Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
9th out of 62 books
—
38 voters
Daughter of Joy (Brides of Culdee Creek #1)
ABBY AND CONOR EACH THOUGHT LOVE WOULD NEVER AGAIN STIR THEIR HEARTS. BUT THE ONE WHO KNOWS THEM BEST MAY HAVE OTHER PLANS ...
Abigail Stanton's whole life was rooted in her faith, a faith she now clings to solely to survive. In the wake of losing her husband and young son, Abby sets out alone, bereft and heartsick, to discover what God wants her to do. When he leads her to...more
Abigail Stanton's whole life was rooted in her faith, a faith she now clings to solely to survive. In the wake of losing her husband and young son, Abby sets out alone, bereft and heartsick, to discover what God wants her to do. When he leads her to...more
Trade Paperback, 355 pages
Published
August 1st 1999
by Fleming H. Revell Company
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
3,000)
I read this book on the recommendation of my mother-in-law and also because Barnes & Noble was offering it for free as an ebook. I'm a sucker for free. Yes, I am.
Daughter of Joy is a Christian romance. I felt like the book did sexual tension pretty well as long as the hero and heroine were trying to resist each other, but once they got engaged, it kind of lost steam. It could be kind of preachy, too. I'd probably give it 2.5 stars.
On the other hand, my mother-in-law loved it. She said she co...more
Daughter of Joy is a Christian romance. I felt like the book did sexual tension pretty well as long as the hero and heroine were trying to resist each other, but once they got engaged, it kind of lost steam. It could be kind of preachy, too. I'd probably give it 2.5 stars.
On the other hand, my mother-in-law loved it. She said she co...more
Overall, I liked this book. I am surprised by all the reviews that said it was, for all intents and purposes, "too religious" or "too preachy". Isn't that what Christian fiction is supposed to be about?
However, that is beside the point. Was it the greatest book I have ever read? No. Did it end up being a sweet story about people trying to be good? Yes, and I can definitely appreciate that.
I rarely read what would be considered strictly Christian fiction. Probably the only other experience I ha...more
However, that is beside the point. Was it the greatest book I have ever read? No. Did it end up being a sweet story about people trying to be good? Yes, and I can definitely appreciate that.
I rarely read what would be considered strictly Christian fiction. Probably the only other experience I ha...more
One of the most poorly written books I've read, but I still have to find out what happens! Yeah, the ending didn't make it worth it. Not a book I would recommend.
5 likes · like · see review
view 2 comments
It has been a very long time since I read books like this. I was a new Christian with a new husband and a new baby and everything about me was innocent, naive, and longing for romance. I knew nothing. When you know nothing, books like this seem like dreams to aspire to. Later on, when you realize life is nothing like this, you wonder how it is you liked them so much. Don't get me wrong I loved Janette Oke and she was a much better writer in her stark simplicity and innocent love. But, I grew out...more
I had a hard time rating this book because there were things that I really liked and things that I really didn't like at all.
To begin with the good, the characters were extremely likable. Character development was strong. I loved the fact that even though this is a Christian novel not any of the characters were singularly good or bad. They all came off as being very human, which is refreshing to see in this genre.
From a faith stand point, I like that the main character struggled with her faith...more
To begin with the good, the characters were extremely likable. Character development was strong. I loved the fact that even though this is a Christian novel not any of the characters were singularly good or bad. They all came off as being very human, which is refreshing to see in this genre.
From a faith stand point, I like that the main character struggled with her faith...more
I honestly don't know where to begin.
There are books that are bad, and there are books that are so bad that they transcend bad and become enjoyable. (almost)
This book is so over the top. The storylines are numerous, too numerous, in fact to keep track of. Case in point, why did our heroine write to her former sister in law? We were already given access to her inner thoughts, and the letters did nothing to further the story. Plus the letters are so sporatic that they serve as an afterthought.
Th...more
There are books that are bad, and there are books that are so bad that they transcend bad and become enjoyable. (almost)
This book is so over the top. The storylines are numerous, too numerous, in fact to keep track of. Case in point, why did our heroine write to her former sister in law? We were already given access to her inner thoughts, and the letters did nothing to further the story. Plus the letters are so sporatic that they serve as an afterthought.
Th...more
This book begins with a young widow who has recently lost her son. She reluctantly accepts the position of housekeeper/nanny for a man whose reputation is that of a difficult, demanding boss with a spoiled, bratty daughter.
Early into the story, I almost stopped reading, thinking that this historical fiction would end the same way so many do, with the virtuous heroine winning the heart of the bad guy, who instantly changes his ways, comes to the Lord, and welcomes her into his affluent life. Abou...more
Early into the story, I almost stopped reading, thinking that this historical fiction would end the same way so many do, with the virtuous heroine winning the heart of the bad guy, who instantly changes his ways, comes to the Lord, and welcomes her into his affluent life. Abou...more
Wow, I was so excited about finding a new christian author. When I initially began the book I found the charachters interesting and I wanted to learn more about them. However the book quickly looses credibility when one shocking occurrence after another takes place. By the end, I have rolled my eyes so much that I should have not been able to see. Also, I understand that Abigail seems to be almost God incarnate and knows how Conor should react to each new shocking occurrence in his life but if s...more
Because of loss for 2 people, they came together with each trying to move forward with their lives.
Abby was trying to get over her loss of her husband and son. She took the job as housekeeper to try to get her life to move on.
Instead she fell in love with the boss.
The daughter did not care for her at first, but she told Conor that he was showing his daughter how to treat others. He also saw this, and decided that he needed to change his attitude toward others.
Both started to like Abby and gave...more
Abby was trying to get over her loss of her husband and son. She took the job as housekeeper to try to get her life to move on.
Instead she fell in love with the boss.
The daughter did not care for her at first, but she told Conor that he was showing his daughter how to treat others. He also saw this, and decided that he needed to change his attitude toward others.
Both started to like Abby and gave...more
This book was very preachy. I have read quite a few Christian historical novels moreso for the period than any of the Christian preachings since it is harder to find simply historical novels of that period without the Christian undertones. However, this one went over the top in pushy on the religious factor. People who are interested in that type of book will enjoy this, but it was too over the top.
I thought the main characters had promising back stories that were a bit separate from other nove...more
I thought the main characters had promising back stories that were a bit separate from other nove...more
I didn't even finish it. The story was badly written and the characters unbelievable. Credit to the author for an interesting idea for a storyline. I thought it might have been good. But within the first few chapters, the female lead already had the serious hots for the male lead...for a woman still grieving it seems unrealistic. Also, Abigail was very clearly vocal in her thoughts about her attraction, something I thought didn't fit the character at all. It's like the author wanted to bypass al...more
I enjoy reading historical fiction and I am prepared to read about faith and Christianity, but this story doesn't read like historical fiction, it reads like a sermon, and a bad one at that. Instead of the religion being a part of the character development and the plotting, the author seems to be hell bent, pardon the pun, on beating the reader over the head with heavy-handed sermonizing that drags down the story and makes it hard to wade through. Her ideas about Christianity are more suited to...more
Abigail Stanton is a resilient woman who held on to her faith after death claimed her husband and young son. Determined to start a new life with God's help, Abby sets out to find a job. Her journey begins at Culdee Creek ranch as a housekeeper. Conor McKay, owner of Culdee Creek, has a reputation for running off housekeepers and along with loved ones. When Abby arrives at Culdee Creek and meets McKay and his young daughter Beth she almost retreats but that still small voice turns her around.
At...more
At...more
I read it because it happened to be free on Amazon, and it didn't look like a lot of the trashy novels that usually are free.
I enjoyed the independent nature of the main character. She acts on what she thinks is right, and love doesn't force her to stay in situations which are detrimental to her reputation and faith.
That being said, I also felt the main character often reacted strangely when hardship came around. She often would be telling people how they should react to something, and it just d...more
I enjoyed the independent nature of the main character. She acts on what she thinks is right, and love doesn't force her to stay in situations which are detrimental to her reputation and faith.
That being said, I also felt the main character often reacted strangely when hardship came around. She often would be telling people how they should react to something, and it just d...more
I really wanted to like this book. I liked the message; some of the decisions God calls us to make, aren't always perceived by us to be in our best interests. I just don't think this book is well written. I enjoy a more sophisticated writing style and rarely find that AND a great christian message all in the same book. Having said that, it has made me think about some things. For instance, there was a character who was told by a doctor that from a medical perspective she shouldn't have any more...more
Feb 02, 2011
Elise
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Older teens and up, due to mature themes.
Jane Eyre in 1890s Colorado! Well, not quite, but the plot is very similar!
I've been reading a few Christian historical romances this summer and they. . . haven't been very good. But a couple of free downloads from Amazon (this one and a Julie Klassen book) have helped to restore my faith in the genre, LOL!
This was much better than I had expected it to be. It isn't perfect - all the problems on the ranch are solved too quickly and easily (it feels like Abby just comes in and fixes everything and...more
I've been reading a few Christian historical romances this summer and they. . . haven't been very good. But a couple of free downloads from Amazon (this one and a Julie Klassen book) have helped to restore my faith in the genre, LOL!
This was much better than I had expected it to be. It isn't perfect - all the problems on the ranch are solved too quickly and easily (it feels like Abby just comes in and fixes everything and...more
It's not that it was badly written, but it could have easily been a lot shorter. The final plot twist could have been left out because it was unbelievable. Could the characters really not find their way without it? Speaking of characters, Abby spent half the book saying she couldn't marry a man who isn't a Christian and who doesn't lead a Christian life and then accepts a marriage proposal from one. She wasn't the only one to change their minds and change their behavior seemingly on a whim. Fina...more
Ok, so sometimes I have to lower my expectations/standards a little when I'm obtaining and reading free Kindle books. Christian historical romance isn't exactly a genre I adore, but sometimes it's an enjoyable way to pass the time. How's that for faint praise? Anyway, I enjoyed this little book, especially because it was interesting to see how far the main character would go to follow God's will for her. That made me think a bit about how far I will go to follow God's will for me, so I enjoyed t...more
Jan 04, 2012
Laura
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Book Clubs, Women Everywhere
Recommended to Laura by:
Barnes and Noble
To give this book anything less than 5 stars would be selling the author short. It was my first Kathleen Morgan book. That may be why it impacted me at a 5 rather than 4 star rating. She took me through twists and turns on every page. I experienced the emotions and plot of each character. I initially received this as a Free Book Friday for my Nook and thought it was going to be boring. It turned out to be one of the best books I have ever read. I would certainly not have signed up to travel down...more
I have a soft spot for Amish romance stories. This is one of them. One of the better ones I've read, even.
I love the way Conor and Abby's stories intersect. I love that Abby is headstrong and willing to go against the grain, while maintaining a firm grip on her faith. She knows who she is and she always trusts the Lord, even when it's hard and she doesn't understand what He's up to. I can definitely learn a thing or two from her. And Conor, what a complex character. I enjoyed the depth the auth...more
I love the way Conor and Abby's stories intersect. I love that Abby is headstrong and willing to go against the grain, while maintaining a firm grip on her faith. She knows who she is and she always trusts the Lord, even when it's hard and she doesn't understand what He's up to. I can definitely learn a thing or two from her. And Conor, what a complex character. I enjoyed the depth the auth...more
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with they free spirit. ~ Psalm 51:12
"We're note tested and tempered in good times. Our true test lies in the dark night of our despair." ~ Ella
As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries,...more
"We're note tested and tempered in good times. Our true test lies in the dark night of our despair." ~ Ella
As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries,...more
hmmm...I don't know. This was a free Kindle book, which is why I chose it. I also was interested in the idea of a "clean" romance. There was a lot of description in the book, which just isn't my style. I don't need a lot of description about what an environment or room or person looks like, so I didn't like that. There were also some unsavory characters in the book, so that led to some unsavory situations that I didn't like reading. Overall, it was a christian based novel, but had too much of th...more
Enjoyed this Christian romance set in 1800s in Colorado. The love story of Abby and Conner is sweet and heart wrenching at times. I nearly sobbed a few times. Abby is a strong woman of faith and has recently lost both husband and young child. She takes a job hoping to find no emotional requirements of her so that she can find peace with God and her new life. She Discovers quickly there is no way to stay unattached in her housekeeper job for Conner and motherless Beth. She makes many hard choices...more
I thought this book had promise. The story and characters had depth and emotion, the plot kept me interested, however it was ruined by the overzealous tone of the book. The story and "message" could have been conveyed better, but instead detracted from the story and the book. The tedious moralization, well got, well, tedious, and made the book sluggish and difficult to read. I felt the sorrow and despair, and even hope of the characters, unfortunately they were lost in the denominational message...more
Abgail is young widow who has lost not only her husband but her young son. She is looking for a way to escape from her life where she is now. Conor is a widower with a young daughter who needs a housekeeper and teacher. He is a bitter and angry man, angry at life, people and especially God. Beth is Conor's daughter. This is a wonderful love story with the three characters mentioned above but also many other people who weave their way through the story. It is a story of faith, growth both spiritu...more
This is a kindle freebie and well worth the price-- and enjoyable read with likable characters but not a very original plot. It moved along fast and easy and was completed in a night. It follows the generic Christian Romance format where good girl and bad boy fall in love and she has to hang on to her principles until bad boy meets her standards--Sarah, Plain and Tall meets Prodigal son and Jane Eyre but full of thoughtful Christian messages and life lessons primarily about forgiveness and matur...more
This is the first book I have read by this author, and got it due to high ratings and the promise of a series. I did finish the book but will not continue with the author. The plot line and characters started out interesting and seemed to have great promise. About 1/2 way through the book, the "preaching" took a more active and major role. I found myself skipping over the long and repetitive preaching paragraphs that went on and on and tried to get back to the story line. It never really happene...more
After reading Child of the Mist her other book I thought I would love this. But sadly I didn't as much. The whole focus of this story was coming to know God better and giving up everything for Him. I just wanted a fun romance like the other book and this was very heavy. The romance is more the back story. So not really what I was expecting. The characters were great well rounded and interesting. The story line was fun too, but all the heavy talk of God just wasn't what I was looking for. This is...more
started out really well. I even enjoyed it but towards the end it got a little muddled. Just too much going on that I felt sorry for Connor and Abby just seemed to be too ready w/ all the answers. All good answers, and quite Christ-like but noone in the real world would be able to change their whole mind and attitude as quickly as Abby had Connor do it. And I never got why Abby was writing to her sister in law ...they weren't good enough friends to be sharing such confidences as Abby shared. Cou...more
Set at the end of the 19th century in Colorado (in the USA) this book features a young woman called Abigail. Twice bereaved in recent years - she lost both her husband and her son - she is determined to find work, and takes on a housekeeping job for a rancher with an angry young daughter.
The story flowed well, and while the overall plot was somewhat predictable, there were some surprises too; most importantly, I found I could relate well to the main characters. The emphasis is clearly Christian...more
The story flowed well, and while the overall plot was somewhat predictable, there were some surprises too; most importantly, I found I could relate well to the main characters. The emphasis is clearly Christian...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discussion Questions for Daughter of Joy | 7 | 40 | Apr 09, 2013 02:33am |
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Kathleen began her career writing contemporary romances and soon moved to historical and futuristic romances. She sold her first book, a futuristic romance, in April 1990 while stationed in Korea as an Army nurse. Additional romances soon followed, until she had sold a total of fifteen books in the general mark...more
More about Kathleen Morgan...
Kathleen began her career writing contemporary romances and soon moved to historical and futuristic romances. She sold her first book, a futuristic romance, in April 1990 while stationed in Korea as an Army nurse. Additional romances soon followed, until she had sold a total of fifteen books in the general mark...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“Joy ... It's a journey we all embark upon from the first moment we draw breath. We search so avidly for it. We cannot help it; it's inherent in our nature. Yet no matter how hard we strive, our joy can never truly be complete until we find it in the Lord.”
—
1 person liked it
More quotes…
