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.

My thoughts...

Charlotte and Bob are grieving the loss of their daughter, Denise, who left home after an argument. They never saw her again. Now they learn they have 3 grandchildren in San Diego that will be coming to live with them on their Nebraska farm.

Reading how the children struggle to deal with the loss of their mother as well as trying to adjust to their new surroundings was heartbreaking. Bob and Charlotte grieving and trying to be strong while clinging to their faith in Jesus. The author did such a great job expressing the emotions of the characters. This is a touching story... better have a box of tissue handy.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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.

My thoughts...

Book two continues the story of the Charlotte and Bob and their grandchildren. The children haven't adjusted as well as had hoped. Emily doesn't like living on a farm, Christopher has withdrawn, Sam is failing his classes and they miss their friends. Charlotte worries about them and searches for answers when something happens that changes things. Christopher finds an old piece of metal in a field and his quest to discover where it came from opens up a can of worms.

Written by another author this well written tale of a family thrown together by unfortunate circumstances warms your heart as they struggle to become a real family.

I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.