Prairie Song by Mona Hodgson

The first step in a challenging journey is often the one that means the most. 
 
Though it means saying goodbye to the beloved friends and spiritual mentors of her St. Charles, Missouri quilting circle, Anna Goben is certain that she needs to enlist her family in the Boones Lick Company wagon train. The loss of her beloved brother in the Civil War has paralyzed her mother and grandfather in a malaise of grief and depression and Anna is convinced that only a fresh start in the Promised Land of California can bring her family back to her. Although the unknown perils of the trail west loom, Anna’s commitment to caring for her loved ones leaves no room for fear—or even loving someone new.  
 
During the five-month journey, trail hand Caleb Reger plans to keep a low profile as he watches over the band of travelers. Guarding secrets about his past and avoiding God’s calling on his life, Caleb wants to steer as far from Anna as she does him, but she proves to be just as he assessed her from the beginning— independent, beautiful trouble. 
 
Led by a pillar of hope, the group faces rough terrain that begins to take a toll on their spirits. Will the wilderness of suffering lead them astray, or will the gentle song of love that echoes across the prairie turn their hearts toward God’s grace and the promise of a new home?

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Prairie Song, a novel by Mona Hodgson, is the continuing story of The Quilted Novellas, which I have reviewed before on my blog.

I began reading Prairie Song during a stressful part of my summer (staff development). Thus, the book was like a tall glass of refreshing water at the end of a hard workday. It was a blessing to read. Not just because I was beginning to become stressed about school starting, but because it is a well-written novel. The length of the book gave Ms. Hodgson time to develop the characters well. Since I had read The Quilted Novellas Two and Three prior to this novel I was familiar with the main characters, Anna Goben and Caroline Milburn. Both women are strong and independent. They rely on God for strength and help. During the novel they learn about hardship while being pursued by two leading men. The love stories in this novel are charming and the way the characters learn more about themselves and how to lean on God for understanding and direction is moving.

I suggest that any reader interested in this book read The Quilted Novellas first to get the back stories of the characters. However, if you want to delve into this novel first you should not find yourself confused. It is just my preference to read books in order. :)

If you enjoy Christian fiction this novel is a must read! I am whole-heartedly looking forward to Ms. Hodgson's second book.

Thank you to the author for a delightful read and to the publisher for a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review!