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Lake Emily #2
Dandelions in a Jelly Jar
The peaceful town of Lake Emily will never be the same when Trudy Ploog comes to stay!
Mae Morgan’s flamboyant art teacher sister, Trudy Ploog, moves to the quiet, rural town of Lake Emily, Minnesota, to be closer to Bert Biddle, her shy, unassuming farmer boyfriend. Everything is perfect and then…the school board cuts the Gifted and Talented program and rumors of more cuts fly.
Outraged, Trudy kicks up a whirlwind, beginning with a letter to the paper that questions the very foundation of small-town life–high school sports! Soon the whole town is talking, and Trudy and Bert are put to the test. Meanwhile, the Morgan family is recovering from the loss of a child and the death of a life-long dream as Virginia Morgan helps a father and daughter rediscover life.
A hopeful story of facing the challenges of life with courage and learning to see with eyes of grace, Dandelions in a Jelly Jar gently reminds you that the best bouquets are dandelions.
“A welcomed new voice in a genre that is begging for novels of this caliber. Bravo.”
–Ted Dekker, best-selling author of Blink and Thr3e
“Traci’s books… call my name and soothe my soul.” – Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of All Together in One Place and A Name of Her Own
Mae Morgan’s flamboyant art teacher sister, Trudy Ploog, moves to the quiet, rural town of Lake Emily, Minnesota, to be closer to Bert Biddle, her shy, unassuming farmer boyfriend. Everything is perfect and then…the school board cuts the Gifted and Talented program and rumors of more cuts fly.
Outraged, Trudy kicks up a whirlwind, beginning with a letter to the paper that questions the very foundation of small-town life–high school sports! Soon the whole town is talking, and Trudy and Bert are put to the test. Meanwhile, the Morgan family is recovering from the loss of a child and the death of a life-long dream as Virginia Morgan helps a father and daughter rediscover life.
A hopeful story of facing the challenges of life with courage and learning to see with eyes of grace, Dandelions in a Jelly Jar gently reminds you that the best bouquets are dandelions.
“A welcomed new voice in a genre that is begging for novels of this caliber. Bravo.”
–Ted Dekker, best-selling author of Blink and Thr3e
“Traci’s books… call my name and soothe my soul.” – Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of All Together in One Place and A Name of Her Own
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2004
About the author
Traci Depree
17 books37 followersTraci DePree is the author of nine books. She loves creating new worlds where readers can escape the demands of everyday life and discover a deeper place of faith where true hope resides. She makes her home in a rural town in Minnesota where she fills her days with books, volunteering, gathering with friends and loved ones, playing a little tennis, riding dirt bike, as well as sewing and knitting! She and her husband of almost 26 years have five kids, ranging in age from twenty-two to six.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 8, 2019
This is the 2nd in the series and if I hadn’t read the first one, I never would’ve known what was going on. It took a few chapters to figure out who everyone was. Mae’s sister gives up her job to become the new art teacher and because of a local farmer. When the school is making cutbacks she gets into a feud with half the town. A tornado comes and tears out most of the town.
November 11, 2008
sanctimonious drivel. I hated this book and felt betrayed while reading it as nowhere on the outside of the book does it say that it is extreme christian trash.
October 26, 2020
I read this series ages ago, before Goodreads, so reading them is hard. I remember enjoying them, but can't remember which one or one's I liked best. Since I know I liked them I'm guessing I rated them 3.5 to 4 stars🌟.
August 3, 2025
When I read this series, I am transported to the swing on the back porch of my grandparents farmhouse. I can see the cornstalks swaying in the wind, hear the birds chirping, and I quickly the recognize a peace that comes from the quiet of the country. It feels like home. I think I’ll take a quilt out to the shade and start on book 3.
April 18, 2014
The title, dandelions in a jelly jar, describes this book well. It it is a light, touching fiction which brings together many stories into a delightful bouquet of lessons. The continual addition of new information about some characters can get confusing at times.
My Summary:
Trudy Ploog and Mae (Ploog) Morgan are the main threads in this Love Actually -type tapestry. You learn different things from each individual, including the way their stories connect. Mainly following the lives of these two sisters.
My Likes:
The things that happen to the characters are believable. For example: The fact that Trudy and Bert doesn't seem fake or forced (like it does in MANY other Christian-Fictions), but seems... natural, because of who they are in the story.
Even the (kind of) climactic event near the end doesn't seem bizarre, but almost seem consequential. Some of the characters' development and progress are already complete by this time, for example . Yet for others it is a completely life changing event, for example . All this really adds believability to the story, because you never know where in your life-journey you'll be when something like that happens.
My Dislikes:
The author keeps introducing new characters, or at least new information about established characters. I realize that this kind of information is essential to a story of this nature (Love Actually-like), and every precaution has been taken by the author to keep things as clear as possible. But it does become a bit confusing - I had to page around a few times to puzzle out where, or more accurately, to whom this new information is applicable.
My Conclusion:
The title, dandelions in a jelly jar, describes this book well. It it is a light, touching fiction which brings together many stories into a delightful bouquet of lessons. The continual addition of new information about some characters can get confusing at times.
My Summary:
Trudy Ploog and Mae (Ploog) Morgan are the main threads in this Love Actually -type tapestry. You learn different things from each individual, including the way their stories connect. Mainly following the lives of these two sisters.
My Likes:
The things that happen to the characters are believable. For example: The fact that Trudy and Bert doesn't seem fake or forced (like it does in MANY other Christian-Fictions), but seems... natural, because of who they are in the story.
Even the (kind of) climactic event near the end doesn't seem bizarre, but almost seem consequential. Some of the characters' development and progress are already complete by this time, for example . Yet for others it is a completely life changing event, for example . All this really adds believability to the story, because you never know where in your life-journey you'll be when something like that happens.
My Dislikes:
The author keeps introducing new characters, or at least new information about established characters. I realize that this kind of information is essential to a story of this nature (Love Actually-like), and every precaution has been taken by the author to keep things as clear as possible. But it does become a bit confusing - I had to page around a few times to puzzle out where, or more accurately, to whom this new information is applicable.
My Conclusion:
The title, dandelions in a jelly jar, describes this book well. It it is a light, touching fiction which brings together many stories into a delightful bouquet of lessons. The continual addition of new information about some characters can get confusing at times.
February 27, 2020
Dandelions in a jelly jar is book two in the Lake Emily series. It follows, "a can of peas." Both novels are written by Traci DePree, an editor of Christian novels who grew up in a small Wisconsin community and now lives in southern Minnesota. Both novels take place in the peaceful town of Lake Emily in southern Minnesota. It is classified as a Christian novel and is about a woman who moves from St. Paul to Lake Emily trying to find love and fit into a small town mid-west farming community. It features familiar towns, road, and situations.
The characters in the book exemplify small town rural life where a young couple takes over his grandparent's farm, a widowed father struggles to raise his 9-year-old daughter while facing grief and loss, and where neighbors care for each other, sometimes overstepping their bounds and causing hurt. The universal issues speak to the reader and bring us into the world of Lake Emily to share the importance of faith and family. A tornado helps to sift through petty disagreements to hone-in on simple folks living life with courage and grace.
The book moves loosely along and is an entertaining read. The characters seem like people we know and their daily lives are familiar and relatable. This may not be great literature, but it is perfect reading for a spring day in the field pick-up parked near the soybean field or the lambing barn, or while waiting to pick up a child from play practice.
Woven delicately through the chapters is a thread of hope reminding us that every day is worth savoring that through all our challenges God's love is constant.
The characters in the book exemplify small town rural life where a young couple takes over his grandparent's farm, a widowed father struggles to raise his 9-year-old daughter while facing grief and loss, and where neighbors care for each other, sometimes overstepping their bounds and causing hurt. The universal issues speak to the reader and bring us into the world of Lake Emily to share the importance of faith and family. A tornado helps to sift through petty disagreements to hone-in on simple folks living life with courage and grace.
The book moves loosely along and is an entertaining read. The characters seem like people we know and their daily lives are familiar and relatable. This may not be great literature, but it is perfect reading for a spring day in the field pick-up parked near the soybean field or the lambing barn, or while waiting to pick up a child from play practice.
Woven delicately through the chapters is a thread of hope reminding us that every day is worth savoring that through all our challenges God's love is constant.
November 12, 2009
While the book itself was a quick and easy read, and the characters enjoyable, the story didn't really go anywhere. That said, I did enjoy the book, just not enough to really recommend it.
The main character, Trudy Ploog moves to a small farming town called Lake Emily in Minnesota to be nearer her sister, and hopefully move toward a more serious relationship with her boyfriend. During her first short months in town, she manages to single-handedly upheave the town's quiet predicatability.
To me, it was an uneventful book that told the story of life...everyman's life. Nothing extraordinary happened, nor were there any important lessons driven home through the character's dialogue and circumstance.
The main character, Trudy Ploog moves to a small farming town called Lake Emily in Minnesota to be nearer her sister, and hopefully move toward a more serious relationship with her boyfriend. During her first short months in town, she manages to single-handedly upheave the town's quiet predicatability.
To me, it was an uneventful book that told the story of life...everyman's life. Nothing extraordinary happened, nor were there any important lessons driven home through the character's dialogue and circumstance.
October 8, 2015
This second book in the Lake Emily series started out a little slow but the ending more than made up for it and I found I had to give it the five star rating.
We learn a little more about the outspoken Trudy in this book and much about her gets to me. The emotions are so real at times.
Something I've not seen done in books before is that I enjoy the occasional chapter that tells a little deeper story on one of the characters past. It adds a lot of depth to the story. I'll continue to follow this author.
We learn a little more about the outspoken Trudy in this book and much about her gets to me. The emotions are so real at times.
Something I've not seen done in books before is that I enjoy the occasional chapter that tells a little deeper story on one of the characters past. It adds a lot of depth to the story. I'll continue to follow this author.
February 16, 2011
This was my first experience with this author Traci Depree. I found her style of writing very enjoyable - easy to follow - with a good development of characters.
This was a good wholesome story - mirrored real life situations - and made you feel as though you were part of this family and community.
This was a good wholesome story - mirrored real life situations - and made you feel as though you were part of this family and community.
April 30, 2015
I was too annoyed by the main character and her mouthiness and constant drama to enjoy this book plus it seemed like the author simply ended the story because she was tired of writing. A disappointing read, I don't recommend and won't pick it up again.
August 24, 2008
Another great book by Traci DePree. Traci makes you feel like you are right there with the characters as they live out their daily lives with all it's ups and downs.
August 3, 2020
I was happy to be back among friends in Lake Emily. All of the favorites are here with us once again, and a few new characters are introduced, like Rosemary and Bob.
With the emphasis on Trudy and Bert in this book, I truly missed seeing life from the perspective of Mae and Peter. They were so sidelined here and I was sad about that.
We got to know Peter’s dad, David, more in this book and understand the choices he had before him. Empathy was built for him and I felt surprised that Peter still begrudged him a life of passion and joy—a life filled with music—because of his own unresolved longings to be close to his dad physically and emotionally.
The tornado was a traumatic climax that brought the town together, as tragedies often do. I appreciated the descriptions of the storm itself as well as the shock of residents and the sheer randomness in its aftermath.
I’m glad Bert & Trudy are giving it another go despite the many obstacles: where to live, Lillian, too much coaching, and Coach Miller himself. Who really was an infuriating bully to Trudy through much of the book! It’s sad he was credited for saving Trudy’s job in front of the school board after she had genuinely apologized and taken accountability, and Rosemary had given testimony on her behalf. I reject having women go in front of what seemed to be an all-male school board—certainly the reprimanding Chair was male—and then needing a male to swoop in and save the day with his speech. I don’t appreciate these stereotypical gender roles.
With the emphasis on Trudy and Bert in this book, I truly missed seeing life from the perspective of Mae and Peter. They were so sidelined here and I was sad about that.
We got to know Peter’s dad, David, more in this book and understand the choices he had before him. Empathy was built for him and I felt surprised that Peter still begrudged him a life of passion and joy—a life filled with music—because of his own unresolved longings to be close to his dad physically and emotionally.
The tornado was a traumatic climax that brought the town together, as tragedies often do. I appreciated the descriptions of the storm itself as well as the shock of residents and the sheer randomness in its aftermath.
I’m glad Bert & Trudy are giving it another go despite the many obstacles: where to live, Lillian, too much coaching, and Coach Miller himself. Who really was an infuriating bully to Trudy through much of the book! It’s sad he was credited for saving Trudy’s job in front of the school board after she had genuinely apologized and taken accountability, and Rosemary had given testimony on her behalf. I reject having women go in front of what seemed to be an all-male school board—certainly the reprimanding Chair was male—and then needing a male to swoop in and save the day with his speech. I don’t appreciate these stereotypical gender roles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
This is the 2nd book of The 3 books in the "Lake Emily" Series in Minnesota.. I've read all 3 and enjoyed all three. All of the books deal with facing challenges in life, death, farming, the importance of family and friendship. It reminds you that the best things spring from unlikely places.
You will meet Trudy Ploog, the new art teacher k-12 who is also sister to Mae Morgan, who is in all 3 of the books.Trudy and Bert finally decide to marry, despite many people's misgivings. Virginia Morgan, in all the the books helps a young daughter and her father finally bond, after loosing their Mother/Wife.
It's best to read the 3 in order.
You will meet Trudy Ploog, the new art teacher k-12 who is also sister to Mae Morgan, who is in all 3 of the books.Trudy and Bert finally decide to marry, despite many people's misgivings. Virginia Morgan, in all the the books helps a young daughter and her father finally bond, after loosing their Mother/Wife.
It's best to read the 3 in order.
May 5, 2020
This is the second book in the Lake Emily series, which began with "A Can of Peas." The stories of the characters introduced in the first book are continued, and I remain impressed with the realistic depiction of small-town and farm life. You really need to read the first book to fully appreciate and understand this one.
February 19, 2017
I really loved this book. I was none stop turning the pages. Trudy is an in your face blunt say it like it is kinda girl and i can totally relate to her. The whole town of Lake Emily is a small town every one knows every one kinda place and makes you feel like you are right in the middle.
March 31, 2018
Didn’t know it was religious. Probably won’t seek out another by this author. I liked the flash backs of characters. The love story with Trudy and Bert was very juvenile considering they were supposed to be in their 30s. Story line was unimpressive. Liked the Minnesota native scene.
April 1, 2018
Dandelions in a Jelly Jar evokes memories of another time when life was simpler and slower, and neighbors looked out for and cared for each other. The title made me smile, and I continued to smile throughout the book. A quick read that I finished in 2 days. Looking for more from this author.
July 28, 2019
I didn’t realize that this was the second book of the Lake Emily series; oops! Quaint stories of the people of Lake Emily, with a focus on the Morgan family. Mitford-esque. Not my favorite type of book, but it held my interest.
August 7, 2022
A great sequel to the first book in the Lake Emily series, it’s a beautiful read that is relatable to all of us living in Southern Minnesota. My farm-wife, teacher heart loved this novel and I cannot wait to read the following story.
November 1, 2016
This is the second in the series and it was just as delightful. I can’t wait for the next one. Don’t you hate getting in on the beginning of a series…too much time to wait between new releases!
December 11, 2018
Beautifully written and surprisingly moving portrait of human relationships. The christian references were not heavy handed but site the opposite - refreshing.
July 23, 2018
Ugh. Crap and drivel. Couldn't stand the main character, and the rest weren't interesting. Don't bother with this book.
January 16, 2019
No comment!
September 14, 2021
I liked it, I just gave 3 stars because once in awhile I was confused on who was who.
August 20, 2022
I didn't know it was the second in a series. It stands well on its own but now to find the others.
May 25, 2023
Life in farm country
True - to - life stories of fast - disappearing ways of life in small towns and on farms in the middle of America.
True - to - life stories of fast - disappearing ways of life in small towns and on farms in the middle of America.
January 30, 2024
3 1/2 ⭐️
May 7, 2022
This is the second in the Lake Emily series, and I was hoping that the few flaws in the starting novel would be remedied, specifically the whining and cluelessness of Mae. Alas, no. And her sister, who takes the lead in this book, is just as clueless, only in a more aggressive way. This installment has some charming moments, such as the Christmas concert and the fair, although Miss Read and Jack Sheffield do better. And it just beggars belief that Peter, despite spending vacations with his grandfather on the family farm is shocked to find out how hard farming really is. And his irrational anger at his dad for following is dream of being a world class violinist seems downright hypocritical when Peter quits his profession and uproots his wife to follow his own dream of farming. I won't be finishing the series.
August 12, 2023
Honestly, the writing style is just dull. I feel mean saying it, as the author is clearly well-intentioned and the setting is quaint, but the chapters plod, the plot is predictable, and the characters have next-to no personalities. The reason I give this one 3 stars instead of 2 is that at least something happens (the cyclone, although it barely takes a page. It should have been the climax of the whole story) and Trudy has a bit more personality than everyone else.
I think this author needs a more critical editor who can help her create some drama and really tie readers in to the story. Storytelling is an art form. The subject matter in these stories *could* be wonderful if told in a different way.
I think this author needs a more critical editor who can help her create some drama and really tie readers in to the story. Storytelling is an art form. The subject matter in these stories *could* be wonderful if told in a different way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2021
This book is pretty slow going. The characters are interesting and the story was too but it just seemed to stall out for a while.
This is the 2nd book in the series and while the first book was about Mae and her new husband this book was mostly about her sister Trudy. Trudy's roommate in St. Paul gets engaged and Trudy has a hard time feeling happy for her friend. She had a really hard time finding a good roommate last time. She has been missing her sister so she decided to move to Lake Emily and get a teaching job there and then she'd also be closer to her boyfriend Bert. Things seem to be going great until they hit a rough patch. Bert's mother is not an easy woman to get along with and she and Trudy bump heads. Then an old friend asks Bert to help out with the hockey team and then later with the football team. Bert is happy to help but he doesn't realize how resentful Trudy is of that stolen time. When the school board starts talking about cutting programs Trudy gets upset thinking they are too quick to cut art and music programs but not sports and writes a letter to the editor which sends the whole town into a tizzy. It takes a nasty wind storm and devastation, plus a few apologies from Trudy, to bring them back together.
This is the 2nd book in the series and while the first book was about Mae and her new husband this book was mostly about her sister Trudy. Trudy's roommate in St. Paul gets engaged and Trudy has a hard time feeling happy for her friend. She had a really hard time finding a good roommate last time. She has been missing her sister so she decided to move to Lake Emily and get a teaching job there and then she'd also be closer to her boyfriend Bert. Things seem to be going great until they hit a rough patch. Bert's mother is not an easy woman to get along with and she and Trudy bump heads. Then an old friend asks Bert to help out with the hockey team and then later with the football team. Bert is happy to help but he doesn't realize how resentful Trudy is of that stolen time. When the school board starts talking about cutting programs Trudy gets upset thinking they are too quick to cut art and music programs but not sports and writes a letter to the editor which sends the whole town into a tizzy. It takes a nasty wind storm and devastation, plus a few apologies from Trudy, to bring them back together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews