Wednesday, April 5, 2023

About the Book

Book: Rose

Author: Rena Groot

Genre: Christian Historical Romantic Fiction

Release date: April 28, 2022

Strong, determined Rose finds more than she bargained for on a wagon train headed out West on the Oregon Trail. Will she be able to leave the comforts of high society behind to survive the rigors of the trail? Will she humbly admit her need for strength, hope and courage from God? What is God saying to her about Lachlan, her surprise chaperone? Why did God bring Lachlan into her life if their dreams collide? Rose has dreams of being a teacher in town. Lachlan’s dream is to be a rancher, far from any town. Must Rose abandon her dreams to embrace his…or will she let this gentle giant of a man leave to pursue his own dreams?

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About the Author

Hi. My name is Rena Groot. I have a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Masters of Religious Education from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane, Alberta. I have been a teacher in Canada and China, have published eight books, I have designed a digital course called Broken to Beautiful-Transformed By God’s Power, I have been a tour manager from the Rockies to the Pacific, have been a missionary to the ends of the Earth, a mom of four—and the most important part—I am a child of God.

More from Rena

My middle name is Rose. I was named after my grandmother, Rose. As far as I know, I never met my father’s mother, Rose. Her life, and my dad’s, were an enigma to me. While writing this book I found out Rose had two other grandchildren I knew nothing about—my brother and sister I didn’t know existed. God is so amazing! (This is attached to the email)

One of my favorite recipes is fry bread. On days we stay in camp, I make enough for the week. It gets a bit hard towards the end of the week, but softens when it’s dipped in stew. Here’s the recipe: Four cups flour, one quarter cup shortening—I use bacon fat—four teaspoons baking powder, three-quarters cup of milk, one teaspoon salt, and oil or fat for frying. If the dough is too thick or thin, Willow said to play with it until it feels just right. It can also be made into a dessert if you put milk, cinnamon, and berries on top.

Johnnycake’s delicious with beans. It’s so easy to make. You need two eggs, two cups of sour milk, one half cup flour, two tablespoons molasses, one teaspoon salt, two cups cornmeal, one teaspoon baking powder, and two tablespoons butter. You mix all the ingredients then bake it in a Dutch oven over the fire until it’s cooked.

Cheese is easy to make. It’s a good way to use the two gallons of milk we get from our cow and the goat each day. We are getting so much we have been sharing. Willow showed me how to gently heat the milk in a pail on the fire until it’s blood warm. Rennet is needed to make cheese, so I use a flask made from a cow’s stomach because it has rennet in it. I had no idea. I pour the hot milk into the stomach flask and wait. After it’s been left a few hours, I pour it out, break up the curds, and mix them with salt. I wrap the curds in a cloth and put them in a round wooden frame called “the follower.” (Thankfully, Lachlan had the good sense to buy one of those also). The curds are pressed in the follower. The cheese is usually aged for at least two months before it can be eaten.

MY REVIEW

This book has been a realistic look at what it might have been like traveling the Oregon Trail. The author does a great job of describing the treacherous journey many took as they faced sickness, weather that was dangerous at times and terrain that was hard to get through. I was in awe of how I actually felt like I was on the wagon with Rose. I could feel the chill in the air and the rough terrain as the oxen pulled the wagon.

In the late 1850s the book takes us along as Rose decides she wants to travel but the wagon master refuses to let her join. I loved how this kind, gentle man offered to help Rose out. She was not sure at first if she could trust him, but along the way we see how much Lachlan will mean to her. I loved reading her letters to her ma and how she talked about her days. It was interesting to read all the supplies needed for the trip. I can’t imagine having to pack for a length of time making sure you had enough food, parts for a wagon and other necessary items. I did find it funny that Rose was going to travel with Lachlan as his cook. She has no idea how to do any cooking.

Lachlan is someone you can trust, respect and call on if you need help. His treatment of Rose was so heartwarming and I loved how protective he was over her. As they travel they begin to get to know each other and share their faith. The book is rich in scripture and faith that keeps Lachlan and Rose grounded and pure in God’s eyes. The author does an excellent job of illustrating what a Godly man Lachlan is.

The story has some very sad moments that made me cry. Life on the Oregon Trail was difficult and not an easy journey for anyone. We witness deaths that broke my heart as illness overtook several families. Bringing a child into the world was not easy if there were any complications and reading how families faced this was emotional. I appreciate how the author gives us a look at how Rose and Lachlan stepped up to help others and welcomed many to their meals.

I loved this story that shares how God is there at all times. He knows the pain we face but He is there to comfort us. Rose and Lachlan’s story is an example of following your heart and trusting God.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.