Book Three in the Keepsake Legacies Series. Nora's memories of her first years on the prairie are as bright and colorful as the buttons she collected for her charm string. Gentlemen bought unusual buttons to give to their young lady friends, and young women traded them. Nora's collection weaves the story of a courageous young woman who learned lessons of faith, hope, and love on the American frontier. In the spirit of Sarah's Patchwork and Karyn's Memory Box , best-selling author Stephanie Grace Whitson continues the Keepsake Legacies Series with a heartwarming story of a young woman who finds lasting happiness during pioneer days in Nebraska.
A native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.
The characters of Millersburg Nebraska once again rejoin us especially the Delahomme and Ritter families. Nora O'Dell who was introduced in book 2 is the focus this time. After running away from her abusive father, she lands in Lincoln Nebraska first in a troublesome situation and then with a wonderful Christian woman who teachers her to be a milliner for which Nora seems to have a gift. She then gets a job offer in Millersburg and is taken under the wing of the Delahomme and Ritter families.
Whitson can be counted on to write wonderful historical fiction with just a touch of clean romance. Her characters are delightful, her plots interesting, and her faith component evident throughout. She creates characters who struggle with everyday life, making right choices, and finding there way to or back to God. This book was a nice ending to the series, but have to say it left me wanting more about these two wonderful families.
Great series that I would definitely recommend to those who like clean historical romance with a strong Christian element.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "It has been my experience that when we don't know what to do, it's best to do nothing."
"Our loving, patient God is holy. He cannot admit sin into His holy presence. And so, His love is demonstrated in that He provides His own Son to cover our son. He loves His poor creation enough to give His only Son that we might be save. He waits for us to come to Him. "
"After we have walked with God through the valley, we learn truly that He is the Good Shepherd."
"Security is no substitute for love."
"But love from God never fails. It is always enough. Once you know God's love, you can do anything. Go anywhere. His love goes before you, follows you, surrounds you."
This was a sweet story and tied wonderfully back to the first books in the series. I learned more about sod houses than I knew before. Nora's journey from the home of an abusive father to those who represented our Heavenly Father made for captivated reading. Also, going between the 19th century and present day was wonderful, one researching the past and the other living it.
The story was great. The history and hardship that they all endoured. They were the ground work of this land In the 1800s. Makes me appreciate all the love and hard work they did to make this country great. The characters were just right. All the trials and hard times were spot on. Thank you for a look in the oast. Should make us all a private what we have today.
I really enjoyed this book. Strong characters throughout. Nora leaves an abusive father an sets out on her own walking toward a new life in Lincoln. A chance encounter brings her to work as a housekeeper in a brothel for a time and also brings trauma to her life. That trauma charges the course of her path and sets her on the road new friendships, safety, and a new love. Very well done.
A nice conclusion to the series. Lovely to see some of the characters from the other books making an appearance in this. I must admit to skimming through some of the first bits as it really didn't keep my attention and the subject matter was not to my taste. as the book went on it was better but not as engaging as I'd like. Thought it finished a bit abruptly though, seeing as it is the last book.
Excellent! Wonderful read. This whole series was one that was difficult to put down and go on with reality. Great character development, story plot, and wrap up in conclusion. Well done. Thanks Stephanie