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A Place Called Home #4
A Gathering of Memories
Her heart was fragile from too much pain--would her defenses push Ross away?
Ross felt panicked. His words had hurt her. It surprised him, given the way she handled the harsh circumstances of her life. First her mother's death. Then her father's. Then losing the land.
Was his compassion for the vulnerable young woman turning to love? And if it was love, what would he do now? "Please, God," he prayed. "Help me. Show me."
A poignant tale about love fulfilled, "A Gathering of Memories" will capture the hearts and minds of romantics everywhere.
Ross felt panicked. His words had hurt her. It surprised him, given the way she handled the harsh circumstances of her life. First her mother's death. Then her father's. Then losing the land.
Was his compassion for the vulnerable young woman turning to love? And if it was love, what would he do now? "Please, God," he prayed. "Help me. Show me."
A poignant tale about love fulfilled, "A Gathering of Memories" will capture the hearts and minds of romantics everywhere.
250 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
51 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
Lori Wick
101 books1,660 followersFROM THE PUBLISHER:
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."
Lori Wick is known as one of the most versatile Christian fiction writers on the market today. From pioneer fiction to a series set in Victorian England to a contemporary novel, Lori's books (over 5 million in print) continue to delight readers and top the Christian bestselling fiction list. Lori and her husband, Bob, live in Wisconsin with "the three coolest kids in the world."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 2, 2021
My favorite one in the series! It was full of action and just enough romance. And I related to it a lot when it talked about faith. A wonderful story full of faith in God for new and old believers! I am drained and ready to be done with this historical romance genre but it was a great read and I highly recommend the series!
October 25, 2021
I absolutely loved this series. I am sad this was the last book.
August 5, 2023
Another lovely and innocent read. Love the fact that I can read it or have it read out loud while working and no one is offended by the name of Jesus.
October 21, 2007
I do believe this is the best of Lori Wick so far that I have read. It was adventurous like Traci Peterson's Yukon Quest and gave the same feel of hating the bad guy but not being able to do anything because it's a story and you're a human and then feeling guilty because they are not charitable Christian thoughts you are having toward the evil fictional characters anyway. This is one that you can really get into and understand and feel for the character's loves and losses. It may be because I have read the three in the series before this one so I have been reading of the family for a while and love them already, who knows. Either way. Yay Lori Wick.
October 28, 2016
Here is my standard blurb for a book that I've read to my wife: Another book that I read to Diana. We can't do much anymore after her stroke, so I read to her to spend time together. Diana has always loved to have someone to read to her - and I like to do just that.
Again, this was not great literature, but entertaining. We pretty much knew the ending, except neither of us foresaw Grandma Em getting married until it happened.
Again, this was not great literature, but entertaining. We pretty much knew the ending, except neither of us foresaw Grandma Em getting married until it happened.
October 14, 2019
Wonderful series !
Everyone needs a grandma Em! What a heart warming series! Kept my attention from page 1 to the very end of each of the books 1-4. Make sure you read these in order.
Everyone needs a grandma Em! What a heart warming series! Kept my attention from page 1 to the very end of each of the books 1-4. Make sure you read these in order.
February 19, 2025
PB
Matters of the head were so much easier than matters of the heart.
p. 66
Look at it this way, if you can’t do anything to gain salvation, then you can’t do anything to lose it.
p. 137
Faithfulness began even before you met your intended.
p. 223
Matters of the head were so much easier than matters of the heart.
p. 66
Look at it this way, if you can’t do anything to gain salvation, then you can’t do anything to lose it.
p. 137
Faithfulness began even before you met your intended.
p. 223
September 25, 2025
This story had a sweet innocence about all those children, and I usually enjoy stories about children. Some of it is very good, but some of it seemed saccharine sweet to me. I am glad I read it. Like the prior story in this volume, it's a story of kindnesses.
I like the sheet music included in it, and I may even try it out on the piano out of curiosity.
The plot takes longer than necessary to develop.
I thought I knew what the resolution with Aaron Marks would be, but I was wrong.
"There were no games in her, no pretense." So, I wonder if Ross's sarcasm would be lost on her as well, since she didn't understand the verbal relationship games people play.
A little of this story seemed anachronistic to me. I doubt Amy & Silas would've had the children refer to them by their first names. That would be very unusual in those times, and a sign of deep disrespect. I know, just listening to my grandmother, that someone can have tremendous affection for someone they called Mrs. So and So, or Mr. So and So. It wouldn't have lessened the affection or the connection for them any. It is possible they would've invited the oldest child to call them by their first names, since she was a legal adult.
They probably would not have had chicken and dumplings the same day they did all that canning - two very big chores. Canning day would've had something much less labor-intensive, like bean soup.
Spanking Becca after her mother died seems harsh to me, although I do realize that may have been more common with the times, too. And I realize that many readers may not truly want ideas from the earlier eras, either, although they think they do.
"Have you ever worried that when you grow very old you would be a burden to your family?"
"It's crossed my mind some."
"Pride is a terrible thing, isn't it? I've made a mistake and the thought of my grandchildren finding out and thinking I'm failing, well, let's just say that wounds my pride."
I hadn't thought of that being a pride-issue before. I'll have to tuck that away in my mind for my own elder years.
"Mandy assumed that a person had to be very smart to understand the Bible and that she had never reached that level of intelligence."
Well, there's a mixture of ideas here. Catholics do believe that we need the tradition of the church in order to interpret the Bible correctly, but Protestants do believe that the Bible has a plain reading that ordinary people can understand, that it's "a letter to children."
There is a balance between
"And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual." - 1 Corinthians 2:13, ESV, about the Holy Spirit enlightening our understanding of scripture, among other things.
and the opposite truth that we must
"study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15
There are many things that are self-explanatory, (Romans 1:20). There are other things that we need to study a little for - study context, study translation, study parallel passages or other passages on the same topic.
I think that God took extra care making sure that the basics are easy to understand, so that most people can understand them, and yet His wisdom had depths that we will never completely fathom.
"Ross had said to ask God for the understanding. Somehow she felt she had to come to that place before God would accept her. But maybe she was wrong... She couldn't understand anything."
I love that, love the humility in it.
I love that one reviewer said that everyone needs a Grandma Emily. Yes, I think they do.
Reviewer Margaret Chind said that this book does not make you have "charitable Christian feelings" towards the villains, but they are fictional anyway. I thought that is funny, but there's some truth in it, too. I've never rated a book before based on whether or not it made me have "charitable Christian feelings," and probably never even thought about it.
It makes me think of two recent speeches, though, in which one speaker forgave those who had harmed someone she loved, and the other speaker said outright that did not forgive his rivals and did not wish them well.
I like the sheet music included in it, and I may even try it out on the piano out of curiosity.
The plot takes longer than necessary to develop.
I thought I knew what the resolution with Aaron Marks would be, but I was wrong.
"There were no games in her, no pretense." So, I wonder if Ross's sarcasm would be lost on her as well, since she didn't understand the verbal relationship games people play.
A little of this story seemed anachronistic to me. I doubt Amy & Silas would've had the children refer to them by their first names. That would be very unusual in those times, and a sign of deep disrespect. I know, just listening to my grandmother, that someone can have tremendous affection for someone they called Mrs. So and So, or Mr. So and So. It wouldn't have lessened the affection or the connection for them any. It is possible they would've invited the oldest child to call them by their first names, since she was a legal adult.
They probably would not have had chicken and dumplings the same day they did all that canning - two very big chores. Canning day would've had something much less labor-intensive, like bean soup.
Spanking Becca after her mother died seems harsh to me, although I do realize that may have been more common with the times, too. And I realize that many readers may not truly want ideas from the earlier eras, either, although they think they do.
"Have you ever worried that when you grow very old you would be a burden to your family?"
"It's crossed my mind some."
"Pride is a terrible thing, isn't it? I've made a mistake and the thought of my grandchildren finding out and thinking I'm failing, well, let's just say that wounds my pride."
I hadn't thought of that being a pride-issue before. I'll have to tuck that away in my mind for my own elder years.
"Mandy assumed that a person had to be very smart to understand the Bible and that she had never reached that level of intelligence."
Well, there's a mixture of ideas here. Catholics do believe that we need the tradition of the church in order to interpret the Bible correctly, but Protestants do believe that the Bible has a plain reading that ordinary people can understand, that it's "a letter to children."
There is a balance between
"And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual." - 1 Corinthians 2:13, ESV, about the Holy Spirit enlightening our understanding of scripture, among other things.
and the opposite truth that we must
"study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15
There are many things that are self-explanatory, (Romans 1:20). There are other things that we need to study a little for - study context, study translation, study parallel passages or other passages on the same topic.
I think that God took extra care making sure that the basics are easy to understand, so that most people can understand them, and yet His wisdom had depths that we will never completely fathom.
"Ross had said to ask God for the understanding. Somehow she felt she had to come to that place before God would accept her. But maybe she was wrong... She couldn't understand anything."
I love that, love the humility in it.
I love that one reviewer said that everyone needs a Grandma Emily. Yes, I think they do.
Reviewer Margaret Chind said that this book does not make you have "charitable Christian feelings" towards the villains, but they are fictional anyway. I thought that is funny, but there's some truth in it, too. I've never rated a book before based on whether or not it made me have "charitable Christian feelings," and probably never even thought about it.
It makes me think of two recent speeches, though, in which one speaker forgave those who had harmed someone she loved, and the other speaker said outright that did not forgive his rivals and did not wish them well.
September 19, 2017
This is book number 4 in Lori Wick's Christian historical fiction A Place Called Home Series. The book once again features the Cameron family and the small town of Baxter Wisconsin. Silas Cameron and his wife Amy have been trying to have children for 5 years with no luck. When Ma Jackson dies leaving her 5 children alone and destitute not knowing where there father is, Silas and Amy both feel God is calling them to care for these children until their father is found.
I loved how this story shows how an unlikely family can develop into a strong, loving family. The fact that each of the children also saw how a Christian family becomes one was also sweet. This book was a wonderful conclusion to this series and was filled with emotion, tenderness, and faith-filled romance. The writer's slow development of the relationship between Ross and Mandy was superb as Ross lives by his Christian principles and Mandy grows in her faith. Ross never rushed Mandy although he had feelings for her and waited (perhaps a little too long) for her to reach the same point in her faith relationship as him. The surprise couple at the end of the book was a nice touch to the ending.
Another good series by Lori Wick that would be enjoyed by those who like historical fiction with a good faith line.
I loved how this story shows how an unlikely family can develop into a strong, loving family. The fact that each of the children also saw how a Christian family becomes one was also sweet. This book was a wonderful conclusion to this series and was filled with emotion, tenderness, and faith-filled romance. The writer's slow development of the relationship between Ross and Mandy was superb as Ross lives by his Christian principles and Mandy grows in her faith. Ross never rushed Mandy although he had feelings for her and waited (perhaps a little too long) for her to reach the same point in her faith relationship as him. The surprise couple at the end of the book was a nice touch to the ending.
Another good series by Lori Wick that would be enjoyed by those who like historical fiction with a good faith line.
June 28, 2023
I’m rating this book a 5 as much as it was a wonderful ending to a 4 book series as it was good. Pioneer, small town, large family, going to church and the closeness of friends; what more could you ask for. The Cameron family lives as they met their spouses, married and had kids along with the families of the spouse, people they met through church, 5 orphans that one of the Cameron families took on because they were unable to have kids of their own. Mystery, intrigue, ruder, love and gut laugh moments but equally as fulfilling were the scriptures of the bible played out in real life. This had me looking up scriptures I didn’t know and could see where they fit in my own life. I have a few books from friends I need to read but will then be looking for another series by Lori Wick.
November 3, 2019
4.5 ⭐️
I think this is my favorite out of this series. I always look for a Lori Wick book when I need something simple and easy to read. For some reason I had never seen this series before and stumbled upon the first one a few weeks ago.
In this book, there are 5 siblings whose mother passed away and are taking in by Silas and Amy (which by the way was my favorite before reading this one). Their father is off who knows where. The Cameron’s are more than happy to take them in as their own.
There is always a bit of romance on Lori’s books, but it’s always simple and sweet. Nothing over done.
I think this is my favorite out of this series. I always look for a Lori Wick book when I need something simple and easy to read. For some reason I had never seen this series before and stumbled upon the first one a few weeks ago.
In this book, there are 5 siblings whose mother passed away and are taking in by Silas and Amy (which by the way was my favorite before reading this one). Their father is off who knows where. The Cameron’s are more than happy to take them in as their own.
There is always a bit of romance on Lori’s books, but it’s always simple and sweet. Nothing over done.
November 9, 2021
Who are the main characters of this book?? Who is Sarah???? Thanks for explaining everything so clearly!
I couldn't take it. I skipped to the last two chapters and Ross "firmly" telling Mandy he was going to tell her a "story" was disgusting. Then the epilogue family reunion with photographs being taken in 1896 was beyond belief.
But, it's Lori Wick so I guess I should have expected nothing less.
I couldn't take it. I skipped to the last two chapters and Ross "firmly" telling Mandy he was going to tell her a "story" was disgusting. Then the epilogue family reunion with photographs being taken in 1896 was beyond belief.
But, it's Lori Wick so I guess I should have expected nothing less.
July 6, 2024
I think this is my 2nd favourite book of the series. It involved all the family (at least at the end), most of them the rest of the time.
There was a bit of a mystery in this one, but mostly a nice family saga & sweet love story or 2.
I didn't give this 5 stars as I generally give that to books that I just can't put down and has more action in. This was still a great conclusion to this series. I will look out for more books by this Author. I own this on kindle.
There was a bit of a mystery in this one, but mostly a nice family saga & sweet love story or 2.
I didn't give this 5 stars as I generally give that to books that I just can't put down and has more action in. This was still a great conclusion to this series. I will look out for more books by this Author. I own this on kindle.
February 14, 2019
A good story of 5 children left without parents and of a couple who were unable to have any. It was amazing to me how this couple took these children in and made such a good home for them. I liked how Lori Wick showed how human the young children were as they displayed temper and dislike of things.
Fun reading with some suspense.
Fun reading with some suspense.
March 4, 2019
This may be the best book I have read yet! I couldn't stop reading it. The characters are so amazing and I love the story. Mystery and historical fiction together! I wish this book was 100000 times as long. This is definitely the best series I have ever read. If you haven't read it you totally should.
April 16, 2020
A sigh of contentment, as I finished this series, is the best way I know to start my review. I said in Song for Silas that Silas was my favorite and that was only shown more, as I read this final book. Perfectly set drama and love with characters you can't help but adore - this series was a blessing to read. Mandy Jackson's heart will imprint on yours. Highly recommend.
June 14, 2020
~ 3.5 stars ~
I think that this is the best one in the series. What with it being a little longer, there was more time to develop the characters and watch them grow. Though I think that this story would probably be better without the romantic aspect, it was a good read and I enjoyed it much more than the other books.
I think that this is the best one in the series. What with it being a little longer, there was more time to develop the characters and watch them grow. Though I think that this story would probably be better without the romantic aspect, it was a good read and I enjoyed it much more than the other books.
October 11, 2023
Wonderful story of love and friendship
The characters in this series have been so diverse which made the story so fun. I loved the precious welcoming into the family that each member offered. So many people to keep track of, but the book was heartwarming and inspirational. Kudos to the author, one of my favorites!
The characters in this series have been so diverse which made the story so fun. I loved the precious welcoming into the family that each member offered. So many people to keep track of, but the book was heartwarming and inspirational. Kudos to the author, one of my favorites!
October 24, 2025
it's pretty good...not the best one in the series, it was going so good until the last page where a character referenced to another and said that 'he had loved her since she was 14'....except he was 22 at the time.
I like Lori Wick but sometimes her age gaps are too much...14 and 22? 18 and 28? 18 and 30?
I like Lori Wick but sometimes her age gaps are too much...14 and 22? 18 and 28? 18 and 30?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2026
First this book was so boring I couldn't even properly dislike it. Then the last few chapters came. I rolled my eyes too hard, the bad guy was the worst bad guy ever, and Lori only gave us an overview of Aaron Banks pulling the gun on Mandy instead of writing it out! That's perhaps the greatest injustice of all.
August 28, 2017
I'm not normally a reader of historical fiction, but after reading Lori Wick's books, I might become a reader yet. These were very enjoyable to me, and thanks goes to the author for my venture into a virtually untouched genre in my case.
November 12, 2019
I just reread the Coming Home Series by Lori Wick, she remains one if my favorite authors. She handles tough situations with heavenly insight. I believe this is her ministry. If you are looking for inspirational reads then she is your source.
August 2, 2022
A very pleasing, easy to read Christian historical fiction story with a great faith element showing how faith gives us strength during difficult times and can guide our decision making. This is the only one I have read in the series, but did not have to read the previous ones to follow the plot.
April 3, 2023
3.5 Rounded up. An overall feel-good series. Some of the faith based stuff felt a little forced, even as a Christian myself, but it’s drowned out by the adorable, sweet, cozy family. Amy and Silas are my favorite characters in the series and I love that their family is the focus of this book.
October 6, 2017
A Gathering of Memories
Great series! Love all of Lori Wicks books! A must read for all of you who love Christian novels! Enjoy
Great series! Love all of Lori Wicks books! A must read for all of you who love Christian novels! Enjoy
March 9, 2018
My fav book of this series :) very happy to have finally read it.
February 27, 2019
would like to read the other books in the series.
February 11, 2020
A Place Called Home #4
An awesome ending to a wonderful series… Enjoy!
Read:
October 19-23, 2015 – Paperback
February 10, 2020 – Kindle Edition
An awesome ending to a wonderful series… Enjoy!
Read:
October 19-23, 2015 – Paperback
February 10, 2020 – Kindle Edition
February 3, 2021
Much love
I loved these series and this book was a perfect conclusion to it. It included all the characters very well and the epilogue was just amazing.
I loved these series and this book was a perfect conclusion to it. It included all the characters very well and the epilogue was just amazing.
February 12, 2022
A Gathering of Memories by Lori Wick – A series of heartbreaks make opening her heart to Ross’s love seem unimaginable. This one is really sweet! Happy Reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews