Ann H. Gabhart’s new novels are an automatic addition to my reading list, because they are always the epitome of what Christian Historical Fiction should be.  “When the Meadow Blooms” is no exception, and brought me so much joy while reading – it is just such a sweet, enchanting, wholesome, and compelling story, and I could hardly put it down.

A unique feature is how three characters tell the story through their eyes: widowed and unwell Rose, her scarred and secretive brother-in-law Dirk, and Rose’s hopeful and helpful young daughter Calla.  This gives such an interesting perspective to the novel, as you can imagine.  At first these three characters are separated by years and miles, but soon they are brought together through a series of heart wrenching events.  Once together at Meadowland, healing is inevitable and growth is certain – but how these changes affect each character is what gives beauty and grace to this oh-so-special story.  

I won’t reveal any more of the plot for fear of giving away key parts of this story, but I will add that it is an emotional, heartfelt, and unforgettable novel that I found myself thinking about long after it ended.  Overall it is gentle and unassuming, but I will add there are some very painful scenes as well… yet healing doesn’t come without pain – in real life or in well-crafted stories.  And “When the Meadow Blooms” is, one hundred percent, a beautiful masterpiece of a story.

* I received this book courtesy of Revell Publishing, in participation with a Revell Reads Blog Tour.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own.