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Leah's Garden #1
The Seeds of Change
Larkspur Nielsen is ready for a change. Her parents have passed on, and her older brother is successfully running the family business. She bristles at the small-mindedness that permeates life in her small Ohio community, and she sees little chance of a satisfying future there. She has a little money saved, and after turning the tables on a crooked gambler who had fleeced several locals, including her younger brother, she can stake a new start for herself and her three sisters.
As the gambler's threats of revenge echo in her ears, she and her sisters head to
Independence, Missouri, to join a wagon train bound for Oregon. Knowing that four women traveling together will draw unwanted attention, Larkspur dons a disguise, passing herself off as "Clark" Nielsen, accompanying his three sisters. But maintaining the ruse is more difficult than Larkspur imagined, as is protecting her headstrong, starry-eyed sisters from difficult circumstances and eligible young men. Will reaching their goal prove too much for them?
As the gambler's threats of revenge echo in her ears, she and her sisters head to
Independence, Missouri, to join a wagon train bound for Oregon. Knowing that four women traveling together will draw unwanted attention, Larkspur dons a disguise, passing herself off as "Clark" Nielsen, accompanying his three sisters. But maintaining the ruse is more difficult than Larkspur imagined, as is protecting her headstrong, starry-eyed sisters from difficult circumstances and eligible young men. Will reaching their goal prove too much for them?
480 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2021
199 people are currently reading
1110 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
160 books2,048 followersAward-winning and bestselling author Lauraine Snelling has over 80 books published with sales of over 4.5 million. Her original dream was to write horse books for children. Today, she writes adult novels about real issues centered on forgiveness, loss, domestic violence and cancer in her inspirational contemporary women’s fiction titles and historical series, including the favorite, Blessing books about Ingeborg Bjorklund and family.
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
Lauraine enjoys helping others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writer’s conferences across the county. She and her husband Wayne have two grown sons, and a daughter in Heaven. They live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a Basset named Sir Winston ob de Mountains, Lapcat, and “The Girls” (three golden hens).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
October 28, 2021
I have read almost every book this very prolific author has produced.
With very well researched historical books you can feel the authenticity coming through as you flip the pages of each of her books.
This is the first book in a new series called Leah's Garden.
Larkspur Nielsen is tired of the closed mindedness of her home town in Ohio and after winning at a poker game when it comes down to it she knows she must make her escape.
Escape she does with her sisters in tow in the middle of the night and she once again uses the disguise of "Clark Nielsen" accompanying his sisters to Independence, Missouri, to join a wagon train bound for Oregon.
We see the hardships they face along the way as they settle in a new territory.
Published June 1st 2021 by Bethany House Publishers.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
With very well researched historical books you can feel the authenticity coming through as you flip the pages of each of her books.
This is the first book in a new series called Leah's Garden.
Larkspur Nielsen is tired of the closed mindedness of her home town in Ohio and after winning at a poker game when it comes down to it she knows she must make her escape.
Escape she does with her sisters in tow in the middle of the night and she once again uses the disguise of "Clark Nielsen" accompanying his sisters to Independence, Missouri, to join a wagon train bound for Oregon.
We see the hardships they face along the way as they settle in a new territory.
Published June 1st 2021 by Bethany House Publishers.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
July 5, 2021
I've read a lot of books by Lauraine Snelling (the whole Red River series) but this was the first book of hers that I found a little difficulty in believing. A family of orphans, 2 boys and several girls (named for flowers, I couldn't keep track of them) who knew how to shoot, throw knives well enough to kill a man, and one of whom dresses as a man so convincingly that people are deceived. This girl also is a card shark and manages to outplay a gambler and take away his money. She also denounces the church pastor, who is a weasel in name as well as in character. Due to the danger these shenanigans put the family in, the girls are forced to flee to the West to escape retribution, with the girl/boy double dressing as a man so they are not such a target. The boys stay home - one of them owns a store and is contemplating marriage, and the youngest is a problem child.
Another thing I found difficult in this book was the author's tendency to drop backstory hints, about 30 pages apart. At first I thought I'd missed something. Then I wondered if this was the second in a series (no it's the first book). It was just frustrating.
However, all that said, I did get interested in the story, and enjoyed reading it. I will definitely be looking for the sequel. I also appreciated the scripture references and hymns scattered throughout.
Another thing I found difficult in this book was the author's tendency to drop backstory hints, about 30 pages apart. At first I thought I'd missed something. Then I wondered if this was the second in a series (no it's the first book). It was just frustrating.
However, all that said, I did get interested in the story, and enjoyed reading it. I will definitely be looking for the sequel. I also appreciated the scripture references and hymns scattered throughout.
September 28, 2021
The Seeds Of Change is a beautiful story of how God can take a bad situation and use it for good. Larkspur "Clark" Nielson is very self-assured and that gets her into trouble. She tries to help out her younger brother and ends up having to become Clark and travel away from all she knows. I loved the strong female characters in this story. And the romance, while not the focus, adds a nice touch. Lauraine Snelling proves once again that she is a master storyteller.
So grab a pot of tea and curl up for a fantastic read!
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.
So grab a pot of tea and curl up for a fantastic read!
I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.
May 20, 2024
A story of a family group of young women on the Oregon trail.....with alot of trials and tribulations.
July 21, 2021
I have only read a handful of Lauraine Snelling books, and I'll be honest, this one was not one of my favorites. I love a good "going west" story and was excited to dive into this one, but the lack of romance is what got me. I'm a huge sucker for romance and half way through realizing there was no "hero" yet, made it hard to finish. Don't get me wrong, the story itself is great and I love the sister dynamic. The writing itself made me feel like I was crossing the plains right alongside them, and she truly showed the difficulties and devastation that the journey brought so many.
Reading the synopsis, I thought this was going to be all about Lark's story, but it was also Forsythia and Adam's-- which was a first for me. I've read many "multi-character" point of views (not my favorites anyway), but for this one to almost be 2 books combined in one story was not something I really liked.
Lastly, I could've just missed reading the previous book, but this is the first book in the Leah's Garden series, but it starts out more as a 2nd or 3rd book. The story kept referring to "Clark" rescuing her brother from war, so for this being the first book in this series, I was confused if there was a previous book or she was just starting this series off in the middle of their lives??
Overall, if you like a good family/sister themed western, then this would be a great book for you! But if you're like me and want a good love story, I'd skip this one.
Reading the synopsis, I thought this was going to be all about Lark's story, but it was also Forsythia and Adam's-- which was a first for me. I've read many "multi-character" point of views (not my favorites anyway), but for this one to almost be 2 books combined in one story was not something I really liked.
Lastly, I could've just missed reading the previous book, but this is the first book in the Leah's Garden series, but it starts out more as a 2nd or 3rd book. The story kept referring to "Clark" rescuing her brother from war, so for this being the first book in this series, I was confused if there was a previous book or she was just starting this series off in the middle of their lives??
Overall, if you like a good family/sister themed western, then this would be a great book for you! But if you're like me and want a good love story, I'd skip this one.
June 4, 2021
The Seeds of Change by Lauraine Snelling is the debut of Leah’s Garden series. I have read all of Lauraine Snelling’s novels and she never fails to disappoint. I thought The Seeds of Change was well-written with developed characters. I could tell Lauraine Snelling did her research. The author captured the time period with the dialogue, clothing, attitudes, conveyances, and so much more. I was transported back in time as the Nielson sisters traveled west looking for a new place to settle. This is an inspiring tale. We get to see what people can accomplish when they put their minds to it and rely on God. The Seeds of Change is a faith filled story. The Nielson sisters as well as the majority of the other characters are Christians who rely on God. They pray for guidance and want to make sure they are following God’s path for their lives. This is also a story about survival. It was not easy to survive in the west. This story has drama, faith, family, joy, sorrow, and romance. The Seeds of Change is an engrossing story that held my attention until the very end. I was sorry to turn the last page. I look forward to reading the next story in Leah’s Garden series. The Seeds of Change is an uplifting, engaging tale that lingered with me longer after I finished it.
December 28, 2022
I loved this book! The sisterly love was right up my alley, as was the road trip (via covered wagon!). I liked that it was a western featuring orphaned siblings trying to carve out a new life for themselves on the wagon train and beyond. Very entertaining and enjoyable, and I liked the family of siblings. I’m hoping to read more in the series very soon.
Content: alcohol, gambling, saloons, tobacco, stillbirth
Content: alcohol, gambling, saloons, tobacco, stillbirth
May 8, 2021
Lauraine Snelling is a prolific author of historical romance, and she is well suited to the role. She excels at her craft which makes her books a delight to read. In her latest offering, she begins a new series and I cannot wait until the next one to come out.
Four sisters and two brothers live in Ohio working in the mercantile and growing gardens with the seeds their mother left behind for them. When the younger brother gambles away their home place, the oldest sister comes to the saloon to win back what he's lost. Larkspur, or Lark as she is called, figures out that the gambler has been cheating. When she calls him out on it, she makes an enemy, just as she had made an enemy of the deacon who had been leading the church since their pastor had met with an unfortunate accident. Fearing for her life, her older brother, Anders, sends her and their sisters to Nebraska to buy a farm and to settle in a new place. The trip to Nebraska is not without its difficulties: Lark masquerading as a man to protect her sisters, children who are suddenly orphaned, one of the sisters becoming ill, and disgruntled wagon train members. The girls take in the children and are befriended by a doctor and his nephew who were on their way to California. The one thing the girls want to do more than anything is to begin to grow and sell flower seeds. All of the girls have been named for various flowering plants and shrubs--Larkspur, Delphinium, Forsythia, and Lilac, and all of the girls are as pretty as their name-sakes.
There are twists and turns throughout the book that make it an engaging read. Like I said before, Lauraine excels at weaving a tale and I am sure that in the subsequent books, she will tie up all the loose ends quite well, because the gambler and the deposed deacon are still out to get Lark.
Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a seed catalog to fulfill all of your floral dreams.
Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Four sisters and two brothers live in Ohio working in the mercantile and growing gardens with the seeds their mother left behind for them. When the younger brother gambles away their home place, the oldest sister comes to the saloon to win back what he's lost. Larkspur, or Lark as she is called, figures out that the gambler has been cheating. When she calls him out on it, she makes an enemy, just as she had made an enemy of the deacon who had been leading the church since their pastor had met with an unfortunate accident. Fearing for her life, her older brother, Anders, sends her and their sisters to Nebraska to buy a farm and to settle in a new place. The trip to Nebraska is not without its difficulties: Lark masquerading as a man to protect her sisters, children who are suddenly orphaned, one of the sisters becoming ill, and disgruntled wagon train members. The girls take in the children and are befriended by a doctor and his nephew who were on their way to California. The one thing the girls want to do more than anything is to begin to grow and sell flower seeds. All of the girls have been named for various flowering plants and shrubs--Larkspur, Delphinium, Forsythia, and Lilac, and all of the girls are as pretty as their name-sakes.
There are twists and turns throughout the book that make it an engaging read. Like I said before, Lauraine excels at weaving a tale and I am sure that in the subsequent books, she will tie up all the loose ends quite well, because the gambler and the deposed deacon are still out to get Lark.
Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a seed catalog to fulfill all of your floral dreams.
Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
August 13, 2021
First sentence: I truly hate that man.” “Lark, you know Ma said we should never hate anybody.” Larkspur’s sister Forsythia, third of the Nielsen daughters, spoke out of the side of her mouth, the way they had learned so as not to be heard by anybody else. Especially in church. Forsythia had spent a good part of her young life trying to keep her older sister out of trouble.
Premise/plot: The Seeds of Change is the first in a new series by Lauraine Snelling. Larkspur, Forsythia, Delphinium, and Lilac are sisters heading west. Lark, the oldest, will be posing as CLARK, for safety. The decision to head west and join a wagon train came quickly. In fact, this decision isn't without some protest from some of the sisters! But circumstances have arisen that throw the girls safety into question. Life on the trail will be challenging--though these girls have been raised to do just about everything--shooting, throwing knives, etc. But what happens when they reach their destination? Can the girls make a new start?
My thoughts: I tend to love books about pioneers heading west via wagon train. The stories are always tough and full of some drama--expect no less here, life on the trail could be DEADLY.
I think my favorite part was the family adopting the kids--including a newborn--who became orphaned on the wagon train. I loved, loved, loved seeing Forsythia take on the role of mother.
I loved Forsythia's romance with the doctor (from the wagon train).
This is the first in a series and I think that's a good thing. If this was a stand alone I'd probably be a bit disappointed. We've got a good start to a plot--but not a full plot.
Premise/plot: The Seeds of Change is the first in a new series by Lauraine Snelling. Larkspur, Forsythia, Delphinium, and Lilac are sisters heading west. Lark, the oldest, will be posing as CLARK, for safety. The decision to head west and join a wagon train came quickly. In fact, this decision isn't without some protest from some of the sisters! But circumstances have arisen that throw the girls safety into question. Life on the trail will be challenging--though these girls have been raised to do just about everything--shooting, throwing knives, etc. But what happens when they reach their destination? Can the girls make a new start?
My thoughts: I tend to love books about pioneers heading west via wagon train. The stories are always tough and full of some drama--expect no less here, life on the trail could be DEADLY.
I think my favorite part was the family adopting the kids--including a newborn--who became orphaned on the wagon train. I loved, loved, loved seeing Forsythia take on the role of mother.
I loved Forsythia's romance with the doctor (from the wagon train).
This is the first in a series and I think that's a good thing. If this was a stand alone I'd probably be a bit disappointed. We've got a good start to a plot--but not a full plot.
May 11, 2021
Larkspur gets into a jam one night when she tries to help her younger brother out of a pickle he has gotten into at the local saloon with a card sharp. Larkspur, as well as being a member of the local church is also a great poker player. She enters the saloon on the way home from church one afternoon when said brother and his friend have lost big time. She fools the cardsharp into thinking she doesn't know how to play and then ends up taking the pot and getting her brother and his friends' property back as well as a tidy nest egg for herself. When she exposes how the man was cheating he vows revenge. He can't stand the fact that he was bested by a young female. Larkspur and her sisters, Forsythia, Delphenium and Lilac take off to join a wagon train on the Oregon Trail, leaving their older brother to run the family mercantile and take over the house their parents left them and also their younger brother who doesn't want to come along. They end up buying some property in a small town in Nebraska on the trail and settle there. This is a great tale of women that can do it all in a pinch and just an interesting look at life in a wagon train and in a small town / farm. With four sisters I'm thinking there will end up being four parts to this series and I look forward to reading them all.
I have voluntarily reivewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I have voluntarily reivewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
October 19, 2023
Why do I keep doing this to myself?! Why do I keep finding new authors to love that have a back catalogue of like a million books that I've now got to add to my TBR and hope I have time to read someday?!?! Why did I start a 4 part series that I'm now dying to finish?! If only I didn't have to work, eat and sleep, I'd have so much more time to read....
Suffice it to say, this was a great read and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I really enjoyed this family saga, it reminded me of Little House on the Prairie or When Calls the Heart. Sweet and wholesome. I liked getting to know Larkspur and Forsythia and can't wait to get to know the rest of the Nielson sisters. I love how hardy, resourceful and self sufficient all the siblings were. I Iove how the author incorporated prayer, scripture and worship into their daily lives and made it so natural without being overly preachy. Lauraine Snelling is definitely going to go onto my comfort reads list for those days when I just need something uplifting to read.
Suffice it to say, this was a great read and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I really enjoyed this family saga, it reminded me of Little House on the Prairie or When Calls the Heart. Sweet and wholesome. I liked getting to know Larkspur and Forsythia and can't wait to get to know the rest of the Nielson sisters. I love how hardy, resourceful and self sufficient all the siblings were. I Iove how the author incorporated prayer, scripture and worship into their daily lives and made it so natural without being overly preachy. Lauraine Snelling is definitely going to go onto my comfort reads list for those days when I just need something uplifting to read.
May 18, 2021
I so enjoyed this read, and really didn't want it to end, but at least there is another book to look forward to.
The Nielson family is very close, and with danger lurking, Larkspur resumes being Clark, and they are off to a new life for the sisters. There are four sisters traveling and they increase there family along the way, they are willing to give it all for others.
I loved how the title of the read resonates in several ways, and also with help in their survival. These girls are will prepared for their journey because of the foresight of their parents, and they share their skills with others.
Such a heartwarming read, and they wear their faith and love of the Lord for all to see!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
The Nielson family is very close, and with danger lurking, Larkspur resumes being Clark, and they are off to a new life for the sisters. There are four sisters traveling and they increase there family along the way, they are willing to give it all for others.
I loved how the title of the read resonates in several ways, and also with help in their survival. These girls are will prepared for their journey because of the foresight of their parents, and they share their skills with others.
Such a heartwarming read, and they wear their faith and love of the Lord for all to see!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
June 22, 2022
I have read most of this author’s work and loved all of
them, this one was missing the connection I have always felt with her characters. The main character wasn’t likable. I was very disappointed.
them, this one was missing the connection I have always felt with her characters. The main character wasn’t likable. I was very disappointed.
February 25, 2024
This is a well-crafted Christian historical fiction novel. I enjoyed it. I felt for the characters and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
February 14, 2022
This was the first book I've read by Lauraine Snelling and it was wonderful! I did think it was going to be mostly Lark's story but the romance ended up being more about Forsythia. I can't imagine living through the hardships and dangers that those on the trail out west endured. I am really looking forward to, A Time to Bloom which is the next in the series.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Published 1 June 2021.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Published 1 June 2021.
July 31, 2021
Lauraine Snelling wrote The Seeds of Change in the Leah’s Garden series. This was an excellent book that took place shortly after the end of the Civil War.
Larkspur (Lark, Clark) Nielson is the oldest of the sisters, with Forsythia following close behind in age. Delphinium and Lilac were the other sisters with their brother Anders being the oldest of the clan. Jonah was the seventeen year old brother who had a penchant for getting into trouble and poker was not his strong suit. Lark was the one who taught him the game and he came to her begging for her help in getting his money back as well as his friend Bernie’s deed when they lost it to a newcomer to town.
She was able to obtain the money and the deed back from the cheating newcomer, but she embarrassed him, and her brother heard that he swore revenge. Lark knew that she was already in trouble with Deacon Wiesel from the church because she had walked out on his sermon just before Jonah had approached her. When Lark arrived home around midnight with Jonah, the rest of her family rallied around to the victory and the possible trouble following her home. A decision was made for Clark to escort “his” sisters out west toward Nebraska with the brothers staying in Ohio. The girls could shoot and liked adventure .
This was another great book by Snelling and one that I highly recommend. I can’t wait for more in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #TheSeedsOfChange #LeahsGarden #LauraineSnelling
Larkspur (Lark, Clark) Nielson is the oldest of the sisters, with Forsythia following close behind in age. Delphinium and Lilac were the other sisters with their brother Anders being the oldest of the clan. Jonah was the seventeen year old brother who had a penchant for getting into trouble and poker was not his strong suit. Lark was the one who taught him the game and he came to her begging for her help in getting his money back as well as his friend Bernie’s deed when they lost it to a newcomer to town.
She was able to obtain the money and the deed back from the cheating newcomer, but she embarrassed him, and her brother heard that he swore revenge. Lark knew that she was already in trouble with Deacon Wiesel from the church because she had walked out on his sermon just before Jonah had approached her. When Lark arrived home around midnight with Jonah, the rest of her family rallied around to the victory and the possible trouble following her home. A decision was made for Clark to escort “his” sisters out west toward Nebraska with the brothers staying in Ohio. The girls could shoot and liked adventure .
This was another great book by Snelling and one that I highly recommend. I can’t wait for more in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. #TheSeedsOfChange #LeahsGarden #LauraineSnelling
May 18, 2021
The Seeds of Change by Lauraine Snelling, with Kiersti Giron, is the first book in the Leah’s Garden series. This is a great story Christian Historical Fiction story of four sisters, all named after flowers, who flee their home after Larkspur wins back what her brother and his friends have lost in a poker game. Needing to change her identity, she dresses as a young man and goes by the name of Clark.
This is such a fun story to read. I enjoyed how the girls had so many talents and were so loving and caring to those they met.. Their father had taught them how to shot a gun and use a knife for hunting and safety. Their mother had taught them the love of flowers and music. I enjoyed the way music was used in this story. I also enjoyed the strength they had to build up the farm and make a home for themselves and the children they adopted. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this story from the publisher through Netgalley, this is my honest review.
This is such a fun story to read. I enjoyed how the girls had so many talents and were so loving and caring to those they met.. Their father had taught them how to shot a gun and use a knife for hunting and safety. Their mother had taught them the love of flowers and music. I enjoyed the way music was used in this story. I also enjoyed the strength they had to build up the farm and make a home for themselves and the children they adopted. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this story from the publisher through Netgalley, this is my honest review.
June 27, 2021
1865 Another beautiful new series by Lauraine. I was hooked in the first chapter and loved every new character. Such depth and love between them all. Their parents are gone, and because of a gambler four sisters are pretty much forced to leave their home and head to Nebraska in a wagon. The journey isn't at all easy for them or for other travelers. (I could picture Ward Bond as the wagon master.) Lark is disguised as a boy to hopefully throw off anyone looking for them.
Their arrival in Salton was orchestrated by a brother for them from back home. Their next task was getting settled, meeting new people. But danger still lurks in the background, keeping you on edge even as you're happy for each accomplishment. There's lots to work out. Excellent read with wonderful new friends. Wraps up way too fast. Can't wait until the next book! Love that cover.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. #TheSeedsofChange #NetGalley
Their arrival in Salton was orchestrated by a brother for them from back home. Their next task was getting settled, meeting new people. But danger still lurks in the background, keeping you on edge even as you're happy for each accomplishment. There's lots to work out. Excellent read with wonderful new friends. Wraps up way too fast. Can't wait until the next book! Love that cover.
I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. #TheSeedsofChange #NetGalley
July 17, 2021
The Nielson family is a close family, all four girls, another brother with their parents. Larkspur the oldest girl, is running from a man she outwitted in a poker game, he has threatened to get his money back and recompense for the embarrassment she caused him. So Larkspur becomes Clark, a man and they are off to a new life. They join a wagon train going west. Four sisters traveling and they increase their family as they take in children that were suddenly orphaned . The wagon master and others look to Clark and consult him/her if needs be. There is much excitement and perils, sickness and death along the trail and they wonder will they ever arrive. But arrive they do to Salton. Nebraska. Their elder brother had arranged for the purchase of a homestead, such as it was. Their next task was getting settled, meeting new people. But danger still lurks in the background as the gambler had found out where they are.
Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
July 10, 2021
This is the first book in Snelling's "Leah's Garden" series, and it's co-authored w/ Kiersti Giron. After playing and winning a large sum of money from a professional gambler to save her younger brother's hide, Larkspur and her three sisters hurriedly decide to move west from Ohio to possibly Nebraska, via a wagon train. This is to flee from both the angry gambler, as well as their cantankerous Deacon Wiesel, who's currently acting as their pastor. To travel more safely, Larkspur becomes "Clark", a "brother" to her other three sisters. Many trials happen along the way. Will they be able to make it to Nebraska and get land of their own?
I really enjoyed this book and wished that I could continue to read the story, but alas, I have to wait for the next book to be released, which I have no idea when that will be. Snelling fans won't want to miss this read!
I really enjoyed this book and wished that I could continue to read the story, but alas, I have to wait for the next book to be released, which I have no idea when that will be. Snelling fans won't want to miss this read!
December 9, 2021
Wonderful Storyline
I have read every historical fiction book that Lauraine has written, more than once. This one lives up to all expectations! It's a great new storyline with the excitement of traveling West by wagon train mixed with beginning new lives in the prairie. As always, Lauraine brings such life to each character. I fell in love with the Nielsen sisters right away and look forward to seeing their homestead and small town grow and flourish in future sequels!
I have read every historical fiction book that Lauraine has written, more than once. This one lives up to all expectations! It's a great new storyline with the excitement of traveling West by wagon train mixed with beginning new lives in the prairie. As always, Lauraine brings such life to each character. I fell in love with the Nielsen sisters right away and look forward to seeing their homestead and small town grow and flourish in future sequels!
August 8, 2021
I really like Lauraine Snelling's books. They are just nice, easy reads with a good amount of a American pioneer history, Christianity and a little bit of drama to keep you reading. I enjoyed her first book in the Red River series a lot more than this one, but I'll still continue to read this series as they come out.
September 11, 2022
Love the historical details of the time period.
The stories of the characters here give examples of how life is not how we plan and how decisions we make good and bad change the course of our lives.
Life can be a struggle but God makes beautiful things from harsh realities in life when we choose to love.
The stories of the characters here give examples of how life is not how we plan and how decisions we make good and bad change the course of our lives.
Life can be a struggle but God makes beautiful things from harsh realities in life when we choose to love.
April 1, 2024
If you like Pioneer stories and a good Godly inspired book, this is a book for book!
April 1, 2022
The Nielsen sibling have lost there parents. Larkspur the eldest girl has many talents and one of them is getting into trouble trying to right wrongs. Her brother Jonah has been in the local saloon gambling and drinking. Their parents would be so disappointed if they knew about Jonah. His has lost all his money,, a friend his horse and saddle and another man the deed to his farm. Larkspur, Lark for short has a great talent for numbers, so after church Jonah asks her to help him get his money back. She and Jonah go to the saloon where she realizes that the man they are playing has marked the cards and is cheating. So she accidentally on purpose spills her drink on the table ruining the cards. He says he has another deck, but she ask for a deck from the saloon so she will not ruin his second deck. He realizes then that she knows he is cheating. After winning the next few hands from him, he tries to close the game. She collects her winnings but also asks for the deed and the horse with saddle, offering to pay him for his trouble. He declines and says he will get even with her. She gives her brother what he lost and the deed to return it to the other friend, he will tell the man about his horse/saddle. Her eldest brother realizes and says she needs to leave town tonight, disguised as a man. Only there is a man at church that has taken over the church and he believes every hardship in his life is her fault. He is a bully and beats his wife, a drunk. So she suggest that the four girls leave town for good to buy a homestead in Nebraska. So as she rides out to a neighbors lake house for the night, her sisters pack up all they will need. Fortunately a family planned to go to Oregon but changed his mind so her eldest brother Anders, who runs the family's mercantile store has everything needed for his sisters departure, a wagon, oxen and everything needed for the journey. So they leave town to start a new life, with the hazards of misplaced men roaming the country after the Civil War. They are good Christian girls that help others regardless of the obstacles and rely on their faith in God to see them through life's ups and downs. This is the first in the series of "Leah's Garden".
August 19, 2024
The Seeds Of Change by Lauraine Snelling with Kiersti Giron is a most charming Christian historical novel that will swell your heart with love. It is the first book in Leah’s Garden series which promises to be fabulous.
The action is set in 1865 as we follow a family of four sisters as they journey westwards across America in search of a new life and safety. The girls have a pioneering spirit and are not afraid to muck in where needed on the wagon train.
We see the fragility of life as characters are struck down with illness or accidents. Medicine is primitive, often relying on herbs and natural remedies to help to heal. It is important to trust God. “I trust Your healing.”
Everyone grows up quickly on the wagon train. It is a community that must pull together if they are to survive. There is strength in numbers. They travel six days a week, knowing the importance of rest and a day for the Lord.
Knowing God and putting Him central to our lives is important. “You got to think and ask God for guidance.” God knows us better than we know ourselves and we can trust Him. “I choose to trust You. Peace eased out tension.” When we know God, we can experience a supernatural peace despite our circumstances.
Prayer is important. It is as vital as breathing. “What are you going to do?” “Pray.” We should make prayer a first response in all situations. God uses people to answer prayer. “God used you to answer my prayers.” If God prompts you to pray – pray. You might just be the answer to the prayers of another.
We are reminded that God takes care of the widows and orphans. When tragedy strikes on the trail, kind hearts step in to help and to look after the orphans.
We witness new lives being set up in new communities. Townsfolk pull together where they can.
Natural elements can be dangerous. A community works together after a devastating tornado.
Darkness is not to be feared if we focus on the light that is Jesus. Resting in the shadow of God’s arms is the safest place to be.
All the characters are well drawn, realistic and easy to empathise with.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Seeds Of Change. I am on to book two now.
The action is set in 1865 as we follow a family of four sisters as they journey westwards across America in search of a new life and safety. The girls have a pioneering spirit and are not afraid to muck in where needed on the wagon train.
We see the fragility of life as characters are struck down with illness or accidents. Medicine is primitive, often relying on herbs and natural remedies to help to heal. It is important to trust God. “I trust Your healing.”
Everyone grows up quickly on the wagon train. It is a community that must pull together if they are to survive. There is strength in numbers. They travel six days a week, knowing the importance of rest and a day for the Lord.
Knowing God and putting Him central to our lives is important. “You got to think and ask God for guidance.” God knows us better than we know ourselves and we can trust Him. “I choose to trust You. Peace eased out tension.” When we know God, we can experience a supernatural peace despite our circumstances.
Prayer is important. It is as vital as breathing. “What are you going to do?” “Pray.” We should make prayer a first response in all situations. God uses people to answer prayer. “God used you to answer my prayers.” If God prompts you to pray – pray. You might just be the answer to the prayers of another.
We are reminded that God takes care of the widows and orphans. When tragedy strikes on the trail, kind hearts step in to help and to look after the orphans.
We witness new lives being set up in new communities. Townsfolk pull together where they can.
Natural elements can be dangerous. A community works together after a devastating tornado.
Darkness is not to be feared if we focus on the light that is Jesus. Resting in the shadow of God’s arms is the safest place to be.
All the characters are well drawn, realistic and easy to empathise with.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Seeds Of Change. I am on to book two now.
May 6, 2024
The Seeds of Change, a novel by Lauraine Snelling is the first book of the “Leah's Garden Book” series. The story begins in Linksburg, Ohio, 1865.
The Nielsen sisters—Larkspur, Forsythia, Delphinium, and Lilac—named after flowers grown in their late mother’s garden, have a life-changing plan. Their decision is hastened when their younger brother is swindled at a card game by a traveling gambler. The oldest sister, Larkspur, has played poker as a parlor game, and is known to be quite good. She innocently challenges the gambler and wins back her brother’s losses, plus a good deal more. Her winnings however, anger the swindler who threatens revenge. Fearing for Larkspur’s life, their older brother helps his sisters escape.
They buy a wagon and oxen and flee their Ohio community for Independence, Missouri to join a wagon train bound for Oregon. Because four unaccompanied women would draw attention, Larkspur dons a disguise, becoming “Clark” Nielson, an older brother accompanying his three sisters.
As the wagon train makes its way toward Oregon, they meet hardships, and witness tragedies among their fellow travelers. They help where they can, even informally adopting the children of fellow travelers when the mother dies in childbirth and the father dies in an accident.
The sisters decide to end their journey in southern Nebraska where they buy a homestead with a sod house. Their struggles now take a different turn—making a home out of rough land. Some chaste romance takes place between one of the sisters and a widowed doctor.
I enjoyed this first book of the “Leah's Garden Book” series. I have read other series written by Lauraine Snelling and find her writing exceptional with impressive research, rich land descriptions, and characters full of life. Her work always has strong Christian
overtones that for me add to the story. I never tire of Oregon Trail books, and I particularly enjoyed The Seeds of Change.
The Nielsen sisters—Larkspur, Forsythia, Delphinium, and Lilac—named after flowers grown in their late mother’s garden, have a life-changing plan. Their decision is hastened when their younger brother is swindled at a card game by a traveling gambler. The oldest sister, Larkspur, has played poker as a parlor game, and is known to be quite good. She innocently challenges the gambler and wins back her brother’s losses, plus a good deal more. Her winnings however, anger the swindler who threatens revenge. Fearing for Larkspur’s life, their older brother helps his sisters escape.
They buy a wagon and oxen and flee their Ohio community for Independence, Missouri to join a wagon train bound for Oregon. Because four unaccompanied women would draw attention, Larkspur dons a disguise, becoming “Clark” Nielson, an older brother accompanying his three sisters.
As the wagon train makes its way toward Oregon, they meet hardships, and witness tragedies among their fellow travelers. They help where they can, even informally adopting the children of fellow travelers when the mother dies in childbirth and the father dies in an accident.
The sisters decide to end their journey in southern Nebraska where they buy a homestead with a sod house. Their struggles now take a different turn—making a home out of rough land. Some chaste romance takes place between one of the sisters and a widowed doctor.
I enjoyed this first book of the “Leah's Garden Book” series. I have read other series written by Lauraine Snelling and find her writing exceptional with impressive research, rich land descriptions, and characters full of life. Her work always has strong Christian
overtones that for me add to the story. I never tire of Oregon Trail books, and I particularly enjoyed The Seeds of Change.
March 24, 2022
I need to read more Lauraine Snelling, that is my conclusion after reading this book. Her writing contains the messy and the beautiful, the bitter and the sweet. While there is romance in it, it doesn't feel like the driving action of the story.
This is the first book of the series called "Leah's Garden". and it's the story of four sisters who have to make a sudden move out west. This book details their journey by covered wagon and then the first few months of them settling onto their own land in Nebraska. There is sadness and joy, hardship and pleasure. It's amazing and almost unreal how hard the girls worked and how fast they were able to get stuff done.
The thing I liked the most about the girls was their compassion, the way they cared for others, and were willing to sacrifice their own agenda for strangers. Of course, I also liked Lark's sassy, almost brassy, get-it-done attitude at times in the book. The girls were highly likeable, all of them, and I found myself rooting for them to make it.
I also liked how they threw themselves into their community. Living on the prairie, there wasn't much option--you needed each other, but it's refreshing to read about in a day and time when we can be so self-reliant and think we can live on our own. But in reality, we are much better people if we too live in community.
I received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the first book of the series called "Leah's Garden". and it's the story of four sisters who have to make a sudden move out west. This book details their journey by covered wagon and then the first few months of them settling onto their own land in Nebraska. There is sadness and joy, hardship and pleasure. It's amazing and almost unreal how hard the girls worked and how fast they were able to get stuff done.
The thing I liked the most about the girls was their compassion, the way they cared for others, and were willing to sacrifice their own agenda for strangers. Of course, I also liked Lark's sassy, almost brassy, get-it-done attitude at times in the book. The girls were highly likeable, all of them, and I found myself rooting for them to make it.
I also liked how they threw themselves into their community. Living on the prairie, there wasn't much option--you needed each other, but it's refreshing to read about in a day and time when we can be so self-reliant and think we can live on our own. But in reality, we are much better people if we too live in community.
I received this book from Bethany House via NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
April 30, 2022
The Seeds of Change by Kiersti Giron and Lauraine Snelling is written in the same style as the Bjorklund Family saga. I have read most of Snelling's books, including 22 of the Bjorklund sag and enjoyed all but 2. After A Bessing to Cherish, I decided not to read any more of Lauraine Snelling's books. It was so disappointing - really bad. I'm glad I decided to read Leah's Garden and Seeds of Change. There was more danger in Seeds of Change than most of the Red River of the North, etc , but it was basically telling day to day life of a wagon train then starting farm life in Nebraska.
I won't go into details of the story, as you can read that info on the book back or description on Amazon. It is hard to believe that Larkspur (Clark) could keep her gender a secret living to close to other people as she traveled with the wagon train. Women are shaped differently even when wearing men's clothing. Even her hands must have looked feminine. How could keep her voice sounding like a man's? She did tough men's work with the others. All of the sisters were so strong and gifted in beauty and music. All were sharp shooters, and Forsythia was so skilled with a knife!
I rate The Seeds of Change 4 stars ( 3.5?) I do recommend it because it's clean and has good character development. The story was good even though a bit unbelievable.
I won't go into details of the story, as you can read that info on the book back or description on Amazon. It is hard to believe that Larkspur (Clark) could keep her gender a secret living to close to other people as she traveled with the wagon train. Women are shaped differently even when wearing men's clothing. Even her hands must have looked feminine. How could keep her voice sounding like a man's? She did tough men's work with the others. All of the sisters were so strong and gifted in beauty and music. All were sharp shooters, and Forsythia was so skilled with a knife!
I rate The Seeds of Change 4 stars ( 3.5?) I do recommend it because it's clean and has good character development. The story was good even though a bit unbelievable.
November 8, 2022
As a longtime fan of this author, I knew this historical novel would be excellent, it clearly is. The research that went into writing The Seeds of Change must have been painstaking, but it was well worth the efforts in this readers mind.
Larkspur Neilson took a big gamble both literally and figuratively the Sunday she went to church, angered the pastor, and then went to a saloon to gamble. Quite unexpected for a young lady however the gambling was due to her younger, immature brother who needed her help in proving there was cheating going on at the poker table. After Larkspur wins a sizeable amount of money, angering yet another man in her small town, its decided that she and her three younger sisters must leave town immediately
. So, off they go to try to join a wagon train, after deciding that Larkspur would disguise herself as the brother of the family named Clark. There are so many hardships they face in their journey, illness, death, orphans that need mothering, but they also meet some good and honest people along the way. They are a family filled with faith, grace, decency, music, and love.
I loved the perfectly paced storyline, the characters, and the adventure I took with the Neilson sisters.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions are my own.
Larkspur Neilson took a big gamble both literally and figuratively the Sunday she went to church, angered the pastor, and then went to a saloon to gamble. Quite unexpected for a young lady however the gambling was due to her younger, immature brother who needed her help in proving there was cheating going on at the poker table. After Larkspur wins a sizeable amount of money, angering yet another man in her small town, its decided that she and her three younger sisters must leave town immediately
. So, off they go to try to join a wagon train, after deciding that Larkspur would disguise herself as the brother of the family named Clark. There are so many hardships they face in their journey, illness, death, orphans that need mothering, but they also meet some good and honest people along the way. They are a family filled with faith, grace, decency, music, and love.
I loved the perfectly paced storyline, the characters, and the adventure I took with the Neilson sisters.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions are my own.
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