Earthly Vows

Millwood Hollow #4

by Patricia Hickman

The award-winning author of Fallen Angels, Nazareth's Song, and Whisper Town delivers the final novel in the acclaimed Millwood Hollow Series of role reversals, strange bedfellows, and ultimate redemption. Jeb Nubey and Fern Coulter are finally setting a wedding date, but their plans are derailed when a trip to Oklahoma to visit Fern's family catapults them into Fern's past'the past she would prefer remained buried. Additionally, the challenges and perks that come with the wealthy community church Jeb is called to lead give him food for growth; however, this new found enlightenment appears arrogant in light of Fern's insecurities. In the midst of their struggles, Jeb and Fern must also deal with the disappearance of Angel'Jeb' s adopted daughter. He must retrieve her from the dangerous young man who has played on her vulnerabilities and lured her away promising to fill the emptiness she feels. EARTHLY VOWS takes a look at how easily those we think we know so well can fall into behaviors and make decisions we would never expect. Through this, Hickman shows how broken circles can be redeemed and how we can find beauty in life's flaws.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian

309 pages, Paperback

First published November 16, 2006

About the author

“Hickman gamely unpacks the lies families tell each other, the cost of family secrets to ourselves and others, the bonds between sisters and the walls between husbands and wives. Her sparkling talent is evident in this engrossing story.” ~ Publishers Weekly

Best-selling novelist Patricia Hickman has written 18 books for major publishers like Random House and Hachette Books.

A note from me, the author: Hey! My latest teen fiction title is TINY DANCER, a coming of age story for sophisticated readers of young adult fiction—maybe you!

I love good food, taking road trips, hiking, and biking, but most of all writing you new stories you'll fall in love with. You can visit me here at Goodreads, through my official FB author page, or my website at patriciahickman.com.

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fourth and final book in the Millwood Hollow series, things are changing quickly for Rev. Jeb Nubey, his fiancée Fern Coulter, and the Welby kids they take care of. Things are changing at Church of the Dell in Nazareth, Arkansas. Should Jeb accept the offer of a bigger church in Oklahoma City, which is near where Fern grew up and where her family still lives? Why is Fern so resistant to go back? What is this dark past she keeps hinting at. Meanwhile, after years of looking, they have found the kids’ older sister Claudia and expect to reunite the family soon. The oldest, Angel, goes to live with her and help take care of her little kids. But Claudia is in all kinds of trouble, and soon Angel is, too. This volume has lots of suspense, plenty of 1930s atmosphere, and characters you can’t help but love. It’s a stay-up-all-night-to-read-it kind of book.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grew on me, so I'll say 4 stars as it gradually got better for me.

Things are in a constant state of flux. First Jeb is invited to speak at a large church in Oklahoma and then he's considering their offer. Fern is upset because she's not keen about moving back to where she came from. Angel is caught between choices, but you have to read the book to see what those all are. I'm not sure if it was a bit less enjoyable for me because of me while reading it or because I just don't like it as much as the first three.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into the book and maybe that was because I hadn't read any of the earlier books in the series. I don't plan to read the first 3 books, but I'm sure if I had, I would have enjoyed this book more. Though it's not my favorite book, I was satisfied with how it ended.

[LadyCalico · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is broken as we bid farewell to Jeb Nubey. It is only 1936 so I really think Ms. Hickman could have wrung out one or two more books on the Nubeys and Welbys, but I guess knowing the time to let go and make your exit is one of life's fine arts. However, I am glad that she didn't drag all these folks whom I have grown to know and love into the nightmare of WWII. I read one review that referred to this series as fluff--can you imagine! Lately, I have become aware of how much the people of God see the world through a totally different set of eyes than the people of the world, and I guess the themes of this series just are not of great importance in the lives of the latter. This book also had a lot of pain, uncertainty, and darkness in it, but I didn't find it quite as unrelenting as Whisper Town. Fern is again going around with a bug up her butt and being a snot. Will patient Jeb's love and persistence be enough to save their relationship? And snarky, critical Angel finally gets her comeuppance when her dreams of finding her family turns into a nightmare, and she learns to appreciate what "family' really means. We end with a theme of gratitude, and I guess that can be as good a place as any to leave our friends. Sniff, I'll miss you all--badly.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not having read the rest of the books in the series, I had a hard time connecting to the characters in the story. Otherwise, the story itself was a good one and the story line itself flowed easily.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fourth in series. I didn't read the first ones so was quite lost. Main character not very sympathetic.

[Anita Crockett · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my opinion, this was the best book of the series, but not one of my favorite reads.