Mona Hodgson

Ripples Along the ShoreQuilted Heart series book 3

Author – Mona HodgsonPublisher – Waterbrook Press released 21.5.13
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Third charming eNovella in Mona Hodgson’s Quilted Hearts Series, the reader is re-introduced to recently Civil war-widowed, Caroline Milburn. Returning to her sister’s home in St Charles isn’t her desired choice, but serves as the catalyst to search her heart for next steps. Her brother in law’s less than welcoming stance, a misguided step toward a steamboat acquaintance, and God’s call to her heart propels Caroline to step toward a new future.

When those steps are stymied, Caroline refreshes her spirit with the truths learned during Thursday’s Quilted Hearts group discussions. “..scraps..are like the circumstances in our lives. Remnants to be reclaimed and used by God as He stitches our hearts together.. a quilted heart is a transformed heart..that comes when we humble ourselves before the Lord.” Though Caroline believes, “there were no straight lines in her life. Only jagged edges”, she chooses to humble herself, believing for the rest of the scripture, “and He will lift you up.”

Caroline takes initiative in pursuing a paid position with the local dry goods store with the intention of providing her own housing away from the crowded setting at her sister’s. She remains undeterred from her dream of moving west, but modifies her travel date in light of the rejection from this year’s wagon train captain.

The eNovella ends with the quilting sisterhood gathering for their farewell session,learning of each other’s plans and provisions made for both those leaving and those remaining.

Readers are left anticipating the next part of the journey in Prairie Song, book 1 of the Hearts Seeking Home expected Aug. 6th release…

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The characters are vivid, genuine, and likeable,leaving me wanting more. More of the story, more of the people, and more goodness for each of them. I for one, am looking forward to starting the new series of their Westward Ho.

Highly recommended reading as a series for connection with the characters and continuity.

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*Appreciation to Waterbrook Press for an ecopy to read and review without obligation.

*Find more on author Mona Hodgson at her amazon.com pageand further FHC author info HERE forDandelions on the Wind – book 1 Quilted Heart Review

Dandelions On the Wind

“Tattered relationships and broken hearts, like a quilt,
can be pieced together by God’s love.

When Maren Jensen took a job on Elsa Brantenberg’s St. Charles, Missouri farm, she never expected to call the place her home. As she grows to love Mrs. Brantenberg and her granddaughter, Gabi, Maren is transformed from a lonely mail-order bride-without-a-groom to a beloved member of the Brantenberg household.

But when Gabi’s father, Rutherford “Wooly” Wainwright, returns to the farm unexpectedly, everything changes for Maren. Despite the failing eyesight that caused her suitor to reject her, she can see that Wooly desperately needs to reconnect with the family he abandoned when his grief sent him running toward the army—and into the Civil War.

Comforted and counseled by the wisdom of the women in her beloved quilting circle, Maren begins to discover the cost decisions demand of her heart. Is it too late for love to be stitched into the fabric of her life?” – Goodreads
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My thoughts:Charming novella from author Mona Hodgson, Dandelions on the Wind,
[#1 of the Quilted Heart eNovella series], was pure reading pleasure.

Characters with distinct personalities, realistic internal and relational conflicts that mattered to me, sensory descriptions, insights into farm and town life of the era; all worked together, capturing and keeping my interest.

I cared about the young Danish immigrant, Maren. Rejected by her groom-to-be, losing her eyesight, yet gaining a heart of wisdom,
“She knew what it was like to set off for the unknown… that of a dandelion on the wind.”
Darling 4 year old Gabi, who gladly and openly takes first Maren, then her own father to her heart.
Rutherford Wainwright, who returns from ravages of 2 wars wanting his daughter and a welcome yet not daring to believe it possible.
Elsa Brantenberg, grandmother of Gabi, mother in law of Rutherford, employer of Maren; justified in her response to abandonment in her hour of need, yet needing now to extend the grace she had once preached to others. Authentic and appealing characters.

I loved the sense of community surrounding the Quilting Group gathering each Thursday at Elsa’s farm. The inclusion of the children; the break from hard work; colourful personalities; faith exemplified and verbalized; care and support of each other. Beautifully drawn and descriptively visualized.

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A well paced story, bringing us to a lovely conclusion.Next in the series ~

A bit about the lovely author of the series, Mona Hodgson :

Ms Hodgson’s writing credits include :
Dandelions On the WInd, Bending Toward the Sun, and Ripples Along the Shore
in the Quilted Heart series,
Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek Series

Prairie Song, Book 1 in the HEARTS SEEKING HOME SERIES, due Aug 6th!

plus, nearly thirty children’s books, contributions to eleven books for adults, and hundreds of short stories, articles, and poems in newspapers and magazines.

One of Mona’s favourite things to do (besides writing or eating dark chocolate) is to speak at women’s retreats, schools, and for women’s groups, librarians, and at writers’ conferences throughout the United States and Canada.
Mona lives in Arizona with her husband, Bob.
Check out Mona Hodgson.com to learn more. Follow Mona on her blog Hindsight,
@MonaHodgson on twitter, Goodreads , and FB

*Received with appreciation from Waterbrook Press / Random House for review without obligation.*