Sunday, September 29, 2013

Before The Dawn & Sweet September by Kathleen Bauer ~ Home To Heather Creek Litfuse Blog Tour

About the books: When the world around you falls apart, could it be that God is giving you a second chance? This is just one of the questions on Charlotte Stevenson's mind as she brings her three grandchildren to live on the family farm in Guidepost Books' Home to Heather Creek series.
To purchase copies of these books just click here.

Charlotte Stevenson's world is turned upside down by the death of her daughter Denise. Denise ran away from home as a teenager and Charlotte has never forgiven herself. Now, Denise's three children are coming to live on Heather Creek Farm. Is this Charlotte's chance to make things right?

The three kids arrive on the farm: Sam fiercely protective of his younger siblings; Emily, desperately missing her friends; and young Christopher, a sweet soul who wants to fit in. While Charlotte helps the grandchildren she barely knows adjust to their new life, she also wrestles with her own grief. Well-meaning friends offer heartfelt advice but what if Charlotte makes the same mistakes this time around?

But small joys remind Charlotte that God gives grace freely, even in trying times, when Emily discovers her mother's horse in the midst of a difficult birth, the whole family comes together to save the animal that Denise loved. The miracle of new life, along with God's healing touch, reminds all of them that it's always darkest just before the dawn.

My take on this book:
Nebraska is a world away from San Diego, so when Sam, Emily and Christopher Slater  find themselves moving to Heather Creek to live on their grandparents farm after the death of their mother one can be sure that it isn't going to be easy. While Charlotte and Bob are grieving the loss of their only daughter Denise they also find themselves taking in their three grandchildren. The ups and downs of trying to help three children from the city adjust to farm life while also struggling with the loss of their mother is no easy task. The only way that they can succeed is holding strong to their faith in God.
This was such a touching story of love and loss. I could totally empathize with the children, as well as the grandparents because the author captures the feelings of young and old with this story. Full of emotion,this is a story that pulled me in, allowing me to totally feel as if I was right on the farm with the characters.  Overall, I found this a real life story, because so many grandparents are raising their grandchildren in today's world.  Anyone looking for a heart touching story filled with family and faith will certainly enjoy this series!


Sweet September picks up at harvest time, as the children are settling into a new school year. While the harvest should be an exciting time, the children don't seem to be getting into the spirit. Emily is struggling with farm life, Christopher spends most of his time alone, and Sam is failing school. Trying to learn from what did and didn't work with her own kids, Charlotte is determined to get her grandchildren back on track.

As tenuous family bonds threaten to break apart, a mystery on the farm might be the one thing that can bond the family together. Charlotte sets out to uncover the truth, and as the kids unite to find answers, this cobbled-together family learns more about one another and the love that binds them together.

The lives of the Stevensons and their grandchildren unfold in this captivating story of the remarkable change that comes from the love of family, the kindness of others, sheer persistence and unshakable faith. As readers follow the Stevensons' inspiring stories, it's almost impossible not feel a part of this friendly, loving community, where God's grace can be seen in every circumstance.

My take on this book:
Sam, Emily and Christopher are finding it difficult to handle all of the changes going on in their lives, but their grandparents Charlotte and Bob  are going to do whatever it takes to make sure that they can handle the adjustments,while also trying to provide a loving, stable environment. 

"Sweet September" is the second book in the Home To Heather Creek series, and continues with the story of Sam, Emily and Christopher as they learn to adjust to living on a farm with their grandparents. We see how difficult it is to balance between being a loving grandparent while also trying to keep the children on the right track, and lest we forget Charlotte and Bob are also grieving for the loss of their daughter Denise. I am really finding these characters so easy to connect to. I totally understand why Charlotte would second guess herself about her parenting skills, and with so many opinions coming at her about how to do things. I could feel the children's struggles, from missing old friends, to not really caring about school work, this story really reflects the struggles the children are facing as they adjust to such changes in their lives. The positive christian themes running thru the story are very well done, reminding that God can help us thru whatever we face. A good,clean family read that allows the reader to share the ups and downs of the Stevensons and their grandchildren as they adjust to the many changes taking place in their lives.

To read what other reviewers are saying click here.

Guideposts Books is thrilled to announce their brand new series, Home to Heather Creek, by Kathleen Bauer. The first two books, Before the Dawn and Sweet September, release this fall.
Guideposts is celebrating the launch of Home to Heather Creek with a Paperwhite Kindle Giveaway!
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One winner will receive:
  • A Paperwhite Kindle
  • Before the Dawn and Sweet September by Kathleen Bauer
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 5th. All winners will be announced October 7th HERE.

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; ENTER TODAY AND BE SURE TO VISIT LITFUSE BLOG ON THE 7TH TO SEE IF YOU WON! (OR BETTER YET, SUBSCRIBE TO THEIR BLOG [ENTER YOUR EMAIL IN THE BLOG SIDEBAR] AND HAVE THE WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX!)

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