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Melinda Foster #2
Harvest Season
The muggy days of August find Melinda Foster’s garden bursting at its borders. And two months into an unexpected sabbatical from her bustling life in Minneapolis, Melinda’s efforts at her rented farmhouse are starting to pay off: She’s learned to preserve produce, outsmart a few headstrong chickens and wrangle a flock of spoiled sheep. But even in the little town of Prosper, nothing stays the same. One member of the hardware store’s coffee group shares a startling announcement, and a trip back to the city makes Melinda realize how deep her roots now run in rural Iowa. As the months roll by and the seasons change, Melinda must choose between the security of her old life or taking a chance on an uncertain future. (Second in a series, approx. 75,000 words)
248 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2017
3444 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Lageschulte
28 books289 followersMelanie Lageschulte is the author of the "Growing Season" women's fiction series. She grew up on an acreage in northern Iowa with a menagerie of four-footed friends. She’s spent much of her professional life telling the stories of Iowa and its residents, including several years as a features reporter and editor for the Des Moines Register. Melanie holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in American history from the University of Iowa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
June 22, 2022
Good fun! This is the story of a woman changing her life from a big city to a farm outside a small town and deciding whether or not this could, or should, become permanent. Not big on character depth, but sometimes that is okay. Good weekend read.
October 29, 2017
This is a direct continuation of Melanie's first book in the series,Growing Season and picks up right where the first ended. We are dealing with the aftermath of the tornado hitting the farming community of Prosper,Iowa. A beautiful and fun telling of life on the farm,a slower pace where you stop to smell the roses and pick the wild plums. The heat of summer is giving way to cooler weather in the rented farmhouse belonging to Horace, Melinda Foster lives in where she takes care of the animals and the garden. With the harvest season upon us the garden is bursting at it's seams with fresh garden veggies ready for canning and giving away. It's even been suggested to busy some of the extra zucchini.
When the community comes together to have a barn raising for the damage done to Horace's barn that's just what they do to take care of each other. Full of amusing tales like when Melinda is chased by the ram in the field then she is trapped in her car because of it. This is farm life at it's finest and reminds me of reading a James Herriott book. Horace is with his brother,Wilbur at an old age home but dreams of coming home to live again. Fall also bring a time of reflection for Melinda. She has a heartbreaking choice to make,should she rescue her old life in the rat race and try to get another corporate job or stay where she feels relaxed on the farm? The time comes for Horace to come home but he has some important decisions to make as well.
Pub Date 29 May 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Fremont Creek Press for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
When the community comes together to have a barn raising for the damage done to Horace's barn that's just what they do to take care of each other. Full of amusing tales like when Melinda is chased by the ram in the field then she is trapped in her car because of it. This is farm life at it's finest and reminds me of reading a James Herriott book. Horace is with his brother,Wilbur at an old age home but dreams of coming home to live again. Fall also bring a time of reflection for Melinda. She has a heartbreaking choice to make,should she rescue her old life in the rat race and try to get another corporate job or stay where she feels relaxed on the farm? The time comes for Horace to come home but he has some important decisions to make as well.
Pub Date 29 May 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Fremont Creek Press for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 18, 2020
Two books into this series and I'm solidly in love with it. The pacing is peaceful and slow and these books are just perfect for reading in the morning with my coffee or at nighttime just before bed. This series appealed to me because I saw it labeled "heartwarming rural fiction" and it is just what the doctor ordered.
This is the second in the series, and it picks up a few weeks after the last book ended. Melinda has made it through the summer with a huge appreciation for all it takes to run a farm and manage animals, and with a new-found love of the slower pace of rural life. In this installment, she knows that her temporary summer stay at the farm is coming to an end soon. Melinda needs to decide if she wants to stay in small Prosper, Iowa or head back into Minneapolis to her nice city apartment and a more lucrative job.
I'm loving the way these books examine the "woman at a crossroads" theme with Melinda's big career change and living situation. There is really no big action in this book and there is still no romance to speak of. This is a very character-driven look at the day-to-day of small town life and farming and managing animals. For a person that loves gardening and animals in her books, this is really the jackpot!! The story goes thru about the middle of fall and I can almost feel the weather getting colder as I read. I can see the colors change from the greens of summer to the bright oranges and reds of fall.
I love this series. 100% moving onto the next book TODAY. If you want a no-drama, no-stress read, this series is probably exactly what you're looking for.
This is the second in the series, and it picks up a few weeks after the last book ended. Melinda has made it through the summer with a huge appreciation for all it takes to run a farm and manage animals, and with a new-found love of the slower pace of rural life. In this installment, she knows that her temporary summer stay at the farm is coming to an end soon. Melinda needs to decide if she wants to stay in small Prosper, Iowa or head back into Minneapolis to her nice city apartment and a more lucrative job.
I'm loving the way these books examine the "woman at a crossroads" theme with Melinda's big career change and living situation. There is really no big action in this book and there is still no romance to speak of. This is a very character-driven look at the day-to-day of small town life and farming and managing animals. For a person that loves gardening and animals in her books, this is really the jackpot!! The story goes thru about the middle of fall and I can almost feel the weather getting colder as I read. I can see the colors change from the greens of summer to the bright oranges and reds of fall.
I love this series. 100% moving onto the next book TODAY. If you want a no-drama, no-stress read, this series is probably exactly what you're looking for.
November 15, 2021
2.75 stars
Melinda's story continues pretty much in the same pleasant, leisurely flow it started in Growing Season: a novel with even less "action".
You experience the changing of seasons from summer to fall in rural Iowa through Melinda's eyes: leaves fall, pumpkins ripen, there is a lot of canning and baking going on, she gives and gets neighbourly support. This was equally charming and boring at the same time.
There is the "Big Question" whether she should stay or tail it back to the Big City when a job opportunity comes calling. And while the inner struggle to decide arches through the whole book, there is no real tension to it.
A very light and relaxing read, but you have to be in the right frame of mind to enjoy it.
Melinda's story continues pretty much in the same pleasant, leisurely flow it started in Growing Season: a novel with even less "action".
You experience the changing of seasons from summer to fall in rural Iowa through Melinda's eyes: leaves fall, pumpkins ripen, there is a lot of canning and baking going on, she gives and gets neighbourly support. This was equally charming and boring at the same time.
There is the "Big Question" whether she should stay or tail it back to the Big City when a job opportunity comes calling. And while the inner struggle to decide arches through the whole book, there is no real tension to it.
A very light and relaxing read, but you have to be in the right frame of mind to enjoy it.
October 21, 2017
Quick exciting read!
I loved all the different characters and Melinda's independent spirit. The animal descriptions were so wonderful, I felt as if they were beloved friends. I was sort of waiting for Melinda to find some romance,but nevertheless the book was perfection.
I loved all the different characters and Melinda's independent spirit. The animal descriptions were so wonderful, I felt as if they were beloved friends. I was sort of waiting for Melinda to find some romance,but nevertheless the book was perfection.
January 27, 2021
Will she, won't she
This book was a lot of will she, won't she and by the end I was happy it was over. Charming story but the first book was better.
This book was a lot of will she, won't she and by the end I was happy it was over. Charming story but the first book was better.
April 3, 2018
I normally read books with way more thought provoking material like crime and thrillers, but occasionally I like to read something light like a romance novel. So Growing Season and Harvest Season were way out of my norm. But I am SO glad I downloaded both of them and read them. I loved reading about all the ways of farm living and the small rural area of Prospect. I can just see in my head everyone gathering at the hardware store 'gossiping' about all the towns events. Melinda is a good strong character as were all of the others and I am so happy that she had choices to make about her life and made the ones I was rooting for! The farm and Prospect were good for Melinda and she learned about what she can handle in life. And she took that knowledge and used it to help Hobo, Stormy and Sunny learn how to trust and grow as well.
I highly recommend these books, they are heartwarming, light and so much fun!!!
I highly recommend these books, they are heartwarming, light and so much fun!!!
April 4, 2018
Loved Harvest Season! It was wonderful to follow Melinda's journey and I can't wait for book three :)
Melinda is easy to identify with and understand. She's at a crossroads in her life and trying to make the right choices in what path to follow. These books are our peek into that journey.
Melinda is easy to identify with and understand. She's at a crossroads in her life and trying to make the right choices in what path to follow. These books are our peek into that journey.
September 29, 2019
Harvest Season, Book 2 is by Melanie Lageschulte. It takes place in northern Iona in a small town. The town of Prescott had big dreams; but those had died out along with the majority of the businesses. The hardware store definitely kept holding things together. Now, however, the owners were in need of help or they could lose the business.
Melanie knew of this problem since the owners were her aunt and uncle. Her uncle had a heart attack and was in the hospital. The likelihood of his coming back to the store soon was very small. Knowing that Melanie had just been let go from her company due to cutbacks and she had no job. She sublet her apartment and moved home. She intended to live with her parents; but instead took over a small town. She had also taken over a small farm outside of town. She had 12 sheep, chickens, two cats, and a brokenhearted dog to care for. Could she do this? She also had to redo parts of the house to make them livable.
The book is cute and easy to read. The reader walks beside Melanie as she copes with the farm, the hardware store, looking for a new job, and a tornado.
Melanie knew of this problem since the owners were her aunt and uncle. Her uncle had a heart attack and was in the hospital. The likelihood of his coming back to the store soon was very small. Knowing that Melanie had just been let go from her company due to cutbacks and she had no job. She sublet her apartment and moved home. She intended to live with her parents; but instead took over a small town. She had also taken over a small farm outside of town. She had 12 sheep, chickens, two cats, and a brokenhearted dog to care for. Could she do this? She also had to redo parts of the house to make them livable.
The book is cute and easy to read. The reader walks beside Melanie as she copes with the farm, the hardware store, looking for a new job, and a tornado.
July 7, 2018
City Girl To Farm Girl
I loved this book! In Book 1, Melanie, an almost 40-year old woman loses her prestigious job in the city. She goes to the small rural town to help out her aunt after her uncle's heart attack. She rents a farmhouse nearby and learns to take care of and love the old house, the garden, and the resident animals. There is no implausible Prince charming galloping in to save Melinda. She must face her own problems, discover how she wants to live her life, and make her own decisions as to how best to do this...just like real women do! I spent several lovely afternoons with Books 1 and 2, and am pre-ordering Book 3 so I can continue enjoying Melinda's life on the farm and her interactions with the residents of Prosper, Iowa. The book is well-written and engaging. The characters and events are believable and authentic. Such a delightful read. A feel good read.
I loved this book! In Book 1, Melanie, an almost 40-year old woman loses her prestigious job in the city. She goes to the small rural town to help out her aunt after her uncle's heart attack. She rents a farmhouse nearby and learns to take care of and love the old house, the garden, and the resident animals. There is no implausible Prince charming galloping in to save Melinda. She must face her own problems, discover how she wants to live her life, and make her own decisions as to how best to do this...just like real women do! I spent several lovely afternoons with Books 1 and 2, and am pre-ordering Book 3 so I can continue enjoying Melinda's life on the farm and her interactions with the residents of Prosper, Iowa. The book is well-written and engaging. The characters and events are believable and authentic. Such a delightful read. A feel good read.
September 14, 2025
4 stars from a jaded and admittedly harsh reviewer? Yep.
This book wasn't quite as good as the first installment, but it was still a good read. I think the lack of direction the main character experienced was what derailed the story a bit for me, but while that would usually be a HUGE issue, this book still managed to pull it off. The cast of characters is still consistently delightful, and I have to admit that the author clearly has a great understanding of rural life. It's a bit of an idealistic view, but that's what you want in a book like this!
This was such an enjoyable read, rarely do I find myself jealous of the characters in a book, but this one did it for me. I want to be the main character's friend, I want to live in that community, I want to get to know those people! What more could you want?
Again, another short, sweet, quick read, very enjoyable, and highly recommended!
This book wasn't quite as good as the first installment, but it was still a good read. I think the lack of direction the main character experienced was what derailed the story a bit for me, but while that would usually be a HUGE issue, this book still managed to pull it off. The cast of characters is still consistently delightful, and I have to admit that the author clearly has a great understanding of rural life. It's a bit of an idealistic view, but that's what you want in a book like this!
This was such an enjoyable read, rarely do I find myself jealous of the characters in a book, but this one did it for me. I want to be the main character's friend, I want to live in that community, I want to get to know those people! What more could you want?
Again, another short, sweet, quick read, very enjoyable, and highly recommended!
June 10, 2023
This book continues right where book #1 Growing Season left off. The aftermath of the tornado through Prosper, Iowa has left Melinda wondering if she's ready for the small town life again.
The month of August is here and the fruits of all her hard work in the garden are starting to pay off. Melinda is learning more about canning and being part of a community where people pull together to help each other.
One of their morning coffee group makes a startling announcement and Melinda may have a new friend. She also makes a trip back to Minneapolis and wonders if her life is in Minneapolis or she can make a new life in rural Iowa.
If your looking for a nice weekend read with no drama. This is the series for you.
The month of August is here and the fruits of all her hard work in the garden are starting to pay off. Melinda is learning more about canning and being part of a community where people pull together to help each other.
One of their morning coffee group makes a startling announcement and Melinda may have a new friend. She also makes a trip back to Minneapolis and wonders if her life is in Minneapolis or she can make a new life in rural Iowa.
If your looking for a nice weekend read with no drama. This is the series for you.
November 4, 2017
The Girl On The Farm
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this two book series. Melinda reminded me of myself so much as she struggled with the decisions she had to make. I liked all the characters, but do feel that it was unnecessary to point out something about Kevin (don,t want to give anything away). Although it was a great story, I kept looking for a little romance for Melinda. Keep wishing for another book to finish this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this two book series. Melinda reminded me of myself so much as she struggled with the decisions she had to make. I liked all the characters, but do feel that it was unnecessary to point out something about Kevin (don,t want to give anything away). Although it was a great story, I kept looking for a little romance for Melinda. Keep wishing for another book to finish this series.
September 26, 2018
This is a pleasant enough story, obviously one in a series, but reads ok as a stand alone. This is the second book, but it gives a recap of And picks right up where the first one.leaves off.
When Melinda's engagement ends, her cat dies, and she loses her job, she finds herself back in her Iowa hometown of Prosper, at the age of 40. Rather than staying with her parents, she rents a farm from Horace, who has gone to a.nursing home, and gets a reduced rent in exchange for caring for his dog, chickens, sheep, and two barn cats.
This is a simple story, as she adjusts to country life. Most of the.novel is just about her daily life and that of the townsfolk. As the summer comes to an end, Horace plans to come.home, and Melinda needs to decide whether to find a new job and return to her old life in Minneapolis, or to stay in Prosper somehow.
This isn't a memorable book, but it's rather sweet, somewhat on the order of the "Mitford" series, but with fewer events and less engaging characters. It's a pleasant enough read, though I don't understand why it got such high reader ratings.
When Melinda's engagement ends, her cat dies, and she loses her job, she finds herself back in her Iowa hometown of Prosper, at the age of 40. Rather than staying with her parents, she rents a farm from Horace, who has gone to a.nursing home, and gets a reduced rent in exchange for caring for his dog, chickens, sheep, and two barn cats.
This is a simple story, as she adjusts to country life. Most of the.novel is just about her daily life and that of the townsfolk. As the summer comes to an end, Horace plans to come.home, and Melinda needs to decide whether to find a new job and return to her old life in Minneapolis, or to stay in Prosper somehow.
This isn't a memorable book, but it's rather sweet, somewhat on the order of the "Mitford" series, but with fewer events and less engaging characters. It's a pleasant enough read, though I don't understand why it got such high reader ratings.
March 20, 2018
Great, heartwarming story
This book is just what I needed to feel the comfort of a simpler life...and accepting change when it is forced upon you. The story is well paced, with warm characters which could have been from my small farm town. I love how Melinda spoke to the animals and learned to love the country life. I wish I was younger...I would consider taking her lead and become a farm girl again.
This book is just what I needed to feel the comfort of a simpler life...and accepting change when it is forced upon you. The story is well paced, with warm characters which could have been from my small farm town. I love how Melinda spoke to the animals and learned to love the country life. I wish I was younger...I would consider taking her lead and become a farm girl again.
October 2, 2018
Another wonderful read!
Harvest Season is simply a happy, happy story; taking up where Growing Season left off. This story made me laugh and cry. It brought me back to my canning days so many years ago. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes a good, clean story. On to book 3!
Harvest Season is simply a happy, happy story; taking up where Growing Season left off. This story made me laugh and cry. It brought me back to my canning days so many years ago. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes a good, clean story. On to book 3!
October 3, 2018
The second of a lovely, restful series
In the first book, Growing Season, Melinda loses her job in Minneapolis and temporarily moves to rural Iowa to help her family. The first two books in the series detail her gradual assimilation, and growing appreciation for the small community, its residents and farm life. Delightful. (And if you’re an animal fan, you have Hobo, Sunny & Stormy, Annie and Pansy as extra added attractions.)
I love these stories and their two- and four-legged characters, especially after a long day of news consumption. They are a great, comforting escape.
Now, on to The Peaceful Season...
In the first book, Growing Season, Melinda loses her job in Minneapolis and temporarily moves to rural Iowa to help her family. The first two books in the series detail her gradual assimilation, and growing appreciation for the small community, its residents and farm life. Delightful. (And if you’re an animal fan, you have Hobo, Sunny & Stormy, Annie and Pansy as extra added attractions.)
I love these stories and their two- and four-legged characters, especially after a long day of news consumption. They are a great, comforting escape.
Now, on to The Peaceful Season...
January 21, 2018
Great Read
The second book was just as good as the first. I enjoyed catching up with all the characters as again enjoyed a delightful read filled with real peole
The second book was just as good as the first. I enjoyed catching up with all the characters as again enjoyed a delightful read filled with real peole
July 10, 2018
The second book in The series was just as good as the first! I don't very often buy books, but I purchased Harvest Season and wasn't disappointed. I am sad to hear the next in the series won't be published till September cause I am sure I will forget about it by then.
October 2, 2018
Good story
This book joins a series of seasons Good stories, good settings, good characters. Good grammar and spelling too. I really enjoyed it
This book joins a series of seasons Good stories, good settings, good characters. Good grammar and spelling too. I really enjoyed it
February 18, 2022
Loved the book!
June 24, 2018
Great read!
I loved the down homeyness of the stories. Just a feel good book. I Loved all the characters as well.
I loved the down homeyness of the stories. Just a feel good book. I Loved all the characters as well.
November 4, 2018
Warm and friendly
I love this series. Melinda is living the life I always wanted. I am looking forward to Book 3. Warm, friendly, reading.
I love this series. Melinda is living the life I always wanted. I am looking forward to Book 3. Warm, friendly, reading.
January 1, 2020
Country hatdships
I enjoyed the stories of farm life, people, animals, and friendship! The descriptions make you feel as you are part of this setting. Looking forward to reading more!
I enjoyed the stories of farm life, people, animals, and friendship! The descriptions make you feel as you are part of this setting. Looking forward to reading more!
November 2, 2017
Fun read. Had tears when the sheep where going, but full of smiles when they stay. Love the characters. Keep them coming.
January 14, 2018
Loved this story!
Do I really have to wait till fall for the next one? I feel like I am Melinda and so involved with the people in this town. Definitely recommend this book😊
Do I really have to wait till fall for the next one? I feel like I am Melinda and so involved with the people in this town. Definitely recommend this book😊
March 10, 2018
Harvest Season
I loved this warm and fuzzy trip through nostalgia and rural life. My most hated job as a youngster was cleaning out the chicken house and the author provided a revisit of that nasty job in great detail. From canning to gardening to chickens, cats, and sheep, the author took us down memory lane.
I loved this warm and fuzzy trip through nostalgia and rural life. My most hated job as a youngster was cleaning out the chicken house and the author provided a revisit of that nasty job in great detail. From canning to gardening to chickens, cats, and sheep, the author took us down memory lane.
June 26, 2018
Really enjoyed the first book so much, I had to read the second. It did not disappoint. So happy about Melanie's choices. Sad I'll have to wait till September for the next one.
October 25, 2018
Harvest Season by Melanie Lageshulte is the second in a series of books. I have not read the first book Growing Season but that did not deter from my enjoyment of this book.
The main character Melinda is 2 months into an unexpected sabbatical from her normal life in Minneapolis. She has rented a farmhouse and has learned to preserve produce, look after chickens and a flock of sheep. As the summer passes Melinda is enjoying her new life, the slow pace and the changing seasons. As her term at the farmhouse is coming to an end Melinda must evaluate whether she wants to return to her old life in the city or make a new life for herself elsewhere.
A lovely read, slow paced with not a lot of action, I nevertheless really enjoyed it. A tale of small town America. Some nice characters, a slow plot, good description of the farm and overall a good read.
The main character Melinda is 2 months into an unexpected sabbatical from her normal life in Minneapolis. She has rented a farmhouse and has learned to preserve produce, look after chickens and a flock of sheep. As the summer passes Melinda is enjoying her new life, the slow pace and the changing seasons. As her term at the farmhouse is coming to an end Melinda must evaluate whether she wants to return to her old life in the city or make a new life for herself elsewhere.
A lovely read, slow paced with not a lot of action, I nevertheless really enjoyed it. A tale of small town America. Some nice characters, a slow plot, good description of the farm and overall a good read.
July 4, 2018
A wonderful feel good series.
Don't know when I bought the first book in this series but I have fallen in love with it. I am so looking forward to the next book coming out. Wonderfully easy to read. Highly recommend this series.
Don't know when I bought the first book in this series but I have fallen in love with it. I am so looking forward to the next book coming out. Wonderfully easy to read. Highly recommend this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews