Book Review: When The Meadow Blooms

 From the back:

If any place on God's earth was designed to help one heal, it is Meadowland. Surely here, at her brother-in-law's Kentucky farm, Rose and her daughters can recover from the events of the recent past--the loss of her husband during the 1918 influenza epidemic, her struggle with tuberculosis that required a stay at a sanatorium, and her girls' experience in an orphanage during her illness. At Meadowland, past troubles become rich soil in which faith can grow.

Dirk Meadows may have opened his home to his late brother's widow and her girls, but he keeps his heart tightly closed. The roots of his pain run deep, and the evidence of it is written across his face. Badly scarred by a fire and abandoned by the woman he loved, Dirk fiercely guards his heart from being hurt again.

But it may be that his visitors will bring light back into his world and unlock the secret to true healing.

My Reflections: 

When the Meadow Blooms is set in Kentucky in 1925. 

This is a touching story of hardship and sorrow and the will to overcome it.

Rose fights to become strong enough to overcome her battle with tuberculosis. The only thing she can think of is her two children Calla and Sienna, who are being cared for at an orphanage.

Having lost her husband she must face her battle alone, that is until she becomes desperate enough to ask her brother-in-law for help.

Dirk has his own history and must work through his troubled past to help his kin who are near strangers.

Living as a recluse is he ready to unchain his heart and move into a new life.

I think my favorite character if I had to pick one would be little Sienna, her keen observations and sweet nature stole my heart. She is a sensitive child who often sees the little details most of us are oblivious to. 

This is a poignant story that highlights God's redeeming love, no matter our past. I so enjoyed traveling with Rose, Calla, Sienna, and Dirk throughout this novel. The story ends neat and tidy making me wish for a sequel. 

I cried I rejoiced and I smiled. This will be a keeper on my library shelves.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Ann H. Gabhart

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of Along a Storied Trail, An Appalachian Summer, River to Redemption, These Healing Hills, and Angel Sister, along with several Shaker novels--The Refuge, The Outsider,...

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