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Leah's Garden #2
A Time to Bloom
Will their dreams fall apart when confronted with all that is stacked against them?
Delphinium Nielsen and her sisters have accomplished much in the past year, traveling west and settling in Nebraska. They are on their way to building a garden in dedication to their mother and working against the forces of nature to make their farm thrive. However, none of that can mask their concern that they are quickly running out of money. Del's work teaching in their booming town offers hope, not only to support her sisters financially, but also to better her students' lives. Not all of the town sees it that way, though, with the rebuilding of the schoolhouse continually neglected and her brightest student's father demanding he work the farm instead of attend class.
When their brother Anders arrives with his war-wounded and heartbroken friend RJ, Anders sees the strength of the sisters' idea to start a boardinghouse and decides to invest in it. Del finds RJ barely polite and wants nothing to do with him. But despite Del and her sisters' best-laid plans, the future--and RJ--might surprise them all.
"Snelling's thorough research pays off in her vivid evocation of frontier-era Nebraska . . . The result is a transportive historical worth getting lost in."-- Publishers Weekly
Delphinium Nielsen and her sisters have accomplished much in the past year, traveling west and settling in Nebraska. They are on their way to building a garden in dedication to their mother and working against the forces of nature to make their farm thrive. However, none of that can mask their concern that they are quickly running out of money. Del's work teaching in their booming town offers hope, not only to support her sisters financially, but also to better her students' lives. Not all of the town sees it that way, though, with the rebuilding of the schoolhouse continually neglected and her brightest student's father demanding he work the farm instead of attend class.
When their brother Anders arrives with his war-wounded and heartbroken friend RJ, Anders sees the strength of the sisters' idea to start a boardinghouse and decides to invest in it. Del finds RJ barely polite and wants nothing to do with him. But despite Del and her sisters' best-laid plans, the future--and RJ--might surprise them all.
"Snelling's thorough research pays off in her vivid evocation of frontier-era Nebraska . . . The result is a transportive historical worth getting lost in."-- Publishers Weekly
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2022
146 people are currently reading
2854 people want to read
About the author
Lauraine Snelling
159 books2,035 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 93 reviews
May 29, 2022
A Time to Bloom by Lauraine Snelling sweeps us back to 1866 in Salton, Nebraska. The Nielsen sisters are working hard on their farm and to bring the businesses necessary for the people in their area to thrive. Del Nielsen is the town’s schoolteacher and the only family member bringing in money. Del is frustrated that the men in town are slow to rebuild the school. She finds it frustrating to teach in the church where she cannot have things set up as she would in a proper classroom. Del loves teaching and wants to provide the best possible education for her scholars. One of her students, Tim is extremely bright, but his father prioritizes farm work over school. Two other students have a father who frequently visits the liquor tent and takes out his drunken rages on his family. Anders Nielsen, the sister’s brother, visits to bring needed supplies and see about the boarding house the ladies which to erect. He brings his friend, RJ Easton who survived the war only to be attacked on his way home by an angry confederate. His wound continues to pain him. RJ was looking forward to marrying his sweetheart. He arrived home to learn that she married someone else why he was away fighting. A fresh start is just what RJ needs. His background makes him the perfect person to head the boardinghouse project. RJ gets off on the wrong foot with Del. She tolerates him but does her best to avoid him. God has a way of changing the best laid plans. A Time to Bloom is the second novel in Leah’s Garden. It picks up where The Seeds of Change ended. I suggest reading the series in order as it will allow you to get to know the Nielsen’s along with their dreams. I thought A Time to Bloom was well-written with realistic, developed characters. The Nielsen sisters are very busy with the farm, school, and boarding house. I do not know how they manage to accomplish so much in a day (I would be worn out after an hour). Life is not easy in Nebraska at this time. They face many challenges that include grasshoppers that destroy crops, a twister that destroyed the school, a liquor tent set up near the town, which is causing problems, family violence and so much more. They do not have the luxury of modern conveniences, nor do they have much money. These bright women manage to come up with some clever ideas. Lark has more ideas than time. These sisters have dreams, and they intend to see them to fruition. There most important goal is establishing Leah’s Garden in honor of their mother. The Nielsen sisters are lucky to have Anders as well as their friends to help them. People work together to improve the town and their lives. The Nielsen’s also have their faith. They know that God will help them and guide them. They must rely on him and his timing which each of them struggle with (patience is a virtue). The author addresses difficult topics in A Time to Bloom. Alcoholism, racism, and domestic violence are just three of the issues. I thought the author did a wonderful job handling these difficult subjects. I can tell Ms. Snelling did her research into the time period. She really captured the attitudes, language, dress, inventions, conveyances, etc. I thought faith was beautifully incorporated into the story. My favorite line from A Time to Bloom is, “But my ma would say we’re not supposed to be in charge anyway. That’s what God is for.” I look forward to returning to the Nielsen sisters’ story in the next installment of Leah’s Garden. A Time to Bloom is a heartwarming tale with galling grasshoppers, a blossoming township, a worrying wound, liquor tent troubles, a mastermind at mathematics, and three savvy sisters.
September 25, 2023
This story featured siblings who cared about each other as well as a community going through hard times. That was a good mix for a solid story. I loved that there were good twists and high emotion but also that the story featured a theme of carving life from the ground.
The faith thread was pretty good, focusing on gratefulness. That’s something lacking in today’s society, so this book served as a reminder to pause and express thanksgiving to God for the gifts He brings into one’s life.
Another good theme was having respect for other people. This was well on display in the way a character curbed another’s poor word choices.
I was surprised to see an opium addiction made its way into the narrative, but it was handled well.
The child abuse in this story was a heartrending aspect that heightened the emotional toll of the tale.
Content: drugs, alcohol, gambling, cut-off expletive phrase, child abuse
The faith thread was pretty good, focusing on gratefulness. That’s something lacking in today’s society, so this book served as a reminder to pause and express thanksgiving to God for the gifts He brings into one’s life.
Another good theme was having respect for other people. This was well on display in the way a character curbed another’s poor word choices.
I was surprised to see an opium addiction made its way into the narrative, but it was handled well.
The child abuse in this story was a heartrending aspect that heightened the emotional toll of the tale.
Content: drugs, alcohol, gambling, cut-off expletive phrase, child abuse
June 13, 2022
First sentence: Has it been an entire year? Delphinium Nielsen thought in surprise. She and her three sisters were gathered around the table in their sod house.
A Time to Bloom is the sequel to The Seeds of Change. Snelling does a good job in catching readers back up to speed in just a few pages. The sisters--Delphinium, Larkspur, Forsythia, and Lilac--are settling into their new prairie home. The choice to move may have been very sudden, but, they are making the absolute best of what has happened. Delphinium is the town's teacher, for better or worse. And the sisters--in addition to homesteading--are looking to open up a boarding house... But life has its challenges...always. And rejoicing in the Lord always isn't always easy...especially for our heroine Delphinium.
RJ Easton is a civil war veteran who is struggling to adjust to live after the war. Namely he lives in near-constant pain since he lost an eye. Opium offers limited relief, but, it is a beast as well. The thought of needing it every day for the rest of his life disturbs him--and rightly so. The pain makes him act (and feel) like a monster. He hates how the pain is warping or tainting his personality, his character. He hates who he has become since the war. He has newly come to town and his skills (prior to the war) make him a great candidate for leading building projects in town--including the boarding house for the Nielsen sisters.
The story focuses on all the sisters--even Forsythia who married in the first book. So much more than just a romance. I for one thought the book had a lot to say about attitude. What I enjoyed most was the school teacher aspect of it.
I enjoyed this one. It did not have a lot of melodrama--which I appreciated.
A Time to Bloom is the sequel to The Seeds of Change. Snelling does a good job in catching readers back up to speed in just a few pages. The sisters--Delphinium, Larkspur, Forsythia, and Lilac--are settling into their new prairie home. The choice to move may have been very sudden, but, they are making the absolute best of what has happened. Delphinium is the town's teacher, for better or worse. And the sisters--in addition to homesteading--are looking to open up a boarding house... But life has its challenges...always. And rejoicing in the Lord always isn't always easy...especially for our heroine Delphinium.
RJ Easton is a civil war veteran who is struggling to adjust to live after the war. Namely he lives in near-constant pain since he lost an eye. Opium offers limited relief, but, it is a beast as well. The thought of needing it every day for the rest of his life disturbs him--and rightly so. The pain makes him act (and feel) like a monster. He hates how the pain is warping or tainting his personality, his character. He hates who he has become since the war. He has newly come to town and his skills (prior to the war) make him a great candidate for leading building projects in town--including the boarding house for the Nielsen sisters.
The story focuses on all the sisters--even Forsythia who married in the first book. So much more than just a romance. I for one thought the book had a lot to say about attitude. What I enjoyed most was the school teacher aspect of it.
I enjoyed this one. It did not have a lot of melodrama--which I appreciated.
April 9, 2022
A Time To Bloom is the delightful second book in the Leah’s Garden series. It picks up where book one left off, with the story of the Nielsen sisters. Forsythia and Dr Adam are now married and living in town while Lark, Del and Lilac continue to work to build their homestead and dreams of a garden, farm and boardinghouse. Del is also teaching school for the town.
By gosh, these are busy women. I don’t know how they do it. Thankfully, they have gathered around them a wonderful community. Forsythia, Adam, his nephew Jesse, their three children, and now Del’s school children and their families. The sisters’ brother Anders also comes to visit, bringing his friend RJ. There are also new challenges for the sisters and their growing family to face. Plagues of grasshoppers, families damaged by violence, and a schoolhouse destroyed by a twister. With the amount of work to do, especially with the harvest and wanting to start on their boardinghouse, the Nielsen sisters need all the help they can get, but they also know that if they want to achieve their dreams it’s up to them to make it a reality.
Each of these books features all the sisters, but while Lark and Forsythia took more of the focus in book one, Del takes the spotlight in this second book. She is starting the school year without a school house. Worse the towns people, even her sisters, don’t seem to realise how important it is to her. New in town, RJ battles both memories and pain from the war. The injury that cost him his eye continues to bring him debilitating pain, causing him to offend Del right from the start. As Del continues to strive hard for her students and their families, she finds an unexpected ally in RJ and her own work helps to bring him peace and a place in of belonging in this little town he finds himself in. Their romance is slow to develop and we only really get anything more than friendship right at the very end of the book, but I enjoyed the friendship they build, as well as all the details of the lives of these busy sisters and their community.
I’m looking forward to continuing the story of these incredible sisters and the people they bring together around them.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
By gosh, these are busy women. I don’t know how they do it. Thankfully, they have gathered around them a wonderful community. Forsythia, Adam, his nephew Jesse, their three children, and now Del’s school children and their families. The sisters’ brother Anders also comes to visit, bringing his friend RJ. There are also new challenges for the sisters and their growing family to face. Plagues of grasshoppers, families damaged by violence, and a schoolhouse destroyed by a twister. With the amount of work to do, especially with the harvest and wanting to start on their boardinghouse, the Nielsen sisters need all the help they can get, but they also know that if they want to achieve their dreams it’s up to them to make it a reality.
Each of these books features all the sisters, but while Lark and Forsythia took more of the focus in book one, Del takes the spotlight in this second book. She is starting the school year without a school house. Worse the towns people, even her sisters, don’t seem to realise how important it is to her. New in town, RJ battles both memories and pain from the war. The injury that cost him his eye continues to bring him debilitating pain, causing him to offend Del right from the start. As Del continues to strive hard for her students and their families, she finds an unexpected ally in RJ and her own work helps to bring him peace and a place in of belonging in this little town he finds himself in. Their romance is slow to develop and we only really get anything more than friendship right at the very end of the book, but I enjoyed the friendship they build, as well as all the details of the lives of these busy sisters and their community.
I’m looking forward to continuing the story of these incredible sisters and the people they bring together around them.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
June 8, 2022
I love pioneering stories of stalwart people persevering and pitting their strength against the elements such as tornados or grasshoppers decimating crops. Reading about the teamwork of townsfolk setting up and settling into a new town, of teaching the children in one-roomed schoolhouses, of living out their faith in God and so on, has inspired me yet again in this late-ish 1800's historical work of fiction. This book put me in mind of the Little House on the Prairies book series, which I love.
This narrative was set in Salton, Nebraska, USA with a family of sisters all named for flowers like, Delphinium and Larkspur, whose parents had passed. The sisters were now holding the fort on their farm. Soldiers returned from the American war of independance, arrive in town making themselves useful. The author also touches on racial issues of clinging prejudice against people of color, social issue of abuse and on a more positive note, of romance that crept in, raising the heartbeats and pulses to pleasant and satisfying conclusions. A happily ever after, feel good story.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
June 2022
Disclaimer: This is m honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and Baker Publishing Group.
This narrative was set in Salton, Nebraska, USA with a family of sisters all named for flowers like, Delphinium and Larkspur, whose parents had passed. The sisters were now holding the fort on their farm. Soldiers returned from the American war of independance, arrive in town making themselves useful. The author also touches on racial issues of clinging prejudice against people of color, social issue of abuse and on a more positive note, of romance that crept in, raising the heartbeats and pulses to pleasant and satisfying conclusions. A happily ever after, feel good story.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
June 2022
Disclaimer: This is m honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and Baker Publishing Group.
March 17, 2024
As a sequel (technically the second of four in the series) this installment outshines the first one. The characters have grown on me. Not only do I really care about the whole family now, I found myself rooting for the main characters. The setting here is so well done that nothing seems out of place. A very enjoyable and satisfying read. I can’t wait to read the next one.
June 11, 2022
I love this new series. It has the feel of Lauraine Snelling's Blessing series. If you loved your time in Blessing a few years back, I trust you will enjoy the Leah's Garden series also!
January 26, 2023
The stories are great even if somewhat predictable making them a quick and easy read. I still like the Red River series best.
May 21, 2024
Second in a Christian romance historical series. Loved listening to this one.
April 27, 2024
I am enjoying getting to know this family, and these very strong and courageous sisters.
June 8, 2022
A Time to Bloom was a very clean and excellent story! Delohinium Nielson and her four sisters live in a sod house and have a large garden they have in memory of their mother. They want to build a boarding house, and their brother, Anders comes for a visit. He brings his friend, RJ, who happens to have experience in building. He has lost an eye on his way home from the civil war, and he suffers a lot of pain from it. At first, he isn't a likeable person because the pain gets to him, but the longer he stays, the closer he comes to the schoolteacher, which is Del. Soon they develop a close friendship that becomes more. Great story I enjoyed!
April 22, 2023
Welcome to book two of Leah's Garden! This book focuses on Delphinium. She teaches school and helps provide money for the farm the sisters are working to keep alive and growing. She feels that she should be taken more seriously than she is. In fact, she wishes that everyone would listen to her opinions a bit more.
Del swears she's not going to get married. Because if she gets married she can't teach school. And if she can't teach school she can't bring in money for her family.
I loved meeting up again with my friends from book one. Larkspur is back to being herself and no longer is Clark. Forsythia got married in the first book and she's doing well. We get to see her again in this one. Lilac is also back and we follow her in the story too. I say each book focuses on one sister but really all of them are in there and you spend time with them all.
Our new character in this story is RJ. RJ is a friend of their brother Anders and he comes west for a visit bringing RJ. What we find out is that RJ was hurt on his way home from war and along with his scars and the loss of an eye he has many issues to work through plus a lot of pain.
Forsythia's husband is a Dr and he can help with the pain and scars but no one can bring back RJ's eye or take away the pain of the past.
But can Del break through his exterior and form a relationship with him? Can they become friends or maybe more?
This was such a funnovel as we watch yet another sister find her future in life and love. Plus we learn more about the others and watch them overcome adversity and hardships. And another character from book one comes to visit too! But I don't want to tell too much.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Del swears she's not going to get married. Because if she gets married she can't teach school. And if she can't teach school she can't bring in money for her family.
I loved meeting up again with my friends from book one. Larkspur is back to being herself and no longer is Clark. Forsythia got married in the first book and she's doing well. We get to see her again in this one. Lilac is also back and we follow her in the story too. I say each book focuses on one sister but really all of them are in there and you spend time with them all.
Our new character in this story is RJ. RJ is a friend of their brother Anders and he comes west for a visit bringing RJ. What we find out is that RJ was hurt on his way home from war and along with his scars and the loss of an eye he has many issues to work through plus a lot of pain.
Forsythia's husband is a Dr and he can help with the pain and scars but no one can bring back RJ's eye or take away the pain of the past.
But can Del break through his exterior and form a relationship with him? Can they become friends or maybe more?
This was such a funnovel as we watch yet another sister find her future in life and love. Plus we learn more about the others and watch them overcome adversity and hardships. And another character from book one comes to visit too! But I don't want to tell too much.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
June 1, 2022
A Time to Bloom
By Lauraine Snelling
Bethany House Publishing
Rated: 3
Back of the Book: “Will their dreams fall apart when confronted with all that is stacked against them?
Delphinium Nielsen and her sisters have accomplished much in the past year, traveling west and settling in Nebraska. They are on their way to building a garden in dedication to their mother and working against the forces of nature to make their farm thrive. However, none of that can mask their concern that they are quickly running out of money. Del's work teaching in their booming town offers hope, not only to support her sisters financially but also to better her students' lives. Not all the town sees it that way, though, with the rebuilding of the schoolhouse continually neglected and her brightest student's father demanding he work the farm instead of attending class.
When their brother Anders arrives with his war-wounded and heartbroken friend RJ, Anders sees the strength of the sisters' idea to start a boardinghouse and decides to invest in it. Del finds RJ barely polite and wants nothing to do with him. But despite Del and her sisters' best-laid plans, the future--and RJ--might surprise them all.”
Impressions: Although I didn’t read the previous book, I thought I could pick this one up and read it as a stand-alone novel. This might be cause for my dislike and reason to put this book down halfway through. From the start of this book, the many characters were overwhelming. Attempting to follow each person’s story and make sense of their backstory was exhausting and eventually sucked the enjoyment out of reading this book. The storyline was a bit too slow for me as well.
Quotes:
“‘But, LORD, how do I not worry about tomorrow yet still be prepared for it?’”
By Lauraine Snelling
Bethany House Publishing
Rated: 3
Back of the Book: “Will their dreams fall apart when confronted with all that is stacked against them?
Delphinium Nielsen and her sisters have accomplished much in the past year, traveling west and settling in Nebraska. They are on their way to building a garden in dedication to their mother and working against the forces of nature to make their farm thrive. However, none of that can mask their concern that they are quickly running out of money. Del's work teaching in their booming town offers hope, not only to support her sisters financially but also to better her students' lives. Not all the town sees it that way, though, with the rebuilding of the schoolhouse continually neglected and her brightest student's father demanding he work the farm instead of attending class.
When their brother Anders arrives with his war-wounded and heartbroken friend RJ, Anders sees the strength of the sisters' idea to start a boardinghouse and decides to invest in it. Del finds RJ barely polite and wants nothing to do with him. But despite Del and her sisters' best-laid plans, the future--and RJ--might surprise them all.”
Impressions: Although I didn’t read the previous book, I thought I could pick this one up and read it as a stand-alone novel. This might be cause for my dislike and reason to put this book down halfway through. From the start of this book, the many characters were overwhelming. Attempting to follow each person’s story and make sense of their backstory was exhausting and eventually sucked the enjoyment out of reading this book. The storyline was a bit too slow for me as well.
Quotes:
“‘But, LORD, how do I not worry about tomorrow yet still be prepared for it?’”
July 2, 2024
Pretty standard fare from Lorraine Snelling and now her protege - enjoyable, relaxing, but rather predictable.
August 19, 2024
A Time To Bloom by Lauraine Snelling with Kiersti Giron is a most delightful Christian historical novel that I adored. It is the second book in Leah’s Garden series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first as book two starts where the former book ended in 1866.
As the novel opens, the four sisters are settled in the ever-growing frontier town. A wonderful community pulls together but the town is not without its’ problem element. An alcohol tent attracts those looking drown their sorrows as well as those who just like drinking. We see the dangers of alcohol as it changes characters, blighting the lives of others.
Prairie life is hard. Crops face the elements of nature and natural pests. Farmers and their families have to be built of firm stuff, able to pick themselves up and start again.
The church is important and the building is already built. It shares its space with the village school but the teacher desires her own building. She is persistent with her wishes.
We see that the church is so much more than bricks and mortar. The church is the people. It is people who serve each other and God.
The American Civil War is over but the effects are still being felt. Bodies and minds were maimed. It was fought over the issue of slavery but there are still those who are prejudiced, and injustice rears its ugly head. We see the kindness of many who see the size of hearts and not the colour of skin. They stand up to the bullies as everyone is welcomed in their homes.
Trust is a major theme. “Lord, farming sure is full of reasons to trust You.” When crops fail, we trust that God will provide.
We can trust God with our lives. “Who knew what the future held. God does, and leave it there, Ma would say.” Look to God at all times, especially when life is uncertain. His timing and His plans are perfect.
Prayer is important. “Lord… She was too weary to think of more words, thankful God didn’t need them.” When we have no words, God ‘hears’ the longing of our hearts.
A Time To Bloom was so delightful and I loved it. On to book three now.
As the novel opens, the four sisters are settled in the ever-growing frontier town. A wonderful community pulls together but the town is not without its’ problem element. An alcohol tent attracts those looking drown their sorrows as well as those who just like drinking. We see the dangers of alcohol as it changes characters, blighting the lives of others.
Prairie life is hard. Crops face the elements of nature and natural pests. Farmers and their families have to be built of firm stuff, able to pick themselves up and start again.
The church is important and the building is already built. It shares its space with the village school but the teacher desires her own building. She is persistent with her wishes.
We see that the church is so much more than bricks and mortar. The church is the people. It is people who serve each other and God.
The American Civil War is over but the effects are still being felt. Bodies and minds were maimed. It was fought over the issue of slavery but there are still those who are prejudiced, and injustice rears its ugly head. We see the kindness of many who see the size of hearts and not the colour of skin. They stand up to the bullies as everyone is welcomed in their homes.
Trust is a major theme. “Lord, farming sure is full of reasons to trust You.” When crops fail, we trust that God will provide.
We can trust God with our lives. “Who knew what the future held. God does, and leave it there, Ma would say.” Look to God at all times, especially when life is uncertain. His timing and His plans are perfect.
Prayer is important. “Lord… She was too weary to think of more words, thankful God didn’t need them.” When we have no words, God ‘hears’ the longing of our hearts.
A Time To Bloom was so delightful and I loved it. On to book three now.
April 3, 2022
Lauraine Snelling has such a way with writing historical fiction and her collaboration with Kiersti Giron in the Leah's Garden series is a surprising and refreshing addition to the genre.
In the previous novel in the series, the sisters are moving westward as a real need to get away from a situation their brother got them into. This novel opens a year later and the sisters have settled into their homestead. Forsythia is settled into her marriage with the doctor and her new family acquired on the way to Nebraska. Delphinium (Del) is getting ready for a new school year (without a school house), Larkspur (Lark) and Lilac are preparing to build a boarding house, and their brother, Anders, comes for a visit and to help get the boarding house off the ground. Anders brought a friend with him who was an engineering student before the war and knew how to design buildings. The sisters hire RJ (Anders' friend) to design the boarding house and oversee its being built. Throughout the time taken to build the boarding house and later the school house, the sisters become close to RJ, but Del becomes especially close.
There are some pleasant surprises throughout this book. While Lark is the oldest sister, Del often appears to be the eldest, at least to my way of thinking. All of the sisters get along so well and complement each others strengths. They work well together and build one another up in ways not often seen in families or friend-groups.
The authors do tackle some tough problems and there is enough conflict within the plot to keep the reader engaged and involved in the story. I can't wait to see whose story is next and what challenges the sisters will face in the next novel.
Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a teacher who cares about her students as much as what they learn.
Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
In the previous novel in the series, the sisters are moving westward as a real need to get away from a situation their brother got them into. This novel opens a year later and the sisters have settled into their homestead. Forsythia is settled into her marriage with the doctor and her new family acquired on the way to Nebraska. Delphinium (Del) is getting ready for a new school year (without a school house), Larkspur (Lark) and Lilac are preparing to build a boarding house, and their brother, Anders, comes for a visit and to help get the boarding house off the ground. Anders brought a friend with him who was an engineering student before the war and knew how to design buildings. The sisters hire RJ (Anders' friend) to design the boarding house and oversee its being built. Throughout the time taken to build the boarding house and later the school house, the sisters become close to RJ, but Del becomes especially close.
There are some pleasant surprises throughout this book. While Lark is the oldest sister, Del often appears to be the eldest, at least to my way of thinking. All of the sisters get along so well and complement each others strengths. They work well together and build one another up in ways not often seen in families or friend-groups.
The authors do tackle some tough problems and there is enough conflict within the plot to keep the reader engaged and involved in the story. I can't wait to see whose story is next and what challenges the sisters will face in the next novel.
Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a teacher who cares about her students as much as what they learn.
Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
December 29, 2023
Another sweet installment in the Leah’s Garden series that fans of the series will fall in love with.
Delphinium Nielsen and her sisters have been through a lot over the last year and are finally settling down in Nebraska. The weather and nature are working against them as they try to get the garden they want in memory of their mother up and thriving. The garden is the least of their worries when money starts to run out and Delphinium starts work in the town teaching to help the students along with her and her sisters. Not everyone in town is happy to see Delphinium teaching, even if the schoolhouse is falling apart and she is working hard to keep her students engaged and in the classroom seats. When the sisters’ brother arrives in town with a friend deeply affected by the war causing a stir within the town and Del’s heart. Surprises are in store for them all as the story unfolds.
Historical fiction is a fickle genre, some of them I read are a bit of a drag and hard to get through and some are a breeze that I find much more enjoyable. This one hit in the middle. The story is a quick and easy read without anything greatly memorable for me after I turned the last page. The setting was described in enough detail that I didn’t have trouble picturing myself there and the characters had just the right amount of charm. This is the second book in the series, but it wouldn’t be a problem for readers to go into this one having not read the first in the series. I would recommend this one to readers that enjoy historical fiction novels.
Delphinium Nielsen and her sisters have been through a lot over the last year and are finally settling down in Nebraska. The weather and nature are working against them as they try to get the garden they want in memory of their mother up and thriving. The garden is the least of their worries when money starts to run out and Delphinium starts work in the town teaching to help the students along with her and her sisters. Not everyone in town is happy to see Delphinium teaching, even if the schoolhouse is falling apart and she is working hard to keep her students engaged and in the classroom seats. When the sisters’ brother arrives in town with a friend deeply affected by the war causing a stir within the town and Del’s heart. Surprises are in store for them all as the story unfolds.
Historical fiction is a fickle genre, some of them I read are a bit of a drag and hard to get through and some are a breeze that I find much more enjoyable. This one hit in the middle. The story is a quick and easy read without anything greatly memorable for me after I turned the last page. The setting was described in enough detail that I didn’t have trouble picturing myself there and the characters had just the right amount of charm. This is the second book in the series, but it wouldn’t be a problem for readers to go into this one having not read the first in the series. I would recommend this one to readers that enjoy historical fiction novels.
February 19, 2024
A Time to Bloom by Kiersti Giron and Lauraine Snelling is book 2 in the Leah's Garden series. I enjoyed both stories. There was more danger and tension in Seeds of Change, but the reader had to give up a bit of logic to enjoy the story. Lark disguised as a male, Lark, while on a wagon train for several weeks is kind of hard to believe. Kept her voice masculine all the time in close contact? Never whiskers any time of day? Feminine hands? Lady curves undetected? I'm glad Lark did pass as a man for safety sake.
A Time to Bloom is set in Nebraska one year after the four Nielsen sisters arrive. They still have lots of very hard work farming and planning a boarding house. Del continues to enjoy teaching even though meeting in the church building in inconvenient, since a tornado blew away the school building. Brother, Anders Nielsen brings a friend, RJ out to their little town to find work. He is helpful to them although he is surly.
There is good character development, and I appreciate the research Lauraine Snelling does to make the stories accurate historically. This is a Christian story, but it isn't preachy. I think non Christians can enjoy it. I suspect that Kiersti Giron did most of the writing because there were some odd contemporary words and phrases used ( e.g. "Hey" for "Hi" and "looking to" meaning planning. i rate it 4 stars
A Time to Bloom is set in Nebraska one year after the four Nielsen sisters arrive. They still have lots of very hard work farming and planning a boarding house. Del continues to enjoy teaching even though meeting in the church building in inconvenient, since a tornado blew away the school building. Brother, Anders Nielsen brings a friend, RJ out to their little town to find work. He is helpful to them although he is surly.
There is good character development, and I appreciate the research Lauraine Snelling does to make the stories accurate historically. This is a Christian story, but it isn't preachy. I think non Christians can enjoy it. I suspect that Kiersti Giron did most of the writing because there were some odd contemporary words and phrases used ( e.g. "Hey" for "Hi" and "looking to" meaning planning. i rate it 4 stars
May 17, 2025
A Time to Bloom
by Lauraine Snelling
Pub DateJun 07 2022
Bethany House |Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction
Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley provided me with a copy of A Time to Bloom for review:
Delphinium Nielsen and her sisters have accomplished much over the past year, traveling west and settling in Nebraska. To make their farm thrive, they are building a garden in dedication to their mother. All of that does not mask their concern that they are quickly running out of money. Del's work as a teacher in their booming town offers hope, not only for the financial support of her sisters, but also for the improvement of the lives of her students. Although most of the town agrees, the schoolhouse's rebuilding has been neglected and her brightest student's father insists he work the farm instead of attending class.
When Anders arrives with his war-wounded and heartbroken friend RJ, he sees the strength of the sisters' idea and decides to invest in it. Del finds RJ barely polite and does not want to interact with him. Del and her sisters might be surprised by RJ's future despite their best-laid plans.
I give A Time to Bloom five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Lauraine Snelling
Pub DateJun 07 2022
Bethany House |Bethany House Publishers
Christian| Historical Fiction
Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley provided me with a copy of A Time to Bloom for review:
Delphinium Nielsen and her sisters have accomplished much over the past year, traveling west and settling in Nebraska. To make their farm thrive, they are building a garden in dedication to their mother. All of that does not mask their concern that they are quickly running out of money. Del's work as a teacher in their booming town offers hope, not only for the financial support of her sisters, but also for the improvement of the lives of her students. Although most of the town agrees, the schoolhouse's rebuilding has been neglected and her brightest student's father insists he work the farm instead of attending class.
When Anders arrives with his war-wounded and heartbroken friend RJ, he sees the strength of the sisters' idea and decides to invest in it. Del finds RJ barely polite and does not want to interact with him. Del and her sisters might be surprised by RJ's future despite their best-laid plans.
I give A Time to Bloom five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
August 13, 2022
A wonderful entry into this series about 4 sisters who are trying to homestead in Nebraska but finding it very difficult. As money dwindles, one sister, Del, takes on the job of being the schoolteacher to supplement their income. She finds she loves it but feels others in the community do not necessarily see the importance of education. The schoolhouse was destroyed in a tornado and no one except her seems to think it is important enough to rebuild.
The sisters' brother, Anders, comes for a visit and to help them decide about a venture they are considering -- building a lodging house. He brings a friend, RJ, who had been wounded in the Civil War and is still suffering both physically and mentally. As people try to help him, he becomes rude and very unfriendly. He is not a very nice person at first but the author does a great job of slowly but surely showing him how he needs to change.
It is a portrayal of a very difficult time, one I cannot even imagine. It was so nice to see how during this time people turned to God rather than shutting Him out and saying He shouldn't be part of public life. It is sad to see how much of that has been lost in today's world.
The sisters' brother, Anders, comes for a visit and to help them decide about a venture they are considering -- building a lodging house. He brings a friend, RJ, who had been wounded in the Civil War and is still suffering both physically and mentally. As people try to help him, he becomes rude and very unfriendly. He is not a very nice person at first but the author does a great job of slowly but surely showing him how he needs to change.
It is a portrayal of a very difficult time, one I cannot even imagine. It was so nice to see how during this time people turned to God rather than shutting Him out and saying He shouldn't be part of public life. It is sad to see how much of that has been lost in today's world.
March 18, 2024
Delphinium Nielsen and her three sisters have travelled out to Nebraska by wagon train to start a new life and have found that opportunity near Salton. They purchased a quarter section (160 acres) and laid a claim on another quarter which they plan on building a nursery/orchard in their mother's name. They have worked hard during that first year and Del has achieved her teaching certificate. Their money is running out though and they are dependent on Del's small income from teaching.
Lark, the oldest sister believes the town needs a boarding house especially as the railroad will be built right through the town. When their older brother Anders visits with an old Civil War buddy of his, R.J. it's clear, R.J. is still battling his own demons. He lost an eye in a battle with a Rebel soldier on his way back home after the war ended and still has bouts of severe pain.
Hard work and perseverance pay off as the Nielsen family all work together. This is the second in this series. I'm fascinated in how those early settlers believed and persevered through the tough times they faced to survive.
Lark, the oldest sister believes the town needs a boarding house especially as the railroad will be built right through the town. When their older brother Anders visits with an old Civil War buddy of his, R.J. it's clear, R.J. is still battling his own demons. He lost an eye in a battle with a Rebel soldier on his way back home after the war ended and still has bouts of severe pain.
Hard work and perseverance pay off as the Nielsen family all work together. This is the second in this series. I'm fascinated in how those early settlers believed and persevered through the tough times they faced to survive.
May 25, 2022
A Time to Bloom by Lauraine Snelling, with Kiersti Giron, is the second book in the Leah’s Garden series. This is a great Christian historical fiction story of four sisters, all named after flowers. This story takes over where the first one ends, so it is best to read in order. This is such an encouraging story to read. The sisters are hardworking and open minded to trying new adventures to help build their lives in a new area. Del works as the town’s teacher to help bring money in while the others work the farm. I so enjoyed that their brother, Anders, is finally able to visit them and see the progress they have made and the hard work they have done. He is encouraging in the prospect the sisters have for building a new business.
I especially love the fact this book focuses on flowers. Not only will the flower garden be a memorial for their mother, but it will help the family. As I read the story I so wanted to add new variety to my own gardens. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
I especially love the fact this book focuses on flowers. Not only will the flower garden be a memorial for their mother, but it will help the family. As I read the story I so wanted to add new variety to my own gardens. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
November 24, 2022
Amazing story of survival and perseverance. Four sisters have purchased land in Nebraska, not yet a state, and learning to live off the land. One sister is married to a doctor and they live with their three adopted young children. Their brother who lives a long train ride away, visits them with a surprise; a puppy named Scamper and some seedlings. He also brings his friend, RJ, a soldier engineer who has lost an eye after the war and is pretty much escaping his past. His fiancé married someone else while he recovered from injuries.
At first he is bitter, especially, because he still suffers the pain from his lost eye. Delphinium is a new teacher with a love and caring for her school children and their families. Besides helping to build the girls’ boarding house, he tutors one of Del’s pupils in Math. He and Del become close. The story details struggles experienced by some of the children and their families and about the ills of alcohol during this time period in the early 20th century. Inspirational story with sprinkles of optimism.
At first he is bitter, especially, because he still suffers the pain from his lost eye. Delphinium is a new teacher with a love and caring for her school children and their families. Besides helping to build the girls’ boarding house, he tutors one of Del’s pupils in Math. He and Del become close. The story details struggles experienced by some of the children and their families and about the ills of alcohol during this time period in the early 20th century. Inspirational story with sprinkles of optimism.
April 24, 2022
"a time to bloom" by lauraine snelling with kiersti gironnis the second book in her 'leah's garden' series. i have been a fan of lauraine snelling's books for many years and this did not disappoint. i love the stories set back in time and it was fun to read about a story settled in my home state of nebraska.
this story is about how delphinium nielsen (knows as 'del') and her sisters are struggling to run a farm and keep a garden alive to survive. they are financially strapped even with 'del' teaching school. she is having to deal with parents who believe their children are better served working on their family farms than going to school.
del and her sisters' brother returns from war with a friend rj. rj believes in the school and wants to help, but there is tension between him and del. i won't give away the rest of the story, but this was fun to read and i look forward to the rest of the series.
i received this book digitally from net galley to read and give my honest review.
this story is about how delphinium nielsen (knows as 'del') and her sisters are struggling to run a farm and keep a garden alive to survive. they are financially strapped even with 'del' teaching school. she is having to deal with parents who believe their children are better served working on their family farms than going to school.
del and her sisters' brother returns from war with a friend rj. rj believes in the school and wants to help, but there is tension between him and del. i won't give away the rest of the story, but this was fun to read and i look forward to the rest of the series.
i received this book digitally from net galley to read and give my honest review.
August 26, 2022
Lauraine Snelling is one of my favorite authors and this book is an example of why! The war is over and people are moving on with their lives. While some carry the scars of war externally some have scars that can't be seen. RJ has both. Thankfully he has a friend that cares. Del lost her fiancé in the same war that cost RJ so much. Will anyone ever fill her heart again? She is the schoolmarm and loves her students but she is frustrated at the lack of concern over rebuilding the schoolhouse. Yes the church will function but she wants so much more for her students. Can the scars of war be healed and can people move on from tragedy?
This is the 2nd book in "Leah's Garden" series and while you don't necessarily have to read the first to understand what is going on in this book. It would help to have some of the background information concerning the Nielson sisters from the first book "The Seeds of Change".
This is the 2nd book in "Leah's Garden" series and while you don't necessarily have to read the first to understand what is going on in this book. It would help to have some of the background information concerning the Nielson sisters from the first book "The Seeds of Change".
April 5, 2023
This second book of the trilogy focuses on Del and her desire to have the schoolhouse rebuilt after the first was destroyed by a tornado. She and her sisters are involved with building a boarding house as well as growing crops and plants for seeds to sell. A grasshopper invasion was problematic. But the book also deals with social issues that affected the townsfolk. Alcohol consumption led to familial abuse. The need for children to work on the farms prevented them from attending school. The friendship that some people showed towards a former slave bothers others. One of main characters is still working through some personal problems stemming from the war. The authors handle all these situation with care and thoughtfulness, maintaining Christian beliefs and morals throughout the story. This well written tale of life on the prairie is entertaining and quite interesting, and is a nice bridge to the concluding novel of the trilogy.
January 15, 2024
One of those books, part of a series, that you really look forward to, sink right in and become immersed. It feels like home. Wonderful characters, everyday life, with all its struggles and complications. Strong, smart women and men who have travelled a long distance, determined to live right and make a homestead and town for themselves. Strong and living in faith. Fabulous creativity and ambition, holding themselves to high expectations. You have to love them all in this family and appreciate their hard work. Written so well, painted clearly what it was like to live then. Great book to get lost in.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#ATimeToBloom #NetGalley #LauraineSnelling #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BethanyHousePublishers #BethanyHouse #KierstiGiron #ChristianHistoricalFiction
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#ATimeToBloom #NetGalley #LauraineSnelling #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BethanyHousePublishers #BethanyHouse #KierstiGiron #ChristianHistoricalFiction
June 3, 2022
The Neilson sisters have accomplished a lot since moving out to their Nebraska homestead the previous year, but now Delphinium has no school to teach in and Lark has dreams of building a boarding without people to build it. Can they accomplish their dreams with all the obstacles in their way?
This was a lovely story of learning to rely on God through all circumstances. These cast of characters are well developed and you feel their struggles. I enjoyed the historical aspects included and the heartwarming relationships between the sisters.
Though I haven’t read the first book, the characters and plot were easy to follow. The author easily caught the reader up on what was missed in the first book. If you enjoy Christian historical fiction with a little bit of romance, this might be enjoyable for you.
Thank you to Bethany House for the ARC. All the opinions expressed are my own.
This was a lovely story of learning to rely on God through all circumstances. These cast of characters are well developed and you feel their struggles. I enjoyed the historical aspects included and the heartwarming relationships between the sisters.
Though I haven’t read the first book, the characters and plot were easy to follow. The author easily caught the reader up on what was missed in the first book. If you enjoy Christian historical fiction with a little bit of romance, this might be enjoyable for you.
Thank you to Bethany House for the ARC. All the opinions expressed are my own.
June 5, 2022
I don't know where to start about how amazing this book is! The author's style of writing puts you right into the book where you actually can see the scenery, smell the scents and feel all of the emotions that the characters are going through. I have read several books by this author and love her writing , I haven't yet read the first book in this series and don't think you need to either, but I will definitely be buying it and anxiously awaiting more books in this series. If you love reading historical romance, you will not be disappointed. I received a digital copy of this book for free, just with a promise to leave a honest review. I am being as honest as I know , amd give this book 5 stars.
July 14, 2022
Jeez, I almost didn't finish A Time to Bloom, but I grazed by by the skin of my teeth. This book is set in the post-Civil War era. And as you read you meet a whole passel of characters, each with their own specific situations that real people faced during those times. You learn how they overcame those issues. From the plight of the settler, to the freedman, to the ex-soldier, the fledgling temperance movement, and many more situations. And of course, most of all how they kept their trust in the Lord through it all. The romance aspect doesn't really begin till the end of the book, but all in all, this is a very nice read. Snelling tidies it up well, and she makes me wonder how the other sisters will fair...
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