MY REVIEW:
The first two books of Guidepost’s Home to Heather Creek series, “Before the Dawn” and “Sweet September”, chronicle the lives of the Stevenson family as grandparents Bob and Charlotte attempt to make a home for their daughter’s orphaned children. The adjustment is not easy as the three children, two of whom are teens, seem to resent the move from suburban California to a Nebraska farm to live with grandparents they barely know. Both books have a down-home feel and the transition from the first to the second is smooth despite being written by different authors.
“Before the Dawn” is the first book in the series which covers the first months of change in the lives of the family complete with all the conflicts both with the grandchildren and between Bob and son Pete who farms with him. Charlotte and Bob are not always in agreement on how to handle their grandchildren and Charlotte is fearful that they will make similar mistakes to those in raising their own children.
“Sweet September” continues the family story as harvest time approaches. The grandchildren have settled in but are still somewhat resistant to life on the farm. Christopher seems to be hiding something and Sam is falling behind in school. Emily has made a good friend but is still unhappy with her new life. On top of that, the conflict between Bob and Pete seems to escalate and someone or something is stealing eggs and vegetables right out of the garden while they sleep. Charlotte is so stressed she doesn’t know which way to turn.
The first two books in the Home to Heather Creek series are stories about second chances. Charlotte and Bob have a chance to make a difference in the lives of their grandchildren and even a second chance with their two remaining children. They are stories about relationships, about when to discipline and when to just love. There is a lot of wisdom within their pages and a strong emphasis on turning problems over to God. These books can be enjoyed by both young and old alike.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOKS:
When the world around you falls apart, could it be that God is giving you a second chance? This is just one of the questions on Charlotte Stevenson’s mind as she brings her three grandchildren to live on the family farm in Guidepost Books’ Home to Heather Creek series.
Before the Dawn begins just one week after the funeral of Charlotte’s daughter, Denise. Denise’s three children barely have time to process the death of their mother before they must move to the Heather Creek Farm they have never visited with grandparents they barely know. At age 16, Sam is fiercely protective of his younger siblings. Emily is 14 and desperately misses her friends. Young Christopher is only 8 and just wants to fit in. While Charlotte tries to help her grandchildren adjust to their new life, she also wrestles with her own grief and the enormous task of bringing her family together. Bob believes the fastest path to adjustment is a firm routine, with structure and chores, the same way they raised their own kids. However, that route led to Denise running away from home as a teenager and an estranged relationship with her family. Charlotte is worried about making the same mistakes she made with Denise. Is this her chance to make things right?
It is spring when the children arrive, and as Charlotte looks around the farm, she hopes the new life around them will signify hope and healing. The miracle of new life, along with God’s healing touch, reminds all of them that it’s always darkest just before the dawn.
Sweet September picks up at harvest time, as the children are settling into a new school year. While the harvest should be an exciting time, the children don’t seem to be getting into the spirit. Emily is struggling with farm life, Christopher spends most of his time alone, and Sam is failing school. Trying to learn from what did and didn’t work with her own kids, Charlotte is determined to get her grandchildren back on track.
As tenuous family bonds threaten to break apart, a mystery on the farm might be the one thing that can bond the family together. Charlotte sets out to uncover the truth, and as the kids unite to find answers, this cobbled-together family learns more about one another and the love that binds them together.
The lives of the Stevensons and their grandchildren unfold in this captivating story of the remarkable change that comes from the love of family, the kindness of others, sheer persistence and unshakable faith. As readers follow the Stevensons’ inspiring stories, it’s almost impossible not feel a part of this friendly, loving community, where God’s grace can be seen in every circumstance.
Purchase a copy of the books here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Kathleen Bauer is the pen name for a team of writers who have come together to create the Home to Heather Creek series.
| Before The Dawn — Written by Carolyne Aarsen.A transplanted city girl, Carolyne moved to the country when her fiancee and now husband, decided he wanted to farm. The move took quite well and Carolyne learned to milk cows, herd cows, drive a tractor, can, freeze, garden, bake, cook and preserve. She and her husband raised four wonderful children and took in numerous foster children. Somewhere along the way Carolyne decided she wanted to recreate her own version of the romance novels she loved reading. In her writing she yearns to show redemption and change and the chance to start over. Coming home to faith and love is a thread that is woven through every story she writes. |  |
| Sweet September – Written by Tricia Goyer. |  |
Guideposts is celebrating the launch of Home to Heather Creek with a Paperwhite Kindle Giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- A Paperwhite Kindle
- Before the Dawn and Sweet September by Kathleen Bauer
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th HERE.
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