Bending Toward the Sun by Mona Dodson, a review

Emilie Heinrich works at her fathers general store. She's attending classes at the Lindenwood College at her fathers urging. She still finds time to join the Thursday quilting group, at the Brandenburg farm. She's happy for her friend Maren who has found love and will be getting married soon. But that leaves Emilie to wonder if there is love in her future, until Quaid McFarland reurns after the Civil War. When the two meet again there is a romantic attraction. This give Emilie hope for her future until her father voices his opinion. How will her fathers opinion affect her future? You'll have to read it to find out.

This is the second novella in the Quilted Hearts series.  What I loved about this book was the strong family values, christian values, and support of friends. As in the first novella in the series, I love the setting of this book and that it lets feel like you are living in simpler times.

I would recommend putting this novella on your summer reading list. No smut, no dirt, just a nice relaxing read.

I received the Kindle version of the book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

So, what is "notebooking" anyway?

Dandelions on the Wind book review

Maren Jensen came to America as a mailorder bride. After being rejected by her future husband she is taken in by Elsa Brantenberg to help at her farm and take care of her granddaughter. While staying at Mrs. Bratenbergs' St. Charles, Missouri farm she grows to love Mrs. Brantenberg and her granddaughter, Gabi. She never expected to call the place her home. As  Maren becomes a beloved member of the Brantenberg household. When Gabi’s father, Rutherford “Wooly” Wainwright, returns to the farm unexpectedly, life changes for Maren.  Despite her failing eyesight, she can see that Wooly desperately needs to reconnect with his family. Grief over his wife's death sent him running toward the army—and into the Civil War. She also senses there could be something more between the widower and herself, if either can move beyond the pain of their past. Comforted by the wisdom of the women in her beloved quilting circle, Maren makes some tough decisions that may cause her heart to break once again.
Dandelions in the Wind is a wonderful short story that leaves you wanting the book in the series. You are taken back to a simpler time. I really enjoyed the characters and the setting. Having grown up in that area it was nice to read a story set in earlier times in the same place. I would highly recommend that you put this novella on your summer read list.