Review: Dandelions on the Wind
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 25, 2013
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 time period 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 story line. 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.