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At Home in Beldon Grove #1
The Edge of Light
It is the summer of 1838 in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri, and Molly McGarvie's life is about to change forever. When her beloved Samuel succumbs to cholera, Molly is heartbroken but determined to take care of herself and her children. But when Samuel's unscrupulous brother takes over the family business and leaves Molly to fend for herself, she knows she must head out on her own. It is a dangerous journey and Molly has to leave her old life behind. Somehow she must find a way to make a living, keep her family together, and fend off some over-eager suitors.Book one in the At Home in Beldon Grove series, The Edge of Light will captivate readers with the true-to-life emotions of one woman's struggle to survive.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
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2190 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
July 29, 2014
I didn't really enjoy this one. Almost everything that happened in this book was depressing. It was hardship after hardship, and I never got attached to the characters. I didn't really care what happened to them, which isn't a very good thing to say if they are experiencing difficult times. When reading a story full of misfortunes, I want to sympathize and feel for the characters, but in this case I couldn't. There wasn't much character growth or development, and we never get to know them. The heroine, newly widowed Molly McGarvie, was headstrong, obstinate and even a tad annoying. She wasn't engaging or interesting, and I wanted to feel bad for her when she lost her husband and then her son, but I felt so little acquainted with her character that I couldn't feel anything deep for her.
I'm not sure if this book really falls under the category of "Christian romance", because the hero and heroine have about two scenes together, zero chemistry and reach a very unbelievable understanding. When I reached 75% of this story, and the hero still hadn't reappeared since the beginning, I lost all hope that it was going to have a happy ending, but it did. Just as all the misfortunes happened quickly, one after the other at the beginning, so did better tidings come rapidly succeeding one another at the end. Everything was still wrong at about 90% through, then bam! problem 1 solved, bam! problem 2 solved, bam! problem 3 solved, ah, let's throw a most random HEA with the H/h and hum, oh yeah, let's not bother to tell the heroine's brother all the good things that have happened, even though he got her out of her initial misery and had been all kindness and consideration from the beginning. Whatever, let's just end it. The end.
Do I feel like reading book 2? Nah, not really, I'm good, thanks. Overly depressing books with no engaging characters are simply not my thing.
I'm not sure if this book really falls under the category of "Christian romance", because the hero and heroine have about two scenes together, zero chemistry and reach a very unbelievable understanding. When I reached 75% of this story, and the hero still hadn't reappeared since the beginning, I lost all hope that it was going to have a happy ending, but it did. Just as all the misfortunes happened quickly, one after the other at the beginning, so did better tidings come rapidly succeeding one another at the end. Everything was still wrong at about 90% through, then bam! problem 1 solved, bam! problem 2 solved, bam! problem 3 solved, ah, let's throw a most random HEA with the H/h and hum, oh yeah, let's not bother to tell the heroine's brother all the good things that have happened, even though he got her out of her initial misery and had been all kindness and consideration from the beginning. Whatever, let's just end it. The end.
Do I feel like reading book 2? Nah, not really, I'm good, thanks. Overly depressing books with no engaging characters are simply not my thing.
May 18, 2009
The Edge of Light is a seamlessly written story of faith, courage and survival. The story begins in 1838 with Molly McGarvie, who lives in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri. When her husband Samuel dies she must find a way to provide for herself and her family. A woman of spirit and strength, Molly believes for the impossible and sets out on a journey that takes her and readers on a quest for a new life and a miracle.
Ann’s captivating writing style draws readers into the lives of Molly McGarvie, her companion Betsy who is more a friend than a slave, and Doctor Spangler who carries a burden only God can lift. Plus there is an interesting cast of characters you’ll pray for and cheer with, some you may even want to strangle. Ann’s attention to detail and her elegant writing style will draw you into every scene. You’ll experience emotions and encounters right along with her characters.
The Edge of Light is a fabulous first book! Once you read it, you’ll forever be an Ann Shorey fan. I am.
Ann’s captivating writing style draws readers into the lives of Molly McGarvie, her companion Betsy who is more a friend than a slave, and Doctor Spangler who carries a burden only God can lift. Plus there is an interesting cast of characters you’ll pray for and cheer with, some you may even want to strangle. Ann’s attention to detail and her elegant writing style will draw you into every scene. You’ll experience emotions and encounters right along with her characters.
The Edge of Light is a fabulous first book! Once you read it, you’ll forever be an Ann Shorey fan. I am.
July 28, 2016
('Scuse me whilst I ramble.) This book was quite a lot easier to get through than my last first-reads win, but it was also... fluffier. The first chapter or two had me nearly weeping with its/their fierce, fierce cliché. Happy couple, multiple kids, husband dies, widow experiences strife, multiple suitors, marries again, new happy couple, kids have good new dad. Yay! However, I will give the author some benefit of the doubt, as it's likely that some of the cliché seen here is cliché because that's how things were in the 1830s, when this novel was set.
I liked the characters, particularly Molly, though I do feel they were all fairly lacking in dynamics. A large part of the reason I like Molly is because she weaves. On a loom. I think I might like to weave. On a loom. Other than that, she's a lot like a lot of other historical-fiction lady-characters: Spunky; determined; gets called a "spitfire" by someone (often a suitor, though how much she likes said suitor varies) at some point; pretty enough to have more than one of said suitor knocking on her door, but unaware of her good looks; self-reliant but unsure that she can handle all the ordeals thrown at her.... I like spunky, determined, and self-reliant females when I read, especially when they're in novels where spunky, determined, and self-reliant weren't considered "appropriate" things for a female to be; I want to be a spunky, determined, self-reliant female, and the self-doubt they often experience makes them feel more relatable (learn to spell, GoodReads). However, females such as this are kind of the template for historical fiction, particularly in novels that are set between the Revolutionary War and the advent of the car in America. At least, they're the template in the applicable novels that I've read when said females are the protagonist.
In addition to this, all of our other characters have very little character development. This is probably because there isn't a lot of development for our main character. Oh, sure, I can describe Molly's personality pretty well, but she doesn't really develop much. "Oh, goodness, I did the same thing Future Husband did; I must apologise (seriously, GoodReads) to him, because I was wrong and mean." People just don't always see the error of their ways so quickly. And this is one of, oh, three instances where Molly grows, as a person and character. She becomes more capable, yes, but she doesn't grow. (I apologise if I sound like a nut-job.)
For other characters without development, let's take a look:
Arthur: Matt's wife's uncle. Helped raise Matt's wife. Awesome. (HOW is he so awesome, but he's married to mean ol' biddy Ruth?)
Brody: Brother to Samuel (deceased). Meanie-head. (Why is he so mean?) Stole Samuel's (you can't even recognise a possessive, GoodReads? Or "recognise"?) stuff from Molly.
Matt: Molly's brother. Wife and four kids. Preacher.
Mr. Wolcott: Conductor on the UR
Patience: Brody's crazy, mean wife. (WHY is she crazy and mean?)
Reuben: Betsy's love interest. She thinks he's yummy.
Ruth: Matt's wife's aunt. Raised Matt's wife. Mean old biddy. (WHY is she a biddy?)
What motivates these people? Why are they the way they are? I could talk about all of Molly's suitors, but I'm starting to get tired of my rant. I think I've made my point. And while I understand that some characters, by the nature of books, are going to remain static, those closest to our main character, such as Matt, or most involved in causing her troubles, such as Brody and Ruth, should be more than "Preacher" and "Meanie-Head" and "Mean Ol' Biddy." It doesn't have to be a lot. One little anecdote for each, say. What directed Matt toward preacher-hood? What was the straw that broke the camel's back – or, in this case, Brody and Samuel's sibling bond? Is Ruth such a biddy because her mother was a biddy? Or was there some key event that caused the biddiness? What prompted Karl to become a doctor? What's the whole story with that Lydia character? That kind of stuff is kind of important to making a character likable. And memorable. I hate when I can't keep characters' names straight because they have no story. (Luckily, that didn't happen this time, but they still had no story.)
All that said, rant wound down, I still found this novel enjoyable. Not particularly intellectual or even involving, but enjoyable. If you're just looking to get lost for a few evenings, and finish up with a "happy ending," this is an excellent novel to turn to. I was in the mood for a lack of character development and a clean historical romance template. (That's an important point; no raunchy sex scenes. Or glossed over sex scenes. The widow remained pure. Go her!) And because this is what I was in the mood for, I liked it more than any hoity-toity lit critic would give it credit for. But since we aren't all hoity-toity lit critics, it might be worth the week of evenings.
I received a free copy through FirstReads in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the characters, particularly Molly, though I do feel they were all fairly lacking in dynamics. A large part of the reason I like Molly is because she weaves. On a loom. I think I might like to weave. On a loom. Other than that, she's a lot like a lot of other historical-fiction lady-characters: Spunky; determined; gets called a "spitfire" by someone (often a suitor, though how much she likes said suitor varies) at some point; pretty enough to have more than one of said suitor knocking on her door, but unaware of her good looks; self-reliant but unsure that she can handle all the ordeals thrown at her.... I like spunky, determined, and self-reliant females when I read, especially when they're in novels where spunky, determined, and self-reliant weren't considered "appropriate" things for a female to be; I want to be a spunky, determined, self-reliant female, and the self-doubt they often experience makes them feel more relatable (learn to spell, GoodReads). However, females such as this are kind of the template for historical fiction, particularly in novels that are set between the Revolutionary War and the advent of the car in America. At least, they're the template in the applicable novels that I've read when said females are the protagonist.
In addition to this, all of our other characters have very little character development. This is probably because there isn't a lot of development for our main character. Oh, sure, I can describe Molly's personality pretty well, but she doesn't really develop much. "Oh, goodness, I did the same thing Future Husband did; I must apologise (seriously, GoodReads) to him, because I was wrong and mean." People just don't always see the error of their ways so quickly. And this is one of, oh, three instances where Molly grows, as a person and character. She becomes more capable, yes, but she doesn't grow. (I apologise if I sound like a nut-job.)
For other characters without development, let's take a look:
Arthur: Matt's wife's uncle. Helped raise Matt's wife. Awesome. (HOW is he so awesome, but he's married to mean ol' biddy Ruth?)
Brody: Brother to Samuel (deceased). Meanie-head. (Why is he so mean?) Stole Samuel's (you can't even recognise a possessive, GoodReads? Or "recognise"?) stuff from Molly.
Matt: Molly's brother. Wife and four kids. Preacher.
Mr. Wolcott: Conductor on the UR
Patience: Brody's crazy, mean wife. (WHY is she crazy and mean?)
Reuben: Betsy's love interest. She thinks he's yummy.
Ruth: Matt's wife's aunt. Raised Matt's wife. Mean old biddy. (WHY is she a biddy?)
What motivates these people? Why are they the way they are? I could talk about all of Molly's suitors, but I'm starting to get tired of my rant. I think I've made my point. And while I understand that some characters, by the nature of books, are going to remain static, those closest to our main character, such as Matt, or most involved in causing her troubles, such as Brody and Ruth, should be more than "Preacher" and "Meanie-Head" and "Mean Ol' Biddy." It doesn't have to be a lot. One little anecdote for each, say. What directed Matt toward preacher-hood? What was the straw that broke the camel's back – or, in this case, Brody and Samuel's sibling bond? Is Ruth such a biddy because her mother was a biddy? Or was there some key event that caused the biddiness? What prompted Karl to become a doctor? What's the whole story with that Lydia character? That kind of stuff is kind of important to making a character likable. And memorable. I hate when I can't keep characters' names straight because they have no story. (Luckily, that didn't happen this time, but they still had no story.)
All that said, rant wound down, I still found this novel enjoyable. Not particularly intellectual or even involving, but enjoyable. If you're just looking to get lost for a few evenings, and finish up with a "happy ending," this is an excellent novel to turn to. I was in the mood for a lack of character development and a clean historical romance template. (That's an important point; no raunchy sex scenes. Or glossed over sex scenes. The widow remained pure. Go her!) And because this is what I was in the mood for, I liked it more than any hoity-toity lit critic would give it credit for. But since we aren't all hoity-toity lit critics, it might be worth the week of evenings.
I received a free copy through FirstReads in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2021
The Edge of Light kept me thoroughly engaged with the storyline and characters. It's a story of struggles, loss, uncertainty, and immense courage.
Set in 1838 in Missouri, Molly McGarvie and her children go through great loss. They are uprooted to travel to Illinois to take up residence with her brother and his family until she can figure out what to do next.
The characters are well-developed, the setting is in a community where they look out for each other. Their faith is strong even in the worst of times. There is a sweet romance and a happy ending but a lot of twists and turns along the way. Highly recommended.
Set in 1838 in Missouri, Molly McGarvie and her children go through great loss. They are uprooted to travel to Illinois to take up residence with her brother and his family until she can figure out what to do next.
The characters are well-developed, the setting is in a community where they look out for each other. Their faith is strong even in the worst of times. There is a sweet romance and a happy ending but a lot of twists and turns along the way. Highly recommended.
October 24, 2010
I would like to thank you for chosing me to receive through Goodreads, The Edge of Light by Ann Shorey. I've read the book and enjoyed the charactor of Molly McGavie. During a time in our history were women are not thought to be able to take care of themselves let alone their family without a husband. For now Molly is determined to be on her own after the death of her husband and proves to everyone that it can be done. Thanks again and I'm looking forward to the 2nd in the series.
October 18, 2014
This was a gripping read. It is full of trials and tribulations. It is full of family and friends and neighbors triumphing with you and some without you. This is not a romance filled with gaining a spouse. There is a touch of finding love at the very end; just enough. It weaves around betrayal and loss and love to find you ever so glad you finally picked up this book. There wasn't a slow moment in this entire story; that's almost unheard of. This was a most memorable read.
July 7, 2021
Excellent story. The author is actually a long time member of my community. She lives in Sutherlin Oregon which is just north of the town I live in, Roseburg. I have never met her but have heard of her writing through friends. I don't know why it took me so long to get her books, but I enjoy her writing immensely. I have actually just read all three of her books on At Home in Beldon and have started her second series.
September 21, 2024
Loved the story but somehow I read them out of sequence.
The details that Ms Shorey writes that are woven into the story are wonderful. I was drawn to Molly and Betsy who are best friends and grew up together. I loved their relationship . The struggles and loss & courage that these people go through.
Well done!
The details that Ms Shorey writes that are woven into the story are wonderful. I was drawn to Molly and Betsy who are best friends and grew up together. I loved their relationship . The struggles and loss & courage that these people go through.
Well done!
August 19, 2020
I love stories of the pioneers, their strength and faith in the face of adversity we would cower from today.
I loved all the characters, but my favorite part of this book is that the author included faith in God as a necessary part of the story.
We need more books like this one!
I loved all the characters, but my favorite part of this book is that the author included faith in God as a necessary part of the story.
We need more books like this one!
August 14, 2017
Couldn't sleep last night so I knocked out this book. Too bad it didn't help with insomnia. Predictable and Jesus. Pretty much sums it up.
November 27, 2014
Oh my! During the time of early settlement in St. Lawrenceville, MO, Molly McGarvie experiences the sudden loss of her husband to sickness. Her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, who was her husband's partner, offer no help at all, not even to watch her children so she could nurse Samuel while he was sick. Almost immediately after Samuel's death, her brother-in-law cuts her out of the family brick making business and tells her she must vacate the home as it belongs to him. He even takes Betsy, a black servant and friend to Molly since she was a child. Betsy and Molly are heartbroken. Betsy's hopes for the freedom promised by MOLLY are dashed. Molly writes to her brother for help and he arrives with two friends to take her to Beldon Grove, IL.
I found this book to be an accurate depiction of the very hard life women had during those times, especially after the loss of a spouse.
Molly had one thing after another pile up on her--the loss of a son while crossing the river, the early birth of her child on the trail, cramped quarters at her brother's house, difficulty with her brother's meddlesome and grouchy mother-in-law....She finally enlists the aid of her brother's father-in-law, a kind and sympathetic soul and moves into an abandoned house. She barely supports the family by weaving and selling her products to the local merchant and by taking orders. Things are progressing well except for having an obnoxious fans unwanted suitor, until the owner of the house returns after a very long absence to reclaim HIS house. Molly moves to the home of the unwanted suitor as housekeeper to this widowed man. This does not work out at all and Molly moves again, only she is on the edge of town near the woods which are inhabited by dangerous animals. She shoots a panther that is about to spring from a tree on her little girl. The baby gets sick, but Molly has nothing to use for treatment, so she sends her 8 year old in the dark to the neighbor for turpentine. He pokes his eye on a tree branch in the dark....another persistent and unwanted suitor turns up...the list goes on. Sounds almost unbelievable, but that's what life was like then, and no matter what happens, Molly keeps on keeping on. That's just what you did.
Dr. Karl Spangler has his own quiet and sad history. Molly's physical appearance is a reminder of a broken heart, so he decides to practice in another town. A miserable girl sets her cap for this handsome bachelor and he decides moving to Molly's town is the lesser of two evils. What stands between them both is hearts full of unforgiveness.
There are many characters in this book tainted by jealousy, greed, ambition, alcoholism, superiority, self-serving attitudes, and a need to grab power. Other characters take risks to benefit others, are kind, righteous, sacrificing, determined, and hard-working. Isn't this what makes up almost every community though?
While Molly's troubles were dismal, her attitude was not. Good DID triumph over evil, hard work and honesty produced results eventually. This was a nice change from graphic sex scenes, profanity, blood and gore, vampires, and rebellion found in much of our entertainment and literature. For those people who enjoy those kinds of things, this will not be your cup of tea, nevertheless it was well written and a very enjoyable read.
I found this book to be an accurate depiction of the very hard life women had during those times, especially after the loss of a spouse.
Molly had one thing after another pile up on her--the loss of a son while crossing the river, the early birth of her child on the trail, cramped quarters at her brother's house, difficulty with her brother's meddlesome and grouchy mother-in-law....She finally enlists the aid of her brother's father-in-law, a kind and sympathetic soul and moves into an abandoned house. She barely supports the family by weaving and selling her products to the local merchant and by taking orders. Things are progressing well except for having an obnoxious fans unwanted suitor, until the owner of the house returns after a very long absence to reclaim HIS house. Molly moves to the home of the unwanted suitor as housekeeper to this widowed man. This does not work out at all and Molly moves again, only she is on the edge of town near the woods which are inhabited by dangerous animals. She shoots a panther that is about to spring from a tree on her little girl. The baby gets sick, but Molly has nothing to use for treatment, so she sends her 8 year old in the dark to the neighbor for turpentine. He pokes his eye on a tree branch in the dark....another persistent and unwanted suitor turns up...the list goes on. Sounds almost unbelievable, but that's what life was like then, and no matter what happens, Molly keeps on keeping on. That's just what you did.
Dr. Karl Spangler has his own quiet and sad history. Molly's physical appearance is a reminder of a broken heart, so he decides to practice in another town. A miserable girl sets her cap for this handsome bachelor and he decides moving to Molly's town is the lesser of two evils. What stands between them both is hearts full of unforgiveness.
There are many characters in this book tainted by jealousy, greed, ambition, alcoholism, superiority, self-serving attitudes, and a need to grab power. Other characters take risks to benefit others, are kind, righteous, sacrificing, determined, and hard-working. Isn't this what makes up almost every community though?
While Molly's troubles were dismal, her attitude was not. Good DID triumph over evil, hard work and honesty produced results eventually. This was a nice change from graphic sex scenes, profanity, blood and gore, vampires, and rebellion found in much of our entertainment and literature. For those people who enjoy those kinds of things, this will not be your cup of tea, nevertheless it was well written and a very enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2009
Synopsis:
It is the summer of 1838 in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri, and Molly McGarvie's life is about to change forever. When her beloved Samuel succumbs to cholera, Molly is heartbroken but resolves to take care of herself and her children.
When Samuel's unscrupulous brother takes over the family business and leaves Molly to fend for herself, she knows she must head out on her own. It is a dangerous journey, and along the way she must face the loss of another family member. Somehow she must find a way to make a living, restore her family, and fend off some overeager suitors.
Review:
Ann Shorey's debut novel will grip and tug at your emotions from beginnning to end. The story is true to the time period, where many women found themselves widows with children and having no where to go. Molly has a choice to marry someone she may not really love, but can give her security or follow her heart and forgive a doctor that brought her heartache. The struggle she has managing children, work and her own social life is reflective of how women today have to find that balance in their lives too. It just amazes me how much 'life' hasn't changed that much in all these years.
The writing is strong and easy to read, which makes reading the book go very fast! I was done way too soon! This is the first book in the series "At Home in Beldon Grove" that Ann Shorey will be writing. I can' wait to read the next one. If you are looking for a book that shows how determination and strong-will can pull you through almost anything, this is the book you show read!
Thank you to Ann Shorey for the book and the opportunity to read and review her new book!! I love historical fiction!
It is the summer of 1838 in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri, and Molly McGarvie's life is about to change forever. When her beloved Samuel succumbs to cholera, Molly is heartbroken but resolves to take care of herself and her children.
When Samuel's unscrupulous brother takes over the family business and leaves Molly to fend for herself, she knows she must head out on her own. It is a dangerous journey, and along the way she must face the loss of another family member. Somehow she must find a way to make a living, restore her family, and fend off some overeager suitors.
Review:
Ann Shorey's debut novel will grip and tug at your emotions from beginnning to end. The story is true to the time period, where many women found themselves widows with children and having no where to go. Molly has a choice to marry someone she may not really love, but can give her security or follow her heart and forgive a doctor that brought her heartache. The struggle she has managing children, work and her own social life is reflective of how women today have to find that balance in their lives too. It just amazes me how much 'life' hasn't changed that much in all these years.
The writing is strong and easy to read, which makes reading the book go very fast! I was done way too soon! This is the first book in the series "At Home in Beldon Grove" that Ann Shorey will be writing. I can' wait to read the next one. If you are looking for a book that shows how determination and strong-will can pull you through almost anything, this is the book you show read!
Thank you to Ann Shorey for the book and the opportunity to read and review her new book!! I love historical fiction!
May 9, 2011
This story begins with Molly McGarvie facing the tragic loss and love of her husband, Samuel, leaving her with three small children and one on the way to care for. She must learn to struggle without him through many losses, including that of a dear friend who also happens to be a young slave woman who has been by her side since she was very young. Molly, with her borher Matthew's help, moves on to Beldon Grove, where she faces many more challenges. Here, she will find with faith and lots of hope, joy and love to carry them in the end.
I have to admit that this story started out slow for me, but as I continued on with it this morning, I couldn't stop til I finished it. I love these older-time , older-fashioned stories. This author does a wonderful job of sharing the types of struggles and family-life that these people really led. I think that if everyone rallied around each other like they do in these stories, the world would be alot nicer place to be in!
I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys reading about the families during the 1800's amd the ways that they led their lives from day to day. This is my first book by this author that I have read and definitely won't be my last!
I have to admit that this story started out slow for me, but as I continued on with it this morning, I couldn't stop til I finished it. I love these older-time , older-fashioned stories. This author does a wonderful job of sharing the types of struggles and family-life that these people really led. I think that if everyone rallied around each other like they do in these stories, the world would be alot nicer place to be in!
I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys reading about the families during the 1800's amd the ways that they led their lives from day to day. This is my first book by this author that I have read and definitely won't be my last!
August 23, 2016
Confusing
Maybe it is just the Kindle version but the story jumps from one scene to another with no transitions. The different points of view was also hard to follow. Character development could have been stronger.
Maybe it is just the Kindle version but the story jumps from one scene to another with no transitions. The different points of view was also hard to follow. Character development could have been stronger.
Want to read
October 22, 2008#1 At Home in Beldon Grove series
October 24, 2010
"Fantastic story," she said modestly.
January 14, 2018
This is the first book I have read from this author and I must say I liked it. Granted, it did have a lot of heartache in it, but what human's life doesn't have it's share of heartache. It's not what I would call a romance, but it did have a little romance in it.
Molly McGarvie looses her husband to cholera and has to make it on her own. However, after her brother-in-law claims her husband's business, Molly has to call upon her brother for help. He moves her to his home in Beldon Grove, Illinois. On the way there, she is helped by a local doctor, shopkeeper and her brother. Her youngest son comes up missing and she blames the doctor, as he was supposed to be watching the boys as she went across the river with her daughter and her brother's wagon.
Molly believes her son to still be alive and refuses to leave without him. She is pregnant and goes into labor. The local midwife is out on another call and the doctor is left to deliver her baby whether she likes it or not. Doctor Karl Spengler is still upset about the loss of Molly's son, but agrees to help her deliver this child.
Molly has many trials and is always jumping to conclusions, that are usually wrong and cause problems. Will Molly ever forgive Doc Spengler for losing her son? Is Franklin still alive and out there somewhere? What will become of Molly and her family without a man in her life other than her brother? Check this book out and see. This is a clean historical novel. Enjoy!
Molly McGarvie looses her husband to cholera and has to make it on her own. However, after her brother-in-law claims her husband's business, Molly has to call upon her brother for help. He moves her to his home in Beldon Grove, Illinois. On the way there, she is helped by a local doctor, shopkeeper and her brother. Her youngest son comes up missing and she blames the doctor, as he was supposed to be watching the boys as she went across the river with her daughter and her brother's wagon.
Molly believes her son to still be alive and refuses to leave without him. She is pregnant and goes into labor. The local midwife is out on another call and the doctor is left to deliver her baby whether she likes it or not. Doctor Karl Spengler is still upset about the loss of Molly's son, but agrees to help her deliver this child.
Molly has many trials and is always jumping to conclusions, that are usually wrong and cause problems. Will Molly ever forgive Doc Spengler for losing her son? Is Franklin still alive and out there somewhere? What will become of Molly and her family without a man in her life other than her brother? Check this book out and see. This is a clean historical novel. Enjoy!
March 15, 2022
Molly McGarvie faces such hardship in her life, first losing her dear husband to disease, which changed her life completely. After family in Missouri failed to help in anyway and actually caused more financial and emotional torment, she gathered her 2 sons and daughter to leave the area. As an expectant mother, she rode in the wagon and allowed the men in her party to keep an eye on her boys. As the 7 and 5 year old went to pick apples, they were separated and the younger boy was not to be found. The missing son tore at my heart, I can't imagine that pain. Through the remainder of the journey, Molly grows stronger in her faith and God works some amazing miracles. So inspirational and well written!
September 24, 2024
Molly, pregnant mother of 3 is waiting for her husband to come home from a job in 1838. When he does come, he is sick and succumbs to cholera. Her brother in law takes over the business which Molly felt was hers and he also takes her slave Betsy, who is more of a friend than a slave. Molly has many adjustments to make now and sends for her brother to come from Illinois and get her and the children to live near him. Her goal is to save enough money to buy Betsy and free her.
This was a good read and the author did her homework on life in the early 1800's. I enjoyed reading about her weaving and just life in general to support she and her children from all the dangers in that time period.
This was a good read and the author did her homework on life in the early 1800's. I enjoyed reading about her weaving and just life in general to support she and her children from all the dangers in that time period.
December 2, 2021
A solid debut to the Beldon Grove trilogy. I liked this trilogy way better than the Sisters at Heart series. The characters were more realistic, the chemistry between the hero and heroine was more palpable, and the messages of faith and the mysteries of God's ways are further pronounced in an engaging way to the readers. Overall, not a bad series to read if you are looking for historical romance mixed with Christian faith plotlines.
November 26, 2025
This e-book has been in My Digital Library since July 28, 2017.
It is entertaining historical fiction set in Missouri and Illinois in 1838. I have a paternal ancestor who had a barn-frame loom she used to support herself and surviving children after her husband died in the Civil War a generation after the timeline of this story.
It gets its fourth star because I will recommend it to a friend who enjoys Christian fiction.
It is entertaining historical fiction set in Missouri and Illinois in 1838. I have a paternal ancestor who had a barn-frame loom she used to support herself and surviving children after her husband died in the Civil War a generation after the timeline of this story.
It gets its fourth star because I will recommend it to a friend who enjoys Christian fiction.
March 3, 2021
Enjoyable book
This book started a little slowly but picked up the pace. The storyline had a few twists that kept me reading late into the night. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series! Molly, the main character demonstrated bravery and a strong will to keep going through tragedy and sorrow.
This book started a little slowly but picked up the pace. The storyline had a few twists that kept me reading late into the night. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series! Molly, the main character demonstrated bravery and a strong will to keep going through tragedy and sorrow.
July 7, 2017
Enjoyable story
I like a good story. I like historical novels with details on life that are true. This novel was both. The people behaved in a realistic manner, not out of character in a time/place context. Recommended.
I like a good story. I like historical novels with details on life that are true. This novel was both. The people behaved in a realistic manner, not out of character in a time/place context. Recommended.
September 11, 2017
First in a Trilogy. It begins in Missouri in 1838 and details the lives of the people of Beldon Grove striving to make a life in their little community. A good read and a clean read. I really enjoyed it.
September 19, 2017
A great read
I really enjoyed reading this book. I love the characters...the storyline with it's twists and turns. I couldn't put it down. I gave it four stars. I only rate a book five stars when it is an over-the-top..unexpected...A plus!!!!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I love the characters...the storyline with it's twists and turns. I couldn't put it down. I gave it four stars. I only rate a book five stars when it is an over-the-top..unexpected...A plus!!!!
January 31, 2018
I stepped out of my genre and tried something new. I have to say that it was not easy to put this book down. If you want an easy read that will leave you with a warm feeling....this is the book for you. I am glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and into the edge of light.
December 12, 2022
Excellent Book
Through moments of snap judgments, Molly realizes her faults and turns her heart toward forgiveness. How many times have I done the same thing? This is a great book to help us through those moments of snap decisions.
Through moments of snap judgments, Molly realizes her faults and turns her heart toward forgiveness. How many times have I done the same thing? This is a great book to help us through those moments of snap decisions.
March 12, 2018
Good quick read, I enjoyed the characters and how the story resolved the different problems keeping the flow of the book moving.
April 11, 2018
A good first effort
The Edge of Light had an interesting plot and characters. While the conclusion was not a big surprise, getting there was.
The Edge of Light had an interesting plot and characters. While the conclusion was not a big surprise, getting there was.
September 16, 2019
Very nice Story
I loved the characters, the storyline. Laughter and tears, hope and fears. It had it all. Look forward to reading more from this Author.
I loved the characters, the storyline. Laughter and tears, hope and fears. It had it all. Look forward to reading more from this Author.
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