This story made me laugh and cry. This has been one of my favorite books this year and one of my favorite stories of all that I have ever read. This is inspirational and will make you think. I loved learning some about tuberculosis and how it was treated in 1925. I loved Calla, Sienna, Dirk and Rose. Each of these characters needed the peace and love that was found within this family and at Meadowland. I also loved that there was a bit of intrigue in the story. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

One cannot help but let their heart become intertwined in the lives of the characters Ann H. Gabhart has so skillfully developed in When the Meadow Blooms. Sisters Calla and Sienna Meadows have been living at Louisville's West Side Home for Girls since their mother's admittance to Rest Haven Sanitarium following her tuberculosis diagnosis. The girls were separated even though both were living in the same facility, and Sienna in particular had endured some harsh treatment. Rose had never imagined being away from her girls for two years when she dropped them off at the home. Now each of them are desperate to be back together. Might the answer lie with their estranged Uncle Dirk, a man they don't really know who lives with both physical and emotional scars? Will he be willing to open his home and life to them?

This sweet, slow-paced story is perfect for an emotional, character-driven read. I am always amazed by Gabhart's versatile writing. No matter the style or genre, I have never been disappointed with any of her books. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of When the Meadow Blooms from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

When the Meadow Blooms is a beautifully written inspirational romance. Loved the plot and the well crafted characters. Another great book by Ann Gabhart. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

This is such a heartwarming and sweet story of a family in crisis who need to find each other in order to survive. Rose Meadows is a widow with two young daughters, barely surviving in 1925, when she contracts tuberculosis and has to be put into a sanatorium. With no other recourse, Rose has to leave her two daughters, Calla and Sienna, at a local orphanage, supposedly for only a short while. The short time keeps getting extended because of Rose’s health and the girls are having a hard time surviving the dictates of the leadership at the orphanage. Calla and Rose both write a letter to the only person that they think may be willing to help, their reclusive uncle and brother-in-law, Dirk Meadows. The story is so well told that it was like I was seeing a movie in my head of all of the past hurts and all of the healing that had to take place. Dirk was hurt physically, but more than than, he was wounded emotionally and spiritually. In helping Rose and her girls, he opens himself up to more pain but also to a healing beyond his imagination. This book includes some suspense about how to get the girls out of the orphanage as well as a mystery as to what happened to Dirk’s first love who seemingly disappeared after his accident. Calla’s desperation to stay at Uncle Dirk’s farm was evident and gut-wrenching. She was willing to sacrifice everything just to have a place to live that was good for her little sister. Sienna touched my heart with her simple love of nature and acceptance of all things good. Rose’s predicament was realistic and horrifying and then such a sweet turn-around when she is safely ensconced in her new home at The Meadows. The whole story was fast-paced and a joy to read. I raced through the pages to find out what would happen to Rose and the girls, but I also wanted to know what, if anything, would open up Dirk to forgiveness and love again. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to those who enjoy historical fiction, romance and mystery because this book has it all!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

"When we love, when we care, we can be hurt, but trust me, Calla, giving and receiving love is worth more than whatever hurt may come."

This was a lovely and sweet historical fiction novel. My heart was stolen by Calla and Sienna and loved that most of the book was from Calla's perspective. The descriptions of Meadowland had me wishing I could pack my bags and move in too.

The only negative, the romance was so lackluster, so disappointing that it should have been left out completely. It didn't fit with the tone of the book and actually detracted from the story.

It's 1925 and Rose Meadows has lost her husband to influenza, she is in a sanatorium recovering from tuberculosis, and her daughters, Sienna and Calla, are in an orphanage and being mistreated. The only family Rose has left is a brother-in-law, Dirk Meadows, who was burned badly in a fire and is a hermit at the family home, Meadowland. Will Dirk take them in and can the family become a family once more as they learn to hope and love at Meadowland?

This is one of the most heartwarming and tender books I have read in a long time. This novel is definitely character driven as each of the family members finds their way back to love, tenderness, and caring; but, most of all, to trust that God can take away our burdens and leave us in their place with something beautiful and fulfilling.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

When the Meadow Blooms is a poignant story of love and loss. Rose Meadows has lost her husband in the influenza epidemic of 1918. Seven years later she is ill with Tuberculous and forced to leave her girls at an orphanage to seek treatment at a sanatorium. Her daughters Calla and Sienna suffer through the worst of conditions there. Her brother-in-law Dirk Meadows has lost his fiancé and suffered disfigurement in a fire. Circumstances prevail and Dirk brings Rose and his two nieces to live at the family farm, Meadowland.

The trials and pain these characters endured was so sad. I could only imagine how they managed to go on, but somehow, with faith in God, they do. The love and care they all have for each other was very touching.

Calla and Sienna are the bright spots in this story, along with the neighbor Lincoln, with their youthful exuberance and sunny dispositions. The very definition of "hope springs eternal". Slowly but surely life improves for them all and security and love appear on the horizon, but they have to deal with some hard truth as it's uncovered to find that peaceful existence full of love they all long for.

My favorite quote,
"When we love, when we care, we can be hurt, but trust me, Calla, giving and receiving love is worth more than whatever hurt may come."

I appreciate Revell Publishing making a copy of When the Meadows Bloom available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.

I absolutely loved this book. Ann Gabhart is a wonderful storyteller. It didn't take long for me to be pulled into this book and be absorbed by the characters and their heart touching, and at times, gripping stories. Oh, my goodness! I don't want to say anything to take away from the book. You need to read what happens to this embattled mother and her spirited and unforgettable children. Her brother-in-law has his deeply moving story too.
If you love Ann's writing like I do, grab this book. If you want to be introduced to a writer who digs into the tilled soil, plants seeds and nurtures a tiny sprout into a meadow of wondrous flowers, here's a book to read.
I received my advanced reader's copy from the publisher and NetGalley. This is my own personal opinion. This is a beautiful story. Thank you to Ann and her team.

This was a sweet historical that focused on a widow and her 2 daughters, primarily. When Rose finds herself with Tuberculosis, she has to enter a sanitorium and surrenders her 2 girls to a local orphanage until she can take care of them again. Thinking it will only be a few weeks or months at most, she's devastated when 2 years have passed. As both she and her oldest daughter Calla are praying, God brings to mind the same solution to both of them - Rose's brother-in-law and Calla's uncle - the reclusive Dirk Meadows.

This book had me smiling throughout, as the characters had fabulous dispositions even though they faced many hardships. I appreciated their faith and the strength with which they kept it. I loved the relationship between Calla and Sienna, the 2 sisters - and how they looked out for one another. Sweet little Sienna wormed her way into my heart just as readily as she did her uncle's. And the relationship both girls had with their mother was also very sweet. I enjoyed the characters throughout, but also enjoyed the character development. All of the characters, especially Dirk, grow through the duration of the book. There was also a bit of mystery surrounding events that had happened 20 years prior that did find resolution at the end of the book, and I was glad to see the characters get closure on that. My only complaint was that the romance element in this one that started out super subtle felt a bit abrupt and rushed at the end. I would have liked to have seen that element grow and develop a bit more in the same manner as the rest of the story, but I can't even deduct stars for it because I enjoyed the story so much. This is definitely a new favorite of this author's.

Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

I had never read one of Ann’s books before , but I certainly will now …. What a fascinating book , I loved the relationship with the 2 sisters , so much love there … love the twists and turns , of love , of hurt and anger , and mostly love and faith in Heavenly Father …. Such a good book …. I loved it

When the Meadow Blooms by Ann H. Gabhart is an engaging tale of heartache, first loves, and spiritual lessons that leave the reader entertained and educated.

​Rose Meadows and her daughters have been separated for two years because Rose is recovering in a sanitarium from tuberculosis. Her daughters have been sent to an orphanage to await the day when their mother comes to get them. They are not treated well at the orphanage. Calla (the eldest) is determined to be as amicable as possible. Her sister, Sienna, is a bright spirit whose inquisitive nature and imagination often get her in trouble. Calla is desperate to find a better solution, and so she writes to her Uncle Dirk Meadows to rescue them. And that is what he does.

So many things happen in this novel that you will be hard-pressed to put it down. Each chapter holds something new. Dirk's story is particularly poignant as he is a character that is scarred both inside and out. I loved how Sienna was instrumental in his change and how Rose was faithful in showing him God's love.

I found this book particularly moving because my mother had TB and spent two years in a sanitarium. So this really resonated with me.

If you enjoy inspirational fiction, you will love this book!

4.5* Gabhart is a new-to-me author and I found her writing style comfortable and her story enjoyable to read. The reminiscing and delayed revelations of the past that influenced the lives of the characters was neatly interwoven, and the struggles they faced were portrayed well. I appreciated the gradual development of faith and the scriptures that motivated and strengthened the characters throughout their journeys to healing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

When I saw a book by Ann Gabhart, I knew this would be a gift, and she did not disappoint!

Life's hard trials play a big part in this wonderful book! Set in the 1920's in Kentucky, and we are following the Meadows family. First a very ill mother who has to leave her two daughters at an orphanage with hopes that it will only be a few weeks. Then a man who risked his life for the woman he loves, and ends up very scared, both inside an out.

We walk with this family and are there for their heartwarming journey to healing!

I received this book though Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

This is an amazing book centering on the lives, losses, and love of Rose, her two daughters, and her bother-in-law Dirk. Written from different perspectives it paints a picture of life in the 1920s moving you through, despair, heartache, hope, and joy.
Rose had to leave her daughters in an orphanage while being treated for tuberculosis. She longs to be with her girls but isn’t sure of a solution to her problems. Perhaps it’s time for prayer.
Calla and Sienna aren’t happy at the orphanage. The rules are strict and punishment swift. Calla will be fifteen and worries what will happen if she’s forced to move out and leave her sister behind. Perhaps it’s time for prayer.
Bound by their faith both Rose and Calla see a solution in Dirk and unwittingly write him letters that arrive on the same day.
After being severely burned in a fire and losing his first love Dirk has put aside his faith and isolated himself from ever being hurt again. When the letters arrive something compels him to respond.
Is it possible God’s hand is involved in bringing this family together to find healing and a brighter future?
I loved everything about this book and highly recommend it.
I received a copy through NetGalley courtesy of Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This is my honest review.

When the Meadow Blooms is a powerful story that is an emotional ride I loved reading. It begins with two young sisters, Calla, 15, and Sienna, 9. They had to go to the Home for Girls, an orphanage, two years ago, because their mother has come down with tuberculosis. Rose has nearly recovered, but still can't get her daughters, since she has no money or shelter to live in. Without knowing it, both Rose and Calla reach out to the reclusive uncle, Dirk Meadows, brother in law to Rose, for assistance. Rose simply asks for a loan, so she and the girls can get on their feet, while Calla asks if they can move to the family's farm he lives on. Dirk isn't sure how to respond to the requests, since he has lived alone for twenty years. His face is badly scarred from a barn fire twenty years ago, so he stays away from people. He remembers meeting Rose many years ago, but wonders how things will change if they come to live with him. His solitude, which he loves, will become non existent.He goes to pick them up, and bring them to his home. After they join him at his home, his heart he has shielded from loving anybody begins to unfurl and feel again. Since his fiancee left twenty years ago without a word, he has been afraid to get close to anybody. His Annaliese disappeared and never kept in touch with her family or anyone, what happened to her?
Dirk begins to love this new family in spite of himself, and soon he begins to turn his heart back to the Lord. Sweet story I will read again and again!

Ann M. Gabhart has created a wonderful heart moving story that shows us we can give our cares over to God and trust Him to bring about good for us. The characters truly move your heart, and we see How God brings light into our lives and heals our hearts.

This was a very touching and difficult story about family, the past, and how God can redeem our lives and restore love to our hearts. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!

"When the Meadow Blooms" is a Christian historical set in 1925 in Kentucky. Rose was told by her husband that his brother wanted to be left alone, so she's tried to manage being widowed and having tuberculosis by putting her daughters in an orphanage. It was only meant to be for a month or two while she recovered at a sanatorium, but years have past. She's started to suspect that her daughters are being abused, but her doctor doesn't want to release her unless she has someplace to continue to heal. In desperation, she asks her brother-in-law to help. To her surprise, he's willing to bring her family to Meadowland.

The first half of the story was suspenseful as the adults tried to work out how to retrieve the children from the abusive orphanage. We see events from the point of view of Rose, Dirk, and the children. Historical details were woven into the story which helped bring the story alive in my imagination. The characters were complex and grew as people as they faced the present difficulties and past events. There was some romance between Rose and Dirk as they spent time together. But Dirk had to heal from the past first, so much of the second half focused on what had happened to the girl he had intended to marry.

The children prayed to God for help and saw those prayers answered. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this enjoyable historical.

The author is a wonderful storyteller! Readers will be able to relate to the suffering and heartache each of the character's portray in their own way. Life was hard during this time. Little was known about tuberculosis and orphanages were filled. The treatment of the orphans in this story showed how little regard some of the caretakers had. Loved the Kentucky setting and this author as I've been blessed to meet herr and read many of her books. Highly recommended!

When the Meadow Blooms
by Ann H.Gabhart
Pub Date: May 3, 2022
Fleming H. Revell
Thanks to the author, Revell, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This author is very popular at our library and I was glad to read the ARC before it hits our shelf. Once again, Gabhart wrote a winner of a book and I am glad I read it.
Widow Rose Meadows eagerly accepts her brother-in-law's offer for her and her two daughters to live on his farm after her treatments in a sanatorium finds them needing a home. But is this scarred and reclusive man ready for all the changes these women will bring to his life?
This precious story, set in 1925, is one that I won't soon forget. A widow burdened with tuberculosis must let her two darling daughters go to an orphanage because she has to live in a sanitorium to be healed of this dread disease. These girls are not in the best place and situations arise when they call upon their father's brother, a man who is scarred and lives in seclusion. Can they count on Dirk to rescue them? Will his heart open to their plight? Hearts are closed and broken, fears run deep, old secrets cause pain. Will the meadow ever bloom again in these hearts? This is a must-read!! 5 staRS