Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Summer Dream {Seasons of the Heart, Book One} by Martha Rogers


Book Description:  The first book in the Seasons of the Heart series is set in Connecticut in 1888, the year of what historians call “The White Hurricane.” The story reveals the power of God’s love to change lives and heal hearts. Summer Dream tells of a young couple’s love for each other and the obstacles that stand in their path of happiness. Until Nathan Reed resolves his anger with God and his family, he has no hopes of courting Rachel Winston, the minister’s daughter.

As the daughter of a small-town minister in Connecticut, Rachel Winston believes the only way she’ll ever have a husband is to visit her aunt in Boston for the social season until Nathan Reed arrives in town. Although attracted to Rachel, Nathan avoids her because he has no desire to become involved with a Christian after experiences with his own family. When a devastating blizzard paralyzes New England, Nathan is caught in it and lies near death in the Winston home. Through the ministrations and tender care of Rachel and her mother, Nathan learns a lesson in love and forgiveness that leads him back to his home in the South. Before he can declare his love for Rachel, he must make amends with his own family. Will he return to Connecticut before Rachel leaves her home to head west as a missionary in Oklahoma Territory?

My Review:  As the daughter of a minister I enjoy stories that tell the tale of pastor's daughters.  In Summer Dream we meet Rachel, daughter of a small-town minister with many decisions to make.  Nathan is a likable guy with many decisions of his own to make.  
Nathan and Rachel seem like the perfect couple and Rachel would like to marry so when Nathan leaves town to get some answers....Rachel would like to marry, even though, she feels that she is "called" to the mission field in the Oklahoma Territory. So, she decides that she will go visit her aunt who lives in Boston.  Low and behold!  Nathan makes an appearance!  But he seems more interested in Amy.
Then the "White Hurricane" hits Connecticut.  The "White Hurricane" was a great history lesson, as I have never read of this before.  
The storm catches Nathan off guard and nearly dies.  He is nursed back to health by Rachel and her mother.  This gives Rachel a chance to use some of her "missionary callings." 
I enjoyed Summer Dream because it is not just a romance but also a great historical read about the early days in Connecticut.
History mixed with God's abounding grace and a pinch of romance to make a grand read!

*This book was provided for review by Charisma House/Realms*



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