Pałac w chmurach

Flowers of Eden #2

by Myra Johnson, Anna Pliś (Translator)

Larkspur Linwood podąża za swoją pedagogiczną pasją, ale tęskni za czymś więcej niż kariera wiejskiej nauczycielki w Arkansas.

Kiedy profesor uczelni proponuje jej uczestnictwo w prowadzeniu szkoły w Kenii, zauroczona nim dziewczyna czuje się wyróżniona. Wyobraża sobie, że będzie niosła kaganek oświaty setkom afrykańskich dzieci. Wyobrażenia jednak boleśnie rozmijają się z rzeczywistością, więc przygnębiona Lark ze złamanym sercem wraca do domu.

Anson Schafer, częściowo niedowidzący po przebytej na misjach infekcji, nie może już wrócić do Afryki. Przyjeżdża na uczelnię Larkspur, by szukać nauczycieli do pracy przy trochę skromniejszym projekcie: zakładaniu szkół i pomocy ludziom, którzy walczą o przeżycie w czasie Wielkiego Kryzysu.

Mając w pamięci bolesne doświadczenia z Kenii, Lark nie chce opuszczać dobrze znanego otoczenia, ale wie, jak wielka jest potrzeba. Chociaż nie tak wyobrażała sobie przyszłość, ten wybór może się okazać decydujący w dążeniu do odnalezienia sensu życia.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian

400 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2016

About the author

Native Texan Myra Johnson writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life, and faith. Myra is a three-time Maggie Awards finalist, two-time finalist for the prestigious ACFW Carol Awards, winner of Christian Retailing’s Best for historical fiction, and winner in the Inspirational category of the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Awards.

After living five years in Oklahoma, then eight years in the beautiful Carolinas, Myra and her husband are thrilled to be back in the Lone Star State enjoying wildflowers, Tex-Mex, and real Texas barbecue! The Johnsons share their home with a very pampered rescue dog and a cat with attitude.

Follow Myra on BookBub, https://www.bookbub.com/profile/myra-..., for deals and new releases.

Awards of note: When the Clouds Roll By, Till We Meet Again, Book 1 (Abingdon Press 2013), won the historical fiction category of the 2014 Christian Retailing's Best Award. Autumn Rains (Heartsong Presents 2009), won the 2005 RWA Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript.

Myra’s writing career was launched in 1985 when she sold her first short story while taking a course through the Institute of Children’s Literature. Myra later joined the ICL staff as a magazine writing instructor, teaching hundreds of students the fundamentals of story and article structure, plotting, character development, and market analysis. She now writes full-time and is active in her church as well as local and national writers groups.

Myra and her husband have been married for 50+ years. The Johnsons have two married daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.

Reviews

[Amanda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!

I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect going into Castles in the Clouds. I guess I would say that I didn’t have many expectations at all. The cover caught my eye and the fact that is was a Catholic publisher made me want to pick this novel up.

Lark is an independent young woman. She loves her family very much and yet they don’t completely define her. She is on the path to becoming a teacher, something she has always wanted. She is a bit naive sometimes and, once in awhile, completely clueless. I liked that about her because it made her more of a real person. She wasn’t always self-assured and perfectly perceptive.

Lark is convinced by her college professor, Professor Keene, to join a mission to Kenya to teach for a year. She is promised this will give her valuable experience. Lark jumps at this chance to go to Africa and make a difference. However, the situation in Africa is not a good fit for Lark and she returns home to Arkansas.

In Arkansas, Lark again meets Anson Schafer, the director of the Kenyan school returned to the United States due to an eye infection. Anson is working on a new project to educate the poor in Arkansas since he is unable to return to Africa. He is willing to offer a spot in the project to Lark, should she choose to take it.

So Lark is left with some decisions to make. This is during the Great Depression and money is scarce. Can she afford to work for a meager salary? Arkansas has been in a drought for years and her grandfather could always use help on the farm. Should she stay and help her grandfather? Lark has just recently returned from Africa. Can she leave her sisters again so soon?

I really, really loved this book! We have some very real characters with some very real (dare I say relatable) circumstances. We have a historical setting that was all-encompassing and reminded me of things I sometimes forget (Jim Crow laws anyone? I don’t think of them much since I have never lived in the South). The mentions of the Catholic Church made me happy. They weren’t forceful references or anything but the characters do attend Latin Mass (I should add that the Mass was only in Latin at this time period).

To sum up this review, I leave you with the following: Go read this book! Especially if you like historical fiction. Double especially if you like Christain historical fiction. It was that good!

I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley for review consideration. This in no way affects my opinion of the title nor the content of this review.

This review first appeared at Orandi et Legendi.

[Fiction Aficionado · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so pleased I discovered this series! Reading the first two books in this series has felt like a breath of fresh air – an uncommon setting with a historically relevant plot, endearing characters, and a gentle, yet engaging style of writing.

The Flowers of Eden series tells the story of three sisters – Bryony, Larkspur, and Rose Linwood – who live with their grandfather on his tenant farm in Arkansas in the 1930s. The era comes to life in the details of day to day life woven through the story, not to mention the struggles and choices the sisters face as they try to provide for their small family unit through the Great Depression. While each book in the series focuses on a particular sister and could be read as a stand-alone, each sister's story is threaded throughout the series, so some readers may prefer to read the series in order.

I was initially surprised that the situation in Kenya took up a relatively small amount of the book, but it set the scene well for everything that followed. Both Anson and Lark have had the rug pulled out from under their dreams, but while Anson soon finds purpose again with a plan to provide educational opportunities to Arkansas’s disadvantaged children, Lark struggles to know what her next step should be. She is trying to be more circumspect about her decisions following her Kenyan experience and is hesitant about getting swept up in Anson’s new project, especially when she realizes the racial tensions that will be stirred up by his decision to open the school to both white and black students. Even Anson begins to have doubts when he experiences the racial tensions for himself.

I loved that neither Anson nor Lark felt like your average ‘off-the-rack’ historical romance character, and that their friendship (and their deeper feelings for each other) developed with a quiet sincerity. Even so, Lark is hesitant to give full reign to her feelings so soon after her experience with Professor Keene. Not only that, but she has at least two more years of study in Arkadelphia before she can graduate, and she can see that her grandfather and her sister are struggling to keep up the farm on their own, even if they won't admit it. Maybe it’s time to stop chasing after her own dreams and put her family first, but how can she know for sure which is the right path to take?

This was a heartfelt and tender story, bringing both sorrow and joy for Lark and her sisters. I am very much looking forward to joining them again for Rose’s story.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Two of the Flowers of Eden series is just as scrumptious as Book One! Johnson creates such memorable characters that I easily slipped back into life with the Linwood family even though it's been a year since we last met up (The Sweetest Rain, c2015.) I was quickly immersed in rural Arkansas, circa 1932, eager to catch up with Bryony, Lark and Rose. However, I think Castles in the Clouds would read fine as a standalone novel so do not despair if you missed the first book. There is some carry over with setting and characters but each book focuses on one of the sisters, so you do get a complete story.

It's hard to be the girl building castles in the clouds during the Great Depression. Lark's an interesting mix of naivete and determination. She doesn't always understand the full consequences of her actions but she works her way through every obstacle -- even the self-made ones. Talk about resilient! And while her family doesn't always understand her, they do support her. The Linwoods are a scrappy little family with big hearts and deep faith. There's something a wee bit Waltonish about them. I keep picturing Grandpa Walton in the role of Grandpa Linwood. :-)

Anson and Lark's love story is fraught with complications that seem insurmountable at times. Both ignore instant attraction in favour of professional courtesy. At least, that's what they tell themselves -- mostly they are both just running scared. But as their lives intertwine emotions become charged and a happily ever after seems inevitable...until it doesn't. Gotta love an author who keeps a reader on her toes.

I love the challenges and contrasts this time period brings to the story. The historically accurate portrayal doesn't always make it palatable and the realism blindsided me in places. There are big issues that don't get wrapped up in a neat little bow like racism and poverty and the drought. But all that makes for an emotionally gripping read...the exact kind I like to savor.

[Kelly Tyree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved Castles in the Clouds. It was so well written and really held my interest. You are introduced to three sisters who are adults and each on their own journey. They are held together by their grandpa who raised them after their parents death on their families farm. One of the sisters, Lark, is a college student trying to earn a teaching degree. She has developed a crush on a professor. She is surprised when she is asked to attend a meeting at the professor's home. In the meeting, she is given the opportunity to travel to Kenya to work at a school with children. She accepts and is excited to learn the professor will be going as well. However when she arrives at the school, her hopes are dashed to learn the professor has a secret and she finds she is only utilized as a common laborer at the school. While she is there, she meets Anson. Anson's parents founded the school and he is working there as well. He sees the hurt Lark is feeling from the professor and how she is being used as a common laborer and he has sympathy for her but Anson has to return to the states to get treatment for an eye infection that is causing him to lose his vision.

Once Anson returns to the states, he learns that Lark has also returned to the states. He longs to be used to teach children once again. He decides to open up a school to teach the poor children who have been impacted by the Great Depression. Lark joins him in this effort. They face opposition when they try to cross racial boundaries. While working together, Anson and Lark fall in love.

You get glimpses of Lark's siblings and the struggles they are going through in the book as well. Despite their own lives they are joined together as they experience death and new life. The book is well written and really highlights how faith can get you through anything. The ending just pulled it all together

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Larkspur Linwood has always dreamed of completing her college education and becoming a teacher, potentially moving beyond her small town life in Eden, Arkansas. Those dreams are interrupted when an unprecedented opportunity presents itself, she is invited to follow her professor Franklin Keene to Kenya, where a fledgling private school is desperate for teachers. Sadly, Lark's Kenya experience becomes short-lived, but not a total waste of time, for there she meets another professor, Anson Schafer.

Anson Schafer reluctantly leaves the young Miss Linwood behind in Kenya, after doctors urge him to return to the United States in order to receive treatment for his potentially blinding eye disease. Anson pours his passion for educating indigent children , who have little chance of learning in traditional schools, into a potential non-profit foundation. How interesting that Lark has also returned to the United States and seems interested in assisting him, even if the first Schafer School is in Eden.

Enjoy this gently paced story of reconstructed dreams during one of America's darkest eras, the Great Depression.

[Alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Pałac w chmurach” Myry Johnson to drugi tom trylogii Kwiaty Edenu, opowiadającej o losach trzech sióstr o kwiatowych imionach: Bryony (przestęp), Larkspur (ostróżka) i Rose (róża), mieszkających w małym miasteczku Eden w stanie Arkansas. Część, o której dzisiaj mowa, przedstawia historię średniej siostry - Lark, która marzy o tym, żeby zostać nauczycielką. Gdy po zaledwie dwóch latach college’u dziewczyna otrzymuje od czarującego profesora Keene’a propozycję rocznego wyjazdu do Kenii, aby tam pomagać w miejscowej szkole, wygląda na to, że jej marzenie ma szansę spełnić się szybciej, niż myślała. Wyjazd okazuje się być jednak ogromnym rozczarowaniem, przez co zniechęcona Lark szybko wraca do domu, choć ten epizod nie pozostaje bez wpływu na jej dalsze życie. W Kenii poznaje bowiem Ansona Schafera, kierownika tamtejszej szkoły, który ze względu na problemy ze wzrokiem musi wrócić do Stanów, gdzie planuje zakładać szkoły dla dzieci, zmuszone przez Wielki Kryzys, aby zrezygnować z edukacji na rzecz walki o przetrwanie. Lark po raz kolejny musi podjąć ważne decyzje, nie tylko dotyczące jej kariery, ale także osobistego szczęścia. Czy uda jej się pogodzić pragnienia serca z głosem rozsądku?

“Pałac w chmurach” jest powieścią, w której próżno szukać zapierającej dech w piersi akcji, skomplikowanych intryg czy niespodziewanych zwrotów, ale cóż to była za wspaniała lektura! Opowiada ona po prostu o życiu, z jego wzlotami i upadkami, o codziennych dylematach ludzi, dotkniętych Wielkim Kryzysem w latach 30. dwudziestego wieku, o ogromnym znaczeniu edukacji, a także o dyskryminacji rasowej czy depresji ciążowej. Autorka umiejętnie wplotła w historię Larkspur obraz ówczesnego społeczeństwa i dotykających go problemów, przez co “Pałac” jest lekturą o wiele głębszą, niż prosta historia o miłości.

Nie chcę jednak przez to powiedzieć, że w powieści tej nie występuje wątek miłosny, bo jak najbardziej występuje i odgrywa bardzo ważną rolę. Przewracając kolejne kartki jesteśmy świadkami narodzin pięknego uczucia pomiędzy Lark i Ansonem, choć muszą oni zmierzyć się z różnymi przeszkodami, zanim będzie im dane szczęśliwe zakończenie.

Bardzo polubiłam dwójkę głównych bohaterów. Lark jest rozsądną młodą kobietą, choć czasem trochę naiwną i mającą tendencję do bujania w obłokach, co niestety przysparza jej bólu i rozczarowań. Ma jednak dobre, współczujące serce, jest też inteligentna, pracowita, lojalna i skłonna do poświęceń dla swojej rodziny i przedsięwzięć, w które wierzy. Chociaż jest od niego o dekadę młodsza, z Ansonem łączy ją wspólna pasja do nauczania, troska o dzieci, pozbawione możliwości edukacji, a także upór i determinacja w dążeniu do celu. Stanowią też dla siebie nawzajem pomoc i wsparcie, przez co pasują do siebie jak dwa elementy układanki. Sam Anson jest po prostu dobrym człowiekiem, głęboko przekonanym o słuszności swojej misji i otwartym na wszystkich ludzi, bez względu na kolor skóry czy wyznanie. Choć postępująca choroba oczu czasem wyzwala w nim gwałtowne reakcje, mężczyzna zawsze może liczyć na swojego przyjaciela i współpracownika, doktora Younga, że kiedy trzeba przywróci go do pionu, a w trudnych sytuacjach stanie za nim murem. Lubię czytać o szczerych, dojrzałych przyjaźniach, a z taką właśnie mamy do czynienia między tymi dwoma bohaterami.

Poza Irwinem Youngiem, na uwagę zasługują również siostry Lark, które w tej powieści odgrywają role postaci drugoplanowych, ale każda jest również bohaterką własnej historii - Bryony w poprzednim tomie trylogii, a Rose w kolejnym, na który już oczekuję z niecierpliwością. Każda z sióstr jest inna, ale łączy je prawdziwa miłość i przyjaźń, i zawsze mogą liczyć na siebie nawzajem. Autorka uniknęła popularnego motywu siostrzanej rywalizacji, skupiając się raczej na głębszych, bardziej budujących aspektach ich relacji.

“Pałac w chmurach” jest powieścią, którą czyta się szybko i przyjemnie. Styl autorki jest bardzo lekki, choć jak już wspominałam wyżej, w książce nie brakuje trudnych tematów. Z jej kart płynie jednak przesłanie, jak ważne jest wsparcie najbliższych i zaufanie Bogu, który zawsze ma plan dla naszego życia, ale tylko od nas zależy, czy zdecydujemy się za Nim pójść.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Larkspur Linwood, a young woman who has a passion for teaching but yearns for something more than life as a small-town Arkansas schoolmarm.Young and impressionable, Lark mistakes a college professor’s interest for romantic love.When he offers her the chance to join his efforts to start a school in Kenya, she pictures herself bringing the light of knowledge to hundreds of African children eager to learn.But the menial tasks she’s assigned at the school aren’t so different from life on the farm where she grew up.Miserable and deflated,with her fragile heart broken, she gives up and returns home.Enter Professor Anson Schafer,whom she met briefly in Kenya. Partially blinded from an eye infection he contracted there,Professor Schafer cannot return to Africa. He has come to Lark’s school to recruit teachers like her for a more modest venture—the founding of schools and relief efforts here in the U.S. for those struggling through the Depression.Still stinging from her experience in Kenya,Lark is reluctant to risk leaving her familiar surroundings, but she knows how great the need has become, and—although this isn’t the exciting life she’d envisioned—she finally agrees.As they work side by side, Lark begins to realize that the deepest satisfaction comes not so much from what you do, or where you do it, but from the attitude of your heart.A mission school is a religious school originally developed and run by Christian missionaries.They also provided academic and vocational training, and usually discouraged the traditional practices of the local people.In the fall of 1932,retrenchment became the buzzword for budget cutbacks, resulting in reductions in the hours schools operated, increased class sizes, and decreases in teachers' salaries.Poor school districts in rural areas closed their doors.Black students—facing racism, poverty, and neglect—were severely impacted.Compounding that,was the trend for youth to stay in school longer due to unemployment.Teachers fought back against retrenchment.Educators radicalized and called for teachers to take charge of creating an entirely new social order.

[Janka H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I have liked the previous installment in the series The Flowers of Eden, this is not such a winning case here - mainly because I can not feel the romance here! Anson somehow is not such as compelling hero as Michael, husband of the first sister Bryony, and the heroine Lark is somehow missing her spark. And I can only guess when (and why) they have fallen in such a love and whirlwind romance.

The novel also deals with too many side issues - I would recommend to cut many of the unnecessary domestic scenes to strenghten the very real issue of the racism in education.

But luckily the youngest sister Rose is full of spunk, so here's hoping that the third installment is going to sparkle with her sassiness!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silver linings

Larkspur Linwood has her castles in the clouds, but also has her feet on the ground. Anson has his dreams as well, and his & hers coincide--while clashing at the same time. With his educational foundation floundering, and with Lark determined to help Rose, it seems they won't realize their common dream. Anson is going blind from what sounds like "river blindness" contracted in Kenya. It's a pity they didn't know about ivermectin back then. The depression rages on, but they believe God is watching out for them and that better times are ahead. We'll find out in Rose's story!

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

The struggles and triumphs of those who lived through the Great Depression should be honored and celebrated. This book is a beautiful tribute and great story. I enjoyed the authentic characters and fascinating time period. Castles in the Clouds has given me a deeper appreciation for my great-grandmother's generation.

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Judine Brey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that this historical fiction included foreign missionary work. Lark is a beautifully strong heroine, and I appreciate how flawed Anson is. The twists and turns of their story make sense and allow both of them to show growth. This also works as a stand alone novel, even though it's the second book in a trilogy.

[Frances P Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Castles in the Clouds

A really great book.I love the way the characters from the first book in the series are continued in this book. Lark the main character is totally different from her older sister and thus takes the book in a very different direction. This book was true to life in that era and part of the country.... a good read!

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel follows an infatuated Lark as she follows her handsome professor to Africa to teach in a mission school; let down professionally and romantically, she must find a way to make a difference in a small, segregated Southern town during the Depression. 

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the series of feel good novels. This is based in a small southern time when Hoover was president. It talks of racist attitudes, surviving the depression, mental health and falling in love. The need for God is truly the heart of the family.

[Elaina Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A teacher

I liked this story because the women are hard working and believe in God. During the depression everything was hard. They still had dreams and passion. Just a great story. I already told a few friends about this lovely book. Now to read Roses story with Caleb.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Wonderful!

Castles in the Clouds is Book 2 in the Flowers of Eden Series. I loved it. It is a clean, great story.

[Marie Painter · Rating 5 out of 5]

great sequel

I have enjoyed this series immensely! I am
about to start the 3rd book now. I love that it captures the sisters as they grow!

[Duane Barnhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Castles in the Clouds

Myra Johnson is a great writer to produce such a great read! Could hardly put it down!
Sincerely,
Debra Barnhurst
From Utah

[Dorothy Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and emotional

Well written story of a family's hard times and love for one another. Without revealing the story ending, a good love story.

[Susan McCully · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story taking place during the droughts in Arkansas. Of course, it has a happy ending.

[Carolyn S. Balderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome

I didn’t figure book 2 could compare to the book one, but it was awesome. I highly suggest to continue with the series. I will be moving on to book 3.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grandpa's legacy

3 sisters trying to get on with lives , after the loss of their beloved grandpa. Going thru sorrow in different ways, but becoming stronger in the end.

[Susan McCarthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book uses phrases and euphemisms that are not consistent with the era.

[Maria Therese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book.

I have a great admiration for Louisa May Alcott, her writing, and her fictional characters and Mrs. Johnson's story and writing style reminded me of her. I didn't want to set the book down from the moment I picked it up. Considering the fact that I'm writing this review almost exactly a month after reading the book, some of you may be eyeing me with suspicion, but I assure you that I am speaking the truth.

In fact, my not finding time until now to post this review only serves to prove that I haven't had much time...yet I had time to read this book.

It's been a while since I read the book, so I don't remember all of the little details from the book, but there were a few things I wanted to mention.

First, I appreciated how Anson had actually health problems. They didn't suddenly disappear and he didn't regain his health miraculously during the book. It was very historically accurate in that sense, and I appreciated the unique approach. Following along with this, Anson cuts his hand in a scene and it's cut pretty bad. When things like that happen, I always have a little question pop up in my mind, "Will the author remember their character xyz?" It's almost a little test since I see authors forget such things (and I understand why!) so often. Mrs. Johnson remembered though, so I was impressed.

Second, while this story is aimed at more mature audiences (it made mention of more mature themes concerning romance and had quite a few kisses towards the end) I really admired how Mrs. Johnson presented these topics. Anson and Lark didn't kiss until towards the end of the book, which I very much appreciated since I felt like they really knew each other at that point and had grown as a couple. Too many books these days have kissing before the characters even really seem to know each other. As to the more mature topics, I think that Mrs. Johnson did a beautiful job of presenting something that is good and beautiful in its true light. So many novels these days portray lust as "true love" and it makes it hard for readers to see beauty in love. Their idea of love has been marred and it injures their ability to give and receive actual, true love. Mrs. Johnson didn't cringe away from such topics, she didn't shy away from having her characters kiss, yet the way she present these things served as a wonderful example for good, pure love.

I applaud you, Mrs. Johnson, and I look forward to reading more of your books.

Ratings (# out of 5)
Romance: 4 (Because the mature topics make this book less appropriate for younger ages)
Violence: 4 (There are racists who threaten Anson's school for teaching everyone despite the color of their skin, but nothing violent actually happens. Just a little tense. Anson cuts his hand.)
Language: 5 (I can't remember any language.)
Substance Abuse: 5 (I can't remember any substance abuse. Anson and his friend had a temperate, relaxing glass though.)

[Just Commonly · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But if you're too focused on falling, it isn't a leap of faith at all, is it?" (66)

Where does one begin with a story as compelling, yet soft and cuddly as Castles in the Clouds by Myra Johnson. This being the second book of Flowers of Eden series, I'm more than mesmerized by the cover - for this one, and book 1 , The Sweetest Rain. I have yet the chance to pick it up, but I will. I will and I must, because after reading Castles, I need to read Bryony and Michael's story. Castles in the Clouds is about having a leap of faith in love and in life, in the injustices, as well as the things that are beyond our control. Having set in the 1930s, during the Great Depression era, there are plenty of obstacles that come their way as they try to bring education to the masses. Not only financial, but also the burdens of discrimination that have yet to resolve by then. The author have done a marvelously convincing job in weaving in the historical facts of the times as well as her experience with missionary work, overseas and at home in the US. She writes with such grace in capturing your heart piece by piece, progressively until the end, where your heart can't help but care for these characters, their stories, as well as the sorrow of reality. As the last page turns, I wish I had the next book in the series right in my lap. I would just jump right in and continue onto Rosie's story. Not only Rosie's story, but I want to see how the author continues on with Eden as it faces what we know of the backdrop of history.

In the romance department, I liked how Lark and Anson's story was gradual, and the part where we read each of their hesitations and denial. A great counter of realism to the idealism of both characters for continued education, the Schaefer School and society. Yes, Lark and Anson's story was great, but I'm already particularly fond of what I read between Rosie and Caleb. They add in a slight humor that I can't wait to explore further in the next book.

The Linwood girls, Bryony, Lark and Rosie are females of "strength, courage and stubbornness" just as Caleb said about Rosie. I can tell you that that speaks of Myra Johnson as a writer, and Castles in the Clouds as a book. I'm sure you understand where the strength and the courage are from. As to stubbornness, it is the innate ability of the book to fully seize your heart and mind as you read it. As to the author, her stubbornness resides in the fact that I personally think every author have that quality to present the best of each specific story to readers, and she's done just that with Castle in the Clouds.


This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

[Patricia Kemp Blackmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Larkspur Linwood has dreams of becoming a teacher. Even though they are still suffering from the Great Depression she is able to go to college for her teachers degree. Thanks to a wonderful couple she had a job at their store, along with a room to rent to help offset her expenses. She received funds from her sister for pay her college tuition. It looks like all was going well for her.

Larkspur catches the attention of her Professor due to her dedication and grades. He is handsome and

and has a way with words which creates new feelings in Larkspur beyond teacher student admiration.

He offers her and a couple of other women a chance of a lifetime adventure which would advance their teaching skills. This adventure will be taking them to Kenya, Africa to a missionary school under the tutelage of a Professor Schafer.

Schafer was highly overworked and sadly had a disease which was taking his eyesight. He was very kind and handsome but different than her Professor from the college. After finding her relationship with her college Professor was not reciprocated she felt naïve and became depressed then decided to return home to the disappointment of the Kenya Professor.

Professor Schafer ends up having to go to the States hoping he was leaving his Kenya school in capable hands. While he is in the States he decides with the help of a colleague to start a missionary school for the farmer's children whom were without schooling. He gets in touch with Larkspur in hopes of recruiting her as a teacher since she had not returned to college. Reluctantly she agrees to help.

Schafer and Larkspur slowly but surely to find a attraction and respect for each other. But Larkspur was as resistant as Schafer to feed into any romantic feelings due to her trust issues and his health issues.

Will they get past their issues in this Great Depression and the ever growing problem of bigotry among parents of potential students..

I loved this story remembering stories my mother and grandparents shared with me about their lives during the Great Depression. The names of the characters were right on for that era. When I was small I remember in the early 50's the attire my grandparents and great grandparents wore was still very similar to that worn during the Great Depression.

This author did an amazing job with this novel. I felt the hurt and the joy of the characters as I put myself in their place with in my minds eye as I read the book.

Thanks Myra Johnson!

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from Franciscan Media via NetGalley for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

[Kella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Castles in the Clouds is an interesting take on missionary life and the hardships associated with spreading the gospel overseas and within one’s homeland.

Dreaming of becoming a teacher, Lark jumps at a chance to join a group of teachers to serve at a mission school in Kenya. But when she arrives at the mission, the tasks she’s given are everything but teaching. Disheartened, she serves as best she can, but when missionary Professor Schafer, the leader of the mission and her only true friend, leaves to head back to the USA, situations take a turn for the worst and Lark jumps aboard the first ship back home, ready to work on her family’s farm and eventually return back to school. But things are more dire at home than her family let on. Will Lark ever be able to return to teaching or will she have to learn to be content with living her life out on the family farm?

I have mixed feelings on Lark. She’s a sweet character and always tries hard to do whats write, but to me, she never matured beyond the flighty, naive heroine that we initially meet in the beginning, and her lack of trust for her close companions made me sad for her. However, I was a huge fan of Professor Schafer, the Kenya missionary who is working to raise funds for his mission and the state-side schools he’s setting up. His value and determination for his mission in life is commendable. He does not have an easy life, suffering from blindness and struggling to keep his missions afloat, yet he continually puts his faith in the Lord to see him through all things. I really enjoyed his character!

This novel didn’t go were I was thinking it would. I assumed more of the plot would take place in the mission field of Kenya than it actually did, which actually disappointed me a bit. Yet, perhaps the point of the story was that mission work lies in one’s own backyard; that it doesn’t take a grand adventure overseas to be God’s hands and feet. I do wish I had read the first novel in the Flowers of Eden series, The Sweetest Rain, prior to reading Castles in the Clouds. I think I would have had an easier time with all the characters had I done so. Overall, this was a solid read and I recommend it for anyone who loves missions, love, and trusting God in all things.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Castles in the Clouds was a pleasant read, with interesting historical details and multiple storylines to keep my interest. While Anson and Lark were the main characters, it wasn't hard to get to know the other members of the story. They were all well developed and unique, each having very realistic and relatable stories to tell.

Lark finds herself in Africa, after being swayed by her handsome professor to go there to teach the native children. She fancies herself in love with him, and thinks he feels the same, so it's an easy choice. However, she soon learns how wrong she is and retreats back to the States, heartbroken and wary. She eventually runs into an old acquaintance, Anson, who was in Africa alongside her until he began to lose his vision from a severe eye infection. Unable to afford continuing her education, Lark decides to help him set up a school in her hometown, Eden. They soon fall in love, with Lark fighting it every step of the way, but life has a way of complicating things. When Anson's school becomes the target of hate groups and tragedy strikes Lark's family, they have to find their way back to each other with the help of God and family.

Anson was a real gentleman! I loved his "voice", the way he spoke throughout the book to Lark and others. He had such a kind heart and truly cared about other people. Lark took a little more time for me to warm up to. She was kind and caring, but she was also was pretty blind to how her actions affected Anson. Thus the development of their romance was a little too odd for me. She was too flighty, even after what happened in Africa, so it was somewhat surprising that she wouldn't mature more with her responses to things. I would have wanted her either more resistant or less resistant. The "I like you, but go away" attitude got a little old. However, Anson made me keep reading, and I eventually warmed to Lark.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. It was my first book by this author, and I'm sure it won't be the last!

**I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Larkspur (“Lark”) Linwood’s visit to Professor Keene’s office would change her life … in many ways. She agrees to travel to Kenya to gain practical teaching experience as part of a mission program. While there, she meets Professor Anson Schafer, but health problems cause him to return to the United States earlier than anticipated. Lark unfortunately realizes that things with the trip were not as she had been led to believe, so she returns home. Her path crosses once again with Anson, who is looking to start a program to help the uneducated in Arkansas. He wants Lark to help him. She agrees, as it is an opportunity which will allow her to earn money to complete her own education. Anson’s vision for a school to educate students of all colors is not as well received as he had hoped, which will leave Anson and Lark questioning whether they should follow their dreams or their hearts.

This is this second installment of the “Flowers of Eden” series, and it is just as delightful as the first! Precise details combine with touching scenes, and the book is topped off with a beautiful cover. Johnson weaves in numerous historical facts and addresses difficult topics, such as discrimination, in a sensitive manner. The author’s time in Kenya adds to the realism of the story. She also provides historical details related to the story which will educate the reader on things such as Jim Crow Laws, the Dust Bowl, and the Great Depression.

You can read the full review and my interview with the author on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I was not required to provide a review. All opinions are my own.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this second book in the Flowers of Eden series set in drought-ridden Arkansas during the Great Depression. A sweet romance blooms between a reticent young woman studying to be a teacher and a nearly blind missionary who has returned to the United States from Kenya.

I also enjoyed glimpses of characters from the first book in the series, whose story is still unfolding. Fans of Christian historical fiction will enjoy Castles in the Clouds.