Guide Me Home

by Connie J Cortright

What comes to mind when you hear the 1920s? Flappers? Jazz? Speakeasies? Bobbed haircuts? Cloche hats? Roaring Twenties? In 1926, this answer wasn’t so simple for a Christian school teacher. A young, naïve Emma Ehlke left her family’s Wisconsin farm and took up a new teaching post at a parochial school in Racine. Excited by the prospect of leaving her dodgy rural life, she looked forward to experiencing life in the Jazz Age. Emma soon fell under the charms of her dashing neighbor Freddie, who offered to be Emma’s guide to the exciting adventures ahead. Under his guidance, she experienced a life she’d only dreamed about. However, she didn’t take into consideration her actions in light of her new career. Newly ordained and single minister, Pastor Neil Hannemann was left to deal with Emma’s impetuous actions as she attempted to join the Jazz Age. He longed to take her under his wing, but not like Freddie! He was forced to confront Emma about her naïve decisions and pointed out to her that a Christian’s life in the Roaring Twenties should be totally different than how she was acting. Under his shepherding, Neil attempted to guide her home by the godly course. Emma found herself torn. Should she choose the novelties and excitement offered by Freddie, or the faithful path on which Pastor Neil wanted to lead her?

248 pages, Paperback

Published November 21, 2015

Reviews

[Barbara M. Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cortright does an excellent job of showing how a Lutheran teacher and pastor must live their lives under the scrutiny of a congregation in 1920's Wisconsin. Emma's attentions are torn between two men and she must decide what true love feels like without having much experience in the "love" department. Emma's friend Vivi is a fun confidant. Emma isn't as bold as most 21st century heroines, but her work ethnic and innocence is refreshing. Cortright transports you to another era with her dialogue and references.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. I loved the way her detailed writing captures your interest right away. I have often wanted to learn more about the roaring 20's and I liked that Ms. Cortright included some facts about that time period within her wonderful love story. I definitely plan on reading more by Connie Cortright. I didn't want to put this one b
down.

[Patricia Reece Krugel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guide me Home, by Connie Cortright, is a book set in that turbulent, interesting time period referred to as “the Roaring Twenties”.
In the middle of the cultural issues of the time period, Emma Ehlke graduates from college and begins parochial school teaching in a Lutheran congregation. The story of a teacher just out of college with that youthful zeal for living, far from her family and farm life, kept me involved. Under circumstances which could lead to happiness or her ruin, it was smooth and easy reading.
Connie Cortright does an excellent job showing her character’s farm life upbringing, while demonstrating a sound knowledge of the history of the United States in the time between WWI and the depression.
She also shows the character’s entrance into town life, with some pitfalls Emma innocently stumbles into. As the character encounters instances of prohibition, flappers and their newest garb and haircuts, she experiences the “hoofer’s dream” of city life and dance rooms she so thoroughly enjoys.
The added bonus for me was the writer’s ability to sprinkle a measure of peacefulness through a story that could go either direction up to the end. The author’s detail of time and place gently settled me into the era.
I rate this book a 5 because it was so satisfying. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read about a Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod grade school teacher, which takes place in 1926 in the mid-west. The challenges she faces as a young teacher, living in the "flapper" years and the joy she finds in trusting in her Lord and Savior. The detailed writing of the times is very engaging and wants you to begin and finish this authors writings in one sitting.