Daughter of Joy

Set at the end of the 19th century in Colorado (in the USA) this book features a young woman called Abigail. Twice bereaved in recent years - she lost both her husband and her son - she is determined to find work, and takes on a housekeeping job for a rancher with an angry young daughter.

The story flowed well, and while the overall plot was somewhat predictable, there were some surprises too; most importantly, I found I could relate well to the main characters. The emphasis is clearly Christian but without too much preaching, and some parts are very moving.

Recommended.

The cover deceived me into thinking the story would be as boring. So glad I chose to read it anyway. The author's writing drew me in within the first chapter and I admit I was thoroughly surprised that I was really enjoying the story and wanted to know more about ALL the characters. Made me laugh and cry. I will definitely be reading the the next in the series.

I thought this book had promise. The story and characters had depth and emotion, the plot kept me interested, however it was ruined by the overzealous tone of the book. The story and "message" could have been conveyed better, but instead detracted from the story and the book. The tedious moralization, well got, well, tedious, and made the book sluggish and difficult to read. I felt the sorrow and despair, and even hope of the characters, unfortunately they were lost in the denominational message, and would not recommend this book to all but a select few. You've got to be hardcore into "Christian" lit to really appreciate this book, and since I'm not (hardcore that is), this book fell flat.(from my goodreads review)

I received this as a show more B&N free NOOK Book. Based on this work, I am not sure I want to read this author again...well maybe if there is less preaching, and more storytelling. I gave it one star, but, I think maybe it's more like 1.5 (not as bad as [Riven] ) but not that good either. show less

I considered not writing a review of this book. Mostly because it is not my kind of book. But I decided I should write about because books are the only thing that are giving me a reason to write lately. And more over they make me think about things. I picked this book to read because it was a free download. And I made a promise to myself that I would go outside of my comfort zone and try new things. I remember the day I tried out urban fantasy books, and I protested the whole way. Turns out I fell in love with them. Now I can't imagine a world without werewolves and fae and everything else in between. So why not venture out? Maybe there is something out there for me that I never would have thought to give a chance, a book somewhere on a show more shelf that will stay with me for years to come. So here I go on my journey to find that book.

To start this is a period book. The thing about period books is that as an English major and well quite frankly as a history minor I have read pieces of literature from this time, and they sound nothing like this. Although I get the reasoning behind it. I can remember struggling to understand the words on the page before me, and trying to figure out what they were saying in 1775. How the English language evolves over years is amazing to me. So that being said I believe the author did her very best to convey the times while still writing in a dialect that the average person living in 2000's could understand.

For me this book contains a lot of God. Almost to much for my liking. It's a personal preference. I understand the need for God in this book, this woman is starting over after one of the most tragic things that could happen to a person have happened to her, both her son and her husband dead within a years time. To rebuild a life after that, to strike out on her own, you need something to hold on to, and I understand that need wholeheartedly. The only thing that bothered me about the continuing mention of God 18 times on every page was Abby was on a journey to find herself, to become herself, and instead she spends so much time focusing on what God wants, and forgets to listen to her wants and needs.

Beth is really the only person I found moving throughout the book. She is a young girl who has literally turned into a bitter angry girl by following her fathers example. She tries so hard to be hard, to be like her father, that she knows no other way to be. The journey that she and Abby take together, in showing Beth that it is okay to be a girl, to want to be happy is okay, it's moving to see.

I found the last couple of chapters very rushed. The sudden reappearance and acceptance of Conner's son felt unnatural. The then sudden return of the supposed dead wife, Sally, is the most forced, surreal, part of the book. In all of like a chapter she arrives, throws everything into disarray, and then dies. And then oh my gosh, Abby and Conner and wed and live happily ever after. All this long buildup to only have this sudden sequence of events happen is just weird.

I also felt that the arrival of Hannah was unnecessary, like an attempt by the author to give the other characters in the book some reason to interact with the main characters. And as a way to show Abby has some kind of sway over Conner. Although it should be noted this is a series of books, and I think Hannah ends up being one of the "brides" in the course of the series, so maybe that is why she was introduced, either way I don't feel like she made any contribution to the story of Abby.

I will say that it was able to keep my attention, I didn't hate it. I didn't like it. But this book is not for me. I can see the appeal for other people though (that is until the last couple of chapters where the entire pace of the book changes). I will not be continuing with the series, but I do enjoy a free book. show less

Abigail Stanton is a resilient woman who held on to her faith after death claimed her husband and young son. Determined to start a new life with God's help, Abby sets out to find a job. Her journey begins at Culdee Creek ranch as a housekeeper. Conor McKay, owner of Culdee Creek, has a reputation for running off housekeepers and along with loved ones. When Abby arrives at Culdee Creek and meets McKay and his young daughter Beth she almost retreats but that still small voice turns her around.

At the beginning of every chapter, Morgan gives a relevant scripture that she wrapped the chapter around. Stanton who seemed to be the perfect Christian and most graceful lady had an inner struggle that only God could fix. At Culdee Creek Abby had show more her work cut out for her because McKay refused to allow her to mention God. Time along with Abby's prayers soon make progress with Beth and Conor. As soon as hearts begin to mend, an Abby and Conor make plans to start a life together old wounds are opened. Abby brought light, hope, and healing to Culdee Creek by holding fast to her faith. As God began to reconcile many lives and relationships at Culdee Creek it was Abby, the catalyst of it all, who felt as if He had forgotten her.

Daughter of Joy is a story about the forgiveness, unconditional love, and the redemptive work of Christ. Honestly, I did not know what to expect when I downloaded this book but I opened up a delightful story. I appreciate Morgan's sincerity and realistic approach to Christian fiction. show less

This book to me was a truely spiritual romantic novelty. I loved the devotion to the Lord from Abby even through all the hardships put in her life path. And Connor was a worthy partner to her. Each taught the other what spirituality meant to themselves or lack of. The characters were well though out and I will enjoy any future novels from this author.

Abby is a woman with a past full of heartache. She's lost her husband and son and struggles with her grief. She takes on a job as a housekeeper for a man who's reputation is less than stellar.

Conor is a rather volatile rancher with a past that hurts him to the core. He's got a little girl named Beth who was badly mistreated, to the point that Conor doesn't trust just anyone around her.

Abby struggles to win over Beth's love and loyalty. She struggles just as much to win Conor's trust. As a woman of faith, she believes that God will work wonders in their lives if they will only allow Him back in.

As you have probably guessed by now, Abby and Conor are somewhat attracted to each other, but neither one really wants to admit it. But you can show more see it. The two adults, heartbroken by life's unfair dealings, need each other (and the Lord!) to heal and really come to peaceful terms with their past. show less