Gerri Bauer

Stitching a Life in Persimmon Hollow is the second book in Persimmon Hollow Legacy series (set in 1888). Josefa Gomez Rodriguez is twenty-two and wants more out of her life. Josefa is living with her Aunt Lupita and Uncle Alfredo in Persimmon Hollow, Florida after the death of her parents and sister a year ago. Josefa has the chance to apprentice to the dressmaker in town (it will be a two-month apprenticeship) and she takes it. Her Aunt Lupita wants to send her to Texas to live with relatives where they will find a husband for her (which is why Josefa took the apprenticeship). Ben Stillman is a young carpenter in the area (and will do any odd jobs) who is taken with Josefa, but he knows he has nothing to offer Josefa at this time. Ben is busy supporting his widowed mother and sister. Ben is also hoping to be a plant hunter (like his father). Then Oswald Heller comes to town. He built a big, fancy house next to Taylor Grove (where Josefa lives with her family). Oswald (a pompous, blowhard) flatters Josefa and starts courting her. But Oswald has a hidden agenda (an evil one). But Josefa is flattered by Oswald’s attention (and money). Will Josefa make the right choice? Persimmon Hollow citizens have finally saved up enough money to build the Catholic Church. But some people are not happy to hear that news. Things are never dull in Persimmon Hollow. Read Stitching a Life in Persimmon Hollow to check in with the citizens of Persimmon Hollow.

I found Stitching a Life in Persimmon Hollow to be a little slow and expected. The book is nicely written, has a lovely setting (here in Florida), and contains some entertaining characters. I just wanted some spark or a little something that made the novel unique. The book just plodded on to its humdrum ending. I give Stitching a Life in Persimmon Hollow 3 out of 5 stars. I was disappointed that the author did not tell us what happened to the scoundrel (I bet you can guess who it is). I even went back and reread the last two chapters to make sure I did not miss it. Stitching a Life in Persimmon Hollow does contain good messages/morals (which is the point of the book). There are quite a few characters in the book and many subplots (which can get confusing). I was hoping that this book would be better than the first novel in the series, but I was let down. Maybe I am just too old and cynical (jaded) for this novel (a younger person might appreciate it more).

I received a complimentary copy of Stitching a Life in Persimmon Hollow from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.… (mehr)

In 1886, Agnes Foster flees, St. Isidore’s Home, the only home she has ever known to find herself on a train bound for the frontier, Persimmon Hallow, Fl. At the behest of Miss Eunice and Fanny Alloway of Persimmon Hallow, Agnes is the new teacher. Agnes was raised by nuns in an orphanage, and has a solid faith in God and is a devoted Catholic. Florida is a world away from the city and Catholic orphanage, but the teaching of Mother Superior were ingrained in Agnes, especially, her advice that preachiness is not Godliness and to not offer advice when it is not sought. Mother Superiors advice Agnes is sorely tested when she meets Seth Taylor. Seth is the Uncle to young Billy, whom Agnes agreed to watch over on the train until they reached Persimmon Hallow.

There is mystery about Agnes flight from the orphanage leaving young orphan Polly, whom she deeply loves and wants to adopt. Agnes’ mystery is eventually revealed as it now concerns Polly. Seth has his own mystery; what happened to make this handsome man lose his faith, become aloof, lonely, and unfriendly to his fellow neighbors and church. I found this very intriguing. As the mystery surrounding Seth was revealed, Agnes finds herself attracted to him. As the mysteries were of Seth and Agnes are revealed, the extent of evil was surprising. The world is truly evil at times as Seth and Agnes discovered. Agnes has great faith in God; Seth avoids anything to do with God.

I think the author handles the religious aspect very well; I did not feel preached to but rather was feeling the faith of the character and the scripture from their point of view in the situation in the story. I watched the characters grow in their love of each other, for the community and achieve forgiveness for themselves and others.

The town of Persimmon Hallow is a very faith-based hard-working community that is very close. This small town sure has a lot going on; from Agnes and Seth’s mystery’s, shootings, fights, intrigue, engagements for propriety’s sake; the return of evil forces to Agnes and Seth, the plots just keep coming and coming. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I would recommend this book to any one.

I received this book from Barbour Publishing in return for an honest review.… (mehr)

At Home in Persimmon Hollow by Gerri Bauer is a Christian romance novel. The book is set in Persimmon Hollow, Florida in 1886. Agnes Foster was raised in St. Isidore’s Home (for orphans) by nuns since she was left on their doorstep as a baby. Due to pressure from the patrons of the home (because of the incident with Rufus Smith), Agnes has accepted a teaching position at Persimmon Hollow Academy in Persimmon Hollow, Florida. She arrives in town with Billy Taylor (age 12). Agnes agreed to keep an eye on Billy when he boarded in Jacksonville (his aunt put him on the train). Billy is going to stay with his Uncle Seth Taylor.

Seth Taylor is waiting at the station for Billy to arrive. Seth is not the greatest welcoming committee (the death of his brother and sister-in-law as well as the railroad people trying to get his land through unscrupulous means). The Alloway’s and other townspeople are very happy to see Agnes. Agnes is to stay with Eunice and Fanny Alloway (they are her bosses at the Academy as well). Agnes is immediately drawn into life in Persimmon Hollow when there is a death in town. Everyone joins in to help with the funeral arrangements (building the coffin, digging the grave, gathering flowers, food).

Over time Seth starts to mellow as he spends more time with Agnes. Seth is drawn to Agnes and her positive outlook on life (her helpful nature and a scripture quote for every occasion). Seth starts rejoining life in town (he has mostly kept to himself for the last ten years). The only problem is Barrel and Lester Little. They are trying to get Seth to sell his land to the railroad and will do whatever it takes to get what they want.

Agnes’ trouble follows her to Persimmon Hollow. She has been trying to get away from Rufus Smith. Rufus Smith is a nasty man who owns a brothel. He is determined to get Agnes (using illegal methods). When he also tries to get Polly Todd (Agnes has raised her since she first came to the St. Isidore’s), Polly is sent to Persimmon Hollow. Unfortunately, Rufus tracks down Agnes and Polly. Rufus joins up with Lester Little and Barrel (nothing worse than three bad people joining together). The town will come together to help Seth, Agnes, and Polly.

At Home in Persimmon Hollow is a cute story, but it is very preachy. I enjoy reading Christian fiction, but when a book contains more scripture than story, it is too much. There are some good characters in the story and a nice setting. I just thought that Agnes came across as very pious. Hearing the descriptions of the orange groves reminded me of when I first came to Florida. We lived in Lakeland at the time and there were miles of citrus groves (our first home in Lakeland was built in a citrus grove). I give At Home in Persimmon Hollow 3 out of 5 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of At Home in Persimmon Hollow from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.… (mehr)