Fair Are the Meadows

Author: Lauraine Snelling
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Home to Green Creek #3
Pages: 336
Release Date: September 1, 2026
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

When her carefully ordered life is shaken, the path forward requires finding the courage to trust again.

Helen Stenerson has planted her roots in the community of Green Creek, Iowa, and poured her heart into teaching. She's determined to avoid romantic entanglement--her teaching contract forbids it, and a broken engagement has taught her the dangers of opening her heart. But thoughtful seminary student Ødger Gunderson begins to weaken her resolve with his genuine interest.

When an urgent letter from Ohio is delivered to Helen, the quiet life she's built is shattered. The letter brings news of her aunt's failing health, and when Helen rushes back to be with her, her aunt reveals secrets about Helen's past that upset everything Helen thought she knew. Returning to Green Creek with more questions than answers, can Helen embrace love and the path God has for her?

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

Wow! This is an extraordinary book! I enjoyed visiting Green Creek in Iowa again. It was also fun to catch up with everyone who lives at the Forsberg House.

The characters are relatable and easy to like! I genuinely care about all of them: their hardships and their times of rejoicing. Helen is so sweet and kind! I wish that I'd had a teacher like her in school. She loves her students and believes in them. Odger has a pastor's heart! He listens and observes without judgement. It's very sweet how Absalom and Eben treat Amalia and Maya like queens! Ruthie remains a favorite! She approaches everything with curiosity and vigor!

Helen finds out something painful about her past and she has a hard time adapting to the new information. "Lord, she whispered into the night. "I knew I never quite fit in anywhere..but at least I thought I knew where I came from. Who my family was. But now...truly, who am I?" "You are mine." ....the words released as an unseen embrace wrapped her, like a soft blanket draped around her shoulders by a loving hand." This really spoke to my heart. I admire authors that talk about faith in God so much!!

I was provided a complimentary ARC copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

Wow! I absolutely adored this novel! I couldn’t put it down until 2am.

Snelling has outdone herself on this one. Wow!

The hymn she used is one of my most favorites. It came from the hymn Beautiful Savior. “Sigh”

Wonderful characters, 2nd chances and forgiveness are my favorite things in this story, but all of it touched my heart deeply. The places were described so well that I could feel like I were there myself.

I loved the many faith-filled themes throughout this story and kept them close to my heart. They’re a gentle reminder that God’s always near and that He has a plan for us. If it’s meant to be, then it will happen. God’s timing, not ours.

I love how the author also shows that secrets always come out, no matter how carefully you try to hide them. My heart went out to Helen. She was in fact my favorite character. I really admired her for trying to deal with what was given to her and how she handled it.

I liked Odgar too. He’s struggling as well, in my opinion. I thought he rather did a wonderful job as well. I loved discovering his secrets, too.

I was left feeling full and satisfied, but sad when this book ended. I hope there’s another one coming. Snelling has long been a favorite of mine since the late 80s.

I’m giving this story 5 stars for a job well done!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House via NetGalley for my honest opinion. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

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