Here is what WaterBrook Press says about this book:One woman, an impossible dream, and the faith it took to see it through.
German immigrant and farm wife Hulda Klager possesses only an eighth-grade education—and a burning desire to create something beautiful. What begins as a hobby to create an easy-peeling apple for her pies becomes Hulda’s driving purpose: a time-consuming interest in plant hybridization that puts her at odds with family and community, as she challenges the early twentieth-century expectations for a simple housewife.
Through the years, seasonal floods continually threaten to erase her Woodland, Washington garden and a series of family tragedies cause even Hulda to question her focus. In a time of practicality, can one person’s simple gifts of beauty make a difference?
Based on the life of Hulda Klager, Where Lilacs Still Bloom is a story of triumph over an impossible dream and the power of a generous heart.
“Beauty matters… it does. God gave us flowers for a reason. Flowers remind us to put away fear, to stop our rushing and running and worrying about this and that, and for a moment, have a piece of paradise right here on earth.”
I wanted to love this book. Jane Kirkpatrick is such a gifted writer. This book had a great message about having faith during our trials and stepping out of our comfort zone to see what's not always seen by others. It does teach us to pursue our dreams. Those dreams implanted in us by God. With Him everything blooms at the perfect time.
I found this book to be very slow and I had a hard time staying with it. It just never really captivated me. The opening pages are simply beautiful. Almost poetic, but the story just never rose to my expectations.
You may read this story and find great blessings. I hope you do give it a try. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this book penned by Jane Kirkpatrick.
This book was a gift from WaterBrook Press for it's review.
