Bonnie Leon

One of the things that drew me to this book was the adventure across country in the late 1850’s. I loved how vividly the author describes the terrain and the danger that Emmalin faced. The story reminded me of my grandfather so much. He traveled by wagon to homestead his land in Oklahoma. The stories he told me were very similar to the one in this book with storms, Indians, hunting for food and months on the trail. I fell in love with the way the author writes with such power and emotions. show more
I have not heard of this author before, but she is now on my list as a favorite of mine. Her writing explodes on the pages as she brings the characters to life. It was easy for me to like a Emmalin. Her desire to reconnect with her father is a journey of reconciliation, forgiveness and trust. She has lost her faith and I enjoyed reading how she was open about being angry at God.

Jacob is a wonderful character with compassion for the Indians. He has lived on his own for awhile but he has deep connection to the Indians . I am always sad when I read how land was taken away from the Indians and forced to live on reservations. I am part Comanche and this part of the story really made me emotional. The author does an outstanding job of showing both sides of this part in history . Jacob also has strong faith and his talks with Emmalin about God were very honest without being pushy.

There were a few times in the story where I tired of Emmalin going back and forth about staying in Deer Creek or returning home. I knew exactly what she needed to do but she wouldn’t listen to me. Yes I hollered at her as she rocked back and forth with her decision. Oh my goodness that girl needed to see what was right in front of her. I loved how the story shows us how important family is and how forgiveness releases joy in your life.

I have enjoyed every minute I spent with Emmalin on her journey to find her father and experience the pioneer days . It is an emotional story that allows readers to see the hardship Indians endured as their land was taken away. Jacob teaches us to look past the color of skin and see the heart of people while showing Emmalin a simpler way of life. Don’t miss this epic tale of the Wild West where God is always there to guide His people.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. show less

“Her father was her only chance at a new beginning—if she could find him.”

Growing up, I was an avid reader and fan of “Little House on the Prairie” and anything about pioneers, with a special fondness for Oregon Trail stories. Although I’ve broadened my reading horizons since then, the nineteenth century will always be my first love, and I remain on the lookout for opportunities to read and review historical fiction whenever possible. From the first time I glimpsed the cover of show more “One Hundred Valleys”, I knew I had to read it; I didn’t even read the synopsis, although I was thrilled when I found out it was set in Oregon in the mid-1850s. No matter how many historical fiction books I read, I never grow tired of them, and this book is a great example of diversity within the genre.

From the first page of “One Hundred Valleys”, it became apparent that this was going to be a different kind of pioneer adventure. Author Bonnie Leon creates a unique story by merging common elements in a distinctive way. Rather than an Oregon Trail account, although details of the journey are scattered throughout the narrative, Emmalin Hammonds’ story opens in Oregon City after she and her Uncle Jonathon have made the trek. Moving on from a tragic past in search of the father she had been told was dead, Emmalin ends up making the last leg of the journey alone with a hired guide named Jacob Landon. For Emmalin, the travails of the journey are becoming more and more overwhelming as she finds everything stripped away from her.

Emmalin’s character is interesting in and of itself. I have to admit that initially I found myself unimpressed with her, and at times downright annoyed. However, Leon writes her this way for a reason. Back in Philadelphia, Emmalin was a member of the upper class and led a privileged life, which made her completely unprepared to live in a rather uncivilized wilderness. She seems quick to judge and complain, but then she surprises readers with her strength and determination. As her newfound friend Margaret tells her about courage: “It’s being afraid and trusting God enough to do whatever it is He’s called you to do that shows how brave you are.” She slowly softens her heart toward people and things that seem absurd compared with her old life, including the issue regarding the Indians, whom she has previously considered to be lower class. Her journey demonstrates how we all tend to categorize people, yet to God none of those things matter; He loves us all and yearns for us to enter into a personal relationship with Him. As Emmalin’s time of spiritual deliverance unfolds, it is worth noting that no matter how far away she felt God was, He never left.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. show less

I like the way this author writes a story. She takes you there, where the characters live, and you get a real feel for the land they live in, the trials and suffering they face and the joys. You weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.

It is the year of 1930. Joseph Stalin in in command of the communist regime and the Russian people are forced to give up their land and work on collective farms. Many go missing and are never heard from again. Yuri and his sister Tatyana show more watch as their parents are hauled away. Yuri finds a way to get his sister out of Russia by sending her to America. They will now both pursue different destinies as Yuri battles to stay alive in Russia and Tatyana faces tough times in America during the great depression. They will find it hard to discover their place in the world and also hard to remain faithful to a God who they know is real, but who seems to have forgotten them.

I am most eager to begin book two and discover what happens to these two in "In Fields of Freedom". One of them is now married (not giving that one away, you will have to read the story). I like the way the back of the book summed up this story by saying, "they valiantly pursue their separate destinies, amidst the crumbling economic and political systems around them, and realize, through their hardships and triumphs, that freedom grows in the heart of every Christian". show less

Why is it that so many Christian historical fiction novels feature women who defy the culture of the day, by seeking independence with a certain stubbornness and non conformity. And then proceed out of that attitude to do some act of defiance that is stupid and causes them to be a danger to themselves and others.
I've been enjoying The Heart of Thornton Creek, and found the Australian setting refreshing. But now the mc is about to do something so dumb I'm cringing in anticipation. So what is show more it about Christian historical fiction authors that makes them write this way?

Now that I've finished The Heart of Thornton Creek I'm unsure how to rate it. To be honest, I only finished it to find out what would happen. The characters, and those awful accents really got very annoying. Nothing peeves me off more in novels than stupid characters making stupid decisions. Because this book had so many of them, as well as an unoriginal and dissatisfying plot, I'd like to give it two stars. But the manner in which the story is clinging to me, suggests that perhaps it might just squeak in with a three. show less