Reviewer: Trudy Smith
Title: A Hearth In Candlewood - 1st in a series
Author: Delia Parr
Publisher: Bethany House
ISBN: 0-7642-0086-0
Release Date: July 2006
Genre/Sub-genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1841/Candlewood, NY
Overall Rating: 4.5
Sexual Content Rating: None
Language (Profanity) Rating: None
Delia's Website:
www.deliaparr.com
The Erie Canal gave Widow Emma Garrett lots of opportunities in Candlewood. Emma has been a staunch, upstanding citizen as well as businesswoman in Candlewood, having owned, in her own right, the General Store. She could no longer stand the loneliness, after her husband passed away, which led her to sell the store and buy Hill House. As the proprietress of Hill House, a large and thriving boardinghouse, her guests arrive by packet boat keeping her, her mother-in-law and two young ladies working for her very busy. Emma was sure she was led by God since she has kept Hill House a place all were welcome no matter their trouble.
When Widow Frances Leonard shows up one night deeply troubled over her two sons bickering, Emma does not hesitate to take her in. It’s not long after that Emma seems to be drawn into Aunt Frances’, (as she’s known) family troubles. Aunt Frances asks Emma to help her sons resolve their differences over their land so her family can have peace and harmony once again. Emma’s sure she can help though at the time, she’s not sure how but she prays about it.
Soon Emma hears bad news from her lawyer, Zachary Breckenwith that Hill House does not legally belong to her. She can’t believe it because she’s sure God led her to Hill House, didn’t He? Zachary explains that Emma will have to wait for the owner to come to Candlewood to sort out the mess. She wants none of that wanting the trouble to be resolved now, surely the Lord would not want her to wait, would He?
It’s this waiting that teaches Emma that the Lord has a plan, His plan, not hers and she will know the plan in His time. There are both major and minor calamities that seem to keep Emma busy but she keeps the possible loss of Hill House to herself, not wanting to alarm those who have made Hill House their home.
One aggressive land investor blasts Emma with news that devastates her and she has to find a way to make things right. Unfortunately it involves Aunt Frances and her sons, but maybe she can use this to help them rather than hurt them all. Can Emma have faith enough to see God’s plan and wait for His time? Is her faith strong enough to lead her through and bring peace to Aunt Frances’ family and Hill House?
It’s these questions and more that are answered in this charming story. It’s an even-paced story that is well written with descriptions that had me sitting in Emma’s library or walking the streets of Candlewood. Ms Parr brings all her characters to life. They have real problems and emotions. Most of all they keep the Lord at the front of all things. The message is clear – have faith your prayers will be answered, maybe not in your time or how you expect but in the best way for all. His way is the best way.
A Hearth in Candlewood is the first in a trilogy. This gentle story is a good one to curl up with on a rainy afternoon. I enjoyed it and look forward to the second book in this trilogy. Could there be romance for Emma and Zachary? I’m anxious to find out!
Trudy
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