When the Meadow Blooms is the first book I have read by the author Ann H. Gabhart. I always enjoy discovering great, new-to-me authors, and this book proved to be a delight. This novel takes us into the world of a 1920s farm in Kentucky and introduces us to the memorable characters of Rose, Calla, Sienna, and Dirk.
Rose is a widowed mother as a result of the 1918 influenza pandemic who has spent the last two years in a sanatorium trying to recover from influenza. Her daughters, Calla and Sienna, have lived in an orphanage with a tyrannical manager. Prayer leads them to finally contact their father's brother who lives as a recluse on Meadowland Farm due to extensive facial scarring from a fire. They plead for him to open his home to them to give them a place to live and reunite as a family. The novel chronicles what happens when he opens his heart to them and gives himself a chance to heal from the wounds of the past.
The book is a delightful tale. It has deep, tender moments while exploring the issues of healing from suffering. Admittedly, the book journeys towards a very predictable, comfortable ending, but it still warms your heart nonetheless.
Overall, the book is a lovely read. I received an advanced copy from the publisher.