Dandelions on the Wind by Mona Hodgson ~ review

• File Size: 1215 KB
• Print Length: 111 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (February 19, 2013)
• Sold by: Random House Digital, Inc.
• Language: English

Tattered relationships and broken hearts, like a quilt, can be pieced together by God’s love.
                                                                                     
When Maren Jensen took a job on Elsa Brantenberg’s St. Charles, Missouri farm, she never expected to call the place her home. As she grows to love Mrs. Brantenberg and her granddaughter, Gabi, Maren is transformed from a lonely mail-order bride-without-a-groom to a beloved member of the Brantenberg household. 
 
But when Gabi’s father, Rutherford “Wooly” Wainwright, returns to the farm unexpectedly, everything changes for Maren. Despite the failing eyesight that caused her suitor to reject her, she can see that Wooly desperately needs to reconnect with the family he abandoned when his grief sent him running toward the army—and into the Civil War. She also senses there could be something more between the widower and herself, if either can move beyond their past hurts.    
 
Comforted and counseled by the wisdom of the women in her beloved quilting circle, Maren begins to discover the cost such decisions demand of her heart. Are her choices in obedience to God, or is she running from His plan? Is it too late for love to be stitched into the fabric of her life?

My take on this book:

I always enjoy reading about mail-order brides so I was drawn to this story because of that, but I was afraid that I might get short changed because it was only a novella length story, but the author packs a lot of story into just a few pages. Maren Jensen  came to America because she thought she would marry, but instead her husband to be decides he doesn't want to marry her because she is losing her eyesight. She is lucky that she gets a job with Elsa Brantenberg taking care of Gabi, and also helping on the farm. Things seem to be going pretty smoothly until Elsa's son in law Rutherford "Wooly" Wainwright comes home from the war, thing is he isn't sure that he will be welcome, but hopes that he will be able to  become a part of his daughter's life. This causes Maren to wonder whether she will still have a position, added to that is the fact that Maren and Wooly are drawn together, but can they overcome their issues from the past to have a future?

I really enjoyed the timeperiod that this novella was set in, right after the Civil War, when the boys were coming home, some came home and some didn't. The sense of community was strong within the pages of this story, and I really enjoyed how the ladies came together to quilt. Gabi was a sweet child, and I found myself understanding why Wooly ran away like he did, but I could certainly see why he came back and wanted to be a part of his family. Overall, I found this to be a quick read with interesting characters and a satisfying storyline. I will certainly be watching for the next book in the series!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.