Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana

Finding Love #3

by Tricia Goyer, Ocieanna Fleiss

Julia Cavanaugh has never left New York City. But in 1890, the young woman must head west to ensure that the orphans under her care are settled into good families. After her final stop in Montana, she plans to head straight back east. But upon arriving in the remote town of Lonesome Prairie, Julia learns to her horror that she is also supposed to be delivered—into the hands of an uncouth miner who carries a bill of purchase for his new “bride.” She turns to a respected circuit preacher to protect her from a forced marriage but with no return fare and few friends, Julia’s options are bleak. What is God’s plan for her in the middle of the vast Montana prairie?

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

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 16, 2009

About the author

Tricia Goyer is a busy mom of ten, grandmother of two, and wife to John. Somewhere around the hustle and bustle of family life, she manages to find the time to write fictional tales delighting and entertaining readers and non-fiction titles offering encouragement and hope. A bestselling author, Tricia has published thirty-three books to date and has written more than 500 articles. She is a two time Carol Award winner, as well as a Christy and ECPA Award Nominee. In 2010, she was selected as one of the Top 20 Moms to Follow on Twitter by SheKnows.com. Tricia is also on the blogging team at MomLifeToday.com, TheBetterMom.com and other homeschooling and Christian sites.In addition to her roles as mom, wife and author, Tricia volunteers around her community and mentors teen moms. She is the founder of Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Northwestern Montana, and she currently leads a Teen MOPS Group in Little Rock, AR. Learn more about Tricia at www.triciagoyer.com.

Reviews

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

{I hope y’all all had a Blessed Christmas! We blogged yesterday too! Did you see it? Click here to!}

About this book:

“Julia Cavanaugh has never left New York City. But in 1889, the young woman rides the orphan train west to deliver the girls in her care to new families. After Julia’s final stop in Montana, she plans to kick the dust off her heels and head straight back east. But upon arriving in the remote town of Lonesome Prairie, she learns to her horror that she is also supposed to be delivered—into the hands of an uncouth miner who carries a bill of purchase for his new "bride." Julia turns to a respected circuit preacher to protect her from the marriage, but with no return fare, no home, and few friends, her options are bleak. What is God's plan for her in the middle of the vast Montana prairie?”


Series: Part of the “Love Finds You” series. Each book ends with a City, State. None are connecting, so you don’t have to read them in order.


Spiritual Content- Psalm 115:1 at the beginning; Scriptures are quoted; Discussions about Scriptures; Many, many, many talks about God; ‘H’s are capital when talking about God; Two hymns are sung; Family Bible Time; Isaac is a Pastor & sermons; Strong Faiths & Learning.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blasted’, a ‘idiot’, a ‘hush’, a ‘wretched’ and two ‘stupid’s; Curses are said but not written; Going into a saloon; Blood (semi-detailed); Guns are pointed & shot; Mentions of drinking; a Mention of dead jackrabbits & dead animals for food (semi-detailed); Trouble-maker children try to brand a mouse (you know, like a cow? The boy gets bit; semi-detailed);


Sexual Content- a ‘strumpet’ and a ‘tramp’; A semi-detailed kiss; Wanting to kiss & almost kissing; Touches (Barely-above-not-detailed); Barely-above-not-detailed embraces; Mentions of smoochin’; A baby is born (out of marriage, though) barely-above-not-detailed but there are hints; Mentions of a married couple that isn’t able to have kids; Mabelina used to work at a brothel (but she no longer is, but the aftermath is a large part of the story); Love, falling in love, & the emotions.

-Julia Cavanaugh
-Isaac “Ike” Shepherd
P.O.V. switches between them.
Set in 1889
348 pages

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Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Three Stars (and a half)
This was a cute book. I really enjoyed all the Spiritual Content—which there was a lot of! The one “complaint” I have is the back cover of the book. It gave me the impression that Julia was stuck with the old man. Which made me almost not read the book!



Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...



*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this story to be funny at times and at times I did cry a little! I love the character of Julia Cavanaugh. Her sweetness of spirit and service to others is what makes her stand out. She has such a way with the orphan children and the children that she teaches later on in the book. It's through her example and outlook on life that Isaac, the parson, comes to love her. There is a bit of funny circumstances that does happen when she arrives. Apparently, the lady whom she was working for in the orphanage, arranged a marriage for her when she dropped off the last two girls. Little do they know that he's an old gold miner who just wants a wife. His pursuing her throughout the book after she's told him no several times, lends to the comic relief. In the end you feel sorry for the poor guy, but things turn out in a different way than for him than he thought. Isaac on the other hand, has to learn a lesson the hard way. His vow of never marrying was made in fear and he wasn't fulling trusting in God to guide him. It took a newly, converted believer to point out his faults and have him re-evaluate why he made it in the first place. Julia wasn't without her trials either. She lost both her parents at a young age and grew up in the orphanage. She was well loved and cared for there, but she still never felt she belonged anywhere or had a home. Miriam, Isaac's sister, was the one to point out that this place wasn't really home. In fact, our home is in Heaven, so we will never have a home here on earth. Once she realized she would be happy with just Jesus, then things all fall into place in the end. Overcoming triumphs and struggles, and being shown forgiveness when one never expected it is always a great reward and was illustrated in this novel. There are so many side stories that go along with the main one, so it keeps the reader's attention fairly well. Can't wait to read more of these books in this series.

[Christy Trever · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss is one of the best in the Love Finds You series. Julia Cavanaugh is saying good-bye to all that she's known in her life after her benefactor, Mrs. Hamlin, marries and closes the girls' orphanage the two women have run. Julia escorts the remaining girls on an Orphan Train out West finding them good homes with the intention of returning to work in Mrs. Hamlin's home as a domestic, but Mrs. Hamlin has played a trick on her. Julia has been "sold" as a mail-order bride to a filthy and old, but good-hearted, gold prospector in Lonesome Prairie, Montana. Parson Isaac Shepherd does all he can to take care of his beloved flock in the town, and when Julia arrives, that means trying to fix her marital situation. Sparks soon fly between the two, but he's made a promise to never make his preaching suffer by getting married, and she's been promised to another! The Love Finds You series is a throwback to Christian romances of old; nearly everyone is good at heart, and every town is one where the reader would love to relocate. In other volumes in the series, the writing has suffered and been a bit hackneyed, but Goyer and Fleiss make the Old West come to life with their beautiful and stark descriptions of the land and the solitude it creates. The dialogue between Julia and Isaac sparks and zings in a fresh and thoroughly enjoyable manner. The story has some depth with its depiction of prejudice against Native Americans, but its real strength is thelikable characters and sweet romance.

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've decided that one of my reading goals was to make my way through the Love Finds You series and today's book is No#2 as I had read Love Finds You in Martha's Vineyard. What I love about the Love Finds You series, is that it all depends on the author whether the setting be contemporary like Melody Carlson's Martha Vineyard or a Historical fiction like Tricia Goyer's Lonesome Prairie. In Lonesome Prairie, we first meet Julia Cavanaugh, she has been a help and like a mother to the children in the orphanage especially Shelby and Bea. When their headmistress announces that she is getting married , the girls are being shipped off onto the Orphan Trains. Julia accompanies them to the town of Big Sandy and then to the small-town of Lonesome Prairie in which will become Bea and Shelby's new home. It seems though, that the headmistress failed to mention to Julia was that she had sold Julia to become a bride to a local gold miner Horace whom Julia does not hold any feelings for. It soon becomes apparent that the only eyes that Julia likes is the local Pastor Isaac , Isaac however is hiding a dark guilt as he has vowed never to let his heart be swayed by love as his first love Bethany was killed. Can God open Julia and Isaac eyes and heart's ready to be loved ? Has God got in store a better suited bride for Horace rather than Julia ? and for Fun, discover how the town got it's name in the introduction to the book.
Another great historical installment of the Love Finds You Series and I look forward to my journey of completing the series.

[Carman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the message of this book: trusting God. This is something we all need to work on, and I love the way these authors weaved the storyline and portrayed their characters. Excellent job! The storyline was believable and easy-to-follow, while not being boring in any way. The feelings and dialogue of the characters were also very well done. I loved how they showed that sometimes what we think God wants from us isn’t always what He wants from us. Sometimes we allow our fears or something else to blind us to what God really wants for us. The authors did a very good job of showing this problem and how it can affect us and those around us. Add this to your to-read if you haven’t already!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book for the beautiful way it preached God's grace! There were countless times and unexpected sources from which each of the main characters received wise counsel and reminders to trust in God's perfect plan.
I honestly didn't really like much of the rest of the book. The writing felt a little 'stilted' in places, and some scenes didn't 'jive' with the barrenness of the Montana landscape that had been described several chapters earlier. And sometimes, I felt like there were just too many 'side quests' going on. While I understood why Julia and Isaac grew to love each other (each of them was a person whose goodness shone brightly), I honestly didn't feel like they'd spent enough time together to really understand each other, let alone grow to love each other.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The west is not my favorite setting for a story, but this plot did hold my interest. Julie Cavanaugh is a sweet character that I enjoyed getting to know, but I felt the lady who was in charge of the orphanage was not a believable character in my eyes; almost too naive about the effects of her actions on Julie. The ending was a satisfying one.

[M.C. Pearson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked the beginning and middle of this book. It had an interesting premise with an orphaned woman who had to take children on the orphan train to meet their new parents. Unbeknownst to her, she had been 'bought' as a mail order bride.

I loved that idea.

The problem for me started with the love interest. He was predictable and rather boring. Then there was way too much Christianese for me. I don't like it when I'm reading an interesting story and I'm suddenly slapped on the head with the Bible. It became way too sappy by the end...to the point that I was groaning very loudly every time they looked 'longingly' at something. I also didn't feel that the emergency birth was realistic. I'm sorry, but the lady would have bled to death with a bottom first birth in a wagon with no doctor; She would not be all spunky and rocking in a rocking chair just a few hours later.

If you like lovey dovey Christian romance, you'll like this book. But this is only my opinion...I really did like the beginning and middle!

[Kaylea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this novel, after a particularly hectic day at work. I was immediately drawn into the story, set in the late 1800s in New York City, and the open prairie of Montana.

I loved that the main guy character in the book is a pastor - and that Goyer and Fleiss created a character who was "not perfect" just because he was in the ministry. (Trust me, after four year's of seminary, I know first hand that "pastors" - myself included - are never going to be perfect, no matter how hard they try.)

I loved the passion (I could almost see it in her eyes) that Julia - the main girl character had for the young children in her care.

The characters created by Goyer and Fleiss seemed to jump off the page. This book is a fun, easy read - perfect for when you are tired of living in this century - and want to "step" back into a world without cell phones, iPods, laptops or texting. It might even make you realize what is most important - relationships with family and friends, along with a faith in God.

[Mel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, okay, I know I should have guessed on this one... But... Here we go... Julia Cavanaugh comes west to help the girls from a now closed orphanage find homes of their own. But unbeknownst to Julia, her friend--the previous owner of the orphanage--has brokered a marriage between Julia and a miner in Lonesome Prairie, MT. Julia, upon arriving in Lonesome Prairie, finds the arrangement (and the miner) unacceptable--but due to a shortage of funds, is unable to leave or extricate herself from the arrangement. In the process, however, she meets Isaac, who is a circuit riding preacher, and sparks fly. She stays in Lonesome Prairie (all the while avoiding the miner) and finds she truly loves the place. But the question remains, should she stay, or should she go?

Again, predictable plot, characters who were...adequate, not a ton of depth here, some spiritual lessons, but nevertheless, a decent read. Would I read it again? No, probably not. There wasn't enough "meat" to make it worth it to read it again.

[J.E.B. Spredemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I truly enjoyed this book and the spiritual themes contained therein. Goyer and Fleiss tell a sweet story that won't have you wanting to skip over pages...not that I would ever do that ;) I recommend it to those who love a sweet, clean romance. As with every Tricia Goyer book I've read thus far, this book didn't disappoint.

[Aimee Irvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this book just within a few days. I thought at first since it's set in the 1800s I might not like it as much as the others in the series, but I was surprised I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. Though some of the language reminded me of Fester on Gunsmoke when they talked. lol Still a great book recommend anyone to read especially those who love the Little House series or Beverly Lewis books.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book about the settling of Montana through the eyes of 19 year old Julia. Fun little twists and turns along the way with Parson Isaac, Horace, Giant Jim and many more. Julia's journey reaches into your heart as you find something to identify with her and her journey to womanhood. Fully enjoyed!

[Donia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overly simplistic story without enough plot and character development to make me want to finish the book. Bland Christian preaching. I didn't find the love interest appealing and Julia didn't seem to be much better. The story began with interest but by the time the orphan train got to the west the story fell apart. blah...

[Amy Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this fun little read. The beautiful thread of God's love and redemption is weaved throughout the story. When Julia is left behind in the Montana Wilderness because her loving, but quirky guardian thinks she would be better off married, she finds herself without a way home and no place to live. The parson of the area comes to her rescue and she finds love in the most obscure places.

[Alysa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A minor historical note: This book takes place in 1889, but in chapter 3 (page 33), Julia recalls reading a newspaper article about a woman arriving on Ellis Island. This is not possible because Ellis didn't open until 1892.

(Also I lol'd in chapter 11, page 108, when she pulls out a menstrual pad the male response is, "Uh, is that a diaper?" because of course.)

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really like this pair of authors and enjoyed reading about the Montana prairie. The characters were good, but they didn't draw me in as quickly as I am used to with this series or authors. In the end, everything worked out.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It had some funny parts and maybe some sadness. However, my favorite part was in chapter 28, when Julia really truly finds her home, the best home there is!

[Bonnie Olive · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun book about an orphan train and the story of what happens to a city girl in a montana wilderness

[Miro Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet love story! I've always liked Tricia Goyer! She weaves stories together so beautifully!

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy historical fiction and this story was an enjoyable read for me. Orphan trains purchased brides, and helpful people make this story interesting and educational.

[Jennifer Tidwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever story- More details to the story than I thought would be in this "type" of book. Fun read.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just okay.

[Jess H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy fast read with adventure and great wisdom.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia travels with the girls on the orphan train to find new families. Julia also finds a family herself. Parson Ike must place his heart into God’s hands.

[Melissa Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This takes us back to the pioneers & indians and it was a really good read. The description below doesn't really do it justice, just trust me it's a good one.

[Cheryle · Rating 4 out of 5]

TYPICAL ROMANCE NOVEL.

[Shirayuki Zen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favorite out of the series. I think that I have reread this book about 20 times now.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful inspirational historical romance. I have not read any others in the Love Finds You In series, but I want to read more of them after reading this. I will also seek out more books by these authors. Ms. Goyer and Ms. Fleiss did a wonderful job writing this book, from the well-constructed romance to the beautiful imagery of the scenery of Montana. It's all brought to life well in this book.

I loved Julia as the heroine, she is strong and feminine and while she is not sure what she wants, she is good at making her way where ever she is at. I also liked Parson Issac as the hero, he's a good man and he's just trying to do his best even if he is a little stubborn and misguided at times. I loved his selflessness and devotion to God as they were portrayed in the book. Issac's sisters and their families were also a joy to read about - such a loving and giving family.

I found the setting of Lonesome Prairie, Montana to be very captivating. I know very little of this area of the United States, especially back in the early days of settling. Like Julia, I have always pictured towns full of people, not the very rural and lonesome setting of this town. But the women are all strong (they had to be to live like they did) and the area though desolate is charming to see through Julia's eyes.

I love how all the side stories weave their way into the main romance. The realizations of love are wonderful to watch. I just can't say much more about this book - it's just beautiful and I was sad for it to end.

If you love historical romance set in the West during the late 1800's I can't recommend this book enough - it's a well-plotted and the characters seem like friends through the whole book.

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOVE FINDS YOU IN LONESOME PRAIRIE MONTANA, part of the Love finds you series, was a sweet story with a sweet heroine. Julia Cavanaugh finds herself accompanying the orphan girls she has raised as they find new homes and new families in the West. Once arriving in Lonesome Prairie, Julia finds not only has Mrs. Hamlin, the mistress she works for, arranged for the placement of these orphans, but she has also taken it upon herself to arrange for Julia to marry a local miner. Julia is aghast at the idea and does all she can to stop the Horace's pursuing ways while struggling with leaving her little ones in the care of others. But soon, Julia finds that Lonesome Prairie isn't that bad . . . either is Parson Ike. She struggles with her infatuation for a man that shows no interested in her at all. But somehow, it is him who fills her daydreams.

Parson Ike, or Isaac has more than noticed Julia, but has vowed to stay single so he can continue to put all his efforts in his position as a circuit riding pastor. He's made his mind up to remain single, but is having a hard time convincing his heart.

LOVE FINDS YOU IN LONESOME PRAIRIE MONTANA, is a simple story of love, family, sacrifice, and devotion. It's a quiet story in that there are no rustlers, shootouts, or high drama at every turn. Though the outcome of Mabelina's trial brings some suspense, the rest of the story seems to unfold at a carefree pace. I am not a fan of love story's that keep the hero and heroine apart for the majority of the story. True, absences makes the heart grow fonder, but I would prefer to see these characters discover and develop a relationship with each other in something other than their thoughts and dreams.