reviewsbyerin

I just love it when you can find a series that is good all the way from beginning to end. The “Ada's House” novels by Cindy Woodsmall fit that bill perfectly. Three stories about three lovely and very unique young ladies, and the people who fill their lives.

Harvest of Grace introduces us to Sylvia, the oldest of 9 sisters. Although it was by necessity that she learned how to run her father's dairy farm, she truly has a deep passion for the land that will one day become her own. She wants to be a farmer and a wife and mother... until she experiences a deep betrayal and must leave her family home.

Being the oldest in a large family myself, I could relate to Sylvia on a big sister level. I know how hard and yet how fulfilling it is when you are the right hand man of your mom or dad. It's tough when there are disagreements and stressful when you share the responsibilities of your home and family yet you're still one of the kids. That's the lot of the oldest child. :-) The joy of sharing or helping shape the life of your siblings, though... you can't beat that!

Sylvia is able to find a new home on the Blank farm. Deep in debt, with their only son most definitely not interested in inheriting the land, Michael and Dora are trying to keep their livelihood together. Sylvia is a welcome and valuable edition into their lives.

Aaron Blank returns to his parents' home with fresh dreams for life. A stint in rehabilitation has helped him with his alcohol addiction. He's ready to convince his parents to sell the dairy and move into town so he can take care of them while operating his new appliance shop. He is unprepared to find that he will not only have to fight his stubborn father but also the new hired help: the dark-haired girl who is determined to not be driven off of this farm.

A story of pain, dreams, and two hearts at cross-purposes. I really enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down. You can read the first chapter for yourself at this link.

And don't worry, we still get to keep up with Cara from The Hope of Refuge and Lena from The Bridge of Peace. Their lives and loves still hold a prominent place as the plot ties up.

I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.

I was able to meet Cindy Woodsmall at one of her book tour stops in August! She was very gracious and friendly, taking time to converse for several minutes with each fan who came by. It definitely enhanced my reading experience to have met the author! :-)