Monday, April 23, 2012

Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick

Book Description:  One woman, an impossible dream, and the faith it took to see it through. 
 German immigrant and farm wife Hulda Klager possesses only an eighth-grade education—and a burning desire to create something beautiful. What begins as a hobby to create an easy-peeling apple for her pies becomes Hulda’s driving purpose: a time-consuming interest in plant hybridization that puts her at odds with family and community, as she challenges the early twentieth-century expectations for a simple housewife.   Through the years, seasonal floods continually threaten to erase her Woodland, Washington garden and a series of family tragedies cause even Hulda to question her focus. In a time of practicality, can one person’s simple gifts of beauty make a difference?   Based on the life of Hulda Klager, Where Lilacs Still Bloom is a story of triumph over an impossible dream and the power of a generous heart.
My Review:  Ah!  This is one great read!  And such a faith lifter! I love a read that inspires me to do better and to help others. And that's exactly the kind of story that Where Lilacs Still Bloom does...inspires!
After reading A Daughter's Walk I knew that Jane Kirkpatrick would be one of those author's whose books I would seek out and not be disappointed.
In Where Lilacs Still Bloom we meet Hulda, one of those human beings who not only enjoys beauty but wants others to be able to enjoy the  beauty too.  Sharing God's goodness with others. 
In this read, growing lilacs is a sideline story, as is plant hybridization. This read really is how in the face of disappointment, sadness and life's triumphs that God will bring us through.it.all as we trust in Him!
What always amazes me about Jane Kirkpatrick's books is the incredible amount of research that goes onto her story.  Bringing the reader not just a story but facts and faith!
When I smell lilacs I will now, always, think of Hulda . . .  her determination, faith and research will challenge me to do more, too!
Loved this read!
*This book was provided for review by Waterbrook/Multnomah Publishing*
Meet the Author: 
If you'd like more information about me, please come visit my website at www.jkbooks.com and click on my blog. My dog also has a blog and you can find out what it's like to be Bodacious Bo, too. A monthly newsletter called Story Sparks is my way of sharing books about authors I enjoy as well as commenting on life and love. You'll find out more about me than you probably ever wanted to know! You
One item not listed on my lists of books is my selection included in an anthology called "Crazy Woman Creek: Women Rewrite the American West" published by Houghton Mifflin I also have a piece in Storytellers II, a book published a few years ago by Multnomah Press and a few short selections in Daily Guideposts of a few years back. My first novella, "The Courting Quilt" is part of a collection that made the New York Times bestsellers this past September in a collection called Log Cabin Christmas. The rest of my writing, as they say, is history. Or it was until my first contemporary came out this fall. Called Barcelona Calling, it's the story of a writer who loses her way as she seeks fulfillment thinking she'll find it with fame. It's a laugh out loud book according to reviewers. I hope you'll enjoy it.

  • Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: WaterBrook Press (April 17, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1400074304
  • ISBN-13: 978-1400074303

2 comments:

  1. Another great sounding book. Thanks for the review. :O)

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  2. This read really is how in the face of disappointment, sadness and life's triumphs that God will bring us through.it.all as we trust in Him!
    You captured it perfectly! At least my intention. Thanks so much, Tammy.

    ReplyDelete