About the Book

Book: Fields of Bounty

Author: Lauraine Snelling

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: March 21, 2023

They must set aside their own plans and rely on their faith to bring their true destiny to light.

Lilac Nielsen’s dream has come true: handsome young Reverend Ethan Pritchard has finally noticed her. Yet she must balance this new courtship with the pursuit of another dream–the publication of her artwork in a New York paper. She has secretly been submitting a series of drawings under a pen name, and if anyone traces the drawings back to her and finds out where Lilac and her sisters settled, the entire Nielsen family could be in danger.

As their family farm expands and Lilac’s relationship with the reverend grows, it’s a time of new beginnings. But when a family crisis back in Ohio shakes the Nielsen sisters, can they continue to build the new life they’ve begun in Nebraska? And will Lilac be prepared for what God has in store for her future?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lauraine Snelling (www.laurainesnelling.com) is the award-winning author of more than 100 books, fiction and nonfiction, for adults and young adults. Her books have sold more than five million copies. She and her husband make their home in Tehachapi, California.

More from Lauraine

One of the things I love about writing novels is that the characters often surprise me as I write. I usually jot notes, then have to hunt for them because I have the bad habit of scribbling on whatever paper happens to be handy. But as I play with the characters who’ve already taken up residence in my head, they seem to develop a mind of their own. Once I have the opening line, the adventure flies off in directions I never expected.

 

Lilac’s story, Fields of Bounty, is book three of Leah’s Garden. The series follows the adventures of four sisters, all named after their mother’s favorite flowers. Lilac is the youngest sister. She’s a dreamer, as I’d already learned in two of her sisters’ stories. She loves playing the fiddle with her sisters, who are each proficient on a different instrument. As she lives the frontier life, she sketches everything around her, their farm animals, her growing extended family, and their new life in Nebraska. Her story unwinds in ways you might not expect.

 

It’s interesting how flowers show up in so many of my books. I love to talk about flowers. I  choose and plant them so I can pick flowers, arrange them, and enjoy the fragrances. I take photos and paint watercolors of my flowers as well. Our acreage is hedged in lilac bushes. In the spring when my lilacs are blooming and a breeze is spreading the perfume, I can take my laptop out to the deck, inhale deeply, and write.

 

Since we wish we could keep the scent of lilacs around all year, I found a great recipe for making lilac potpourri from The Experimental Homesteader. Check out her website for instructions. I think our Nebraska Lilac would approve.

MY REVIEW

I loved reading  this story and how it illustrates grace and a multitude of faith as we follow a family whose sisters are close. They help each other on the farm, with children and give emotional support when needed. I loved watching the town grow from the beginning  stages and  blossomed over time. The small town feeling is evident as the townspeople help each other out and encourage each other when they face tragedy. 

It was exciting to see Lilac become more confident as her drawings were a hit with a newspaper. I could picture the way she brought the town to life with her  tender sketching of a picnic, a family sitting on the porch or a look between sweethearts. It all comes together to bring life to the story. Lilac struggles with a decision that could change her life. Her prayers lead her to be strong as she decides her future. 

The other sisters have trials as well but through each stumbling block, they grow closer. It is a beautiful story that shows how important family is and the  sacrifices  made to keep food on the table. Their faith is evident in every decision made and I liked how we watch them grow spiritually. 

I need to mention Ethan who is the preacher for two towns. His heart for God’s work is evident as he wants to help start new churches in the  area. It will come at a cost when the woman he falls in love with must decide if she wants to be a preacher’s wife. It is hard work and there is little time for yourselves as you take care of the congregations needs. I admired Ethan and how he wanted to follow in his father and  brothers footsteps. There is a little plot twist when jealousy and bitterness makes someone bring false claims against Ethan. 

I enjoyed reading how God worked in many lives in the  book and brought joy to many. It was fun to watch a town start from the beginning and work together to make it a place where people want to put down roots. I adored the sisters and how they helped others and shared  in celebrations when a wedding or the  birth of a baby happened. It is a simple life that is filled with promise and God who brings  unity when a lie tries to ruin someone’s reputation. 

As Lilac and her sisters follow God’s direction for their lives they realize how important it is to follow His path for their future. It is okay to say no to something when you know it is not where God wants you. It is a journey where love, dreams, faith and family come together to find their path to happiness. 

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

Blog Stops

Bigreadersite, April 21

lakesidelivingsite, April 21

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 23

Texas Book-aholic, April 24

Lily’s Book Reviews, April 25

Cover Lover Book Review, April 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 26

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 27 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 27

Connie’s History Classroom, April 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 30

For Him and My Family, May 1

Holly’s Book Corner, May 2

Splashes of Joy, May 3

Mary Hake, May 3

Pause for Tales, May 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauraine is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback set of the books in LEAH’S GARDEN series: The Seeds of Change, A Time to Bloom, and Fields of Bounty!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/258b1/fields-of-bounty-celebration-tour-giveaway