This novel, much like the first in the series, has a unique style of story – a soft blend of faith amidst loss, pain, doubt, and sin. The rural community paints a sweet and realistic backdrop for the characters, each of whom have their own unique charm. It’s a coming-of-age story for both Henry and Margaret, complete with its moments of bruises as well as blessings. It read like a journey, as any book worth its salt should.
However, it progressed at a slow pace for me. At times it felt like there wasn’t much happening beyond the normal life day-to-day stuff. I liked the characters, especially young Mayfair, but I didn’t see as much growth in them as I would have liked. The romantic feelings between Henry and Margaret didn’t really show up until the later half and I struggled connecting to their relationship at that point. The obstacles they faced though were interesting. I had not expected those little twists.
I think readers and fans of “Miracle in a Dry Season” will enjoy seeing many of the characters return in “Until the Harvest”. The miraculous and mysterious aspects of the first book show up again in this book in a fresh and different way. You’ll have to check it out. I enjoyed it.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
When a family tragedy derails Henry Phillips’s college studies, he’s left unmoored and feeling abandoned. Although Henry tries to find escape in bad company, the only things that can tamp down his anger and grief are the family farm, his fiddle, and sweet but unusual pre-teen Mayfair Hoffman.
Unfortunately, Mayfair’s older sister, Margaret, with the freckles and cute, turned-up nose, has the opposite effect. Worse, she’s his grandmother’s housekeeper and helper, so she’s always around and ready to push his buttons. At first he thinks she doesn’t care about his loss, before beginning to understand she’s facing her own struggles. Mayfair’s health and unique gift sit at the heart of those worries, and Henry and Margaret soon find themselves relying on each other as both Henry’s future and Mayfair’s life are put at risk.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Her first novel, Miracle in a Dry Season, released August 2014 through Bethany House. Book #2, Until the Harvest, released May 2015. Sarah is represented by Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency.
A graduate of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC, Sarah once dreamed of being a marine scientist. But her love for words won out and she has spent much of her career in public relations and marketing. She currently oversees fundraising and communications for a Christian children’s home in Black Mountain, NC.
Sarah and her husband Jim live in the mountains of Western North Carolina with Thistle–the canine equivalent to a personal trainer pushing them to hike, run, and throw sticks. Sarah is active in her local church and enjoys cooking and–you guessed it–reading.
For more, visit her at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
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It was interesting to read about you! This books sounds like a great read! THANKS for sharing yourself w/ readers!
Thanks for reading my review, Barb! Have a great week. 🙂