The Blossom and the Nettle

California Chronicles #2

by Diane Noble

In her sweeping new trilogy, the California Chronicles, award-winning author Diane Noble combines love and laughter, poignancy and passion in a setting that brings to life the young and gloriously wild California of yesterday.

California Chronicles, 1888 - 1891

Meet three members of the Byrne and Dearbourne families you'll never forget...  

EMMELINE AMITY CALLAHAN...a feisty charmer with a needy heart. Emmeline's an ugly duckling. At least that what she thinks-until she receives a gift that leads her to California's Big Valley where she makes a surprising discovery.

QUAID DEARBOURNE...a tough and tender cowboy. He's passionate about keeping his land in its original wild glory. Sparks fly when his irresistible new neighbor covers her acreage with perfectly even rows of fragrant, flowery trees.

MERCI BYRNE...a troubled young woman as wild as the wind. When she discovers the ugly secret of her birth, Merci disappears-forever, she hopes-to a place that is empty and dead. Her journey is dark, but Merci finds the One who will never let her go.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published July 18, 2000

About the author

Diane Noble is the award-winning novelist of more published books than she can count: historical fiction, contemporary mysteries and suspense, and romance (written under the pen name Amanda MacLean).

Diane writes from a heart of deep faith that's woven into her stories and nonfiction writings. She often posts on Facebook and Twitter about her journey with Parkinson's Disease and the unexpected gift of learning to live moment by moment with humor, grace, and optimism.

With more than a quarter million books in print, Diane continues to spin tales that touch readers' hearts. Book one of her new three-book mystery series, The Professor and Mrs. Littlefield, will be in bookstores September 1, 2014. It's title? THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE MISSING FIGUREHEAD.

Diane is a professed Third Order Franciscan in the Anglican (Episcopal) Church, following the footsteps of Jesus with simpicity, love, and joy as lived out by St. Francis of Assisi. Mother to two beautiful daughters and Gramsy to two cutest-ever granddaughters, Diane lives in Southern California with her wonderful husband and two spoiled cats. Oh yes, and Diane loves

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sequel. Merci reacts to some devastating news which sends her into a journey of painful and degrading experiences that come close to ending her life. Quaid's relationship with Emma has a rocky start but throughout the story, they overcome strong disagreements, trust issues and lack of communication, to finally find true love. I recommend it.

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stayed up late last night reading.

[Rachel Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequel tells the story of the second generation. I can relate to Emmaline, her dislike of the sophisticated city society, love of books, fighting spirit, and yearning to be understood, known, and loved.
Merci's story is heart-wrenching and tragic. It reminds me that we are all tainted sinners in need of God's redemption and His everlasting love reaches us. This is the Greatest Story ever told.
Quaid is such a gentleman, stubborn yet patience, with a fierce love and loyalty for his family and the big valley.

Content warning: Mentions of rape and prostitution that aren't graphic and are delicatley handled.

[Rachelle Sperling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series of books was set in California and being a 5th generation Californian myself I loved the history. Noble brings up some very serious topics and that makes these less than easy reading at times. They are well written novels that draw you into the lives of the characters os that you share in their joy and their pain.

[Rhonda Buedefeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! A novel that teaches trust in one another and Faith in injure Heavenly Father. This story teaches that we need to listen to the quiet voice of God and not to act on our own. When we do...We risk interfering with His plan.