Member Reviews

Most of this story was exactly what I expected in the next Leah’s Garden story: charming, delightful leading lady, small-town setting, sibling relationships, and young children.

However, Ethan’s change in personality from congenial to controlling and the lack of a happily-ever-after were confusing to me. While I’m a fan of a good tragedy and understand not every story ends with a wedding, this book felt like it would have such a happy ending for Lilac. I am disappointed to have been so misled.

Content: alcohol, tobacco

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A sweet and uplifting Christian historical novel, Fields of Bounty is the latest installment in beloved author Lauraine Snelling's series, Leah's Garden. It's a sweet continuation of the series, focusing on sister Lilac. The bonds of family are at the center of the book, and a sweet romance rounds out the story. Fans of When Calls the Heart will love this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

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I love this author and the way she writes characters. I'm not usually a huge fan of historical fiction but I love this author and the way she writes. This book was wonderful and I really got swept up in the story and the characters. Will recommend to my friends because this is a book that once again, I'm still thinking about long after I finished reading it.

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I have been reading and loving Lauraine Snelling's books since I was a teenager. Her books always are full of faith and this one is no exception. I haven't read the other books in this series and I would recommend reading this series in order. However, it did not take away from my enjoyment of this book. Snelling has a way with her writing that fully draws you into the story and make you feel as if you are there.

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My old soul thrives on Lauraine Snelling's books. From early Ingebord to her latest installment - I love them all! These sisters are faced with common, everyday problems and are able to adapt and do what is needed. I will be on the lookout for the next book!

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I really enjoyed the story once I got caught up on the history of all the characters as this is book three of Leah’s Garden. But as I read on it became a lovely country tale. I like how Lilac says quick prayers to God about everything. “Lilac whispered another prayer for Forsythia and the baby, the words as natural as breathing by this point.” I have to say I was surprised at Lilac’s decision at the end between her and Ethan. Doing the hard thing is most often the right thing to do. Lilacs are one of my favourite flowers and makes for a beautiful name, I never would have thought of that. I received this e-book for free from Celebrate Lit Tour and the opinions I express are honest and my own.

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Fields of Bounty
by Lauraine Snelling
Pub Date 21 Mar 2023
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction | Romance


In conjunction with Bethany House and Netgalley, I have been given a copy of Fields of Bounty for review:



To realize their true destiny, they must put aside their own plans and rely on their faith.



Lilac Nielsen has finally realized her dream: handsome young Reverend Ethan Pritchard has taken notice of her. In spite of this, she must balance this new courtship with the pursuit of another dream--the publication of her artwork in a New York newspaper. Under a pen name, she has secretly submitted a series of drawings. If anyone traces these drawings back to her and discovers where Lilac and her sisters settled, the entire Nielsen family is at risk.



The expansion of their family farm and Lilac's relationship with the reverend mark a period of new beginnings. However, when a family crisis in Ohio shakes the Nielsen sisters, can they continue to build the new life they have begun in Nebraska? Is Lilac prepared for what God has in store for her in the future?  



I give Fields of Bounty five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

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I haven’t read the first two books in this series about the four Nielsen sisters (but now I want to), yet that didn’t hinder the engagement and enjoyment of this compelling historical novel. The author appears to be at her best unfolding a prairie drama peopled with characters that make you care, relatable situations, trials and challenges to overcome, and a love to blossom and grow along with daily life. I like the strong family she portrays that works together and supports each other. The tale seems quite real and invites the reader right into the community and the life in a small Nebraska town. I like the elements incorporated into the plot that enrich the story—young children, animals, art, and music. I think this would make a good book club discussion and also a wonderful movie. If you were a Janette Oke fan, you should love this series. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley for this Celebrate Lit tour. All opinions are my own. #FieldsofBounty #NetGalley

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This series, Leah's Garden, is a series about family, mostly surrounding four sisters in Nebraska. I have not read the first two books, so I do not have all the background information, but this family is close in their love for one another and the way they support each other. This family also knows the meaning of hard work, yet they are very thankful for it and all of its bounty.

We have a couple of romances in this story. Younger sister Lilac has a couple of her dreams coming to fruition. One, her art has been accepted by a publisher, though under her late father's name. And two, the town's pastor, Ethan has finally taken notice of her. All seems to be working out until trouble comes knocking.

This story ended not quite the way I thought it would. Not sure what I think about that. When decisions are made though, Lilac and her sisters seem content with them. That is a lesson in and of itself.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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Even though this was the first in the series that I’ve read, it was enjoyable. There were lots of characters to learn and I was a little confused at first, so I recommend reading the first two before this one if possible. The characters were likable and I feel they could be friends of mine if given time and space. The story took place in Salton, Nebraska in the year 1867. The Nielsen family was very close and had to rely on each other through struggling finances, illness and everyday occurrences. Lilac had always had a passion and talent for drawing. When she submitted some of her drawings to a newspaper in New York, they liked them and offered her money for each one on a continuing basis. Being female she had to use her father’s initials and have them sent by her brother for them to even be considered for publication.
They also owned a boardinghouse which supplied employment for some of the locals. Lilac and her sisters had a farm to run that kept them busy. Two of the sisters were married and Lark and Lilac were not. Their traveling preacher got caught up in some untrue rumors which caused a split in their community. Things looked bleak. All the character’s reliance on God was refreshing, even when things didn’t seem to go their way. I was totally surprised and blown away with the ending of the book but still enjoyed the overall story
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

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I can always count on Lauraine Snelling to write a wonderful wholesome story with strong female characters. Fields Of Bounty is book number 3 in her Leah's garden series. It follows 4 sisters as they make a life for themselves in a male dominated west. I really enjoy reading about their day to day lives and how the Nielsen sisters rapidly become leading citizens in their town, bringing inventions and organizing activities. This is a great book to read on a peaceful weekend.

So brew up a pot of tea and settle in for an enjoyable trip to the frontier.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts are my own.

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First off, Fields of Bounty has a beautiful cover that draws me in quickly. But behind the cover, the story holds even more beauty.

I connected with Lilac upon meeting her. I love her kind heart and how much growth she shows throughout the story. Her faith is tested, and the spiritual and familial ties binds it all together. Listening to God is an important message that is conveyed so well.

The townsfolk are just as important as the main characters, in my opinion, giving the atmosphere of this story a homey feeling and with supportive hearts. This wholesome, inspiring, feel-good story has a wonderful ending, and the characters feel like friends.

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

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I loved reading this story and how it illustrates grace and a multitude of faith as we follow a family whose sisters are close. They help each other on the farm, with children and give emotional support when needed. I loved watching the town grow from the beginning stages and blossomed over time. The small town feeling is evident as the townspeople help each other out and encourage each other when they face tragedy.

It was exciting to see Lilac become more confident as her drawings were a hit with a newspaper. I could picture the way she brought the town to life with her tender sketching of a picnic, a family sitting on the porch or a look between sweethearts. It all comes together to bring life to the story. Lilac struggles with a decision that could change her life. Her prayers lead her to be strong as she decides her future.

The other sisters have trials as well but through each stumbling block, they grow closer. It is a beautiful story that shows how important family is and the sacrifices made to keep food on the table. Their faith is evident in every decision made and I liked how we watch them grow spiritually.

I need to mention Ethan who is the preacher for two towns. His heart for God’s work is evident as he wants to help start new churches in the area. It will come at a cost when the woman he falls in love with must decide if she wants to be a preacher’s wife. It is hard work and there is little time for yourselves as you take care of the congregations needs. I admired Ethan and how he wanted to follow in his father and brothers footsteps. There is a little plot twist when jealousy and bitterness makes someone bring false claims against Ethan.

I enjoyed reading how God worked in many lives in the book and brought joy to many. It was fun to watch a town start from the beginning and work together to make it a place where people want to put down roots. I adored the sisters and how they helped others and shared in celebrations when a wedding or the birth of a baby happened. It is a simple life that is filled with promise and God who brings unity when a lie tries to ruin someone’s reputation.

As Lilac and her sisters follow God’s direction for their lives they realize how important it is to follow His path for their future. It is okay to say no to something when you know it is not where God wants you. It is a journey where love, dreams, faith and family come together to find their path to happiness.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

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It's time for book three of the Leah's Garden Series! This is the last book and I'm so sad about that. I have enjoyed this series and really wanted for more to come because I'm not ready to leave this family!

In this book we're mainly focusing on Lilac though everyone is front and center and featured as well. Lilas has taken to making artwork and having her brother sell it for her. She mails it to Anders and he mails it off and then mails the payments back to her. She does this under an assumed name of course and it's mail surprise surprise.

Lilac has also had a secret or not so secret crush on the local pastor Ethan. He had favored her sister over her but now he's courting Lilac. When scandal and more come knocking at the door will she realize whether Ethan is really for her or not?

Add in some of Larkspur realizing just how good a friend she does have in a male person who has popped up in all three books as well. I've been rooting for him and Larkspur for a long long time.

Oh and we can't forget Climie! She finds out her husband is dead! Finally! If you know you know. And then she has to come to a decision about the feelings she and Jesse have been having for each other.

This is such a wonderful book. I really loved it and will read it again I'm sure. Again the worst part is that it's the end of the story!

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.

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One of the first books that I ever read in the Inspirational Romance category was by Lauraine Snelling. This was the only introduction that I needed to open the door to all the books that followed thereafter.

This book is Book 3 of the Leah's Garden series. The Nielsen family are very closeknit. Their love for each other is clearly evident. Each member will do what they can for each other.

The sisters all have such beautiful names. Larkspur, Lilac and Delphinium. Leah was their mother whom the series was named after. Her love of flowers inspired her daughters to grow a flower garden with hopes of better future for the Nielsens.

This book is about Lilac. She had such high hopes when the Preacher asked to court her. But with time, she started to question whether they were a match. Could true love bloom for the couple?

I received this book to review from Celebrate Lit.

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I loved this historical romance that has a wonderful ending. I loved all the emotions that Lilac goes through in her life. I loved how kind and wonderful that Lilac is. I loved all the main characters in this story. I love that you can read this book even if you have not read the first two in the series, though I recommend them. I love that this is easy to read and inspirational. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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This is Lilac's story.
I've kept up with this series since the beginning, and of course, I loved every minute of it.
I liked the idea of being on a farm in Nebraska in 1857, but it's definitely a lot of hard work. Sometimes, it makes me tired along with the characters at the end of a very long day. I can't imagine doing that.
Yes, God has a plan for Lilac, but then again, not just her but for everyone.
It is a very satisfying read for those who love to read Christian Faith-based books. This is one of my favorite things about this series.
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend it!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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This Is One Of My Favorite Series Right Now!

I loved catching up with all the goings on with the Neilson Sisters! This book focused more on Lilac but also included other major turn of events!

The story and characters are well written and developed. I have laughed and cried and worried as I’ve been caught up in the story!

I look forward to the next books in the series. I am very invested in the storyline and love the faith intertwined throughout.



* Audio book narrated by Christina Moore she read this story in a way that drew you in and did not distract from the storyline. I appreciate when the narrator doesn’t read too fast or slow and adds to the book not detracts! Christina did a wonderful job!

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.

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Fields of Bounty is the third installment from Lauraine Snelling’s Leah’s Garden series. I have loved reading the previous books and was excited to have the opportunity to read this one. I was not disappointed. It is probably my new favorite of the series to date. I found it to be a tender story of love and faith. It, also, tells of heartache and taking new paths in life. I enjoyed Lilac’s story very much and was intrigued to see how it would end for her.

I am giving Fields of Bounty a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers and fans of clean historical romance. As always, I will be eagerly awaiting more upcoming releases from Lauraine Snelling.

I received a paperback copy of Fields of Bounty from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

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This book was pretty good. This is the first book by this author that I have read and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I found myself caring about the Nielsen family and what they had gone through. I also found that I cared about the other characters in the story and their lives. I thought the story was well told. I thought this story did a good job of showing how some times what we want is not what the Lord has in mind and we need to trust Him to work out those details. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would be interested in reading the previous books in the series to learn about the other sisters more.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

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