a love for and trust in the Lord, and a belief He would bring them through everything they faced.
This book kept me up until the wee hours of the morning....I couldn't put it down. I don't suggest you read it at bedtime, but I do recommend it.
April 16, 2017
I have followed Ella Dessa's story through three books. It is one of sorrow, fear, love, and spiritual growth, beautifully written told by unforgettable characters. Karen Campbell Prough has done a masterful job of weaving the life of one, young woman into a message of hope. I highly recommend all three books!
January 1, 2020
I could not put “With This Peace” down. At every page, I was asking, what’s going to happen to Ella Dessa? Will her children stay safe? How can she ever make a home in this barren Florida wilderness and will someone find a way for her to get back to her Georgia mountains like she wants? Since my husband grew up in Florida, I knew the descriptions of the terrain to be spot on. I loved the descriptions of Ella Dessa’s ingenuity in finding ways to survive Each of the characters stood out as such strong individuals with their own quirks. Best of all, Ella Dessa and Luke show such a simple faith. Faith in God is all they have at times and it’s their faith that gets them through. I look forward to reading the first two books in this series!
January 25, 2018
I borrowed this book from Amazon Prime. This story continues from the second book about Ella Dessa and her family in late 1840's, Ella Dessa, her husband Jim, their two children and Jim's two brothers, Samuel and Duncan are going to Florida to begin a ranch using wild cattle that they round up from the area. Jim tells Ella that they and the children are gong to Florida with Duncan and Samuel.
In Florida there were alligators, swamps, mosquitoes and Indians all around them day and night. Their cows had drifted away from camp, Jim goes into the swamps to find them. Duncan and Samuel left Jim and Ella to go to the village of Tampa, Florida to bring back cattle for the ranch. Jim never came back to camp leaving Ella and the two children Hannah and Amos alone with their Mom.
A run-away slave, Luke stopped by to help Ella and the children out for a few days which turned into months. Samuel came back without cattle or Duncan. The Mcknapp's and Luke, were going to head back to Georgia when a bad hurricane hit Florida. With only the wagon to protect them, the family lost everything they owned in the hurricane except their lives.
This novel is full of adventure, and wonderful details of all the characters, the Florida climates, swamps and the life they lived in 1840. The plot was amazing, the run-away slave Luke, made this story so believable and it came alive with everything he accomplished from hunting, slaughtering pigs and deer for the family to eat, to keeping watch over them at day and night. An amazing plot that will keep you turning the pages for more. The family overcame hardships with God's help. A very good, clean, historical, adventurous, spiritual novel. I recommend this to everyone interested in history. A great novel.
In Florida there were alligators, swamps, mosquitoes and Indians all around them day and night. Their cows had drifted away from camp, Jim goes into the swamps to find them. Duncan and Samuel left Jim and Ella to go to the village of Tampa, Florida to bring back cattle for the ranch. Jim never came back to camp leaving Ella and the two children Hannah and Amos alone with their Mom.
A run-away slave, Luke stopped by to help Ella and the children out for a few days which turned into months. Samuel came back without cattle or Duncan. The Mcknapp's and Luke, were going to head back to Georgia when a bad hurricane hit Florida. With only the wagon to protect them, the family lost everything they owned in the hurricane except their lives.
This novel is full of adventure, and wonderful details of all the characters, the Florida climates, swamps and the life they lived in 1840. The plot was amazing, the run-away slave Luke, made this story so believable and it came alive with everything he accomplished from hunting, slaughtering pigs and deer for the family to eat, to keeping watch over them at day and night. An amazing plot that will keep you turning the pages for more. The family overcame hardships with God's help. A very good, clean, historical, adventurous, spiritual novel. I recommend this to everyone interested in history. A great novel.
July 16, 2017
ARGGGGGGGGGG
I knew this would happen!!!! Jim dies and she marries Sam!!! I have always wanted her to marry Sam but I hate it when she likes two men...marries one...he dies...then marries the other! I mean she gets both guys technically but Jim dies :( :( I HATE when authors do that! I still really LIKED this book. Don't get me wrong--I still say READ it and will definitely read the next book but I just hate it when that happens. Other then that pretty good. They left Georgia(Pretty Dumb since they had a nice life there ) and went to real Florida ugh and then it got worse --I mean way worse. Sam and Duncan leave-Jim dies-Indians-Luke-Slave hunters-pregnant girl and baby...so on and so forth. The other two books were more light hearted even though they had their hard times. This one had very little moments where you could smile and feel glad for them. I am looking forward to the 4th book where hopefully things get better. Even though Ella Dessa married Sam after Jim DIES :/ Oh also what happened to Ducan? And what happened to Fern and him? Some questions she left unanswered....Hmmmmm? That bugs me a bit :) Great book still!!! Read the first 2 fist bc this one will just get you down ;( Waiting for the next one!!!! WRITE QUICKLY!!!!
I knew this would happen!!!! Jim dies and she marries Sam!!! I have always wanted her to marry Sam but I hate it when she likes two men...marries one...he dies...then marries the other! I mean she gets both guys technically but Jim dies :( :( I HATE when authors do that! I still really LIKED this book. Don't get me wrong--I still say READ it and will definitely read the next book but I just hate it when that happens. Other then that pretty good. They left Georgia(Pretty Dumb since they had a nice life there ) and went to real Florida ugh and then it got worse --I mean way worse. Sam and Duncan leave-Jim dies-Indians-Luke-Slave hunters-pregnant girl and baby...so on and so forth. The other two books were more light hearted even though they had their hard times. This one had very little moments where you could smile and feel glad for them. I am looking forward to the 4th book where hopefully things get better. Even though Ella Dessa married Sam after Jim DIES :/ Oh also what happened to Ducan? And what happened to Fern and him? Some questions she left unanswered....Hmmmmm? That bugs me a bit :) Great book still!!! Read the first 2 fist bc this one will just get you down ;( Waiting for the next one!!!! WRITE QUICKLY!!!!
September 18, 2018
Excellent Series
Powerful, gripping, suspenseful, beautiful, endearing, and ugly. This series is amazing. Each book takes you through fascinating adventures, heartbreak, terrifying circumstances, and inspiring love. I couldn't stop reading. Ella Dessa will become a part of your world. The writing is rich and realistic. The highs and lows just keep coming and the reader has no choice but to devour every word. I hope there will be more and I cannot wait because, I am haunted by the characters and their lives.
Powerful, gripping, suspenseful, beautiful, endearing, and ugly. This series is amazing. Each book takes you through fascinating adventures, heartbreak, terrifying circumstances, and inspiring love. I couldn't stop reading. Ella Dessa will become a part of your world. The writing is rich and realistic. The highs and lows just keep coming and the reader has no choice but to devour every word. I hope there will be more and I cannot wait because, I am haunted by the characters and their lives.
May 31, 2020
With This Peace
The very best was saved to last. I can’t say enough about what a heart felt story this was. Ella Dessa, Samuel, Luke , the kids, and all of the others that came into their lives. They suffered through much, but one thing remained through, Gods love saw them through all of their troubles.
The very best was saved to last. I can’t say enough about what a heart felt story this was. Ella Dessa, Samuel, Luke , the kids, and all of the others that came into their lives. They suffered through much, but one thing remained through, Gods love saw them through all of their troubles.
June 5, 2017
With This Peace held a lot of surprises. Karen Campbell Prough did a great job of keeping me in suspense and turning the pages. Great writing. Also loved the first two Ella Dessa Books. I highly recommend them.
April 11, 2018
What a wonderful story
I really enjoyed reading this book. It told of a time where everything was hard. Ella Desde had to be strong for her children. She had many hardships to endure, but with God's help she persevered.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It told of a time where everything was hard. Ella Desde had to be strong for her children. She had many hardships to endure, but with God's help she persevered.
August 2, 2017
Good reads indeed!!!
Great reading! I was transported back into 1840+ and traveled with Ella Dessa and her families. I hurt for her and with her!
Great reading! I was transported back into 1840+ and traveled with Ella Dessa and her families. I hurt for her and with her!
September 8, 2017
I had a hard time putting this book down. I want to hear more from this author and more about the characters in the three books I have read so far,
August 15, 2018
Peace floats over all
This book kept me reading to the end. It was so enthralling that I couldn't stop. I had to know what adventure awaited next.
This book kept me reading to the end. It was so enthralling that I couldn't stop. I had to know what adventure awaited next.
November 18, 2019
Wonderful story!
Five stars is not enough for this book. This is one of the best series I've ever read and one I will return to someday.
Five stars is not enough for this book. This is one of the best series I've ever read and one I will return to someday.
June 17, 2020
Great read.
I really enjoyed all three books. Will there be a fourth book! I hope so. I feel like I was left hanging o with no real end to the story.
I really enjoyed all three books. Will there be a fourth book! I hope so. I feel like I was left hanging o with no real end to the story.
August 18, 2020
Ebook
The third book about an amazing women that faces crisis and remains strong and able to move forward with the help of God and friends.
The third book about an amazing women that faces crisis and remains strong and able to move forward with the help of God and friends.
Read
May 2, 2021Suspenseful
The author has a way of writing that took me into the story as though I was Ella. To have the faith she did is what carried her through all the hard times.
The author has a way of writing that took me into the story as though I was Ella. To have the faith she did is what carried her through all the hard times.
March 4, 2017
Here's the review I posted on amazon the day the e-book was released.
Wow! I read this book first thing this morning when it came out. I am in awe of this author's ability to write of such tragedy and yet still have such heart in her stories. Despite facing so many seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Ella Dessa's strength and determination survive. She has so much love for others and belief in doing what is right. She does what she has to do, no matter how difficult or heartbreaking. She takes care of everyone before taking care of herself. I love how she can meet someone and when they have to leave she feels like it is saying goodbye to longtime friends. The characters in this book are so real. Some are so kind and helpful while others are among the most vile creatures on the earth. There are some very dark, grisly scenes in this book. There are many more heart touching scenes of love, kindness, and generosity. Ella Dessa's unwavering faith is to be commended. I want to say so much more about this book but I would be giving away some of the best parts. I will say that it was a rollercoaster of emotions for me. I cried more than once. If I were asked if I had a problem with this book, I would say it needed to be longer! I wanted to keep reading and kept checking my Kindle to see if there were more pages. Ella Dessa's story has a special place in my heart.
**I have since re-read the book. I still love it but feel like it really needs an Epilogue if this is indeed the end of Ella Dessa's story as the author has said. There are some loose ends I, as a reader and lover of this character, would like to see tied up. In her acknowledgments, the author mentions readers that feel free to tell her to "write faster" I am one of those readers. She has been so sweet about it. I became a fan when I read The Girl Called Ella Dessa, and will read whatever Karen Campbell Prough writes in the future.
Wow! I read this book first thing this morning when it came out. I am in awe of this author's ability to write of such tragedy and yet still have such heart in her stories. Despite facing so many seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Ella Dessa's strength and determination survive. She has so much love for others and belief in doing what is right. She does what she has to do, no matter how difficult or heartbreaking. She takes care of everyone before taking care of herself. I love how she can meet someone and when they have to leave she feels like it is saying goodbye to longtime friends. The characters in this book are so real. Some are so kind and helpful while others are among the most vile creatures on the earth. There are some very dark, grisly scenes in this book. There are many more heart touching scenes of love, kindness, and generosity. Ella Dessa's unwavering faith is to be commended. I want to say so much more about this book but I would be giving away some of the best parts. I will say that it was a rollercoaster of emotions for me. I cried more than once. If I were asked if I had a problem with this book, I would say it needed to be longer! I wanted to keep reading and kept checking my Kindle to see if there were more pages. Ella Dessa's story has a special place in my heart.
**I have since re-read the book. I still love it but feel like it really needs an Epilogue if this is indeed the end of Ella Dessa's story as the author has said. There are some loose ends I, as a reader and lover of this character, would like to see tied up. In her acknowledgments, the author mentions readers that feel free to tell her to "write faster" I am one of those readers. She has been so sweet about it. I became a fan when I read The Girl Called Ella Dessa, and will read whatever Karen Campbell Prough writes in the future.
September 6, 2019
Great book
August 16, 2018
The only bad thing about this book is that it's over
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews