When the world around you falls apart, could it be that God is giving you a second chance? This is just one of the questions on Charlotte Stevenson's mind as she brings her three grandchildren to live on the family farm in Guidepost Books' Home to Heather Creek series.
Before the Dawn begins just one week after the funeral of Charlotte's daughter, Denise. Denise's three children barely have time to process the death of their mother before they must move to the Heather Creek Farm they have never visited with grandparents they barely know. At age 16, Sam is fiercely protective of his younger siblings. Emily is 14 and desperately misses her friends. Young Christopher is only 8 and just wants to fit in. While Charlotte tries to help her grandchildren adjust to their new life, she also wrestles with her own grief and the enormous task of bringing her family together. Bob believes the fastest path to adjustment is a firm routine, with structure and chores, the same way they raised their own kids. However, that route led to Denise running away from home as a teenager and an estranged relationship with her family. Charlotte is worried about making the same mistakes she made with Denise. Is this her chance to make things right?
It is spring when the children arrive, and as Charlotte looks around the farm, she hopes the new life around them will signify hope and healing. The miracle of new life, along with God's healing touch, reminds all of them that it's always darkest just before the dawn.
Sweet September picks up at harvest time, as the children are settling into a new school year. While the harvest should be an exciting time, the children don't seem to be getting into the spirit. Emily is struggling with farm life, Christopher spends most of his time alone, and Sam is failing school. Trying to learn from what did and didn't work with her own kids, Charlotte is determined to get her grandchildren back on track.
As tenuous family bonds threaten to break apart, a mystery on the farm might be the one thing that can bond the family together. Charlotte sets out to uncover the truth, and as the kids unite to find answers, this cobbled-together family learns more about one another and the love that binds them together.
The lives of the Stevensons and their grandchildren unfold in this captivating story of the remarkable change that comes from the love of family, the kindness of others, sheer persistence and unshakable faith. As readers follow the Stevensons' inspiring stories, it's almost impossible not feel a part of this friendly, loving community, where God's grace can be seen in every circumstance.
About the Author:
Kathleen Bauer is the pen name for a team of writers who have come together to create the Home to Heather Creek series.
My Thoughts and Review:
I was blessed to receive the first 2 books in a brand new series, Home to Heather Creek, to read and review at the same time. I LOVE reading through series, but I don't enjoy the wait between books in series.
Wanna know how much I enjoyed these 2 books?? I was able to finish both books in a 36hr period! I do believe that is a record for me. I dove right into the first book, Before Dawn, within minutes of it arriving. The plot drew me in and "ZONED" me in. Though the story has sad happenings, the main character Charlotte, relies on her faith to overcome the challenges ahead for her and her grandchildren. Before Dawn is a story of Changes, Faith, Family, and Healing. Before Dawn was a book that I literally could not put down until I finished.
The second book in the series, Sweet September, brings about more changes for Charlotte and her grandchildren. The children are struggling with the sadness of the past year and their behaviors are reflecting that. Charlotte once again turns to God to help her through this period for their family. The family grows closer at they work together to find out who ruined their Vegetable Garden. Sweet September is about Family Bonding, LOVE, Moving forward, and Faith.
Home from Heather Creek is a wonderful series! Each book is written by a different author, but the storyline flows so well from Book 1 to Book 2. Home to Heather Creek Series teaches us that even in the midst of Tragedy and Changes, God will show us his mercy and grace and love!
I give Before Dawn and Sweet September 5 out of 5 stars! EXCELLENT Books!
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