Review: Dreaming on Daisies

Dreaming on Daisies
By Miralee Ferrell
Love Blossoms in Oregon, #4
David C. Cook, 2014


Summary

The ranch wasn’t all she could lose . . .

Fiery redhead Leah Carlson will do whatever it takes to save her family ranch. Somehow, she must cover her father’s debts, brought on by his drinking—even if it means asking handsome banker Steven Harding for a loan. When he must decline, Steven vows to assist this captivating woman.

After a mining accident destroys his home, serving as her part-time ranch hand seems the ideal solution. Until Leah’s family secrets, and the pain of her past, come to a head. They could destroy everything she’s fought for, including the spark of love that may never have a chance to flame.

This is western historical romance that offers hope and healing to the deepest wounds in a woman's past.


My thoughts

It's great to return to Baker City, Oregon in 1881 for the story of Leah Carlson and Steven Harding - and also reunite with previous characters from Miralee Ferrell's Love Blossoms in Oregon series:  Katherine and Micah, Beth and Jeffery, Beth's aunt Wilma Roberts, and Katherine's mother, Frances Cooper. In fact, I think Wilma and Frances are two of the most colorful and intriguing characters I've come across in a long time. They are a perfect example of how a deep friendship can grow between two people who, on the surface, seem unlikely ever to connect.

Readers of the series might remember Leah from the quilting circle in book one, Blowing on Dandelions, and Steven is Beth's brother who we met in book two, Wishing on Buttercups. One of the best things about a series is that we can reconnect with beloved characters and see how they are doing, but also be introduced to new characters and storylines. I was immediately drawn to Steven and Leah, who are so easy to identify with, and loved the sweet romance between them. Miralee never fails to deliver an interesting storyline, a setting you can easily imagine, character depth, and strong spiritual themes.

Dreaming on Daisies is thoroughly entertaining as a historical romance, while successfully incorporating serious themes at the same time - the pain of alcohol addiction, abandonment, depression, pride, deceit, a child's feelings of being unloved. I also appreciated that while many books are simply written from a Christian worldview, Miralee is always able to gently bring in the sweet gospel message.

One thought in the narrative really jumped out at me, and that is the idea that someone can be physically present, yet absent from the relationship. I've been blessed with loving family relationships, yet that is something I've often seen in the lives of those around me.

This conversation between Steven and Leah also spoke to me, maybe because it hits a little too close to home! It alludes to the fact that God always answers our prayers, but not necessarily in the way that we might have asked:

Steven:  "You said God will make a way. Don't you suppose God has the ability to answer in a way that's not what you expected?"
Leah:  "It's not up to me to question the Almighty."
Steven:  "But it is up to you to listen when He offers other provision."

I wanted to end with Miralee's words in describing how she came to write this story:  "In my years of counseling women, I've discovered that alcoholism, abandonment, and depression impact even the strongest Christian families, leaving deep scars that can linger for a lifetime. My hope is that women who have encountered a similar situation might find some aspect of the story that would minister to their heart. Jesus is our Great Physician and is able and willing to heal every broken and wounded heart that's brought to Him."

I enjoyed Dreaming on Daisies and hope many more readers discover the writing of Miralee Ferrell. Recommended to all who enjoy inspirational historical fiction.

Click on the following titles to see my reviews of the previous books in this series:  Book #1, Blowing on Dandelions, Book #2, Wishing on Buttercups, and the novella, Forget Me Not.

Dreaming on Daisies can be purchased online at CBD, DeeperShopping, B&N, and Amazon.

Miralee Ferrell

Miralee Ferrell is multi-published in contemporary and historical romance, is a speaker, accredited counselor, and American Christian Fiction Writers chapter president. She and her husband enjoy horseback riding, sailing, and family gatherings around their eleven-acre property in Washington State's beautiful Columbia River Gorge.

Meet Miralee online at miraleeferrell.com, Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.

Thank you to Miralee Ferrell for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.