Katie's Dream

Wortham Family #3

by Leisha Kelly

The Fourth of July delivers more than just the local display of fireworks for Samuel and Julia Wortham. They return from the festivities in Dearing, Illinois, to find Samuel's brother Edward, out of prison and on their doorstep. Surprise turns to shock and confusion as Edward introduces a young girl named Katie and declares that Samuel is her father.

Samuel maintains his innocence and cannot understand why his brother would make up such a story, Julia struggles to believe Samuel's declarations of faithfulness, and Edward delights in antagonizing his brother. Katie just dreams of finding a home.

This page-turner will keep Kelly fans and new readers alike on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

aka L.A. Kelly

A resident of Clayton, Ill., Kelly authored 11 books, including the best-selling historical fiction series centered around the Wortham and Hammond families—published by Revell/Baker Publishing Group. Her most recent book, The House on Malcolm Street, was published by Revell in September 2010.

Kelly, who home-schooled her two children, served as children's ministry director and youth minister at her family's church.

On January 25, 2011, Leisha and her son, Justice, were killed in a traffic accident.

Reviews

[Shari Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book # 3 in The Wortham Family Series, taking place about 7 months after the events in the second book, Emma's Gift.


Samuel and Julia Wortham and their children are just returning home after the local display of fireworks on July 4th, 1932, when they find Samuel's brother Edward, who is just recently out of prison, on their doorstep. Shock and confusion follow when he introduces a young girl named Katie and claims that Samuel is her father.


Samuel maintains his innocence, and cannot understand why his brother would make up a story like that, but he wonders about who this girl is that looks so much like him. Julia wants to believe her husband, but she struggles with his declarations of faithfulness. All Katie wants is a home, and a family.


I really enjoyed this story, and just like the previous two books in the series, once I started reading, it was a hard book to put down.

[Beverly Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading these books has given me a better understanding of gods faith and favor.

[Lisa Pisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liebevolles, spannendes Buch. In diesen Teil wird die Bedeutung von „Vergebung“ sehr schön angeschnitten 😊 Sehr ermutigend.

[Barbara Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie’s Dream is the third installment in Leisha Kelly’s book about the Wortham family. The Worthams and their neighbors, the Hammonds, have settled into a routine. Half the Hammond children are at the Wortham’s house at any given time. Sam Wortham and George Hammond help each other with the farming. Life is still hard and resources are few, yet everyone is doing well.

But suddenly life is turned upside-down when Sam’s brother, Edward, shows up on their doorstep after being released from prison. He claims that Katie, the little girl he has with him, is Sam’s daughter.

Sam is dumbfounded. He has never been unfaithful, has never even met the girl’s mother. Why would Edward do such a thing? What will the townspeople think? What will Julia think? And what should be done with poor Katie, who just wants a home?

Samuel has never talked about his family much in the years Julia has known him, but now she learns about his mother’s alcoholism, his father’s violence, and his brother’s antics. It wasn’t that Samuel was ashamed of them, but he just wanted to forget the life he came from and start a new one. But now the old one won’t leave him alone. But perhaps he and Julia can find the grace to listen, to forgive, and to share God’s love with those who seem to have no interest in it.

The plot is a somewhat unusual premise: I don’t think I have ever read a story quite like this. But I liked the truths that were subtly conveyed. For one, you don’t have to come from a pristine family to go on and serve the Lord and change the course of your own life. Too, troublesome people (even family members) are not just a plague to be avoided: it’s a challenge to show them love and grace, but sometimes that’s exactly why God brings them to us. As Julia says, “Thank God for the opportunity to know Hazel and George and Edward and all the other difficult people we’d ever had to love. God knows what he’s doing wrapping up the crazy mix he put on this earth.”

There’s also a subplot with the Hammond family. One son, Frankie, is smart but can’t learn to read. He’s somewhat dreamy, but can say the most insightful things at times. His father, George, just doesn’t understand him and sometimes unwittingly hurts him by his reactions. This comes to a head when Frankie is injured.

I think each of these books could be read as a stand-alone novel, but the story is enhanced greatly by reading them all.

I loved visiting with the Worthams once again and am looking forward to the next book.

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was told in two voices; Julia's in one chapter and Samuel's in the next, and so on (for the most part), so the reader gets to view the events through two sets of eyes, as well as being able to feel the emotions of both people.
The story is of a little girl, Katie, who is dropped off by Samuel's brother, Edward (recently released from prison). He claimed the little girl was Samuel's daughter. The mother, a traveling singer, didn't want her anymore, said Samuel Wortham was the daddy, and the fact that she looked so much like Samuel seemed to add credence to the story.
Samuel denies it, says he would never cheat on Julia, but Edward wants to kick that holier-than-thou crown off his little brother's head, and make him feel as rotten as he himself has always felt.
Julia at first doesn't know what to think, but the hurt she see's in Samuel's eyes brings her back to reason.
Lots of pain and healing follow, lots of judgment and forgiveness. Plus, with the mystery of who fathered Katie, you have for a very good book.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this conclusion to the Wortham/Hammond trilogy! I love spending time with these families and only wish we got to see more of their normal day to day life and less of them deep in a problem, though I suppose it’s the drama that makes for a page turning book. This was a satisfying read and I look forward to the author’s other trilogy featuring the same characters years later.

With each of the books in this series I’ve particularly enjoyed the final few pages, where the author gives us a little glimpse into the future and distills the fiction into a few succinct points to take away. I think I’ve teared up at the end of each book.

I have to say that while I often find the children in Christian fiction to be too precocious I just adored little Franky. He was a scene stealer.

[Deon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this on #KindleUnlimited

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I'm not as tolerant as the characters in the book, so maybe I just can't relate, but there is NO WAY I would have allowed Edward to take liberties with my family like he does in the book. I understand the role / strength that is expected of women 'back then' is different now, but Julia is strong and protective in other instances, so it doesn't make sense that she allows such a violent man into her home to terrorize children. I just couldn't accept it. There were a couple of instances where I wanted to just put the book down and walk away. I did finish it, and I am glad, but it was more out of wondering what was going to happen to the characters in the effort to finish up the series. I DID lilke some of the character development and how even the 'good' characters weren't 'perfect' characters. Just not my favorite of the series. I think I liked #1 best.

[Bethany Swafford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julia and Samuel Wortham have reached summer, but it is not a peaceful season. Samuel's brother arrives with a girl he insists is Samuel's illegitimate daughter. Samuel maintains his innocence. What will it take for the truth to come out?

I definitely did not enjoy this one as much as I did the first book. So much was squeezed into a short amount of time. In fact, I found myself skimming large portions of the story because I found it so unbelievable.

Honestly, I couldn't pick out one character I was excited to learn more about. It was nice to see that "good" characters were not perfect and mistakes were made on all sides.

Fans of the series may enjoy it, but it probably won't appeal to anyone who just picks the book up.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wise little Franky was too dyslexic to read, but his thoughts pierce to the depths of one’s soul. “I don’t guess the Lord wants us to have all the answers yet,” he mused during a time of trials.

Each of the twelve children in this Depression Era story has something particular to bring to life, to enrich their two families that are struggling to survive.

I love how Mrs. Kelly brings modern questions to life in a historical novel, like dealing with bullies, addiction, dysfunctional families, abandonment, betrayal. Throughout, Sam and Julia are challenged to walk God’s ways.

Franky added, “If we knew everything already, maybe we wouldn’t have nothin’ to talk to him about, nor look forward to.”

[Penny Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very well written, but the story had so much heartache and struggle. (Set during the depression.) I found the story compelling, yet much of it felt so heavy. There was some hope and light, though plenty of shadows.

I very much enjoyed this author's other books written as L.A. Kelly. This series was good too, but so melancholy. Sometimes the struggles portrayed almost overshadowed the hope. Deep themes of forgiveness, perseverance, and trusting in God's faithfulness despite the hard and sad realities life sometimes brings.

[Sandra Nay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book greatly. It is a continuation of a series of stories about a farm family and their close neighbors during the beginning of the Great Depression. I didn't realize for a long time that it wasn't a stand along book. Even though I hadn't read the previous two books I felt the story complete.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed catching up with the 2 families. I'm getting a little tired though reading of all the problems the 2 families have. (I know it is the depression era though)
I do like the way that the families handle the situations by giving them to God, and the author shows the human side, esp in Julia in this book. The thought comes to mind, I believe, Lord help my unbelief.

[brenda morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues

This is a good continuation of the story. Heartbreaking at times! I like how real the author keeps things. Life can be hard. People sin. Trust in the Lord. He is faithful. Great message.

[DustBunniesAndBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good lessons in this series. I love the characters and their very real struggles. This book is about forgiveness.

[Cynthia K. Dickison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with this series! While the main characters are Christians it still shows that as humans we struggle with issues like everyone else.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie's dream

There are three books in this series Rachel's hope, Emma gift,and Katie s dream please Read these book's you Will be blessed with the love of God

[A Busscher · Rating 2 out of 5]

definitely a skimmer. It was to much like the previous 2 books. Of coarse it would be the father and Edward turned out to be a decent man. It was a bit to wishy-washy.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to know how the story of the Wortham's ended. Easy read, with not many surprises

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certainly an interesting plot. I'm sure this novel isn't written to be a mystery, but I really wanted to know who Katie's father was -- and it was not who I expected at all.

[Susan P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first two books, but worth reading.

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 4 out of 5]

For once a realistic book about real life in a Christian genre. Thank you

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3rd in the series... continues to be an enjoyable read/series. Easy to read, pleasant characters, forgiveness, redemption and God's grace being key themes.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there was a book 4 because this has been a super story. Truly enjoyed all 3 books and I did not want it to end.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series does a good job of providing a look at the internal struggle of Julia and her husband Samuel during challenging situations. However, I find the pacing hard to truly connect with and sometimes wish they'd actually make a mistake instead of just being tempted. For some reason, it rings inauthentic when they still act like saints.

[Debbie Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. Book 3 of a series. I also read book 1 and 2 and enjoyed them as well. I reviewed them here on Goodreads, also.

It was a good story about families struggling during the depression. A story about trust and forgiveness. About believing someone based on character. About trusting what you know about someone when others believe things, horrible things, hard to take things, about someone you love.

It's a story about caring for the 'difficult to love' people that come into our lives. Showing them the grace, love, and forgiveness that God shows to us.

Quotes from the book...

“I looked at Samuel, wondering if he thought as much as I did about tomorrow. He used the be the one so troubled by our lack, but now I probably fretted more than he did. I knew I shouldn't. God had been so good to lead us here, to give us a home and a dear friend in Emma Graham. And I'd been strong to believe that God would always provide. But last winter struck me down, shook me terribly, as it did all of us. Losing Emma and Wilametta Hammond at the same time was the worst thing I could ever have imagined. Except losing Samuel. And ever since then, trusting was a little harder.” (pg 22-23)

“'We wouldn't know sweet if it weren't for sour,' Grandma Pearl had once told me. 'Wouldn't know answers without any questions, nor God's saving hand without something to be saved out of.'
Such is life. A parade of opposites. A jumble of trials, punctuated by moments of the purest bliss. Love and conflict. Laughter and sweat and tears. We saw so much of it all, bringing up little Worthams. And Hammonds. And it was good. I wouldn't have missed it for the world.” (pg 330)

I loved this series and wish she would write some more about the Worthams and Hammonds.

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like that the two families blend together and work as one, sharing with each other. I like the faith that Julia, Samuel, Franky and others exhibit. I like that Julia and Samuel are willing to take in another mouth during times that are difficult--when they aren't even sure they'll have enough to feed their own two children.

Seeing the sibling relationship between Edward and Samuel was tough. I'm glad they came to some sort of understanding by the end of the book. I wish their relationship hadn't been so full of anger.

I guessed who Katie's father was long before it was revealed in the book and that's a rare thing for me to have happen.

I also appreciate how the Worthams accept Franky for who he is and how he is. It's disappointing to see that his own father doesn't see beyond the obvious. It's also disappointing that the schoolteacher apparently can't see that Franky can learn, he just learns differently than most. She apparently thinks since he can't write or read that he's stupid and unteachable. But he can do math quicker in his head than most do on paper and he "gets" deep meanings in literature and from the Bible that most people his age don't understand.

I liked this book in some ways better than others in the series, but in other ways I didn't like it as much which is why I rated it one star lower than the other two. Perhaps as another reviewer said, it is because this book contains so much anger and other emotion that it spilled over into how I feel about the book.

[Tricia M.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hauntingly beautiful story of historical fiction had me engrossed right from the beginning. I didn't actually realise that this was a 3rd book in the series. So it could in theory - stand on it's own. It wasn't overly preachy and was easy to follow along. I look forward to reading more books from Leisha Kelly.

The story opens up in the Depression Era during a time when families are being broken up and farmed out to relatives has become a new & "normal"; reality. In this story we find an example of one family coming together in strength in each other, and God, when little Katie's is dropped off at the door by her "uncle". We are thrown into the turbulent and violent relationships of Samuel and Edward over the fathering of Katie. Even in spite the rumours, the fighting and other hardships of the times; the truth is found in the end down long and winding road of human emotions. Katie? Well ... Katie gets her dream in the end and beyond that you will have to read this wonderful story for yourself.

I give this book a 4.75 stars out of 5 and Highly recommended this book to others. I actually own this book but I'm giving my honest opinion without compensation from the author, the publishing house of Revell or any other members associated in the making of this book.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Wortham family series by Leisha Kelly. I read these 3 books back to back to back, which is highly unusual for me. But I love the writing, love the characters, love the lessons it teachers, and I love the simplicity of these books. I believe the stories are going to go on in the next set of books by Kelly, the Country Road Chronicles (which I've been "collecting"!), but I'm going to take a break between reading them and read some other things first. I like to have a little anticipation for books I know I'm going to enjoy and characters I love to return to.

If you like old-fashioned, good, heartwarming Christian fiction, then these are good books for you. I've certainly been enjoying them :)

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite series of books. Oh how I came to love these two families who eventually merged into one. Each book in this series teaches strong Christian principles without becoming preachy. I love the lesson of learning to trust in the Lord regardless of the circumstances or how hard life is treating you. Not only did I love the lessons but I came to love each of these characters with all their flaws. I am only saddened that there will be no more stories of the Wortham family. Now all these years after this book was first published it still stands strong and for me it's as good as any of the "great American novels". I am sure that the Lord met Leisha and said "Well done my child!"