Fields of Bounty

Author: Lauraine Snelling
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Leah's Garden #3
Pages: 320
Release Date: March 21, 2023
Publisher: Bethany House

They must set aside their own plans and rely on their faith to bring their true destiny to light.

Lilac Nielsen's dream has come true: handsome young Reverend Ethan Pritchard has finally noticed her. Yet she must balance this new courtship with the pursuit of another dream--the publication of her artwork in a New York paper. She has secretly been submitting a series of drawings under a pen name, and if anyone traces the drawings back to her and finds out where Lilac and her sisters settled, the entire Nielsen family could be in danger.

As their family farm expands and Lilac's relationship with the reverend grows, it's a time of new beginnings. But when a family crisis back in Ohio shakes the Nielsen sisters, can they continue to build the new life they've begun in Nebraska? And will Lilac be prepared for what God has in store for her future?   ​

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Reviewer: Linda Klager

I enjoyed getting to know the four Neilsen sisters. This book (an ARC) was the third in the Leah's Garden series. I would like to learn more about what happened in books 1 and 2.

Rev. Ethan Pritchard wanted to have a wife by his side to help him in his ministry. He had his heart set on Lilac Nielsen.  

Lilac was a talented illustrator and was earning money to help with the expenses that these girls had in running a farm. It amazes me how much work they had to do each day. Their family was a close-knit one, and they very much cared for each other.

There was heartache and goodness in this book. It is a very clean read, and I recommend this author very much.

I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Erin Stevenson

Lauraine Snelling is one of the very first Christian fiction authors (historical, contemporary, or otherwise) I have ever read. I have loved every one of her books. One, in particular, changed my life in a profound way more than twenty-five years ago, and I have never forgotten that.
 
Fields of Bounty is the third installment in the Leah’s Garden series, and I had not read the first two. That usually ends up being a mistake. I feel like I’ve landed in the middle of something and can’t quite sort it out. That was not the case in this instance. This book completely stood alone. While I’m now anxious to go back and read the earlier ones, that didn’t take away from my experience with the current story.
 
Without giving any spoilers, I was delighted that this romance didn’t quite follow the usual formula, and the very real struggles and challenges faced by the two main characters kept me riveted. For me, reading a Lauraine Snelling book is like being wrapped in a warm hug. I’m delighted that Kiersti Giron is accepting the torch from one of my most beloved authors. When I see her name on a book in the future, I’ll be assured that it will be good.
 
I was provided a copy of this novel from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions were my own.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“And will Lilac be prepared for what God has in store for her future?” the back jacket states in Lauraine Snelling’s advanced reader copy of Fields of Bounty.

The third book in the Leah’s Garden series, this three-hundred-and-twenty-page paperback targets those interested in a historical romance involving an up-and-coming artist who trusts in God as she courts a pastor. With the use of the slang word drat, topics of illness, physical abuse, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The book is written with Kiersti Giron.

Set in Nebraska in the mid-1800s, this ongoing tale about four sisters continues with the youngest, Lilac, who loves to draw and is infatuated with the small town’s pastor. When Ethan asks to court her, she is thrilled but too busy to get to know him and wary that he may not approve of her artwork publications in a newspaper.

Reading about life in America a hundred-and-fifty years ago has always interested me, and this one is well described. I liked the hometown feeling of the characters and how they continually supported and helped each other while seeking the Almighty for answers. Adding the many written-out Bible verses, hymns, and prayers was thoughtful. I appreciated the ending.

Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story of how trusting God is pertinent to a happy life. Since I did not read the two previous books in the series, I had no clue who was who and was confused by the plethora of characters, including their named pets.

I hope the final copy includes a list of characters, as it would help readers. It would have been ideal to add the eternal plan of salvation, but it may have been in a previous book. I prefer all pronouns of God to be capitalized for reverence.

If you read the previous books in the series, you may enjoy this one that is updated with old and introduces new characters as they learn to trust in God, but you may get confused with some of the distractions.

Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

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Reviewer: Billi Varela

I really liked this book. I liked that the characters leaned on God for his support and guidance. It is a Christian book, but it is not excessive to where it feels like it is trying to force God on you. It is like everyday life with God. I also liked that things worked out in His time, not when Lilac wanted or how she wanted it to. 

Let me just say this is Historical Fiction. So keep that in mind. It is a nice book, but if you are looking for a romance, this may not be the book for you. 

I liked the ending. But not because of Lilac. The reason I liked it was because of Clime and her love interest. It made up for Lilac. I also liked the sister bond between them. They were there for each other. 

I also liked the women's role. They were the ones doing things. Trying to be active. Like trying to get published. Or growing their herd. 

I requested and received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

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