I have always been a huge Lauraine Snelling fan. Her books are always full of wonderfully real characters and story lines.

I went into this book without having read the first two books in the series. I would not recommend doing that as I felt like I was missing something. Despite feeling a bit lost in the beginning, I did really enjoy the book.

This book is centered around Lilac and the fact that she believes she is in love with the local preacher Ethan Prichard, but the main focus, I believe, is listening to God and seeing God's protection in our daily lives.

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

This is book three in the Leah’s Garden series. I have been a fan of historical fiction, especially where the women travel by wagon trails to new adventures. In book three, the Nielsen sisters are settled in Nebraska and working towards expanding their businesses.
The story of Lilac Nielsen turned out differently than I thought it would. This is a good thing. I hate it when I can guess the ending before the story unfolds. In this case, I enjoyed the end better than the one I thought would happen. The Nielsen sisters are fictional, but I could be friends. I am excitedly awaiting to read Lark’s story (hoping it is released soon).

Fields of Bounty is book three in the Leah's Garden series. The series is written by Lauraine Snelling. This author was one of the first Christian Authors I came across when I switched to Christian Fiction. She has written so many wonderful stories. I have not read the other books in the series. I will go back and get the previous back stories, however I was not lost for the author does a good job filling in gaps.

Lilac Nielsen has been sending in her sketches under a different name. A male name. She feels that noone would take her seriously if they knew they were drawings from a female. Her brother has been helping her with sending the correspondence. One magazine is interested and willing to pay for weekly features. She is very excited about this. Then she starts courting the Reverend Ethan. Ethan feels that Lilac would make an excellent pastor's wife. She is kind, patient and compassionate. Everything seems to be going smoothly until both hit brick walls.

There is a family crisis in Ohio - will it shake the Nielsen's faith? Ethan is facing a possible scandel of his own. The author has done a wonderful job in weaving in faith elements to the story. Trusting God and forgiveness are big ones in this book.

I enjoyed the story. Lilac grew throughout the book. The characters are well written and the storyline is intriguing. Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Fields of Bounty, by Lauraine Snelling with Kriersti Giron, is book three in the Leah’s Garden series. This story does take over where the second ends, so it is best to read this series in order. It is a very well written, fun and easy to read story that is set in Nebraska in 1867. Lilac is one of four sisters who moved to Nebraska from Ohio. Ethan is the local pastor who she plans to marry. Both go through struggles and trials that show their trust and faith in the Lord.

This is such a good story, infact, I have enjoyed the whole series. There are so many things I like about it. When the sisters first arrived a sody was built to live in. Two of the sisters still live there and care for the animals and fields. The other two are married and starting their own families, but they are still close and help a lot. I enjoy how talented, strong, and knowledgeable they are. They plan ahead for future needs, this comes out when they are making butter with the last of the mild a cow will give for a while. They hunt for the food for the whole family as well as the boarding house. I especially like how the family is there for each other and watches out for each other. Yet when Lilac is struggling with a decision, they don’t interfer until she askes for advice. The connections they have to each other show with how Lilac and her older brother work secretly together to get her drawing published. She even turns to him first when she starts questioning her future plans.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

I found this such a good inspirational book to read. This is the third book in the Leah’s garden series and it features Lilac Neilson and her story of love. Follow along as their plans get off track and they look to God for guidance. I can’t wait for book 4 to come out so I can continue on the journey with the characters.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit for my honest opinion. All words are my own.

So good to spend time with these people again. They feel like family. All the homey feelings of a farm, a small growing town and industrious sisters with caring brothers who help from back home. Relationships and hard work with the rhythm of living. Marriages and babies in the air. Deep hurts healed with prayer and love from each other as they look for God's plans in their lives, using the gifts and talents that He gave them. I'm never ready for these stories to end; I'm looking forward to the next.

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.

#FieldsofBounty #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #LauraineSnelling #KierstiGiron #ChristianHistoricalFiction

Yes - read it.

3rd in a great series. Lovely to continue reading about these characters. This feels like a transitional book in the series. While there was a lot going on, it didn't really go very far. Good things happening, for the most part, for all the characters which is a good thing for a lovely spring read. It was hard to look out over the snow while reading about flower seeds!

I received an ARC from Netgalley to help prepare for this honest review.

Fields of Bounty is the third book in the Leah's Garden series. I had not read the previous books in the series myself. While it seemed like it read okay as a standalone, I did find myself struggling to get into this story a bit and I do wonder if that was in part because I hadn't read the previous books. There were a lot of characters to keep up with, and I certainly struggled with that which pulled me out of the story more than I'd have liked. As such, you might get more out of it by reading in order and having more time to get to know the full cast of characters better first.

While it was a slow start for me, it was certainly not because of poor writing or story... the author did a great job of bringing readers to this place and time and creating characters that were interesting and full. The pace felt a bit slower for me, but not in a negative way--- just compared to what I'm used to reading lately. Readers who enjoy historical romance set in the 1800s are sure to want to check this one out for themselves.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

This is the third book in the Leah's Garden series. I thoroughly enjoyed this story reading about the 4 sisters who had traveled to Nebraska and were each making a life for themselves while still working together for each other's benefit even though the two oldest had married. This book focuses on the youngest sister Lilah who is an extremely talented artist. She is being courted by the pastor who has run into problems of his own, and Lilah has to decide if their relationship is really the right one for them.

Even though I really liked the book, I would recommend that you read this series in order. I had not read books one or two and felt that there was missing backstories that would have made me enjoy this book even more.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book as much as the other books I've read by this author.

A great little book. Thank you gforbletting me read it. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters b

I will have to go back and read the first two books in this series by Lauraine Snelling and Kiersti Gordon because I really like this family and community they have created. I received this third book in the series in advanced reader's form from the publisher and NetGalley. This is my own unsolicited opinion. I enjoyed it very much.
Lilac Neilsen is coming into her own as she toils with her sisters. With the aid of her brother, she begins to submit her artwork in an effort to be published. After a year of watching and waiting she has attracted the attention of the local minister who wants to court her. This gets very interesting.
I appreciate the feel the pair of writers have for the time period. Their knowledge of how things we're done in the mid 1800's gives a sense of reality to the story. Great detail gives a natural flow to the daily life of this hard-working family in the early days of Nebraska. I was able to catch up easily with the background of the series and will watch for future books that just has to be coming in the future. I love the unpredictable ending.

Fields of Bounty by Lauraine Snelling takes readers back to 1857 in Salton, Nebraska to visit the Nielson sisters. I thought Fields of Bounty was well-written with developed characters. I have enjoyed getting to know the Nielson family. They are a close, loving family. I like how they are there for each other. We have gotten to watch the main characters struggle as they establish themselves in the new town, work hard to keep expanding the town and achieve their dreams, and mature as individuals. Fields of Bounty features Lilac Nielson who catches the attention of Ethan Pritchard, their pastor. We also get to catch up with the rest of the Nielson clan as well as some of the townspeople. Lilac grows up in this book. It is nice to see her mature. I like how Lilac story ends. I love the path the author chose for Lilac. Lilac learns that God has a plan for her life and that dashing ahead is counterintuitive (bring her nothing but disappointment and pain). I liked the life lessons in the story and how the author tied them to God plus provided relevant Bible passages. Some of the ideas presented caused me to dig out my Bible. I like how they provided deeper contemplation. I can tell that the author did her research for this series. We get a glimpse at what life was like on a Nebraska farm in the 1850s. Fields of Bounty is a feel-good story. People do experience difficulties and heartache, but they work to overcome life’s challenges and become better human beings. I was left with a couple of lingering questions when I finished the story. I hope there will be more books featuring the Nielson family and the town of Salton. Fields of Bounty is the third book in Leah’s Garden. I believe it is best to read the series in order. It allows you to follow the Nielson family from the beginning. There are a number of characters and new ones are introduced. It is a challenge to keep all of them straight along with their storylines. A list of characters at the beginning of the book would have been helpful. I like that the author created strong, smart female characters. They are businesswoman who are working to expand their farms and the town. Fields of Bounty is a heartwarming tale with a hectic harvest, a patient pastor, a helpful family, a busy boarding house, and witty women.

Fields of Bounty
By Lauraine Snelling with Kirstie Giron
Pub Date mar 21
Bethany
Thanks to the author, pub,usher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Once again we join the Nielsen sisters and their ever growing family. I loved this story and the ending.
I’m ready for book 4
5 stars

Lilac Nielsen must learn to balance her new courtship with the young reverend and her pursuit of another dream--the publication of her artwork in a New York newspaper. But when a family crisis back in Ohio shakes the Nielsen sisters, can they continue the new life they've begun in Nebraska? And will Lilac be prepared for what God has in store for her future?

When I requested this from netgalley, I didn't realise that it was the last book in the series. I know, I should have! I do wish now that I had read the first books, but it didn't take away the enjoyment of this book. I think it would be better reading the series, but you can easily follow the story. I love stories that are, essentially, family sagas. There is plenty of that on offer in this book. Although, there isn't anything too exciting happening in this book, there is quite a bit of drama, with 1 thing and another, like real life, there are disappointments, heartache but lots of joy too.
This story mainly centres on Lilac, 1 of the sisters, although all the siblings are involved to 1 degree or another. I like the Christian themes in this book too, and the fact that the sisters talk to the Lord naturally throughout their day. This family have a strong bond and really help each other out in so many ways.

This is Lilac's story (Leah's Garden series #3). She is trying to have her illustrations published in a New York City newspaper but publication could give away the girls' location. The story of these sisters and life in the small town in Nebraska where they settled is interesting and fills my need to explore life in that era. As a genealogist, I'm interested in how my ancestors lived and some of the things they might have dealt with. Well written historical fiction provides me with a little slice of life in that time period. I'm grateful for dedicated authors who meticulously research and provide real details in their stories.

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my own honest opinion.

Nebraska, 1857, the Neilsen sisters continue to make a life in Salton. Two sisters already married, Lark & Lilac work the farm. Lilac is conflicted in her approaching marriage to Rev. Ethan. Ethan facing scandal leans on the Lord for guidance along with the aid of his father. Things are not going according to what Ethan figured his life would be like.

I enjoyed the journey with the sisters and the rest of the community of Salton. The characters go through lots of changes, some joyful, and others left them facing disappointment and changes in their lives they didn't see coming.

The historical aspects of the 1800s fascinated me. I loved the small community life and how they supported each other. Even though I haven't read any of the other books in the series, I was able to sort out the characters. The writing style was easy to read and enjoyable. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher and willingly choose to review it.

The premise of this book is that Lilac Nielsen is part of a growing family out West. Her and her sisters have made lives for themselves by doing odd jobs and becoming "entrepreneurs" of sorts.

The Reverend, Ethan Pritchard, is tired of all the eligible ladies seeking him out, so he decides to court the lovely and sensible Lilac.

I will start out by admitting that I have not read the previous two books in this series, so I know that puts me at a major disadvantage. It is very difficult to follow so many characters when you aren't caught up.

That being said, there were a LOT of characters! It was very difficult to keep up with so many names constantly being introduced. I've honestly never read a book with so many. It led to too many story lines and distractions. I felt like the story couldn't just be about the main characters, but was about this huge family and all of their friends...and the town too!

Overall, I thought it was a really sweet and innocent story. There were a lot of great elements to it, and you can tell that Lauraine really envisions her characters and the entire story.

I certainly recommend starting from book one if you are going to read this series! I think you will get so much more out of it and enjoy the depth of the writing that way.

Even starting at the beginning, I think it would be a bit much for me to have so many things going on. It's certainly not bad writing, but a style preference. Plenty will enjoy and love these stories!

Can I just say how much I loved the ending. I was dearly hoping for that sort of an ending, especially as I got further through the book, but I really didn’t think the authors would do it. I am so pleased they took that risk and I am so here for it. Sign me up for book four, please, because I need it now.

Once again we join the Neilsen sisters and their ever growing family as they make a life for themselves in Salton. With two sisters married and their families growing, Lark and Lilac work the farm and are constantly looking for new ways to provide for their family. Lilac is attempting to publish her drawings in newspapers back east and Lark is looking at purchasing a mowing machine, as well as increasing their livestock. When the Reverend Ethan starts to notice Lilac, it’s everything she ever dreamed, since tying to ignore his attraction to her sister. But courting the minister is a lot to balance between her work as an artist and helping Lark on the farm. Scandal, fire, new friends, new babies (human and animal), blossoming romance and new starts are just some of the things the sisters will face this season.

I’ve really enjoyed journeying with the Neilsen sisters in this series. From them just starting their journey west to them now settling well into their community and making great changes. They are business women, all of them, and entrepreneurs. I love the freedom the authors give these strong women and the ever growing family and group of friends they draw around them.

In this book, while it does focus on Lilac, we readers get to spend time with Lark and Climie. Climie finally gets the good fortune and love that she deserves. Her story of new starts and romance with Jesse was the perfect addition to this book.

Spoilers ahead, but I just can’t not talk about this. It’s not often you read a romance novel and hope your two main characters don’t end up together. I didn’t love Ethan right from the start and the more I read the more I could see he just wasn’t right for Lilac. Maybe the authors would bring them together, a strong conversation and Ethan would change his ways. That’s the best I was hoping for. And then we came to it. I am so pleased the authors gave Lilac her freedom and bravery to take the path she did. I’m guessing Lark might feature in the next book and I can’t wait to read more about this determined and loveable family.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog <a href="https://madisonslibrary.com">Madison's Library</a>

The third in the Leah's Garden series features Lilac as she begins a courtship with Ethan, the town's minister. But being a minister's wife may conflict with her artistic dream and her beloved family farm. The author has a flair for bringing early life in Nebraska to life. The struggles to survive, the building of a town and church planting all come together in this story. Hope to read more about the Nielsen sisters. Recommended.