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Heart of the Prairie #6
Courting Miss Amsel
Edythe Amsel is delighted with her first teaching assignment: a one-room schoolhouse in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Independent, headstrong, and a firm believer in a well-rounded education, Edythe is ready to open the world to the students in this tiny community. But is Walnut Hill ready for her?
Having raised his nephews since their parents' untimely deaths, Joel Townsend is thrilled to learn the town council has hired a female teacher. His sons could use a woman's influence. But he sure didn't bargain on a woman like Miss Amsel. Within the first week, she has the entire town up in arms over her outlandish teaching methods. Of course, Joel can't help but notice that she's also mighty pretty—and just might make a good mother for his boys.
When Edythe decides to take her pupils to hear Miss Susan Anthony speak on the women's suffrage amendment, the town's outcry reaches new heights. Even Joel isn't sure he can support her newfangled ideas any longer. And if he can't trust her to teach the boys, how can he trust her with his heart?
Having raised his nephews since their parents' untimely deaths, Joel Townsend is thrilled to learn the town council has hired a female teacher. His sons could use a woman's influence. But he sure didn't bargain on a woman like Miss Amsel. Within the first week, she has the entire town up in arms over her outlandish teaching methods. Of course, Joel can't help but notice that she's also mighty pretty—and just might make a good mother for his boys.
When Edythe decides to take her pupils to hear Miss Susan Anthony speak on the women's suffrage amendment, the town's outcry reaches new heights. Even Joel isn't sure he can support her newfangled ideas any longer. And if he can't trust her to teach the boys, how can he trust her with his heart?
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
100 people are currently reading
1108 people want to read
About the author
Kim Vogel Sawyer
80 books1,210 followersAward-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in the library. The little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer's Return. Kim's titles now exceed 1.5 million copies and are available in six different languages. A former elementary school teacher, she now enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Kim's passion lies in writing stories that point the reader to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. When Kim isn't writing, you'll find her traveling with her retired military hubby, spoiling her granddarlings, petting the cats, quilting, or--as time allows--participating in community theater. You can learn more about Kim's writing and speaking ministries at her website, KimVogelSawyer.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
June 17, 2019
I really liked how Edythe was able to learn that even though she tried her best to be a good teacher, and a good woman, she needed to rely on God so that she could *truly* give her pupils, and the town the best of her.
I also liked how Joel learned to more fully rely on God's leading and *timing* for what he (Joel) was asking for.
A delightful story, to be sure!
I also liked how Joel learned to more fully rely on God's leading and *timing* for what he (Joel) was asking for.
A delightful story, to be sure!
July 7, 2011
I have a problem with Ms. Sawyer and it has very little to do with her writing style. Its not often that I read the back of books, I like to be captivated by titles and covers (yes, I'm one of those who judge a book by its cover), but when I agree to write reviews for novels I read the little blurb they offer. I want to read something I find interesting after all, and I only get one choice at a time, so I put my hopes into these quick synopsizes. Each time I have read a novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer I had been completely mislead. That is not to say they are not lovely novels, as they are and I quite enjoy the stories once I get to the heart of them, but the focus in the summary is completely off. I wonder why no one at the publisher's office is annoyed by this. In Every Heartbeat, the other novel I read, the second to last sentence mention the tensions of the world concerning WWI, something that is not even mentioned until the end of the novel. In this novel, Courting Miss Amsel, there seems to be a focus on a trip to see Susan Anthony and the woman's suffrage amendment. Once again, its barely touched upon in the novel and the main focus of the novel? Not even close.
Now that I've gone off on a complete tangent about my pet peeve with Ms. Sawyer's back covers, I have to say that I did enjoy this novel quite a bit. Its not anything to write home about, the storyline is pretty predictable and I wasn't entirely convinced by the sudden change in the characters at the end, but it was an easy enjoyable read. Edythe Amsel is fulfilling a goal of making something of herself. Coming from a less than idealistic home life, teaching seems the perfect answer. However, Miss Amsel isn't exactly what the sleepy town of Walnut Hill, Nebraska excepted and there a quite a few who cry out in opposition to her new, controversial teaching methods. One man, Joel Townsend, may not fully agree with her methods, but sees the value in her lessons. When Edythe steps too far out of the town's comfort zone, however, even Joel questions if he can support her forward thinking ideas. The revelations Sawyer writes about in her characters aren't exactly realistic, and boy are they sudden. But then again, this is Christian fiction and you know what you're getting into before you pick it up. And you should, pick it up. It's light and sweet, with a hint of history thrown in.
Now that I've gone off on a complete tangent about my pet peeve with Ms. Sawyer's back covers, I have to say that I did enjoy this novel quite a bit. Its not anything to write home about, the storyline is pretty predictable and I wasn't entirely convinced by the sudden change in the characters at the end, but it was an easy enjoyable read. Edythe Amsel is fulfilling a goal of making something of herself. Coming from a less than idealistic home life, teaching seems the perfect answer. However, Miss Amsel isn't exactly what the sleepy town of Walnut Hill, Nebraska excepted and there a quite a few who cry out in opposition to her new, controversial teaching methods. One man, Joel Townsend, may not fully agree with her methods, but sees the value in her lessons. When Edythe steps too far out of the town's comfort zone, however, even Joel questions if he can support her forward thinking ideas. The revelations Sawyer writes about in her characters aren't exactly realistic, and boy are they sudden. But then again, this is Christian fiction and you know what you're getting into before you pick it up. And you should, pick it up. It's light and sweet, with a hint of history thrown in.
September 23, 2019
4.5 stars
This one's an absorbing tale of a young woman who finally has a chance to chase her own dreams after spending half a lifetime raising her young siblings. She's a teacher in a prairie town until her methods clash with the town's school board, and then she faces losing everything. While it's got similar subject matter to other prairie teacher novels, the sparkling characterizations and the deep Christian message, as well as a few surprises along the way, make it a fresh rendering of its niche. I really enjoyed it.
This one's an absorbing tale of a young woman who finally has a chance to chase her own dreams after spending half a lifetime raising her young siblings. She's a teacher in a prairie town until her methods clash with the town's school board, and then she faces losing everything. While it's got similar subject matter to other prairie teacher novels, the sparkling characterizations and the deep Christian message, as well as a few surprises along the way, make it a fresh rendering of its niche. I really enjoyed it.
June 24, 2012
I just finished reading Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer. It wasn't until I had finished the book that I realized I had reviewed another of Sawyer's books in the past, In Every Heartbeat. One of the things I really liked about that book was how well-researched it felt, and the flawed, believable characters. This was certainly true of Courting Miss Amsel as well.
Courting Miss Amsel occurs in a totally different time and place -- Nebraska in 1882. I'm drawn to fiction in the plains states, and this one did not disappoint. Sawyer writes as though she has experienced a serious blizzard or two (but why does every story set in this part of the country involve a blizzard? Hmmm...). That is another way of saying, she certainly seems to have captured the spirit of this part of the country.
The basic plot line is that Edythe Amsel comes to this little town in Nebraska to teach school. She's escaping her emotionally abusive father, and although she isn't terribly religious, she clearly feels called to teach. And she's good at it.
Two of her eighteen students are being raised by their bachelor uncle, Joel, and it doesn't take long for Joel to be attracted to the new teacher, and for her to be attracted to him. She doesn't want to be courted, and he doesn't want to be yoked to an unbeliever. So there are definitely some issues.
What I really loved about this story was how believable so many of the characters were. The children were simply precious and I had a picture in my head of each of them. Edythe's landlady has to be my favorite character in the book. I want to be her when I grow up...
This was a pleasant read, relaxing, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. I truly enjoyed it.
Disclosure: Bethany House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. No other compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.
Courting Miss Amsel occurs in a totally different time and place -- Nebraska in 1882. I'm drawn to fiction in the plains states, and this one did not disappoint. Sawyer writes as though she has experienced a serious blizzard or two (but why does every story set in this part of the country involve a blizzard? Hmmm...). That is another way of saying, she certainly seems to have captured the spirit of this part of the country.
The basic plot line is that Edythe Amsel comes to this little town in Nebraska to teach school. She's escaping her emotionally abusive father, and although she isn't terribly religious, she clearly feels called to teach. And she's good at it.
Two of her eighteen students are being raised by their bachelor uncle, Joel, and it doesn't take long for Joel to be attracted to the new teacher, and for her to be attracted to him. She doesn't want to be courted, and he doesn't want to be yoked to an unbeliever. So there are definitely some issues.
What I really loved about this story was how believable so many of the characters were. The children were simply precious and I had a picture in my head of each of them. Edythe's landlady has to be my favorite character in the book. I want to be her when I grow up...
This was a pleasant read, relaxing, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. I truly enjoyed it.
Disclosure: Bethany House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. No other compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.
December 26, 2020
What an adorable story!
Though there was a theme of women’s rights, it wasn’t shoved in the reader’s face. That’s one thing I adore about Mrs. Sawyer. She knows how to tackle the toughest and most controversial topics with grace, gentleness, and a caring touch.
I adored that this story featured a full school year. Being a tutor, my calendar is always set on that particular schedule. It was great to read a story also set to it.
The adventures within the tale were wonderful. The plot was twisty with shocks and surprises of various types along the way. I couldn’t guess right very often in this one, as with any other Sawyer book, because each fresh surprise went a direction I wouldn’t have thought of. I love that so much, and it makes me try even harder in my own writing to think up crazy yet logical turns of events for my storylines.
The children were all so precious. I loved getting to know them right alongside Miss Amsel. What a journey she had with these darlings! And her romance was so sweet!
This is a book I’ll be revisiting a few times in the coming years, that’s for sure.
Though there was a theme of women’s rights, it wasn’t shoved in the reader’s face. That’s one thing I adore about Mrs. Sawyer. She knows how to tackle the toughest and most controversial topics with grace, gentleness, and a caring touch.
I adored that this story featured a full school year. Being a tutor, my calendar is always set on that particular schedule. It was great to read a story also set to it.
The adventures within the tale were wonderful. The plot was twisty with shocks and surprises of various types along the way. I couldn’t guess right very often in this one, as with any other Sawyer book, because each fresh surprise went a direction I wouldn’t have thought of. I love that so much, and it makes me try even harder in my own writing to think up crazy yet logical turns of events for my storylines.
The children were all so precious. I loved getting to know them right alongside Miss Amsel. What a journey she had with these darlings! And her romance was so sweet!
This is a book I’ll be revisiting a few times in the coming years, that’s for sure.
September 30, 2023
Where do I begin. This book is absolutely amazing. It's such an easy read. It doesn't start off boring, and you don't have to read 30 pages before it gets good, it's great from start to finish. The perfect amount of action to get your emotions stirring and also calm. The writer constructed this beautifully. I wish the characters were real, lol. 1000/10 would read again.
September 27, 2023
I enjoyed this wonderful book!
You would enjoy this book on a deeper level if you can relate more to it. All the Bible references and nuggets of spiritual advice that was given, really warmed my heart.
Miss Amsel, what a lovely lady.
Tears formed in my eyes a couple times as I read the book because it was so relatable. I thought about myself in those parts, making me slightly emotional.
I wish the book had more pages haha, I didn't want it to end.
You would enjoy this book on a deeper level if you can relate more to it. All the Bible references and nuggets of spiritual advice that was given, really warmed my heart.
Miss Amsel, what a lovely lady.
Tears formed in my eyes a couple times as I read the book because it was so relatable. I thought about myself in those parts, making me slightly emotional.
I wish the book had more pages haha, I didn't want it to end.
July 10, 2011
Courting Miss Amsel
By Kim Vogel Sawyer
Published by Bethany House
Published on January 1, 2011
Edythe Amsel is delighted with her first teaching assignment: a one-room schoolhouse in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Independent, headstrong, and a strong believer in a well-rounded education, Edythe is ready to open the world to the students in this tiny community. But is Walnut Hill ready for her?
Joel Townsend is thrilled to learn the town council hired a female teacher to replace the ruthless man who terrorized his nephews for the past two years. Having raised the boys on his own since their parents' untimely deaths, Joel believes they will benefit from a woman's influence. But he sure didn't bargain on a woman like Miss Amsel. Within the first week, she has the entire town up in arms over her outlandish teaching methods, which include collecting leaves, catching bugs, making snow angels, and stringing ropes in strange patterns all over the schoolyard. Joel can't help but notice that she's also mighty pretty with her rosy lips, fashionable clothes, and fancy way of speaking.
When Edythe decides to take her pupils to hear Miss Susan Anthony speak on the women's suffrage amendment, the town's outcry reaches new heights. Even Joel isn't sure he can support her newfangled ideas any longer. And if he can't trust her to know how to teach the boys, how can he trust her with his heart?
I left this summary from Amazon up because this is what was on the back of the book. I find it to be a little misleading with the actual book itself. It is like one of those movie trailers that shows you all these big important scenes that end up not being so big or important in the book. This was a good book. Being a teacher, it felt a little odd reading a book about another teacher- but I did enjoy it. I liked that Miss Amsel was very independent and free thinking but didn't have it all figured out yet. I enjoyed the romance plot line. I think the only place that I thought was lacking was in the storyline of Miss Amsel's father. I was disappointed that he never made an actual appearance in the book. All in all a very good book.
By Kim Vogel Sawyer
Published by Bethany House
Published on January 1, 2011
Edythe Amsel is delighted with her first teaching assignment: a one-room schoolhouse in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Independent, headstrong, and a strong believer in a well-rounded education, Edythe is ready to open the world to the students in this tiny community. But is Walnut Hill ready for her?
Joel Townsend is thrilled to learn the town council hired a female teacher to replace the ruthless man who terrorized his nephews for the past two years. Having raised the boys on his own since their parents' untimely deaths, Joel believes they will benefit from a woman's influence. But he sure didn't bargain on a woman like Miss Amsel. Within the first week, she has the entire town up in arms over her outlandish teaching methods, which include collecting leaves, catching bugs, making snow angels, and stringing ropes in strange patterns all over the schoolyard. Joel can't help but notice that she's also mighty pretty with her rosy lips, fashionable clothes, and fancy way of speaking.
When Edythe decides to take her pupils to hear Miss Susan Anthony speak on the women's suffrage amendment, the town's outcry reaches new heights. Even Joel isn't sure he can support her newfangled ideas any longer. And if he can't trust her to know how to teach the boys, how can he trust her with his heart?
I left this summary from Amazon up because this is what was on the back of the book. I find it to be a little misleading with the actual book itself. It is like one of those movie trailers that shows you all these big important scenes that end up not being so big or important in the book. This was a good book. Being a teacher, it felt a little odd reading a book about another teacher- but I did enjoy it. I liked that Miss Amsel was very independent and free thinking but didn't have it all figured out yet. I enjoyed the romance plot line. I think the only place that I thought was lacking was in the storyline of Miss Amsel's father. I was disappointed that he never made an actual appearance in the book. All in all a very good book.
April 28, 2022
ᴏ ʟᴇᴄᴛᴜʀᴀ̆ ᴘʟᴀ̆ᴄᴜᴛᴀ̆, ᴜɴ sᴛɪʟ ᴅᴇ sᴄʀɪᴇʀᴇ ʟᴇᴊᴇʀ, ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴᴀᴊᴇ sɪᴍᴘʟᴇ șɪ ғʀᴜᴍᴏᴀsᴇ ᴅᴇᴏᴘᴏᴛʀɪᴠᴀ̆, ᴏ ᴘᴏᴠᴇsᴛᴇ ᴄᴀʟᴅᴀ̆ ᴄᴇ ɴᴇ ᴘᴏᴀʀᴛᴀ̆ ᴘᴇ ᴘᴇ ᴛᴀ̆ʀᴀ̂ᴍᴜʀɪʟᴇ ᴀsᴘʀᴇ ᴀʟᴇ ᴛ̦ɪɴᴜᴛᴜʟᴜɪ ɴᴇʙʀᴀsᴋᴀ ᴀʟ ᴀɴɪʟᴏʀ 𝟷𝟾𝟶𝟶, ᴜɴᴅᴇ ᴠɪᴀᴛ̦ᴀ ᴄᴜʀɢᴇ ʟᴇɴᴛ, ᴄᴜ ᴏʀᴀ̂ɴᴅᴜɪᴇʟɪ ᴠᴇᴄʜɪ, sᴄʜɪᴍʙᴀʀᴇᴀ ɴᴇғɪɪɴᴅ ᴀᴄᴄᴇᴘᴛᴀᴛᴀ̆ ᴄᴜ ᴜșᴜʀɪɴᴛ̦ᴀ̆.
❧❧❧ ᴇᴅʏᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴍsᴇʟ ᴇsᴛᴇ ᴏ ᴛᴀ̂ɴᴀ̆ʀᴀ̆ ᴅᴇ ᴀᴘʀᴏᴀᴘᴇ ᴛʀᴇɪᴢᴇᴄɪ ᴅᴇ ᴀɴɪ, ᴄᴇ ᴅᴜᴄᴇ ɪ̂ɴ sᴜғʟᴇᴛ ᴅᴜʀᴇʀᴇᴀ ᴘɪᴇʀᴅᴇʀɪɪ ᴍᴀᴍᴇɪ, ᴅᴀʀ șɪ ᴀ ᴜɴᴇɪ ᴠɪᴇᴛ̦ɪ ғᴜʀᴀᴛᴇ. ᴅᴜᴘᴀ̆ ᴀɴɪ ᴅᴇ sᴀᴄʀɪғɪᴄɪᴜ, ᴛɪᴍᴘ ɪ̂ɴ ᴄᴀʀᴇ ᴀ ғᴏsᴛ ᴍᴀᴍᴀ̆ ᴘᴇɴᴛʀᴜ ғʀᴀᴛ̦ɪɪ ᴍᴀɪ ᴍɪᴄɪ, ᴛᴀᴛᴀ̆ʟ ʟᴏʀ ᴘʀᴇғᴇʀᴀ̂ɴᴅ ᴛᴀ̆ᴄᴇʀᴇᴀ șɪ ɪɴᴅɪғᴇʀᴇɴᴛ̦ᴀ, ᴇᴅʏᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴄɪᴅᴇ sᴀ̆ ᴘʟᴇᴄᴇ ᴅᴇᴘᴀʀᴛᴇ ᴅᴇ ᴄᴀsᴀ̆, ʟᴀ̆sᴀ̂ɴᴅᴜ-ɪ ɪ̂ɴ ᴜʀᴍᴀ̆ ᴘᴇ ᴄᴇɪ ᴅʀᴀɢɪ, ᴍᴀɪ ᴀʟᴇs ᴘᴇ ᴍɪssʏ, sᴏʀᴀ ᴄᴇᴀ ᴍᴀɪ ᴍɪᴄᴀ̆. ᴀᴄᴄᴇᴘᴛᴀ̆ ᴜɴ ᴘᴏsᴛ ᴅᴇ ɪ̂ɴᴠᴀ̆ᴛ̦ᴀ̆ᴛᴏᴀʀᴇ ɪ̂ɴᴛʀ-ᴏ ᴄᴏᴍᴜɴɪᴛᴀᴛᴇ ʀᴜʀᴀʟᴀ̆ ᴅɪɴ ɴᴇʙʀᴀsᴋᴀ, ᴜɴᴅᴇ, ᴘᴇɴᴛʀᴜ ᴘʀɪᴍᴀ ᴅᴀᴛᴀ̆, sᴇ sɪᴍᴛᴇ ɪ̂ᴍᴘʟɪɴɪᴛᴀ̆. ᴢᴀ̂ᴍʙᴇᴛᴇʟᴇ ᴇʟᴇᴠɪʟᴏʀ, ɪɴᴏᴄᴇɴᴛ̦ᴀ ʟᴏʀ, ᴘʟᴀ̆ᴄᴇʀᴇᴀ ᴅᴇ ᴀ ʟᴇ ᴘʀᴇᴅᴀ, ᴅᴀʀ, ᴍᴀɪ ᴀʟᴇs ᴅʀᴀɢᴏsᴛᴇᴀ ʟᴏʀ ᴄᴜʀᴀᴛᴀ̆ ɪ̂ɴsᴇᴀᴍɴᴀ̆ ᴛᴏᴛᴜʟ ᴘᴇɴᴛʀᴜ ᴇᴀ. ᴅɪɴ ᴘᴀ̆ᴄᴀᴛᴇ, ᴇᴅʏᴛʜᴇ ᴇsᴛᴇ ɴᴇᴠᴏɪᴛᴀ̆ sᴀ̆ ʟᴜᴘᴛᴇ ᴄᴜ ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟɪᴛᴀᴛᴇᴀ ɪ̂ɴᴠᴇᴄʜɪᴛᴀ̆ ᴀ ᴏᴀᴍᴇɴɪʟᴏʀ, ᴍᴀɪ ᴀʟᴇs ᴀ ᴘᴀ̆ʀɪɴᴛ̦ɪʟᴏʀ ᴇʟᴇᴠɪʟᴏʀ sᴀ̆ɪ, ᴍᴇᴛᴏᴅᴇʟᴇ ᴇɪ ᴅᴇ ɪ̂ɴᴠᴀ̆ᴛ̦ᴀʀᴇ ғɪɪɴᴅ ᴄᴏɴsɪᴅᴇʀᴀᴛᴇ ɴᴇᴘᴏᴛʀɪᴠɪᴛᴇ. ɪ̂ɴᴛʀᴇ ɴᴇᴍᴜʟᴛ̦ᴜᴍɪʀᴇᴀ ᴀᴅᴜʟᴛ̦ɪʟᴏʀ șɪ ʙᴜᴄᴜʀɪᴀ ᴄᴏᴘɪɪʟᴏʀ, ᴘᴏᴀᴛᴇ ɢᴀ̆sɪ ᴇᴅʏᴛʜᴇ ᴏ ʀᴇᴢᴏʟᴠᴀʀᴇ?
❦❦❦ ɪ̂ɴ ᴍɪᴊʟᴏᴄᴜʟ ғᴜʀᴛᴜɴɪɪ, ᴇᴅʏᴛʜᴇ ᴇsᴛᴇ ɴᴇᴠᴏɪᴛᴀ̆ sᴀ̆ sᴇ ᴄᴏɴғʀᴜɴᴛᴇ ᴄᴜ ᴏ ɴᴏᴜᴀ̆ ᴘʀᴏᴠᴏᴄᴀʀᴇ. ᴅᴇșɪ ғᴜɢᴇ ᴅᴇ ɪᴜʙɪʀᴇ șɪ ɪᴍᴘʟɪᴄɪᴛ ᴅᴇ ᴄᴀ̆sᴀ̆ᴛᴏʀɪᴇ, ᴅʀ���ɢᴏsᴛᴇᴀ ᴠɪɴᴇ ᴄᴀ̂ɴᴅ ɴᴜ sᴇ ᴀșᴛᴇᴀᴘᴛᴀ̆. ᴠᴀ ᴀᴠᴇᴀ ᴄᴜʀᴀᴊ sᴀ̆ ɪ̂șɪ ᴅᴇsᴄʜɪᴅᴀ̆ sᴜғʟᴇᴛᴜʟ? ᴠᴀ ᴅᴀ ᴏ șᴀɴsᴀ̆ ɪᴜʙɪʀɪɪ?
❧❧❧ ᴇᴅʏᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴍsᴇʟ ᴇsᴛᴇ ᴏ ᴛᴀ̂ɴᴀ̆ʀᴀ̆ ᴅᴇ ᴀᴘʀᴏᴀᴘᴇ ᴛʀᴇɪᴢᴇᴄɪ ᴅᴇ ᴀɴɪ, ᴄᴇ ᴅᴜᴄᴇ ɪ̂ɴ sᴜғʟᴇᴛ ᴅᴜʀᴇʀᴇᴀ ᴘɪᴇʀᴅᴇʀɪɪ ᴍᴀᴍᴇɪ, ᴅᴀʀ șɪ ᴀ ᴜɴᴇɪ ᴠɪᴇᴛ̦ɪ ғᴜʀᴀᴛᴇ. ᴅᴜᴘᴀ̆ ᴀɴɪ ᴅᴇ sᴀᴄʀɪғɪᴄɪᴜ, ᴛɪᴍᴘ ɪ̂ɴ ᴄᴀʀᴇ ᴀ ғᴏsᴛ ᴍᴀᴍᴀ̆ ᴘᴇɴᴛʀᴜ ғʀᴀᴛ̦ɪɪ ᴍᴀɪ ᴍɪᴄɪ, ᴛᴀᴛᴀ̆ʟ ʟᴏʀ ᴘʀᴇғᴇʀᴀ̂ɴᴅ ᴛᴀ̆ᴄᴇʀᴇᴀ șɪ ɪɴᴅɪғᴇʀᴇɴᴛ̦ᴀ, ᴇᴅʏᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴇᴄɪᴅᴇ sᴀ̆ ᴘʟᴇᴄᴇ ᴅᴇᴘᴀʀᴛᴇ ᴅᴇ ᴄᴀsᴀ̆, ʟᴀ̆sᴀ̂ɴᴅᴜ-ɪ ɪ̂ɴ ᴜʀᴍᴀ̆ ᴘᴇ ᴄᴇɪ ᴅʀᴀɢɪ, ᴍᴀɪ ᴀʟᴇs ᴘᴇ ᴍɪssʏ, sᴏʀᴀ ᴄᴇᴀ ᴍᴀɪ ᴍɪᴄᴀ̆. ᴀᴄᴄᴇᴘᴛᴀ̆ ᴜɴ ᴘᴏsᴛ ᴅᴇ ɪ̂ɴᴠᴀ̆ᴛ̦ᴀ̆ᴛᴏᴀʀᴇ ɪ̂ɴᴛʀ-ᴏ ᴄᴏᴍᴜɴɪᴛᴀᴛᴇ ʀᴜʀᴀʟᴀ̆ ᴅɪɴ ɴᴇʙʀᴀsᴋᴀ, ᴜɴᴅᴇ, ᴘᴇɴᴛʀᴜ ᴘʀɪᴍᴀ ᴅᴀᴛᴀ̆, sᴇ sɪᴍᴛᴇ ɪ̂ᴍᴘʟɪɴɪᴛᴀ̆. ᴢᴀ̂ᴍʙᴇᴛᴇʟᴇ ᴇʟᴇᴠɪʟᴏʀ, ɪɴᴏᴄᴇɴᴛ̦ᴀ ʟᴏʀ, ᴘʟᴀ̆ᴄᴇʀᴇᴀ ᴅᴇ ᴀ ʟᴇ ᴘʀᴇᴅᴀ, ᴅᴀʀ, ᴍᴀɪ ᴀʟᴇs ᴅʀᴀɢᴏsᴛᴇᴀ ʟᴏʀ ᴄᴜʀᴀᴛᴀ̆ ɪ̂ɴsᴇᴀᴍɴᴀ̆ ᴛᴏᴛᴜʟ ᴘᴇɴᴛʀᴜ ᴇᴀ. ᴅɪɴ ᴘᴀ̆ᴄᴀᴛᴇ, ᴇᴅʏᴛʜᴇ ᴇsᴛᴇ ɴᴇᴠᴏɪᴛᴀ̆ sᴀ̆ ʟᴜᴘᴛᴇ ᴄᴜ ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟɪᴛᴀᴛᴇᴀ ɪ̂ɴᴠᴇᴄʜɪᴛᴀ̆ ᴀ ᴏᴀᴍᴇɴɪʟᴏʀ, ᴍᴀɪ ᴀʟᴇs ᴀ ᴘᴀ̆ʀɪɴᴛ̦ɪʟᴏʀ ᴇʟᴇᴠɪʟᴏʀ sᴀ̆ɪ, ᴍᴇᴛᴏᴅᴇʟᴇ ᴇɪ ᴅᴇ ɪ̂ɴᴠᴀ̆ᴛ̦ᴀʀᴇ ғɪɪɴᴅ ᴄᴏɴsɪᴅᴇʀᴀᴛᴇ ɴᴇᴘᴏᴛʀɪᴠɪᴛᴇ. ɪ̂ɴᴛʀᴇ ɴᴇᴍᴜʟᴛ̦ᴜᴍɪʀᴇᴀ ᴀᴅᴜʟᴛ̦ɪʟᴏʀ șɪ ʙᴜᴄᴜʀɪᴀ ᴄᴏᴘɪɪʟᴏʀ, ᴘᴏᴀᴛᴇ ɢᴀ̆sɪ ᴇᴅʏᴛʜᴇ ᴏ ʀᴇᴢᴏʟᴠᴀʀᴇ?
❦❦❦ ɪ̂ɴ ᴍɪᴊʟᴏᴄᴜʟ ғᴜʀᴛᴜɴɪɪ, ᴇᴅʏᴛʜᴇ ᴇsᴛᴇ ɴᴇᴠᴏɪᴛᴀ̆ sᴀ̆ sᴇ ᴄᴏɴғʀᴜɴᴛᴇ ᴄᴜ ᴏ ɴᴏᴜᴀ̆ ᴘʀᴏᴠᴏᴄᴀʀᴇ. ᴅᴇșɪ ғᴜɢᴇ ᴅᴇ ɪᴜʙɪʀᴇ șɪ ɪᴍᴘʟɪᴄɪᴛ ᴅᴇ ᴄᴀ̆sᴀ̆ᴛᴏʀɪᴇ, ᴅʀ���ɢᴏsᴛᴇᴀ ᴠɪɴᴇ ᴄᴀ̂ɴᴅ ɴᴜ sᴇ ᴀșᴛᴇᴀᴘᴛᴀ̆. ᴠᴀ ᴀᴠᴇᴀ ᴄᴜʀᴀᴊ sᴀ̆ ɪ̂șɪ ᴅᴇsᴄʜɪᴅᴀ̆ sᴜғʟᴇᴛᴜʟ? ᴠᴀ ᴅᴀ ᴏ șᴀɴsᴀ̆ ɪᴜʙɪʀɪɪ?
September 5, 2022
Edythe Amsel has moved to Nebraska after raising her brothers and sisters when her mother died to fulfill her dream of being a school teacher. She falls in love with the small Nebraska town of Walnut Hill and all of her students especially Johnny and Robert the nephews being raised by their Uncle Joel. But will the parents of the students buy into her new teaching methods or will she be discharged and who in the town will stand up for her?
This story definitely caught my fancy as a retired teacher because Edythe loved to try new things that would help her students learn and make it fun. But for farmers and their wives in the 1800's, they only thought basics were important. The class full of students was so fun to get to know as Edythe made learning enjoyable except for the one student who always had to be a troublemaker. But he finally learned his lesson the hard way. Luthenia, the owner of the house, where Edythe stayed was such a wonderful example of a Godly woman for Edythe as she grew in her fledgling faith. Joel Townsend was the perfect hero of the story along with his two nephews.
Enjoyable story and I look forward to finishing this series.
This story definitely caught my fancy as a retired teacher because Edythe loved to try new things that would help her students learn and make it fun. But for farmers and their wives in the 1800's, they only thought basics were important. The class full of students was so fun to get to know as Edythe made learning enjoyable except for the one student who always had to be a troublemaker. But he finally learned his lesson the hard way. Luthenia, the owner of the house, where Edythe stayed was such a wonderful example of a Godly woman for Edythe as she grew in her fledgling faith. Joel Townsend was the perfect hero of the story along with his two nephews.
Enjoyable story and I look forward to finishing this series.
February 18, 2025
it’s like if little house on the prairie and when calls the heart had a child and it was this book. i’m a sucker for a good ole easy read about being a teacher on the prairie. so it wasn’t a page turner in the sense that i had to know what happened but it was comfort in a book. it lost a star because i didn’t necessarily love how it ended…
March 23, 2019
Sweet, easy read set in a small town in Nebraska in the late 1880s.
March 24, 2023
2.5 of 5 stars
January 26, 2025
That was so cute! I liked seeing Miss Amsel bring new ideas to the school and the town. The romance was pretty light but very sweet and the children in the school were so cute (with one notable exception). Joel’s nephews were the most adorable and I liked seeing them interact with both Joel and Edythe.
February 8, 2018
I had mixed feelings about this book. I liked it in the sense of essence and that it wasn't too preachy, but it was really slow for me.
Edythe Amsel has come to a little town to be a schoolmarm, and she is leaving her family behind. She has issue with her father and she basically raised her 4 siblings after her mom died, so now it is her time. She walks into her new role as a teacher with caution but the kids soon love her and all that she teaches. Except one kid who is trouble with a capital T. He pushes her limits and she is at a loss of what to do until she expels him and then the town council brings down the hammer for her. One the other end, she is trying to make a life for herself and make new friends, but little towns seem to know all your business. Even Joel Townsend wants to know more about her, but he thinks she is captivating. He is raising his two nephews, after his brother and sis-in-law passed away. So he is trying to do it all and finds out he is inadequate and needs a wife. Miss Amsel teaches children and his boys love her already and he likes her as a person, why not court her? Well the problems that happen there are according to the time period.
Man romance in those days really took forever to say you're interested, but once you did.... Bam! You were married e next weekend. Joel and Edythe obviously like each other but nothing happens for the longest time. I think a year??! Crazy. It has a good message and if it wasn't for an easy read I would have passed it on.
Edythe Amsel has come to a little town to be a schoolmarm, and she is leaving her family behind. She has issue with her father and she basically raised her 4 siblings after her mom died, so now it is her time. She walks into her new role as a teacher with caution but the kids soon love her and all that she teaches. Except one kid who is trouble with a capital T. He pushes her limits and she is at a loss of what to do until she expels him and then the town council brings down the hammer for her. One the other end, she is trying to make a life for herself and make new friends, but little towns seem to know all your business. Even Joel Townsend wants to know more about her, but he thinks she is captivating. He is raising his two nephews, after his brother and sis-in-law passed away. So he is trying to do it all and finds out he is inadequate and needs a wife. Miss Amsel teaches children and his boys love her already and he likes her as a person, why not court her? Well the problems that happen there are according to the time period.
Man romance in those days really took forever to say you're interested, but once you did.... Bam! You were married e next weekend. Joel and Edythe obviously like each other but nothing happens for the longest time. I think a year??! Crazy. It has a good message and if it wasn't for an easy read I would have passed it on.
January 10, 2011
Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a fast-paced historical romance with a lot of heart. Edythe Amsel is determined to start living her life on her terms when she takes a position as schoolteacher in Walnut Hill, Nebraska, away from her family in Omaha. The children of the school quickly fall in love with her when she refuses to use the brutal tactics for discipline that the former teacher employed, but the parents aren't as sure of her ability when she insists on teaching them more than just readin', writin' and 'rithmatic. Joel Townsend has never viewed caring for his nephews, Robert and Johnny, after the death of their parents as a burden, but he understands that any woman he courts must have the same view. Edythe's insistence that she is done with caring for others sets a rift between the two of them that is so large, only God will be able to overcome it. Sawyer's writing is always populated with likable characters and solid plots with God at the center, and this book is no exception. Readers will sympathize with Edythe's love for her students. Joel is strong hero with love for his nephews and the Lord. Readers will hope that Sawyer intends to revisit Walnut Hill again soon.
April 12, 2011
A schoolteacher and a man trying to raise his two nephews on his own, a perfect combination or is someone too proud to accept the other? Well written and fun to read, this book takes you back to the time of small country towns and one-room schools.
Edythe Amsel comes to Walnut Hill, Nebraska for her first teaching assignment. Excited and ready to teach she makes it clear that she is not ready to take on any family responsibility. Having helped raise her siblings the last thing she wants is a ready-made family. However, she starts to second-guess that decision after she meets Joel Townsend and the two nephews he is raising on his own. The boys are great students and a joy to be around. Of course, the fact that their Uncle Joel is causing her heart to flutter doesn’t help the situation very much!
How long can they fight their feelings? Will Joel really marry the friendly Maribelle Jenkins even though he can’t stop thinking of the schoolteacher? Will Edythe leave before they can figure out what their connection is? Read this book and enjoy the journey back to the 1880’s in Nebraska!
Edythe Amsel comes to Walnut Hill, Nebraska for her first teaching assignment. Excited and ready to teach she makes it clear that she is not ready to take on any family responsibility. Having helped raise her siblings the last thing she wants is a ready-made family. However, she starts to second-guess that decision after she meets Joel Townsend and the two nephews he is raising on his own. The boys are great students and a joy to be around. Of course, the fact that their Uncle Joel is causing her heart to flutter doesn’t help the situation very much!
How long can they fight their feelings? Will Joel really marry the friendly Maribelle Jenkins even though he can’t stop thinking of the schoolteacher? Will Edythe leave before they can figure out what their connection is? Read this book and enjoy the journey back to the 1880’s in Nebraska!
July 18, 2011
If you are looking for a good historical romance filled with sweetness, faith and hope, read Kim Vogel Sawyer’s COURTING MISS AMSEL. I’ve had this book, which was given to me by the publisher, on my shelf for a few months and I feel terrible that I’m just now posting a review. That said, I’m glad I waited because this was the perfect summer read.
As she always does, this author surprised me with a character who has more grit and spunk than I am usually expecting from this genre. My favorite part of the book is the suffragette twist. You will know what I mean when you read it. Being from Wyoming, the first state to give women the right to vote, I already have a soft spot for books with a suffragist theme anyway, but I love how it was woven into this story in a surprising way that didn’t take over the love story itself. It really isn’t even the center of the novel, but it’s what stood out to me that made this book different from all the others.
Here’s to Summer Romance!
A great summer read filled with love and faith.
As she always does, this author surprised me with a character who has more grit and spunk than I am usually expecting from this genre. My favorite part of the book is the suffragette twist. You will know what I mean when you read it. Being from Wyoming, the first state to give women the right to vote, I already have a soft spot for books with a suffragist theme anyway, but I love how it was woven into this story in a surprising way that didn’t take over the love story itself. It really isn’t even the center of the novel, but it’s what stood out to me that made this book different from all the others.
Here’s to Summer Romance!
A great summer read filled with love and faith.
December 24, 2015
A sweet light-hearted romance between school teacher Edythe and farmer Joel who has 2 orphaned nephews to look after. Stories alternate between the classroom & 2 main characters' homes. There aren't much drama or character upheavals, which suited me fine for my "end of the day relax night routine".
The pace is just nice, much like how a small town works, a close-knitted community where the small things become the town's daily gossip. If you are looking for a fast paced, full of happenings novel, then this won't be suitable for you. Otherwise, I'm confident this will make a nice relaxing read for anyone looking for christian fiction.
* The book summary is a little misleading, the suffrage issue only popped up at around 55% into the book.
The pace is just nice, much like how a small town works, a close-knitted community where the small things become the town's daily gossip. If you are looking for a fast paced, full of happenings novel, then this won't be suitable for you. Otherwise, I'm confident this will make a nice relaxing read for anyone looking for christian fiction.
* The book summary is a little misleading, the suffrage issue only popped up at around 55% into the book.
January 8, 2017
I enjoyed this book, but the title and the description on the back cover were very misleading!
First, the title makes is seem as if Miss Amsel wants to be courted, when, in fact, she clearly stated early on that she had no intentions of beginning a romantic relationship. Therefore, one can't really court her if she doesn't want to be courted!
Secondly, the back cover says she takes her students to see Susan Anthony speak of women's right, and it implies that is very important to the story. However, that event is only mentioned for a few pages and does not cause quite as much of a stir as the back cover implies.
The story was easy to read and get involved in, regardless of the misleading aspects.
First, the title makes is seem as if Miss Amsel wants to be courted, when, in fact, she clearly stated early on that she had no intentions of beginning a romantic relationship. Therefore, one can't really court her if she doesn't want to be courted!
Secondly, the back cover says she takes her students to see Susan Anthony speak of women's right, and it implies that is very important to the story. However, that event is only mentioned for a few pages and does not cause quite as much of a stir as the back cover implies.
The story was easy to read and get involved in, regardless of the misleading aspects.
January 26, 2018
Kim really knows how to capture you with her stories, the first thing in this book was the intelligence and the sincere thoughts of Joel's handsome 'candy' 😜. I always leave with the desire for more and more♥️.
I do not forget to name the charm he had of little Robert and his antics next to his brother Johnny😅🤗!
How God chose the young teaching Amsel in their lives will let you discover, you will truly be surprised and pleased with the end result.
there was something special in each romantic paragraph, like:
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ift.tt/2kEYmXE
I fell in love with this couple and without a doubt a favorite book more to my list of books🙋🏻📚💓!
I do not forget to name the charm he had of little Robert and his antics next to his brother Johnny😅🤗!
How God chose the young teaching Amsel in their lives will let you discover, you will truly be surprised and pleased with the end result.
there was something special in each romantic paragraph, like:
ift.tt/1SGdpFF
ift.tt/2kEYmXE
I fell in love with this couple and without a doubt a favorite book more to my list of books🙋🏻📚💓!
February 9, 2011
at least it not a series.... sheesh...
April 29, 2011
While not my favorite of this author's books, it was still good and worth reading at least once...
October 3, 2011
Cute and clean
September 25, 2011
Cute and clean good old fashioned country romance.
July 21, 2025
Listened on Audible (Included).
Another enjoyable listen from this author. Her writing is solid. What do I mean by that? Well, I can only compare it to my experience of learning to paint. An artist has to be observant. Which way light is hitting the subject matter, distinctions in hues, perspective—notice all the little details. This author is observant, and she paints a unique scene with her words. I can close my eyes, listen, and I’m transported to Nebraska, 1882, and the world of a small town fledgling schoolmarm. What a delightful world it is, too.
Now that doesn’t mean Miss Amsel isn’t beset with a few trials. I’d say she has more than her fair share of them. If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about this author’s writing it’s that she can get heavy handed with the number of trials she puts her characters through. She seems to think more is more in that area. On the other hand, one of the author’s strengths is writing great characters. I’m especially drawn to her secondary characters, it seems. They tend to have spunk.
Another word that comes to mind for her female characters (both leading and secondary) is moxie. (Moxie as a word has an interesting etymology, look it up). My first association with moxie as a descriptor was when I read a magazine article about women in leadership who showed moxie: they had the nerve to take on issues that others might shy away from. That’s a good descriptor for Miss Amsel: moxie. Especially given how she transitions from fledgling schoolmarm to suffragist.
On a personal note, I found this book just a little over two weeks after the tragic flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas on July 4, 2025. I wouldn’t dare claim to have PTDS from my limited contact with my personal friends who were touched by that horrific storm. However, my heart came up into my throat when Miss Amsel noted that the river was still receding from being at flood stage. I don’t often give trigger warnings about the dramatic content in books, but if you were a survivor of that flood or any flood like it, then you might proceed with caution in that chapter. It turns out ok, but it’ll make your heart pound out of your chest. Unfortunately, this is also THE turning point for Miss Amsel’s character, so if you have to avoid this scene, you’ll miss her most transformative experience.
I’d like to press on with this series, but it’s leaving the Audible Plus Catalog. There are no longer Kindle versions available. If the audiobooks aren’t retired also, I’ll likely finish the series, albeit at a slower pace.
Finally, I like to acknowledge the audiobook narrators I enjoy. Laurie Birmingham hasn’t narrated a great deal of books. This is the first time I’ve encountered her skills. I hope to enjoy her talent more. Well done.
Another enjoyable listen from this author. Her writing is solid. What do I mean by that? Well, I can only compare it to my experience of learning to paint. An artist has to be observant. Which way light is hitting the subject matter, distinctions in hues, perspective—notice all the little details. This author is observant, and she paints a unique scene with her words. I can close my eyes, listen, and I’m transported to Nebraska, 1882, and the world of a small town fledgling schoolmarm. What a delightful world it is, too.
Now that doesn’t mean Miss Amsel isn’t beset with a few trials. I’d say she has more than her fair share of them. If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about this author’s writing it’s that she can get heavy handed with the number of trials she puts her characters through. She seems to think more is more in that area. On the other hand, one of the author’s strengths is writing great characters. I’m especially drawn to her secondary characters, it seems. They tend to have spunk.
Another word that comes to mind for her female characters (both leading and secondary) is moxie. (Moxie as a word has an interesting etymology, look it up). My first association with moxie as a descriptor was when I read a magazine article about women in leadership who showed moxie: they had the nerve to take on issues that others might shy away from. That’s a good descriptor for Miss Amsel: moxie. Especially given how she transitions from fledgling schoolmarm to suffragist.
On a personal note, I found this book just a little over two weeks after the tragic flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas on July 4, 2025. I wouldn’t dare claim to have PTDS from my limited contact with my personal friends who were touched by that horrific storm. However, my heart came up into my throat when Miss Amsel noted that the river was still receding from being at flood stage. I don’t often give trigger warnings about the dramatic content in books, but if you were a survivor of that flood or any flood like it, then you might proceed with caution in that chapter. It turns out ok, but it’ll make your heart pound out of your chest. Unfortunately, this is also THE turning point for Miss Amsel’s character, so if you have to avoid this scene, you’ll miss her most transformative experience.
I’d like to press on with this series, but it’s leaving the Audible Plus Catalog. There are no longer Kindle versions available. If the audiobooks aren’t retired also, I’ll likely finish the series, albeit at a slower pace.
Finally, I like to acknowledge the audiobook narrators I enjoy. Laurie Birmingham hasn’t narrated a great deal of books. This is the first time I’ve encountered her skills. I hope to enjoy her talent more. Well done.
March 19, 2018
Great read! In a voice similar to janette Oke, Sawyer brings the American Prairie to life in her Heart of the Prairie series. In Courting Miss Amsel, book 6 of the series, Sawyer introduces us to schoolteacher Edythe Amsel, the new teacher in town with big plans for her classroom. Her aims to show her students the world beyond their farm town is thwarted , however , when the townspeople learn of the strange teaching methods that the new teacher is bringing into the classroom.
Miss Amsel will not be deterred. having grown up in a farm town herself and wanted more, she continues to teach despite the twitter about town. She is determined to make it at teaching despite her fathers claims and the naysayers in the town that think she ought to stick to basics since they are all farmers anyway. Love and surprises abound in this book about faith, god's will versus ours and casting our cares upon the Lord. Highly recommend for a fast pick me up of the spirit
Miss Amsel will not be deterred. having grown up in a farm town herself and wanted more, she continues to teach despite the twitter about town. She is determined to make it at teaching despite her fathers claims and the naysayers in the town that think she ought to stick to basics since they are all farmers anyway. Love and surprises abound in this book about faith, god's will versus ours and casting our cares upon the Lord. Highly recommend for a fast pick me up of the spirit
August 5, 2024
5⭐️
Wat een heerlijk boek is dit. Een aantal jaar geleden had ik hem ook al gelezen en het verhaal van Edythe en Joel ben ik nooit helemaal vergeten. Ik vind het mooi hoe Edythe haar eigen persoon is, waar ik herkenbare liefdes en eigenschappen in terug zie en tegerlijkertijd tegenstellingen in zie. En toch kan ik van haar leren. Joels POV vond ik heerlijk om te lezen en man, iedereen verdient een man die zo van God en van zijn vrouw houdt. Ook van hem kon ik dingen leren.
Vroeger las ik regelmatig christelijke historische romans, maar ben op een gegeven moment gestopt omdat ik dacht dat het niet meer mijn "cup of tea" was. Maar dat is het wel. Ik heb genoten van de liefdevolle en tegelijk soort van suptiele romance, de kinderen en het verhaal van Edythe en Joel en van de christelijke stromingen. Zeker een aanrader en ik ga zeker meer christelijke romans oppakken van haar en gelijke auteurs.
Wat een heerlijk boek is dit. Een aantal jaar geleden had ik hem ook al gelezen en het verhaal van Edythe en Joel ben ik nooit helemaal vergeten. Ik vind het mooi hoe Edythe haar eigen persoon is, waar ik herkenbare liefdes en eigenschappen in terug zie en tegerlijkertijd tegenstellingen in zie. En toch kan ik van haar leren. Joels POV vond ik heerlijk om te lezen en man, iedereen verdient een man die zo van God en van zijn vrouw houdt. Ook van hem kon ik dingen leren.
Vroeger las ik regelmatig christelijke historische romans, maar ben op een gegeven moment gestopt omdat ik dacht dat het niet meer mijn "cup of tea" was. Maar dat is het wel. Ik heb genoten van de liefdevolle en tegelijk soort van suptiele romance, de kinderen en het verhaal van Edythe en Joel en van de christelijke stromingen. Zeker een aanrader en ik ga zeker meer christelijke romans oppakken van haar en gelijke auteurs.
July 15, 2024
Oh…my…word. This has to be my favorite book of the summer 😍😍 the storyline had my attention and my emotions the entire book- even when I was 20% of the way through it, I knew I’d miss it when I was done and reassured myself that there was so many chapters left to read and discover. This book warmed my heart with the story of Edythe Amsel & Joel Townsend, and the many town characters who had such impact on the story of a new schoolteacher who is navigating a new town and new school; she adores her students to the core, letting love and kindness guide her every step of the way 🥹 furthermore, through all the hardships and the triumphs, the historical setting and love from Miss Amsel makes this book such a worthy read🥹💓🥰
October 6, 2018
I loved this book about a young woman, Edith, in the 1880’s with hopes and dreams for herself and other women, as women were not allowed to own property during her time. This causes problems as the school teacher in the small town because the council decides what is or is not permitted as a teacher. Edith has now raised her brothers and sisters minus the youngest girl.
As a woman and called of God, she pursues the desire God puts in her heart. Edith meets the man she loves and who loves her, but complications get in their way. Things begin to work out when Edith learns to trust God and when the couple is able to express their love for one another.
As a woman and called of God, she pursues the desire God puts in her heart. Edith meets the man she loves and who loves her, but complications get in their way. Things begin to work out when Edith learns to trust God and when the couple is able to express their love for one another.
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