A Mending at the Edge is the third volume in the Change and Cherish series by Jane Kirkpatrick. Emma Wagner Giesy’s story continues in the communal society of Aurora in the 1850s Oregon Territory.

In this book, Emma’s search for her purpose in life results in a maturing of her faith in herself, others, and her Lord. She struggles to overcome her label as a troublemaker when all she really wants to do is have a purpose to her life. She finds that sometimes achieving her dreams and goals comes with a high price.

Throughout this book, Emma shows the positive side of communal living as she seeks to serve others who are hurting and in need of food, shelter, and love. By reaching out to outcasts, she demonstrates the true love of Christ rather than the self-seeking, manipulative example shown by Aurora’s leader. By the end of the book, Emma realizes that she has found her purpose and with it faith, happiness, and peace.

I would highly recommend A Mending at the Edge as well as the first two books in this series, especially to those who enjoy historical fiction.

I have one copy of A Mending at the Edge to give away courtesy of the publisher. If you would like to enter to win, please leave a comment with a way to contact you no later than Saturday, April 26. I will try to contact the winner no later than Monday, April 28.

The Change and Cherish series byJane Kirkpatrick

A Clearing in the Wild

Spirited young Emma Wagner chafes at the constraints of her 1850s religious community, which values conformity over independent thought, especially in women. Skeptical of the colony’s growing emphasis on preparing for “the last days,” Emma clashes with their increasingly autocratic leader—and faces the unexpected consequences of pursuing independence.

A Tendering in the Storm

This lyrical novel, based on an historical figure of the 1800s, follows the spirited and intelligent Emma Giesy, who achieves her goal of separating her family from the repressive religious community in which she grew up. But unexpected and dire consequences leave her family—and her faith—struggling to survive.

A Mending at the Edge

This richly textured novel, the third in the acclaimed Change and Cherish series, follows the historical figure of Emma Wagner Giesy, who chafes under the restrictions of her 1860s religious colony. When her bid to belong in her unique way unravels her most precious relationships, she seeks new ways to stitch meaning into her life.

Author Bio: Jane Kirkpatrick is the best-selling author of two nonfiction books and fourteen historical novels, including the popular Kinship and Courage series. Her award-winning writing has appeared in more than fifty publications, including Sports Afield and Decision. She’s won the coveted Western Heritage Wrangler Award, an honor shared by such writers as Larry McMurtry and Barbara Kingsolver. Jane is a licensed clinical social worker as well as an internationally recognized speaker. She and her husband, Jerry, ranch 160 acres in eastern Oregon.