Fields of Bounty

"Lilac Nielsen must learn to balance her new courtship with the young reverend and her pursuit of another dream-the publication of her artwork in a New York newspaper. But when a family crisis back in Ohio shakes the Nielsen sisters, can they continue the new life they've begun in Nebraska? And will Lilac be prepared for what God has in store for her future?"--

User reviews

LibraryThing member grammy57

When I received the ARC copy through Netgalley, I did not realize it was book 3 in a series. I wish I had read the other 2 books first. This is because I enjoyed the book but also because it would make the story more precise with the missing background. With that being said, I did enjoy the

book.
The story flowed quite well. The characters, at least the primary 2, were quite well-developed. The editing was also very well done though not perfect. The imperfections did not really affect the story.
This is a Christian book though it is not a preachy story. It shows how the main characters rely on God in difficult situations. It also shows how you need to rely on God and not your own thoughts, especially when making life-altering decisions.
If you like stories set in pioneer times that are clean, Christian, and overall a good, captivating story, you will enjoy this book. I give it a 4 out of 5-star rating.

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LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson

Fields of Bounty by Lauraine Snelling takes readers back to 1857 in Salton, Nebraska to visit the Nielson sisters. I thought Fields of Bounty was well-written with developed characters. I have enjoyed getting to know the Nielson family. They are a close, loving family. I like how they are there for

each other. We have gotten to watch the main characters struggle as they establish themselves in the new town, work hard to keep expanding the town and achieve their dreams, and mature as individuals. Fields of Bounty features Lilac Nielson who catches the attention of Ethan Pritchard, their pastor. We also get to catch up with the rest of the Nielson clan as well as some of the townspeople. Lilac grows up in this book. It is nice to see her mature. I like how Lilac story ends. I love the path the author chose for Lilac. Lilac learns that God has a plan for her life and that dashing ahead is counterintuitive (bring her nothing but disappointment and pain). I liked the life lessons in the story and how the author tied them to God plus provided relevant Bible passages. Some of the ideas presented caused me to dig out my Bible. I like how they provided deeper contemplation. I can tell that the author did her research for this series. We get a glimpse at what life was like on a Nebraska farm in the 1850s. Fields of Bounty is a feel-good story. People do experience difficulties and heartache, but they work to overcome life’s challenges and become better human beings. I was left with a couple of lingering questions when I finished the story. I hope there will be more books featuring the Nielson family and the town of Salton. Fields of Bounty is the third book in Leah’s Garden. I believe it is best to read the series in order. It allows you to follow the Nielson family from the beginning. There are a number of characters and new ones are introduced. It is a challenge to keep all of them straight along with their storylines. A list of characters at the beginning of the book would have been helpful. I like that the author created strong, smart female characters. They are businesswoman who are working to expand their farms and the town. Fields of Bounty is a heartwarming tale with a hectic harvest, a patient pastor, a helpful family, a busy boarding house, and witty women.

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LibraryThing member Jjean7

Received this book as ARC and found it very interesting - started off a little slow to me but then it becomes a page turner - Christian book with family issues - romance - and how life was in Nebraska in the 1800's - 3rd book in series but well written & easy to follow....

LibraryThing member Maydacat

This third book in the Leah’s Garden series focuses on Lilac. She is surprised when Ethan, the young reverend, wants to court her. She has a busy life, drawing illustrations to sell to a New York newspaper as well as helping out her sisters on the farm. But having a family of her own has always

been a part of her dream as well as being a successful artist. And since Lilac has been infatuated with Ethan for months, this seems like an answer to her prayers. But plans can go awry, and their lives are soon more hectic than ever. They have even more work to do when her brother’s store back east burns down and her other brother leaves them to go back east to help rebuild the store. But Lilac’s idea of romance and Ethan’s aren’t quite the same thing. Ethan wants Lilac to accompany him on his calls and visits, but Lilac really doesn’t want to give up anything she is doing, and trying to fit in all of Ethan’s demands is becoming too stressful. She must decide if she can be the wife Ethan desires without giving up too much of herself and her own desires. The story takes place in Nebraska in 1867 and the two authors do a credible job of setting that scene. Not everything goes well for all the main characters. Ethan finds himself in some serious trouble that could affect his ministry. Lilac feels like she is being pulled in two directions. Other secondary storylines add interest to the novel. Christian ethics and beliefs are evident throughout the novel. All told, it is a well written and entertaining tale, and sure to please readers of Christian fiction.

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LibraryThing member janesveska

This is historical fiction, book #3 in a series, "Leah's Garden." I did not read the first two. I received the book free from the publisher.
Four adult sisters have settled in the Nebraska territory in 1867. They've established a homestead with a sod house and a bit of livestock. The story revolves

around Lilac, her desire to sell her sketches for publication, and her relationship with her fiance, the local pastor. It's a nice family saga. The Christian content was nicely woven in and not heavy-handed. Not a lot happens; there is no villain and no conflict. Lilac breaks off the engagement near the end of the book. Did I mention that nothing much happens?
Side note: There was no character named Leah, and no mention of a garden. I would not recommend this book unless the person has enjoyed the first two in the series.

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LibraryThing member halstead898

Overall I actually didn't enjoy reading this book. It's the third book in the series and I hadn't read the first two. I didn't know who many of the characters were and there were many. Allot of time was spent describing animal characters when I was trying to figure out who the people were

especially since the animals and people all had flower type names. I also didn't feel like there was much of a build to the climax of the story. I kept thinking that something should happen. When it finally did, I felt relieved like I was ready for something, anything to happen because it took so long for anything to happen. I did appreciate that at the end of the story lilac did not actually marry the peacher. I thought the book was the typical Christian romance where the girl and guy get together by the end but when she broke off the marriage I was excited that it wasn't the typical ending. I didn't mind the book by the end and skimmed to find out what happened. I am interested to know what happens to lilac and lark and even Ethan but not enough to read another one in that series.

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LibraryThing member LadyoftheLodge

This book tells the story of sisters who move to Nebraska and their lives there in 1867. It is a nice historical Christian story by a well-known author of Christian novels. In this book, Lilac must decide between following her dream of artist work and becoming a preacher's wife. I was somewhat

disappointed in the ending, but the author left the story open-ended so the series might continue. This book is the third in the series. I did not read the first two in the series, so I was not familiar with all the characters. The Christian message is present throughout but not oppressive to the reader. I received this book from Early Reviewers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

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LibraryThing member eccl

Fields of Bounty, by Lauraine Snelling with Kriersti Giron, is book three in the Leah's Garden series. This story does take over where the second ends, so it is best to read this series in order. It is a very well written, fun and easy to read story that is set in Nebraska in 1867. Lilac is one of

four sisters who moved to Nebraska from Ohio. Ethan is the local pastor who she plans to marry. Both go through struggles and trials that show their trust and faith in the Lord.

This is such a good story, infact, I have enjoyed the whole series. There are so many things I like about it. When the sisters first arrived a sody was built to live in. Two of the sisters still live there and care for the animals and fields. The other two are married and starting their own families, but they are still close and help a lot. I enjoy how talented, strong, and knowledgeable they are. They plan ahead for future needs, this comes out when they are making butter with the last of the mild a cow will give for a while. They hunt for the food for the whole family as well as the boarding house. I especially like how the family is there for each other and watches out for each other. Yet when Lilac is struggling with a decision, they don't interfer until she askes for advice. The connections they have to each other show with how Lilac and her older brother work secretly together to get her drawing published. She even turns to him first when she starts questioning her future plans.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

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LibraryThing member Virginia51

I loved this historical romance that has a wonderful ending. I loved all the emotions that Lilac goes through in her life. I loved how kind and wonderful that Lilac is. I loved all the main characters in this story. I love that you can read this book even if you have not read the first two in the

series, though I recommend them. I love that this is easy to read and inspirational. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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LibraryThing member Harley0326

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.

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LibraryThing member ibjoy1953

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
I haven’t read the other books in this series, but this is ok to be read on its on. I have enjoyed Lauraine’s books and this one didn’t disappoint either. This series is about four sisters, each sister is named after one of their mom’s flowers. Lilac Nielsen is the

star of this book. Lilac’s dreams are coming true since the new handsome young Reverend Ethan Pritchard has finally decided that she is worthy of his noticing her. I like Lilac and enjoyed journeying with her as she court’s the Bishop. I enjoyed these characters so much, and learning about their personalities and what part each of them have in the story. This is a beautifully written story and I am happy to give this book Five Stars. I hope you enjoy this sweet historical fiction as much as I did.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not rpequired to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

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LibraryThing member drebbles

“Fields of Bounty” is the third book in the Leah’s Garden series. When I won this book I didn’t realize that it was part of a series – I haven’t read the first two books and there were times when I was reading this that I wished I had (I may go back and read them because certain

storylines intrigued me). While I did feel lost at times, I did enjoy this book. The four sisters in the book are some of the strongest female characters that I have come across in a book. I especially loved reading about Lark and Lilac kept the family and the inn they run supplied in food. The book is set in 1867 ad it was interesting to read as they ate food that we would not think of eating today. There are various storylines in the book and all are interesting – while the book focuses on Ethan/Lilac, I was particularly fond of the Jesse/Climie storyline. As for Ethan and Lilac – both their stories had several twists and turns, especially Ethan’s – I hope there is another book in the series because I suspect his story is not done.

“Fields of Bounty” is an interesting historical novel.

I won a copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it.

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LibraryThing member KellyAnn14

Beautiful story, well written

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