Book Review: Home at Last

"Orlena Mavrich little dreamed what winter on Triple Creek Ranch would be like. Her awakened conscience and inability to “be good” are not the only cause for tears. Will the long winter days ahead bring only trouble and quick tempers? Join Mr. and Mrs. Mavrich, Mrs. O’Connor and the ranch hands as they face winter’s storms within and without, relying on the Lord’s help to bring some wanderers home at last."

It’s been a long time since I posted my review of book one in The Triple Creek Ranch series. Since then I have read three more books in this series by Rebekah A. Morris. Each book is just as wonderful (or even better) than the first! I really enjoyed this second book. The cover is, as always, very beautiful and accurately portrays the tone of the book. (And red is such a good color.)

The Setting:
This story is set on a ranch in the Midwest during winter and the beginning of spring (which added an extra danger and excitement to the descriptions of ranch life). It was great to be able to learn more about the setting of the series, and their cute little town featured more into the story this time. The illustrations are just fabulous and really bring to life the world of cowboys and prairies.

The Storyline:

The storyline was really great! I loved “watching” the continued journey of Orlena and those around her. The plot was very interesting (and even set up some more for the next book!!!), and I loved how there are things (especially in their ranch life) that mirror the struggle going on in Orlena’s life at the time. Lessons in controlling a temper, loving difficult people, and leaning on Christ for help (as well as a clear Gospel presentation!!!) were integrated into the book. And it was so awesome that Christmas got to be in the story. (That illustration was my favorite. Enough said. Read the book.)

The Characters:

The characters were delightful, (though there almost were too many ranch hands to keep track of). As always, I very much enjoyed Mr. and Mrs. Mavrich, and their relationship was a beautiful reminder of how wonderful marriage can be under Christ’s headship.  Once again, Mrs. Mavrich was sooo sweet, and Mr. Mavrich was awesome in his own way! : ) Their friends, ranch hands, and housekeeper Mrs. O’Conner (as well as a few new people added) made up the rich group of side characters. Orlena has definitely improved since the last book, but she still has lots to learn. (I love the way that turns out!)

The Concerns:
Parents should have caution in considering this book for younger readers because of some things that Orlena says in her arguments with her older brother. Also, although the marriage relationship between two of the main characters is very sweet and godly, some parents may not want younger readers to read this yet because there is a lot of married kissing throughout the book. : ) Also, a small scene takes place with a drunkard in the town, and there are small mentions of drinking and gambling throughout the book (but the character comes around! Hooray!).

(People in general should have caution, because if they read this book they will definitely have to read the next one. So terrible.)

I was very excited to read this book! My older sister very conveniently had a copy on hand for me when I wanted to read it a month after the other one. (I was supposed to pace myself. Didn’t I do a good job?) It tells the continuing story of the transformation Christ can bring to our lives and added to that it is such a good story! I bought the third book almost as soon as it came out (Two months after I read the second one—I only waited that long because I had to), so be looking for a rave review of it!!! : )

You can find the book here. The author’s name is Rebekah A. Morris. Shipping is only four dollars. The book is twelve. It came earlier than Amazon told me it would. Such good customer service. What are you waiting for?