Until the Harvest is the second full length book in the Appalachian Blessings series. This one takes place some twenty years or so after the first book, and can definitely be read as a stand alone.
Once again, the author has crafted a story that is very unique. The time period of the seventies and the setting of an Appalachian community in West Virginia is one that I haven’t visited much. I thought this book had a good pace to it and I found myself hoping that the main character, Henry, would wake up and begin making better decisions!
The author does a great job of exposing frailties. These community members that the reader gets to know in both of her stories have real hang ups that must be overcome. The characters have a lot of growing to do, and even at the end of the story, I found myself hoping that Henry truly appreciated the blessings he had and the love he was given.
This book was full of interesting characters, conflict to be worked through, growth in the understanding of God’s love for everyone, and a bit of romance. (4 stars)
My thanks to Bethany House for the complimentary copy of this book that I received in exchange for an honest review.
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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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.
You can connect with Sarah on her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
