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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
I love the way this love story was handled and the faith content is so good! I love Lilac so much.
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I had a moment as I was reading and enjoying this book where I asked myself, "Why do I like this series so much?" It's Christian fiction, and I am NOT the demographic this book is going for. But after taking some time to think about it, what I love about this series is that it feels comforting. Something about the rhythms of homesteading just sets me at ease, even though I'm not sure I'd ever pursue that in my real life.
Fields of Bounty is the third book in the Leah's Garden series, which follows the Nielsen sisters, who move to Nebraska after troubles in their hometown leave them no other choice. This time, the story follows the youngest, Lilac Nielsen, as she begins publishing her drawings on the Oregon Trail for a New York newspaper. Her other plot is her courtship with Reverend Pritchard, the town's pastor and her longtime crush since they moved to Salton.
The rest of this review is spoiler-heavy, so review at your own risk. Just know that if you're thinking about reading this book, be sure to read the other two first before you pick this one up. If it isn't obvious by the stars, it's good enough that I would recommend it to a reader who wants something a little more clean and cozy in his/her fiction.
This is by far my favorite book of the series, and it has everything to do with the rise and fall of Lilac and Reverend Pritchard's courtship. In stories like this, it's very rare to start a relationship and not bring it to its natural conclusion aka marriage and happy ever after. The fact that this book did something risky and broke this couple apart is commendable. But perhaps more than that, it shows you why Lilac and Reverend Pritchard don't work. Reverend Pritchard wants someone who will be with him in every step of his pastoral care and life. Lilac wants the ability to have independence and her own dreams, which becomes impossible when Pritchard calls on her again and again to do things despite the fact she has things to do on the farm, or drawings to create, or any other priority besides Reverend Pritchard's ministry. It was even more obvious they weren't right for each other with Reverend Pritchard's reaction to Lilac breaking up with him. I love that this was a central part of the novel, and I'm glad a plotline like this exists in Christian fiction.
That being said, this book does come with its flaws. When Pritchard gets accused of sexual misconduct by a clearly vindictive mother of a near-spinster daughter, it felt like this plot point was created to pad out the story. While it is true that false accusations happen, we cannot ignore the history of sexual misconduct within churches by people in power, because not all are as virtuous as Pritchard is shown to be in the story. I just worry that this will make people believe the lie that when women come forward, it's for nefarious intent.
Fields of Bounty, while flawed in certain key ways, is my favorite in the series because it pursues questions I don't see enough in fiction with romantic plot themes. Considering how bad some Christian novels can be, it's always nice to read one that makes you think, which is one of many things you can hope for in a genuinely good book.
Fields of Bounty is the third book in the Leah's Garden series, which follows the Nielsen sisters, who move to Nebraska after troubles in their hometown leave them no other choice. This time, the story follows the youngest, Lilac Nielsen, as she begins publishing her drawings on the Oregon Trail for a New York newspaper. Her other plot is her courtship with Reverend Pritchard, the town's pastor and her longtime crush since they moved to Salton.
The rest of this review is spoiler-heavy, so review at your own risk. Just know that if you're thinking about reading this book, be sure to read the other two first before you pick this one up. If it isn't obvious by the stars, it's good enough that I would recommend it to a reader who wants something a little more clean and cozy in his/her fiction.
Fields of Bounty, while flawed in certain key ways, is my favorite in the series because it pursues questions I don't see enough in fiction with romantic plot themes. Considering how bad some Christian novels can be, it's always nice to read one that makes you think, which is one of many things you can hope for in a genuinely good book.
I have been reading and loving Lauraine Snelling's books since I was a teenager. Her books always are full of faith and this one is no exception. I haven't read the other books in this series and I would recommend reading this series in order. However, it did not take away from my enjoyment of this book. Snelling has a way with her writing that fully draws you into the story and make you feel as if you are there.
Lilac Nielsen must learn to balance her new courtship with the young reverend and her pursuit of another dream--the publication of her artwork in a New York newspaper. But when a family crisis back in Ohio shakes the Nielsen sisters, can they continue the new life they've begun in Nebraska? And will Lilac be prepared for what God has in store for her future?
When I requested this from netgalley, I didn't realise that it was the last book in the series. I know, I should have! I do wish now that I had read the first books, but it didn't take away the enjoyment of this book. I think it would be better reading the series, but you can easily follow the story. I love stories that are, essentially, family sagas. There is plenty of that on offer in this book. Although, there isn't anything too exciting happening in this book, there is quite a bit of drama, with 1 thing and another, like real life, there are disappointments, heartache but lots of joy too.
This story mainly centres on Lilac, 1 of the sisters, although all the siblings are involved to 1 degree or another. I like the Christian themes in this book too, and the fact that the sisters talk to the Lord naturally throughout their day. This family have a strong bond and really help each other out in so many ways.
I received an ebook from Netgalley. This review is my own opinion.
UPDATE
I read this again after reading the whole series in order. This story does make a lot more sense if you read the other books first.
When I requested this from netgalley, I didn't realise that it was the last book in the series. I know, I should have! I do wish now that I had read the first books, but it didn't take away the enjoyment of this book. I think it would be better reading the series, but you can easily follow the story. I love stories that are, essentially, family sagas. There is plenty of that on offer in this book. Although, there isn't anything too exciting happening in this book, there is quite a bit of drama, with 1 thing and another, like real life, there are disappointments, heartache but lots of joy too.
This story mainly centres on Lilac, 1 of the sisters, although all the siblings are involved to 1 degree or another. I like the Christian themes in this book too, and the fact that the sisters talk to the Lord naturally throughout their day. This family have a strong bond and really help each other out in so many ways.
I received an ebook from Netgalley. This review is my own opinion.
UPDATE
I read this again after reading the whole series in order. This story does make a lot more sense if you read the other books first.
Fields of Bounty by Lauraine Snelling takes readers back to 1857 in Salton, Nebraska to visit the Nielson sisters. I thought Fields of Bounty was well-written with developed characters. I have enjoyed getting to know the Nielson family. They are a close, loving family. I like how they are there for each other. We have gotten to watch the main characters struggle as they establish themselves in the new town, work hard to keep expanding the town and achieve their dreams, and mature as individuals. Fields of Bounty features Lilac Nielson who catches the attention of Ethan Pritchard, their pastor. We also get to catch up with the rest of the Nielson clan as well as some of the townspeople. Lilac grows up in this book. It is nice to see her mature. I like how Lilac story ends. I love the path the author chose for Lilac. Lilac learns that God has a plan for her life and that dashing ahead is counterintuitive (bring her nothing but disappointment and pain). I liked the life lessons in the story and how the author tied them to God plus provided relevant Bible passages. Some of the ideas presented caused me to dig out my Bible. I like how they provided deeper contemplation. I can tell that the author did her research for this series. We get a glimpse at what life was like on a Nebraska farm in the 1850s. Fields of Bounty is a feel-good story. People do experience difficulties and heartache, but they work to overcome life’s challenges and become better human beings. I was left with a couple of lingering questions when I finished the story. I hope there will be more books featuring the Nielson family and the town of Salton. Fields of Bounty is the third book in Leah’s Garden. I believe it is best to read the series in order. It allows you to follow the Nielson family from the beginning. There are a number of characters and new ones are introduced. It is a challenge to keep all of them straight along with their storylines. A list of characters at the beginning of the book would have been helpful. I like that the author created strong, smart female characters. They are businesswoman who are working to expand their farms and the town. Fields of Bounty is a heartwarming tale with a hectic harvest, a patient pastor, a helpful family, a busy boarding house, and witty women.
I am read this book for NetGalley. The 3rd installment brings us to Lilac. She is finally being courted by Reverend Ethan Pritchard. Through a series of unfortunate circumstances both of their faiths will be tested in unimaginable ways. The book also catches up on other characters from the first two books. I absolutely love this series!! I cannot wait for the next book.
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I received this book in the Librarything Early Member Giveaway for a honest review. This is my own opinions. I did like this book. It was a nice read. I feel like I would have understood the story better if I had read the first two books in the series. I still loved the characters a lot. The plot was sweet too. It has great faith content in the book. I rated this book a 3 out of 5 stars