One of those books, part of a series, that you really look forward to, sink right in and become immersed. It feels like home. Wonderful characters, everyday life, with all its struggles and complications. Strong, smart women and men who have travelled a long distance, determined to live right and make a homestead and town for themselves. Strong and living in faith. Fabulous creativity and ambition, holding themselves to high expectations. You have to love them all in this family and appreciate their hard work. Written so well, painted clearly what it was like to live then. Great book to get lost in.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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This story featured siblings who cared about each other as well as a community going through hard times. That was a good mix for a solid story. I loved that there were good twists and high emotion but also that the story featured a theme of carving life from the ground.

The faith thread was pretty good, focusing on gratefulness. That’s something lacking in today’s society, so this book served as a reminder to pause and express thanksgiving to God for the gifts He brings into one’s life.

Another good theme was having respect for other people. This was well on display in the way a character curbed another’s poor word choices.

I was surprised to see an opium addiction made its way into the narrative, but it was handled well.

The child abuse in this story was a heartrending aspect that heightened the emotional toll of the tale.

Content: drugs, alcohol, gambling, cut-off expletive phrase, child abuse

Welcome to book two of Leah's Garden! This book focuses on Delphinium. She teaches school and helps provide money for the farm the sisters are working to keep alive and growing. She feels that she should be taken more seriously than she is. In fact, she wishes that everyone would listen to her opinions a bit more.

Del swears she's not going to get married. Because if she gets married she can't teach school. And if she can't teach school she can't bring in money for her family.

I loved meeting up again with my friends from book one. Larkspur is back to being herself and no longer is Clark. Forsythia got married in the first book and she's doing well. We get to see her again in this one. Lilac is also back and we follow her in the story too. I say each book focuses on one sister but really all of them are in there and you spend time with them all.

Our new character in this story is RJ. RJ is a friend of their brother Anders and he comes west for a visit bringing RJ. What we find out is that RJ was hurt on his way home from war and along with his scars and the loss of an eye he has many issues to work through plus a lot of pain.

Forsythia's husband is a Dr and he can help with the pain and scars but no one can bring back RJ's eye or take away the pain of the past.

But can Del break through his exterior and form a relationship with him? Can they become friends or maybe more?

This was such a funnovel as we watch yet another sister find her future in life and love. Plus we learn more about the others and watch them overcome adversity and hardships. And another character from book one comes to visit too! But I don't want to tell too much.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

I am anxiously awaiting the third installment of this series. I love the Neilson sisters and cannot wait to re-join them on their journey. I always feel this way when reading Lauraine Snelling's books. She has the talent of making the characters come to life and encapturing the reader's attention.

I received a free copy of this book from the Historical Novel Society for the November edition of Historical Novels Review, their magazine. Due to their policy, I cannot post a review until after it is posted on their website November 1st.

Jeez, I almost didn't finish A Time to Bloom, but I grazed by by the skin of my teeth. This book is set in the post-Civil War era. And as you read you meet a whole passel of characters, each with their own specific situations that real people faced during those times. You learn how they overcame those issues. From the plight of the settler, to the freedman, to the ex-soldier, the fledgling temperance movement, and many more situations. And of course, most of all how they kept their trust in the Lord through it all. The romance aspect doesn't really begin till the end of the book, but all in all, this is a very nice read. Snelling tidies it up well, and she makes me wonder how the other sisters will fair...

Time To Bloom is the sequel to The Seeds of Change, but I was able to jump right into the story without having read the first book (though I will be going back to read the first one!!). The book follows four sisters as they go about their busy and fascinating lives in 1866 Nebraska. I was captivated by the story line, and I appreciate how the author touches on many difficult themes in this book with such grace. Each time I closed this book my spirit felt lighter and uplifted. I enjoyed losing myself in the world of the Neilson sisters, and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Hello! Another fabulous book from Lauraine Smelling! I quite enjoyed a Time to Bloom. I feel like there are many details that hit the reader at once and throughout the story, but, once I read through a few chapters, I was engaged. I always appreciate books that deal with soldiers and their respective issues as well as challenges to adjust back to life after the front. Delphinium was RJ's savior, and he, in turn, probably taught the sisters something as well. I can definitely see this book turned into a Hallmark Movies and Mysteries/Drama! Thank you! :)

A Time to Bloom by Lauraine Snelling sweeps us back to 1866 in Salton, Nebraska. This is a great second book to this series. I have always enjoyed Lauraine Snelling’s style of writing. This is a story of hardships, perseverance and triumph woven with drama and suspense. Three sisters are determined to form a life for themselves, even amid rough times with no man to help them or protect them. If you love reading historical romance, you will not be disappointed in this one. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Yes - read it! Maybe not yet.....

This is the 2nd in a (so far) great read journey. But you're not going to get the full fix since I suspect there are two more on the way. But start purchasing these 2 and just re-read when the next one comes out!

You should read the first one to get the full effect. Great characters & storyline!

I received an ARC from Netgalley to prepare my honest review.

Another Great Book in the Leah’s Garden Series!



This book continues with more trials and heart tugging. The focus is on Dev. Hmmm… who will win her heart? The Pastor or RJ? I’m not telling… We get to learn more about what’s going on with the whole family also. I

have always really enjoyed Lauraine Snelling’s writing style and Kiersti Giron’s I’m sure makes these even better! I look forward to following the Neilson Siblings into the next book in 2023!


So glad we get to continue on with the 3rd book that is planned for a 2023 release. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!


I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

This is the second book in the Leah’s Garden series by Lauraine Snelling and Kirstie Giron, which follows the fortunes of four sisters who are homesteading in Nebraska Territory just after the American Civil War. This one focuses on Delphinium (Del), who has become a schoolteacher for Salton, the town near their homestead. She encounters RJ, a friend of her older brother from the war. He has recommended RJ make a new start in Salton, since he seems adrift after his fiancée deserted him, and an attack by a Confederate renegade took one of his eyes and left him with sporadic attacks of excruciating pain.

Del’s stress over making a success of both her school and the homestead and RJ’s surly manners brought on by the pain he is concealing lead to initial mistrust and misunderstanding. Gradually, through grace and their own better natures they begin to understand each other’s hearts and build first a friendship and later something more.

It’s a warm and satisfying story, and well worth reading. I look forward to the next sister’s story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

First sentence: Has it been an entire year? Delphinium Nielsen thought in surprise. She and her three sisters were gathered around the table in their sod house.

A Time to Bloom is the sequel to The Seeds of Change. Snelling does a good job in catching readers back up to speed in just a few pages. The sisters--Delphinium, Larkspur, Forsythia, and Lilac--are settling into their new prairie home. The choice to move may have been very sudden, but, they are making the absolute best of what has happened. Delphinium is the town's teacher, for better or worse. And the sisters--in addition to homesteading--are looking to open up a boarding house... But life has its challenges...always. And rejoicing in the Lord always isn't always easy...especially for our heroine Delphinium.

RJ Easton is a civil war veteran who is struggling to adjust to live after the war. Namely he lives in near-constant pain since he lost an eye. Opium offers limited relief, but, it is a beast as well. The thought of needing it every day for the rest of his life disturbs him--and rightly so. The pain makes him act (and feel) like a monster. He hates how the pain is warping or tainting his personality, his character. He hates who he has become since the war. He has newly come to town and his skills (prior to the war) make him a great candidate for leading building projects in town--including the boarding house for the Nielsen sisters.

The story focuses on all the sisters--even Forsythia who married in the first book. So much more than just a romance. I for one thought the book had a lot to say about attitude. What I enjoyed most was the school teacher aspect of it.

I enjoyed this one. It did not have a lot of melodrama--which I appreciated.

A Time to Bloom was a very clean and excellent story! Delohinium Nielson and her four sisters live in a sod house and have a large garden they have in memory of their mother. They want to build a boarding house, and their brother, Anders comes for a visit. He brings his friend, RJ, who happens to have experience in building. He has lost an eye on his way home from the civil war, and he suffers a lot of pain from it. At first, he isn't a likeable person because the pain gets to him, but the longer he stays, the closer he comes to the schoolteacher, which is Del. Soon they develop a close friendship that becomes more. Great story I enjoyed!

I love pioneering stories of stalwart people persevering and pitting their strength against the elements such as tornados or grasshoppers decimating crops. Reading about the teamwork of townsfolk setting up a new town, of teaching the children in one roomed schoolhouses, of living out their faith in God and so on, has inspired me yet again in this late-ish 1800's historical work of fiction. This book put me in mind of the Little House on the Prairies book series, which I love.

This narrative was set in Salton, Nebraska, USA with a family of sisters all named for flowers like, Delphinium and Larkspur, whose parents had passed. The sisters were now holding the fort on their farm. Soldiers returned from the American war of independance, arrive in town making themselves useful. The author also touches on racial issues of clinging prejudice against people of color, social issuse of abuse andon a more positive note, of romance that crept in, raising the heartbeats and pulses to pleasant and satisfying conclusions. A happily ever after, feel good story.

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

June 2022

Disclaimer: This is m honest opinion based on the review copy sent by NetGalley and Baker Publishing Group.

I don't know where to start about how amazing this book is! The author's style of writing puts you right into the book where you actually can see the scenery, smell the scents and feel all of the emotions that the characters are going through. I have read several books by this author and love her writing , I haven't yet read the first book in this series and don't think you need to either, but I will definitely be buying it and anxiously awaiting more books in this series. If you love reading historical romance, you will not be disappointed. I received a digital copy of this book for free, just with a promise to leave a honest review. I am being as honest as I know , amd give this book 5 stars.

A Time to Bloom
By Lauraine Snelling
Bethany House Publishing
Rated: 3

Back of the Book: “Will their dreams fall apart when confronted with all that is stacked against them?
Delphinium Nielsen and her sisters have accomplished much in the past year, traveling west and settling in Nebraska. They are on their way to building a garden in dedication to their mother and working against the forces of nature to make their farm thrive. However, none of that can mask their concern that they are quickly running out of money. Del's work teaching in their booming town offers hope, not only to support her sisters financially but also to better her students' lives. Not all the town sees it that way, though, with the rebuilding of the schoolhouse continually neglected and her brightest student's father demanding he work the farm instead of attending class.
When their brother Anders arrives with his war-wounded and heartbroken friend RJ, Anders sees the strength of the sisters' idea to start a boardinghouse and decides to invest in it. Del finds RJ barely polite and wants nothing to do with him. But despite Del and her sisters' best-laid plans, the future--and RJ--might surprise them all.”

Impressions: Although I didn’t read the previous book, I thought I could pick this one up and read it as a stand-alone novel. This might be cause for my dislike and reason to put this book down halfway through. From the start of this book, the many characters were overwhelming. Attempting to follow each person’s story and make sense of their backstory was exhausting and eventually sucked the enjoyment out of reading this book. The storyline was a bit too slow for me as well.
Quotes:
“‘But, LORD, how do I not worry about tomorrow yet still be prepared for it?’”

A Time to Bloom by Lauraine Snelling sweeps us back to 1866 in Salton, Nebraska. The Nielsen sisters are working hard on their farm and to bring the businesses necessary for the people in their area to thrive. Del Nielsen is the town’s schoolteacher and the only family member bringing in money. Del is frustrated that the men in town are slow to rebuild the school. She finds it frustrating to teach in the church where she cannot have things set up as she would in a proper classroom. Del loves teaching and wants to provide the best possible education for her scholars. One of her students, Tim is extremely bright, but his father prioritizes farm work over school. Two other students have a father who frequently visits the liquor tent and takes out his drunken rages on his family. Anders Nielsen, the sister’s brother, visits to bring needed supplies and see about the boarding house the ladies which to erect. He brings his friend, RJ Easton who survived the war only to be attacked on his way home by an angry confederate. His wound continues to pain him. RJ was looking forward to marrying his sweetheart. He arrived home to learn that she married someone else why he was away fighting. A fresh start is just what RJ needs. His background makes him the perfect person to head the boardinghouse project. RJ gets off on the wrong foot with Del. She tolerates him but does her best to avoid him. God has a way of changing the best laid plans. A Time to Bloom is the second novel in Leah’s Garden. It picks up where The Seeds of Change ended. I suggest reading the series in order as it will allow you to get to know the Nielsen’s along with their dreams. I thought A Time to Bloom was well-written with realistic, developed characters. The Nielsen sisters are very busy with the farm, school, and boarding house. I do not know how they manage to accomplish so much in a day (I would be worn out after an hour). Life is not easy in Nebraska at this time. They face many challenges that include grasshoppers that destroy crops, a twister that destroyed the school, a liquor tent set up near the town, which is causing problems, family violence and so much more. They do not have the luxury of modern conveniences, nor do they have much money. These bright women manage to come up with some clever ideas. Lark has more ideas than time. These sisters have dreams, and they intend to see them to fruition. There most important goal is establishing Leah’s Garden in honor of their mother. The Nielsen sisters are lucky to have Anders as well as their friends to help them. People work together to improve the town and their lives. The Nielsen’s also have their faith. They know that God will help them and guide them. They must rely on him and his timing which each of them struggle with (patience is a virtue). The author addresses difficult topics in A Time to Bloom. Alcoholism, racism, and domestic violence are just three of the issues. I thought the author did a wonderful job handling these difficult subjects. I can tell Ms. Snelling did her research into the time period. She really captured the attitudes, language, dress, inventions, conveyances, etc. I thought faith was beautifully incorporated into the story. My favorite line from A Time to Bloom is, “But my ma would say we’re not supposed to be in charge anyway. That’s what God is for.” I look forward to returning to the Nielsen sisters’ story in the next installment of Leah’s Garden. A Time to Bloom is a heartwarming tale with galling grasshoppers, a blossoming township, a worrying wound, liquor tent troubles, a mastermind at mathematics, and three savvy sisters.

A Time To Bloom is a beautiful Christian historical book about four sisters named after flowers, facing new challenges and how they work with each other and their community. This is the second book in a series, and unfortunately I did not read the first one yet, which made it slightly less enjoyable. I recommend reading them in order.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

A Time to Bloom by Lauraine Snelling, with Kiersti Giron, is the second book in the Leah’s Garden series. This is a great Christian historical fiction story of four sisters, all named after flowers. This story takes over where the first one ends, so it is best to read in order. This is such an encouraging story to read. The sisters are hardworking and open minded to trying new adventures to help build their lives in a new area. Del works as the town’s teacher to help bring money in while the others work the farm. I so enjoyed that their brother, Anders, is finally able to visit them and see the progress they have made and the hard work they have done. He is encouraging in the prospect the sisters have for building a new business.

I especially love the fact this book focuses on flowers. Not only will the flower garden be a memorial for their mother, but it will help the family. As I read the story I so wanted to add new variety to my own gardens. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. This is my honest review.