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Courting Emma by Sharlene MacLaren
Last night I finished reading Courting Emma by Sharlene MacLaren. This is the third, and final installment in the Little Hickman Creek series. Set in 1896, we get to know the firm character of Emma Browning, owner and manager of the local boarding house. Thanks to years of abuse at the hands of her alcoholic father, Emma has built a strong wall around her heart. When the town’s beloved Pastor Jon moves in Emma finds herself changing.
Unpredictable curves and twists take the reader on a great ride, ending with an expected but satisfying conclusion. Characters are so well writen that they become vivid in the readers minds. Even characters with little input into the story stand out as unique individuals.
This story is filled with humor, sadness, spiritual lessons, and even mystery. Far and away, this was my favorite of the three books. The quality of writing increases with each story. Courting Emma could be read alone but I would recommend starting from book one, Loving Liza Jane. If you like historical christian romance, you’ll enjoy the Little Hickman Creek books.
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Surprise!
Parents all over Benton county gave a victorious shout this morning. For the first time in my memory, AYSO soccer was canceled. Those of you that have braved the ice, wind and rain to support your kids, even smiling and cheering through the pain, can appreciate this. A reprieve. Today there will be no bundling up, no slicing bags of oranges for the team, no lugging chairs and water across soggy fields.
The sun is shining brightly outside, though cold winds blow, and I can’t help but rejoice in my warm, dry living room. It’s not that I don’t love seeing my children enjoy themselves. I love to encourage them. It’s just that I wish I could do that while still being able to feel my toes.
Next week we will be found out on the field again and we will love every minute of it. This week, we thank God that He gave us a break!
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Spring
Spring is bursting into life here on the little farm. We had a beautiful weekend, temperatures in the seventies. True to western Oregon springs, it is raining again and quite chilly. Regardless, I am inspired by the fragrant blossoms sprouting from many of my favorite plants.
I love the Flowering Red Current that my family gave me, years ago, for Mother’s Day. With little to no care it explodes with color every spring. What a blessing.
I also love the Camilla that grows half way up my towering old farmhouse. My grandfather grew Camillas. He would take me out before dinner to pick just the right blossoms. Then we would present them to my grandmother as she cooked away on one of her marvelous meals.
Another favorite is the Bleeding Heart. I’m not sure why I love this plant, the name makes me a little sad, but it’s so lovely. The heart-shaped blossoms hang down from their stems in neat little lines.
I sincerely hope that you all are finding time to enjoy your favorite gifts of spring. -
Writing Contests
Monday evening, I received my feedback from the Genesis Contest. Some good comments, some not so flattering. Overall, I loved it. Entering a contest has been one of the best things I have done on this writing journey. The comments from the three judges where like a series of light bulb moments. You know what I mean, your tripping along, doing what you think is your best, then, BAM, you realize there has been a simple problem holding you back. Now I am much more clear on my strengths and weakness. I know which areas I need to study more, and which areas I can have a measured amount of confidence in. Thanks judges! If any of you readers are also writers, I would encourage you to submit your work to a good contest.
So what does that mean for the book I’m working on now? After much thought, I have decided to go a different way with the first two chapters, starting the story in a different place, with slightly different circumstances. Wow, I like this new beginning so much better than the 1st or 2nd attempt.
I’m entering another contest in June. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Enjoy the weekend. It’s suppose to be sunny, and in the seventies here in Oregon.
Christina
