Hearth in Candlewood by Delia Parr

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. I got to babysit my little two month old granddaughter, Kida so I had a great time. My post today is on the book Hearth in Candlewood, the first book in the Candlewood Triogy. It's a historical novel taken place in the middle 1800's. It was a good story, it was quite humorous in many places. I know you will enjoy this book.

Widow Emma Garrett is the prosperous owner of the Hill House. It is her busy time when the story starts. She doesn't have an empty bed thanks to a freak storm in the middle of the town celebration. Checking all the doors, windows, and lamps, she is finally ready for a snack before bed when there is a knock at her door. When she arrives at the door there is no one there, she goes back to eat her snack when there's a knock at the back door. A soaking wet, little eighty year old widow is standing at her door. "I have run away from my sons," she tells Emma and so the  story starts.

Widow Frances Leonard is to live six months with one son and his family and then she goes to the other one's home but now her sons are fighting and she is caught in the middle. Emma hires her to do the mending and some embroidery at Hill House. Her sons are furious. Emma also cares for Reverend Glenn since his stroke. Her mother-in-law also lives with her and does the cooking. The house is busy and there is much to be done.

She goes to her lawyer, Alexander Breckwith hoping to help the widow with her sons, but he explains to her that her home is not really her own. The man who represented the owner of the house took off with her money so after years of living in the house and lots of money invested to bring the home up to Emma's standards she might possible loose her property. He reminds her that he had advised her not to sell her other property and move there. He also advises her to keep a low profile and not to upset the boys in case the owner hears about it. Upset with the man she returns to her home. Will they all be thrown into the street?

It's a cute story. Emma learns the hard way not to rush into things but that each decision should be talked over with God. His plans are for the best. I think we all need to realize this, so often we just decide on things because it is a good price or it is something you really want but God knows what is going to happen down the road. Will there be trouble with a deed or title or is it a lemon that will cost you a fortune in the future?
Trust God to have your best interests in mind. His plan is much more glorious than yours is.  God bless you all and try to put trust into your coming week and see what a difference that will make for you.