Love Blooms in Winter

Lori Copeland

A romantic new book from bestselling author Lori Copeland that portrays God's miraculous provision even when none seems possible.

1892–Mae Wilkey's sweet next-door neighbor, Pauline, is suffering from old age and dementia and desperately needs family to come help her. But Pauline can't recall having kin remaining. Mae searches through her desk and finds a name–Tom Curtis, who may just be the answer to their prayers.

Tom can't remember an old aunt named Pauline, but if she thinks he's a long-lost nephew, he very well may be. After two desperate letters from Mae, he decides to pay a visit. An engagement, a runaway train, and a town of quirky, loveable people make for more of an adventure than Tom is expecting. But it is amazing what can bloom in winter when God is in charge of things.

Lori Copeland is one of my favorite authors. This was a fun ride and the story was entertaining from beginning to end. The characters were likeable and enjoyable that I did not want to see the book end. I am looking forward to more books in this series. I am so glad that Lori Copeland is writing a new series.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Harvest House Publishing, Inc. for allowing me to read and review this book in return for a free copy and was never asked to write a favorable review by anyone.

Love this story! I love stories from this era and it meeta all my expectations for the book.Never a dull moment, great feelings of romance in it, and Pauline's antics can be rather funny at times. I am about 3/4 of the way through the book, so not sure what the ending is yet,but it has been very good reading. Can't wait to see how it ends.

I always know that when I pick up a Lori Copeland book I will be privy to something special!

A peaceful and gentle spirit flows through the characters of Mae and Tom. Not that they didn't have their feisty moments because they did! Mae is a pistol when needed but she is a godly and committed woman who cares for her younger brother and an elderly neighbor while working as the small railroad town's postmistress. With a long time boyfriend who doesn't seem eager to propose, Tom catches Mae's eye when he comes to town and they become good friends.

This is a lovely story about self-sacrifice with the sweetest romance thrown in. Any fan of historical fiction will be sure to turn the last page with a smile on their face and a sigh of contentment.

I was provided a copy by Karri James of Harvest House Publishers through FIRST Wild Card Tours for review purposes only. I was not required to write a positive review, only my opinion of the book, which I have done.

It's 1892 in the small town of Dwadlo, North Dakota just as winter is beginning to set in. When I refer to Dwadlo being a small town, it is just that. All the buildings in town from the post office, general store, bank and the residents homes are all within a few short blocks either way. The train station literally ends at Dwadlo and here is where we find the setting of our story and meet the characters from Love Blooms in Winter, book 1 in the Dakota Diaries series by Lori Copeland who is fast becoming a personal favorite writer for me.

Here we meet Mae Wilkey who runs the post office within the general store and helps out when she can with the customers who come in for various supplies. Mae is also the sole provider for both herself and her younger brother Jeremy, who is 13, but mentally acts like 9 due to issues with his birth. Mae's parents died and now she cares for Jeremy as well as Pauline, a 92-year-old woman who needs constant care to due her age and mental capability. She lives alone caring for all the towns stray animals who are constantly finding their way to Pauline's home. Mae fears that once she marries Jake, the local well-to-do lawyer, there will be no one left to care for Pauline.

So Mae takes it upon herself to find out of Pauline has any living relatives who might be able to care for her. While cleaning out Pauline's desk, she uncovers the name and address of Tom Curtis, but the problem is, Pauline in her moments of clarity can't remember if he's related to her or not. So Mae sends a letter explaining the circumstances in hopes that Tom is in fact related to Pauline and can come care for her in the time she has remaining.

When Tom Curtis receives Mae's letter, he thinks it's a practical joke being played on him by one of the railroad employees. However, when a second letter arrives, Tom makes arrangements to check out the details of the letter and arrives to pay Mae a visit. What he doesn't plan on, is that his so-called routine life is about to get the biggest upheaval he will ever know.

I received Love Blooms in Winter compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and was captured in Mae's story. Not only in caring for her mentally challenged younger brother Jeremy, but also for her neighbor Pauline. Mae is a true do-gooder with a heart for everyone. She tries her best to be the best she can, even though she has been waiting six long years for Jake to ask her to marry him. She is by far, my favorite character in the book, because she is always putting everyone else's needs above her own. I can't wait to read the next book in this series as Lori Copeland writes her stories so well, you feel like you're part of the action! I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars.

My Thoughts:

Thanks to Jeane Wynn from Wynn-Wynn Media for sending me this advanced Galley of this book for my review. Thanks Jeane!

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Dwadlo, ND, 1892 is where the story takes place as Hal Murphy grumbles to his wife that he thinks this will be one of the worst season ever. As the snow and ice begin to take over the land it makes for a dismal time for all.

Mae is a single lady and if she does not find a sweetheart soon she will be She has been dating the same boy for six years but he just does not seem to want to get married.. This leaves the town talking about her and if she will ever marry. Mae takes care of anyone that will let her, from her elderly neighbor and her disabled brother.

She finds an address and is hoping it is someone that will help her care for the people, and here is where she meets Tom. At first Tom does not get close to Mae and she has a boyfriends, but before long he has fallen in love with her. So will she marry the man she has been dating for so long or will she see what love Tom has for her.

You need to pre-order this book now or at least write it down so you can get it at your favorite bookstore.

It is a very good story that I am sure you will love.