He’s never had the courage to love anyone… The only thing Otis Miller has ever wanted to be is a doctor and he wants to be the best. A surprise talk with his Aunt Eleanor days before his twenty-first birthday leads to a visit from his grandfather’s lawyer and the discovery that he is the heir to a large fortune. With all the papers signed, Otis heads to Chicago to follow his dream. After graduating from Jenner Medical School, Otis goes to the mine he owns in Colorado to see how things are and to provide medical care for everyone in town. He finds horrible working conditions and learns to make difficult decisions that will be best for all Will Otis learn to let God cover him in the depths of His love? Can Otis hide in God’s presence whenever he doesn’t know where to go next? 50% of my income from this series will go to the World Orphans organization.
Faith Blum is a wife, mom, administrative assistant for the Author Conservatory, author, and pianist. She’s published 30+ adventurous historical fiction books featuring realistic romance that strengthens your Christian faith. She has received an honorable mention in the Reader’s Favorite awards. When not writing, you can find her cooking from scratch, reading, spending time with her husband, or chasing her toddler.
Christian historical novel set in late 1800s, mostly in western United States. This is second in series and has LOTS of characters to fit together in relationships. May have been helpful to read them in order.
Continuing Otis’s story from “Lily of the Valley” was a treat for me. He was a troubled kid who grew up into an uncertain adult—yet one whose faith was firm in the Lord. This is a sweet story about his life from about age 21-25, the surprises and sorrows, troubles and triumphs.
His marriage was one of convenience yet was so sweet! There really wasn’t a ton of extreme romance, though, which I appreciate. There were couples who fell in love and married, but the inner emotion wasn’t highlighted or dramatized.
There was a definite godly message with a clear salvation message. A lot about trusting God and clinging to His promises.
I’d recommend this to conservative readers 16 and up, maybe slightly younger.
*I received this book from the author and happily provided my honest review*
I cannot begin to tell you what your books have been to me they have given me a stronger desire to spend time in the Word I am so truly grateful for the books that you have written the more of your books that I read the stronger my desire is to be more in God's word and to walk closer with Him. I so look forward to reading the next book that I have of yours I believe I have everyone of your books now in my library and I am about to read book 4 in this series God bless and I'll pray hard for you as you continue to inspire others to walk closer to our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Otis Miller, the main character, is a likeable chap. He has good intentions, is helpful to others, lives a clean life, but has trouble trusting people. His dad was a bad man, but his grandfather thought highly of him and leaves him with some financial wherewithal along with some responsibility.
Otis wants to be a doctor; the inheritance allows him to attend a medical school in Chicago. The setting varies from Montana to Chicago to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and finally to a town in Colorado where a silver mine is located that Otis inherited. The town doesn’t have a doctor, so Otis thinks it would be good to go there and practice his trade.
There are multiple other characters that appear in the story. They all end up interacting with Otis in some way. That said, I think the thread of the plot seems contrived. I felt the story just sort of rambled on with gaps of time and different people being interjected into the story at various points. Parts of it seemed natural enough, but bringing all the characters and actions together as a whole was far too coincidental for my taste. I realize the author wanted a happy ending, and she provides it. Almost everyone ends up happily married. That blessed event more or less ties up the story when a quintuple marriage takes place. Five couples getting married at the same time, especially when brothers and sisters are involved, is pretty odd, but the circumstances make it work.
The song from which the title of the book is derived is woven into the story at various places when Otis needs a little spiritual help. Random Bible verses also appear at times. While they are appropriate, their insertions seem a bit forced to me. It’s a nice story, but it isn’t too memorable.
When Otis by chance meets Mabel at a dance before he attends medical school, he has no idea to hat he will ever see her again. After graduating from med sch[l, he travels to Silver City and opens his practice there near the silver mine he inherited from his grandfather. Mabel's brother is the new foreman of the mine, & when she needs to escape from her abusive fiancée, she runs to her brother. Otis is surprised to see her but quickly realizes his initial attraction has flourished into love. They weather some storms of life & work to turn a marriage of convenience into one of love & trust. Very good book, fleshed out with friends & family who have put God first in their lives.
I love the premise of a novel with a gospel song's theme weaving through the storyline. Sometimes it seemed a bit forced, but overall nicely done. This is a clean romance with a spoiled bride who had to face reality about her choice of a groom. She had to evaluate her spiritual desires, too. If you don't like to read about people who pray daily and are open with their relationship with God then this is not for you. Blum offers a wholesome story for teens and adults. Be forewarned, the story opens with a man hitting a woman, so it may offend some younger teens. I can easily recommend this as an enjoyable read.
Why four stars? Because this is a great Christian story! It is not the best story I ever read, but it is in the top group of easy-read novels. I read this story as a stand-alone, not as part of the series. Faith paints a good picture of life after the railroads but before the horseless carriage. Her characters are real. It's easy to become part of their lives. Take the time to read this cozy romance. You will not be disappointed.
What a beautiful story. Otis is an orphan who was raised by a couple who took him and all his brothers and sisters in when tragedy struck the family. As he gained his majority at age 21 he inherited the estate of his Grandfather. What he does with the money is quite commendable. A Christ centered, unforgettable story. You will need a box of tissues!
Otis has a thirst for knowledge so he can heal people. What a blessing when he finds he has an inheritance and can go to medical school! The twists and turns that get him to his chosen profession in his chosen place will keep you turning pages!! This family and their story will touch your heart.
Faith did a great job of providing believable characters and showing how the Christian walk should look like. These characters show the reality of life and challenges we all face.
This is the third book in this series and it is about faith and trust in God and the power of prayer The characters are realistic and love of family and friends visable A well written and inspiring story
The characters are very real. Being allowed to know their thoughts enriches the story. A wonderful combination of history, challenges and faith. I enjoy reading this author’s books.
Good faith filled book. Encouraging. Good descriptions of what is was probably like in the 1800s. Good to read the words to the old hymn and see how these hymns can encourage us.
This was the best book I've read in a while. Very inspirational, made me reexamine my actions and thoughts. I know I need to " Trust in the Lord with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding, in all my ways acknowledge Him and let Him direct my path."
Faith Blum keeps things moving along in her story. I enjoy the Bible references and I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good clean read.
The plot of this story was good, although the actions the characters were not always realistic. The characters did not have the depth I would have liked.
This is a wonderful story. Otis and his siblings are orphans and a couple takes them and raises them. Otis loves learning and wants to heal people. When he turns 21, he inherits his grandfather's estate. What Otis does with the money and the many people he helps is truly commendable. This is a Christian story and I enjoyed reading it.
A beautiful story about faith, forgiveness, and redemption. Journey with Otis Miller as he attends medical school in Chicago, Illinois after he receives an unexpected inheritance. Follow him as he travels to Colorado to examine the mine operation he has inherited. Along the way he meets many colorful people and examines his faith in God.