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Sophy
Caleb Brock’s future is all set. He’s traveling up the Red River of the Dakotas to claim a section of land for a small farm and horse ranch. After that, he’ll return to St. Louis to propose to the woman he’s been courting. Then a horrific accident changes his plans. He promises a dying man he’ll deliver supplies to the man’s wife, Sophy, at their farm on the barren Dakota prairie. After he delivers the sorrowful news, Caleb expects Sophy will want to sell her farm and return to her relatives.
Instead, the tough, resilient woman has no intention of leaving the farm she and her husband have sacrificed and worked so hard to provide their children with a better life. She’ll stay, depending on God’s faithfulness to take care of her and her two young children.
Unable to leave the stubborn woman to endure the winter alone, Caleb claims the land adjoining Sophy’s and begins the back-breaking work of bringing in her wheat harvest, and preparing for the brutal winter.
As Sophy’s grief fades, a tender spark of love grows as she and Caleb battle the harsh conditions together. But she knows Caleb must leave in the spring. How will she guard her heart if he returns with a wife?
Instead, the tough, resilient woman has no intention of leaving the farm she and her husband have sacrificed and worked so hard to provide their children with a better life. She’ll stay, depending on God’s faithfulness to take care of her and her two young children.
Unable to leave the stubborn woman to endure the winter alone, Caleb claims the land adjoining Sophy’s and begins the back-breaking work of bringing in her wheat harvest, and preparing for the brutal winter.
As Sophy’s grief fades, a tender spark of love grows as she and Caleb battle the harsh conditions together. But she knows Caleb must leave in the spring. How will she guard her heart if he returns with a wife?
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2022
54 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 2, 2022
This is a heartwarming and tender historical novella. The characters are well developed with strong characteristics to endure all the struggles of setting in the Dakotas. Caleb’s friendship with Martin gave way to his desire and fulfillment to take care of Martin’s family. The unexpected ups and downs found living in a isolated area, young children needing attention and love, guests on at the farm and faith created a beautiful story. I was in the moment throughout the story with Caleb, Sophy and the young children. A realistic historical tale of life, sacrifices, hardships, faith and budding romance. I look forward to reading more historical stories by Elaine Manders where faith is a part of the characters life.
I received an early e-copy of this book from the author and publisher without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own opinion.
I received an early e-copy of this book from the author and publisher without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own opinion.
July 19, 2024
Positive, uplifting, light fiction. Characters are sound and pleasant. Homesteading virgin country was just hard. Not quite up to the standard of the Little House on the Prarie series, but that series was a first hand account, so it doesn’t really compare. This is an enjoyable read.
October 1, 2022
I loved it!
I was hooked in the first chapter. The characters were well fleshed out and very likeable. The pace was spot on. I felt both for, and with, the characters. Grief, despair, fear, uncertainty, joy, hope, love, and gratitude. And all were clearly underscored with God's love and provision. Romans 8:28 is my favorite scripture, and this book exemplifies it perfectly.
Congratulations to the author on a wonderful job! I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
I was hooked in the first chapter. The characters were well fleshed out and very likeable. The pace was spot on. I felt both for, and with, the characters. Grief, despair, fear, uncertainty, joy, hope, love, and gratitude. And all were clearly underscored with God's love and provision. Romans 8:28 is my favorite scripture, and this book exemplifies it perfectly.
Congratulations to the author on a wonderful job! I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
October 9, 2022
This is a sweet and heartwarming story yet one full of human emotions which include: Hardships, grief, sacrifice, uncertainty, faith, hope, gratitude and romance. This is Sophy and Caleb's story, and the character development is outstanding. Sophy;s precious children were also a part of the story. Caleb travels to deliver supplies to Sophy per his promise to her deceased husband. When he learns Sophy intends to stay on the land she and her husband owned, Caleb buys the adjoining property and vows to help Sophy work her land. As the couple works together, a spark between them begins to grow. But what of the woman who waits in St. Louis for Caleb to return and who he plans to propose to? Will Sophy and Caleb's relationship grow and become a HEA? Be sure and read this outstanding story to find out; I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
October 11, 2022
very nice
Another very good book by Elaine Manders. This book is very well written and enjoyable even in the sad parts. Sophy is a mother of two waiting for the return of her husband. Caleb is a young man looking to raise horses on his farm. Caleb became good friends with Sophy’s husband and was planing on building his farm next door. Then the explosion happened that killed Sophy’s husband. He died after asking Caleb to watch over his family. Caleb returned to Sophy and told her what happened to her husband. Caleb stayed to help with the farm and the children. There is a dog that saves a life. A new family comes to live near by. Caleb has to make a choice. This is a very nice book. Very enjoyable
Another very good book by Elaine Manders. This book is very well written and enjoyable even in the sad parts. Sophy is a mother of two waiting for the return of her husband. Caleb is a young man looking to raise horses on his farm. Caleb became good friends with Sophy’s husband and was planing on building his farm next door. Then the explosion happened that killed Sophy’s husband. He died after asking Caleb to watch over his family. Caleb returned to Sophy and told her what happened to her husband. Caleb stayed to help with the farm and the children. There is a dog that saves a life. A new family comes to live near by. Caleb has to make a choice. This is a very nice book. Very enjoyable
February 16, 2025
A delightful story that captures the difficult realities of carving life out of the prairie during the age of Westward Expansion. Sophy is widowed at a young age, but with nowhere to go and no family she can turn to, she decides to stay and “prove up” the claim. Caleb, the man who notified her of her husband’s death, stays and helps her. The author does a great job of sprinkling descriptions through the story to evoke the time and place, and I learned a lot about what it takes to farm and how people used the simple pleasures of reading, taking a walk, or watching the sunset while drinking coffee after the chores were done. The love story is sweet and develops naturally, albeit quickly, but that is addressed between the characters. A wonderful quick read.
October 4, 2022
I loved this book!
This is such a heartwarming, sweet story. I loved it! The characters of Sophy and Caleb are so likable and the storyline is well thought out and believable. You can just picture everything that is going on and the surroundings in the story. Elaine Manders brought this story to life. The children are adorable and I love the faith in God that is shown in the book. I highly recommend this book and I think you will love it too. I look forward to the rest of this series.
This is such a heartwarming, sweet story. I loved it! The characters of Sophy and Caleb are so likable and the storyline is well thought out and believable. You can just picture everything that is going on and the surroundings in the story. Elaine Manders brought this story to life. The children are adorable and I love the faith in God that is shown in the book. I highly recommend this book and I think you will love it too. I look forward to the rest of this series.
March 28, 2023
Caleb, Sophy, Heidi and Marty
This is sweet tale that begins with an accident and heartbreak. Caleb meets Martin, a homesteader, while traveling on steam boat in route to claim his homestead. An explosion kills Martin and before he passes he asks Caleb to promise to take care of his family. Through the excitement and adventure of completing the trip and time with Sophy and children they discover they have feelings for each other. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
This is sweet tale that begins with an accident and heartbreak. Caleb meets Martin, a homesteader, while traveling on steam boat in route to claim his homestead. An explosion kills Martin and before he passes he asks Caleb to promise to take care of his family. Through the excitement and adventure of completing the trip and time with Sophy and children they discover they have feelings for each other. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.
March 8, 2025
Sophy by Elaine Manders is a captivating historical novella. I enjoyed it from first page to satisfying last! The author brings out the difficulties of living in the time of the settling of the Dakotas and blends it expertly with tender moments of a sweet romance. The characters are engaging and the situations are realistic and relatable. Readers who enjoy historical romances will want to be sure to read Sophy. I read a complementary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
February 17, 2023
This sweet and clean CF western romance is the perfect bedtime read. When Caleb plans to stake a claim in the Dakotas, he befriends another claimant with a family. However, unexpectedly, everything changes when the friend dies in an accident, and Caleb promises to take supplies and money to his widow. While helping her, they become close but she remains in mourning and he is promised to another girl back home. An enjoyable book for all ages!
April 18, 2024
Caleb Brock has his path in life set he's going to claim land near his friend Martin and family. When tragedy takes Martin, Caleb is left to travel alone to let Martin's wife Sophy and children know of his passing. In staying around to help Sophy and the children he finds himself growing closer to her and the children. Such a sweet inspirational read that includes some tribulations that were common during those times. I enjoyed these characters and their path towards love.
June 29, 2025
Beautiful Christian Romance
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the love story of Sophy and Caleb. Out of the painful loss of her husband Martin, Sophy met a good Christian man, Caleb. It was awesome to witness how God works, how He brings people together and comforts us and heals our broken hearts. I could tell that the author has experienced the goodness of God. She could never have written this beautiful story without truly knowing God.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the love story of Sophy and Caleb. Out of the painful loss of her husband Martin, Sophy met a good Christian man, Caleb. It was awesome to witness how God works, how He brings people together and comforts us and heals our broken hearts. I could tell that the author has experienced the goodness of God. She could never have written this beautiful story without truly knowing God.
October 21, 2022
Wonderful story!
It’s been awhile since I’ve read this author’s work. I truly enjoyed reading about life on the prairie and how people adapted to the harshness they faced.
Caleb, (aka Cabub!) and Sophy were so perfect for each other. This story would make a great movie or even a series, as their family grows.
Loved it! Very sweet and clean with only a few kisses.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read this author’s work. I truly enjoyed reading about life on the prairie and how people adapted to the harshness they faced.
Caleb, (aka Cabub!) and Sophy were so perfect for each other. This story would make a great movie or even a series, as their family grows.
Loved it! Very sweet and clean with only a few kisses.
February 23, 2023
This is a story of Dakota Territory settlers in 1884. Caleb has come to stake a claim, but he ends up helping Sophy work her claim after her husband's death. She has 2 precious children to raise.
I found this book a refreshing change of pace. The hardships and hard work necessary just to survive as a settler makes current day problems seem petty. I would recommend it highly.
I found this book a refreshing change of pace. The hardships and hard work necessary just to survive as a settler makes current day problems seem petty. I would recommend it highly.
July 9, 2024
God gives us the desires of our heart.
A gentle, tender story of a love that grows amidst sorrow, grief, hard work, pain, fear, laughter, and friendship. Caleb helped Sophy and her children to keep a promise to her late husband. They grew to appreciate each other and that friendship led to more, a family.
A clean Christian romance that I enjoyed very much.
A gentle, tender story of a love that grows amidst sorrow, grief, hard work, pain, fear, laughter, and friendship. Caleb helped Sophy and her children to keep a promise to her late husband. They grew to appreciate each other and that friendship led to more, a family.
A clean Christian romance that I enjoyed very much.
December 25, 2025
a best friend takes over
A beautiful story of grief and healing and the story focuses on God giving us the desires of our heart when we put Him first. I enjoyed this beautiful story and the characters who played important parts in the story plot. I will happily recommend this book for everyone.
A beautiful story of grief and healing and the story focuses on God giving us the desires of our heart when we put Him first. I enjoyed this beautiful story and the characters who played important parts in the story plot. I will happily recommend this book for everyone.
October 1, 2022
You will love this frontier story of hard work, tragedy, renewal and new love. It will remind you of just how difficult it was for the early homesteaders and how much they had to rely on each other and God. Don’t miss this new clean, inspirational story from Elaine Manders!
October 2, 2022
What a kickoff to a new series. Elaine Manders brings us strong characters in tough circumstances. Caleb goes over and above what many would do after reporting to Sophy. Sophy proves herself strong after a brief period of depression. I loved this story.
October 5, 2022
Dakota love
Sweet love grow between these two. Death came early to Sophy's husband leaving her with children and a farm. Caleb falls hard and fast but struggles with his old plans and the clear futre.
Sweet love grow between these two. Death came early to Sophy's husband leaving her with children and a farm. Caleb falls hard and fast but struggles with his old plans and the clear futre.
November 18, 2022
A Good Read
I enjoyed this rather short book. The characters were good, and the story was clean, sweet, and well written. I will try to read more of Elaine Manners' books in the future.
I enjoyed this rather short book. The characters were good, and the story was clean, sweet, and well written. I will try to read more of Elaine Manners' books in the future.
January 8, 2023
Really great book! Interesting from start to finish.
Appreciate all the references about God. The respect shown is so wonderful to read. A real story. Not a copy cat like so many are. Very rare. Can't wait for the next one!
Appreciate all the references about God. The respect shown is so wonderful to read. A real story. Not a copy cat like so many are. Very rare. Can't wait for the next one!
March 18, 2024
Great story!
I so enjoyed this Christian story of a couple falling in love on the prairie while building a life and home! Sophy may have lost her first husband but love travels fast when it’s lonely! They built a life together in the Dakota territory!
I so enjoyed this Christian story of a couple falling in love on the prairie while building a life and home! Sophy may have lost her first husband but love travels fast when it’s lonely! They built a life together in the Dakota territory!
October 9, 2022
A funeral at the beginning turns to a happily ever after.
Well done Elaine Manders. Can’t wait for the next 2 books.
Well done Elaine Manders. Can’t wait for the next 2 books.
October 28, 2022
Good book
Enjoyed reading this book very entertaining good book by this Author and hope to read more books by this Author
Enjoyed reading this book very entertaining good book by this Author and hope to read more books by this Author
November 17, 2022
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. I absolutely loved Along and the children. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a clean sweet romance.
I really enjoyed this book. I absolutely loved Along and the children. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a clean sweet romance.
December 27, 2022
Sophy
A great read that gives you the feel of the lives of these new settlers. Caleb and Sophy meet under tragic circumstances.
A great read that gives you the feel of the lives of these new settlers. Caleb and Sophy meet under tragic circumstances.
February 17, 2023
God’s will be done……..
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Thank you for writing a very sweet and thoughtful story of love and companionship.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Thank you for writing a very sweet and thoughtful story of love and companionship.
February 18, 2023
A terrific story
I really enjoyed this story. It was a thrilling story. I love it when you have emotional responses to a story.
I really enjoyed this story. It was a thrilling story. I love it when you have emotional responses to a story.
February 23, 2023
Great story
I enjoyed this story of how God has a plan for us even through our hardships and it may not look like what we think it should.
I enjoyed this story of how God has a plan for us even through our hardships and it may not look like what we think it should.
March 2, 2023
Good clean Christian fiction. Honorable moral characters. Really enjoyed a story of the struggles of settling out West years ago.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews