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BOOK REVIEW: Prairie County Fair
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by: Vickie McDonough Dancing Word
Reviewer Title: Prairie County Fair Authors: Lynn A. Coleman, Freda Chrisman, Christine Lynxwiler, and Tamela Hancock Murray Publisher: Barbour Books ISBN: 1-586-60554-2 Genre: Inspirational/Historical/Romance
“After The Harvest” by Lynn A. Coleman
For three long years Rylan Gaines has worked on a Kansas homestead to build his citified fiancée a suitable home. Now when he is ready to send for her, he finds out that she’s married his best friend. Distraught over Margaret’s betrayal, Rylan can’t bear to sleep in the house he built for her, so he spends his nights sleeping in the nearby woods. Soon his spunky neighbor catches his eye. Can she snag the grieving farmer’s heart too?
Judith Timmons hates Kansas and longs to return East. Then she meets her handsome neighbor, and the pain in his eyes touches her heart. Can she help Rylan move past his hurt, accept God’s healing, and see her as a potential wife, or will his fear of another betrayal keep him wallowing in despair?
“A Test of Faith” by Freda Chrisman
Anita Gaines is shocked when her father returns home from a business trip with a new wife and daughter in tow. She finds her Christian faith tested to its limits by her demanding, criticizing stepmother. When the handsome Dr. Cliff West, the town’s most eligible bachelor, takes an interest in Anita, her stepmother goes to great lengths to keep them apart. The two become good friends while Anita’s home life deteriorates. Anita finds comfort in Cliff’s encouraging companionship and soon pours out her heart to him. Can Anita learn to trust God for a possible future with Cliff? Can God help her to treat her undeserving stepmother with respect and unreciprocated kindness?
“Goodie, Goodie” by Tamela Hancock Murray
When Garrison Gaines inherits an old family home in Kansas, he makes the long trip from the East coast, knowing his stay is short-term. While in Prairie Center, waiting to sell the house, he temporarily establishes his catering business and hires the lovely Willa Johnston as his assistant. Though she is a horrible cook, Garrison quickly finds Willa has other admirable qualities, like a green thumb and lovely brown eyes. Willa’s roses are the talk of the town and make wonderful decorations for his catering events. Though Garrison feels his heart pulled toward her, can he give up his dream of returning home to Maryland just so he can spend more time with the captivating Willa Johnston?
"A Change of Heart" by Chris Lynxwiler
Zach Gaines is delighted to see his former schoolmate, Beth Whitrock, with her nephew in tow, at a rehearsal for the county fair’s “beautiful baby” contest. Now that Beth is finally back in town, maybe he’ll have a chance to let her know how much he’s always cared for her. Zach is amazed the old spark is still there and as strong as ever. But discovering Beth is a career woman is like having a bucket of ice-cold water thrown in his face. Will Zach give Beth a chance or will he judge her based on his deceased wife’s desire to put a career before her family?
Prairie County Fair is a charming collection of four novellas centering around a small Kansas town and its annual county fair. The authors’ wide array of talent brings to life the exciting days when families from across the county would put aside hard labor and unite together for a time of contests and fun. I found each of story to be delightfully funny, heart-warming, and spiritually up-lifting.
The historical stories are true to their time periods. Real life conflicts will have you wondering if any of the couples will ever get together. Each story can be read in less than two hours, giving you a chance to complete it before taking a break. Prairie County Fair, seasoned with humor, stimulating storytelling, and heart-tugging romance, is a must for your to-be-read list. | |
