Status
Available
Call number
Series
Publication
Bethany House Publishers (2010), 336 pages
Description
Fiction. Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. A humorous romance from a bestselling author set in 1890s Texas; have a hasty marriage and conflicting dreams ruined their chance for true love?
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
336 p.; 8.38 inches
ISBN
0764203215 / 9780764203213
User reviews
LibraryThing member ReviewsbyMolly
I am a devoted fan to Cathy Marie Hake now! I only read her work in the multi-authored book, Virginia Brides, and loved her work then. But, now that I have read Serendipity and I've seen the blessedly tender characters she created along with the amazing, God filled plot line, I am, forever more, a
I loved reading Maggie Rose's story. She was a "take me as I am" kinda gal, and walking along side her, her man Todd, and her mother-law-law Helga, was truly a magnificent experience. Traveling from the Ozarks to Texas was wonderful fun! Not only did Cathy Marie Hake create these lovable characters (even with stubborn ol' Ma Helga!), she incorporated God's love and messages through out. Seeing the way Maggie was selfless and always trying to do right by others, thinking of them first before herself, really pulled at my heart! But, her man, Todd.....now THAT is a man that made me peeved a time or two. His marrying Maggie for convenience was one that happened quite often in those days, so that wasn't a surprise. What was a surprise was all the events that happened after the marriage. His following God's will to do right by the marriage.....THAT is tender!
Mixed with just the right about of sweet humor and wholesome messages (not to mention the fun loving trip back into History!), this is an unforgettable sweet 5 star novel, that I recommend to EVERYONE with the highest of praises. I am officially hooked on Cathy's books and will be looking for her past works, along with all her future works, too. Well done, Cathy!
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Cathy Marie Hake fan! I loved reading Maggie Rose's story. She was a "take me as I am" kinda gal, and walking along side her, her man Todd, and her mother-law-law Helga, was truly a magnificent experience. Traveling from the Ozarks to Texas was wonderful fun! Not only did Cathy Marie Hake create these lovable characters (even with stubborn ol' Ma Helga!), she incorporated God's love and messages through out. Seeing the way Maggie was selfless and always trying to do right by others, thinking of them first before herself, really pulled at my heart! But, her man, Todd.....now THAT is a man that made me peeved a time or two. His marrying Maggie for convenience was one that happened quite often in those days, so that wasn't a surprise. What was a surprise was all the events that happened after the marriage. His following God's will to do right by the marriage.....THAT is tender!
Mixed with just the right about of sweet humor and wholesome messages (not to mention the fun loving trip back into History!), this is an unforgettable sweet 5 star novel, that I recommend to EVERYONE with the highest of praises. I am officially hooked on Cathy's books and will be looking for her past works, along with all her future works, too. Well done, Cathy!
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LibraryThing member judyg54
What a great story in this "Only in Gooding Series"!! There was just something about both Maggie Rose and Todd Valmer that I fell in love with. They both had struggles to work through in their marriage, but they kept working at it and never giving up on it and each other. The beginning of their
Maggie Rose lives in Carver's Holler with a ragtag bunch of old men. She makes a living making soaps, lotions and perfumes from her special rose recipe and is content with where she is at. When a handsome young man shows up at their door with his mother who has fallen ill in the midst of a snow storm, Maggie Rose takes them in. Todd Valmer finds himself in a desperate situation. His mother, who he went East to bring back to his farm, is now in need of a caretaker and he needs to get back to his farm in Texas. Taking Maggie back with him seems like the best solution. She can cook, care for Ma and tend his house while he works in the fields.
Serendipity means "something unexpected that brought gladness or thanksgiving" (according to the author in this story). And this will be what Todd will find in his new wife Maggie Rose. I liked how honest and open Todd was with Maggie's uncle before he proposed to her, "There is a word: serendipity. It is when something unexpectedly good happens in the midst of the trials of life. For me to meet my wife now - it is because God has worked in a bad situation. Let Margaret become my bride. I will heed God's commands, and I will come to love her as you loved your wife and as Christ cherishes the church. Until that love blooms, your niece and I have serendipity - this providence from God - that brought us together. It is a fine start." And thus begins a journey that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was hard for me to put the book down and sad to see it end.
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marriage was built on a need they each had, but love grew and it was very enjoyable watching it blossom. The road was very rocky at times, but Maggie Rose was loyal to her husband, and didn't let anyone try to come between them. She was plain spoken but had a heart that was full and ready to love. She also had more patience than anyone I know when it came to her caring for her mother-in-law who suffered from a stroke. I was sorry to see the book come to an end.Maggie Rose lives in Carver's Holler with a ragtag bunch of old men. She makes a living making soaps, lotions and perfumes from her special rose recipe and is content with where she is at. When a handsome young man shows up at their door with his mother who has fallen ill in the midst of a snow storm, Maggie Rose takes them in. Todd Valmer finds himself in a desperate situation. His mother, who he went East to bring back to his farm, is now in need of a caretaker and he needs to get back to his farm in Texas. Taking Maggie back with him seems like the best solution. She can cook, care for Ma and tend his house while he works in the fields.
Serendipity means "something unexpected that brought gladness or thanksgiving" (according to the author in this story). And this will be what Todd will find in his new wife Maggie Rose. I liked how honest and open Todd was with Maggie's uncle before he proposed to her, "There is a word: serendipity. It is when something unexpectedly good happens in the midst of the trials of life. For me to meet my wife now - it is because God has worked in a bad situation. Let Margaret become my bride. I will heed God's commands, and I will come to love her as you loved your wife and as Christ cherishes the church. Until that love blooms, your niece and I have serendipity - this providence from God - that brought us together. It is a fine start." And thus begins a journey that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was hard for me to put the book down and sad to see it end.
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