*Don't forget to scroll down to see how you can enter Catherine's Kindle GIVEAWAY!*
:Hundreds of miles from home, Susannah faces an uncertain future as a mail-order bride on the untamed Dakota prairie.
When her parents die suddenly, and no suitors call, Susannah resigns herself to the only option available: becoming a mail-order bride. Agreeing to marry her pastor's brother, Jesse, Susannah leaves the only home she's ever known for the untamed frontier of the Dakota Territory.
Her new husband is more loving and patient with her than she believes she deserves. Still, there is also a wildness to him that mirrors the wilderness surrounding them. And Susannah finds herself constantly on edge. But Jesse's confidence in her-and his faith in God's perfect plan-slowly begin to chip away at the wall she hides behind.
When she miscarries in the brutal Dakota winter, Susannah's fledgling faith in herself and in God begins to crumble. Still, Jesse's love is unwavering. Just when it seems like winter will never end, Susannah finally sees the first tentative evidence of spring. And with it, the realization that more than the landscape has changed.
She looks to the future with a renewed heart. Yet in her wildest dreams, she couldn't predict all that awaits her.
Catherine Richmond was focused on her career as an occupational therapist till a special song planted a story idea in her mind. That idea would ultimately become Spring for Susannah
, her first novel. She is also a founder and moderator of Nebraska Novelist critique group and lives in Nebraska with her husband.MY THOUGHTS:
I thought Catherine's debut novel, Spring for Susannah, was an enjoyable read. Sticking Susannah's shy personality and Jesse's exuberance in a cramped soddy gives the traditional mail-order bride storyline a fresh perspective. Susannah slowly begins to trust Jesse and realizes he loves her. Truly loves her. But when Jesse feels he must leave in order to provide for Susannah, he learns the hard way that Susannah is stronger than he thought and they can work together to build their homestead.
My only real problem with the book is the physical detail of Jesse and Susannah's relationship. I don't quite know how to share this without sounding negative. I truly enjoyed the story! Jesse and Susannah are married, so the written romance is not really wrong, but I still felt uncomfortable. I guess I feel that what my husband and I share is a special gift from God - something that we are careful not to share publicly with others. I think that writing too much detail cheapens that gift, making it feel less special.
I just think our Christian authors need to be careful. I'm afraid I wouldn't want my daughter - or any unmarried woman - to read it. If I feel uncomfortable sharing a book with my mom or mother-in-law, I think too much detail was given.
Otherwise, Catherine's debut read more like an author who has been published many times. Spring for Susannah
was well-written and romantic, combining stories in my imagination like Love Comes Softly
, Sarah, Plain and Tall
, and Little House
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Thank you to Catherine, through Amy and the Litfuse Hens, for sending me a copy to read and review!
GIVEAWAY ALERT!!
To celebrate her debut novel, Catherine and her publisher, Thomas Nelson, have teamed up to give away a Spring For Susannah
Prize Package worth over $150! One grand prize winner will receive:* A brand new Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi and Pearl Screen
* Spring for Susannah by Catherine Richmond (for KINDLE)
Also reviewed on Amazon and Christianbook. Click HERE to see what other bloggers are saying about Spring for Susannah
! Recommend: YES
**Disclaimer: I was given a free product for review purposes only. My reviews are not monetarily compensated and have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way, unless otherwise disclosed. Each review is based on the reactions and opinions of myself and/or family. Post *may* contain affiliate links.**
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