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Seven Brides of South Dakota #5
Sparks in Spearfish
Lula never wanted to be just a wife.
At the Spearfish Normal School, Lula Arnsby is ready to begin a whole new chapter of her life. When a bully from her past strides into her class as the new teacher’s assistant, she wants nothing to do with the handsome prankster but his aim isn’t to torment her anymore.
Barton Oleson wants to be noticed by the pixie-haired beauty, Lula. He’s spent the last two years making sure she thinks of him every single day, but he’s running out of time to get her to notice him. Only one school term until she will be a teacher and out of his reach.
Is it enough time to make up for two years of hurt and can Lula forgive all that he’s done?
At the Spearfish Normal School, Lula Arnsby is ready to begin a whole new chapter of her life. When a bully from her past strides into her class as the new teacher’s assistant, she wants nothing to do with the handsome prankster but his aim isn’t to torment her anymore.
Barton Oleson wants to be noticed by the pixie-haired beauty, Lula. He’s spent the last two years making sure she thinks of him every single day, but he’s running out of time to get her to notice him. Only one school term until she will be a teacher and out of his reach.
Is it enough time to make up for two years of hurt and can Lula forgive all that he’s done?
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2019
121 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Kari Trumbo
127 books431 followersKari Trumbo is a writer of historical and contemporary Christian romance and romantic suspense. She's a mom to four wonderful children. When she isn't writing or editing, she loves to read, sing, and knit. Kari loves curling up with a fluffy blanket when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband of over twenty years, two daughters, two sons, many cats and one sweet bunny.
She also writes women's fiction under the name Teri Blake.
She also writes women's fiction under the name Teri Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 22, 2020
I was so excited when I saw this story on Audible! Having listened to the series and loved every one, I knew Lula's story would be fantastic and it was.... I had already read the book but there is just something about hearing it and with Meghan Kelly's voice I felt like I was visiting old friends!
Lula was the first in the Arnsby family to go off to school. She'd always wanted to be a teacher and even though teachers could not marry, she didn't care but she had vowed never to marry anyway. Especially since Barton Oleson had plagged her at school, always doing something. Putting butter in her hair was one she'd never forget. But much to her surprise, Barton shows up as the new teaching asst in her class! She did not think she could endure it!
Bart had only bullied Lula to get her attention. Now he had to try to make up and let her know he was serious about her.. But could she ever forgive him?
Kari Trumbo shows her extraordinary storytelling abilities with every story she writes but I especially adore this series. I cannot wait for the next one!
Lula was the first in the Arnsby family to go off to school. She'd always wanted to be a teacher and even though teachers could not marry, she didn't care but she had vowed never to marry anyway. Especially since Barton Oleson had plagged her at school, always doing something. Putting butter in her hair was one she'd never forget. But much to her surprise, Barton shows up as the new teaching asst in her class! She did not think she could endure it!
Bart had only bullied Lula to get her attention. Now he had to try to make up and let her know he was serious about her.. But could she ever forgive him?
Kari Trumbo shows her extraordinary storytelling abilities with every story she writes but I especially adore this series. I cannot wait for the next one!
January 30, 2018
Sparks in Spearfish: Seven Brides of South Dakota Book 5 is by Kari Trumbo. This is another Arnsby family novel. These novels are easy to read and read fast. They are escapism at its best with a little history thrown in. This novel takes place in Spearfish Normal School, a school for teachers. The school did exist in the 1800’s and still exists as Black Hills State University. The rules a teacher lived under at the time were very strict for women and definitely did not allow them to be married.
Lula Arnsby had wanted to be a teacher for a very long time. When she was sixteen, Beau and Ruby arranged for her to attend boarding school in Spearfish to finish her education and then to stay on to attend Normal school to become a teacher. Lula’s two years finishing school were not as happy as she would have liked because of a boy who constantly picked on her and always came out looking like Lula was imagining part of it. She had nothing but ill feelings for Barton Oleson. Now she was beginning the first day of Normal school to be a teacher and she was with her best friend and roommate Izzy waiting for the professor to arrive. Her hopes for a wonderful year were dashed when the professor’s assistant came into the room. It was none other then Barton Oleson! He had spent all summer taking a crash course to be a teacher so he could take this particular position so he could be with Lula. Now he had to convince her that he was not the troublemaker he had been and that his intentions towards her were honorable. Then he realizes he is in a predicament. He is the teacher and she is the student and there can not be anything between them or she would be expelled and he would not get his license! What is an honorable solution?
Lula Arnsby had wanted to be a teacher for a very long time. When she was sixteen, Beau and Ruby arranged for her to attend boarding school in Spearfish to finish her education and then to stay on to attend Normal school to become a teacher. Lula’s two years finishing school were not as happy as she would have liked because of a boy who constantly picked on her and always came out looking like Lula was imagining part of it. She had nothing but ill feelings for Barton Oleson. Now she was beginning the first day of Normal school to be a teacher and she was with her best friend and roommate Izzy waiting for the professor to arrive. Her hopes for a wonderful year were dashed when the professor’s assistant came into the room. It was none other then Barton Oleson! He had spent all summer taking a crash course to be a teacher so he could take this particular position so he could be with Lula. Now he had to convince her that he was not the troublemaker he had been and that his intentions towards her were honorable. Then he realizes he is in a predicament. He is the teacher and she is the student and there can not be anything between them or she would be expelled and he would not get his license! What is an honorable solution?
September 15, 2017
This is my favorite Seven Brides of South Dakota book!
Lula was so feisty and driven. Barton was so intense and focused on getting Lula for his own. It was the perfect mix of sweet and a little bit of heat (not too much, just enough to make you feel the attraction between Lula and Barton).
Well done, Kari. Another wonderful western tale!
Lula was so feisty and driven. Barton was so intense and focused on getting Lula for his own. It was the perfect mix of sweet and a little bit of heat (not too much, just enough to make you feel the attraction between Lula and Barton).
Well done, Kari. Another wonderful western tale!
October 11, 2021
THE THINGS BOYS DO FOR ATTENTION
The fifth story in the Seven Brides of South Dakota will have Lula Arnsby doing what no other family member has, attending Normal School to earn her teaching certificate. The first two years have been hard, not the classes or work, but due to her tormentor, Barton Oleson.
Lula Arnsby has known since she was little that she wanted to be a teacher. But, in 1895, that still required a woman to remain unmarried. So she decides that she will forego marriage and instead concentrate on her career plans. Barton Oleson has been her nemesis, always doing things, pulling her curls, putting things in her seat—she is hoping that this third year won't be like the past two years. She can never forgive him for what he has done to her.
"I'll hate you 'til the day you die, Barton Oleson!"
"At the end of term last year, after two years of trying to get Lula's attention, he'd almost given up. Almost. That girl was a part of him as much as his arm. Although he could survive without either, he'd prefer not to."
The story's plot will have Lula and Izzy returning to classes and receive a shock. It seems that Barton Oleson worked hard all summer and has earned himself a position as a student-teacher. But soon into the term, Professor Cook will be injured, and Mr. Oleson will now teach the class.
The story was an emotional roller coaster ride as we listened to the audiobook. Ms. Kari Trumbo brings her characters to life and allows the reader or listener to become immersed in this tale. The main story will be the relationship between Lula and Barton and how they slowly put their differences aside from the past two years. Barton grows up, he isn't doing the juvenile things he did the first two years, and now he is in a position of authority. But, that brings about a new situation; he isn't supposed to fraternize with students. How will he get Lula to fall in love with him like he is with her? Lula is so determined to become a teacher—and marriage is not in the picture. The story will have a second couple, Izzy and another student. Life will change for these two couples as the story progresses and the Christmas break comes around.
I loved the dialog, characters, interaction, and realism of this tale. It has the good, the bad, and the ugly of life and people—but it also offers hope and a future with patience. The story is a clean, godly-based historical western without curse words or intimate scenes. It does have a happy ending and can read well as a stand-alone. I guess you could say that Barton does grow up and learns that playing tricks on a girl is not the way to gain her interest. He isn't genuinely interested in becoming a teacher—but, his feelings for her are so strong that he is willing to give up the summer, gain experience, and return as a student teacher for the fall. Lula is caught between her head and her heart in what she wants for her future. Her family has sacrificed for her to attend school to become a teacher. Does the future offer a chance for both? A lifelong dream of becoming a teacher and still able to become a wife?
The fifth story in the Seven Brides of South Dakota will have Lula Arnsby doing what no other family member has, attending Normal School to earn her teaching certificate. The first two years have been hard, not the classes or work, but due to her tormentor, Barton Oleson.
Lula Arnsby has known since she was little that she wanted to be a teacher. But, in 1895, that still required a woman to remain unmarried. So she decides that she will forego marriage and instead concentrate on her career plans. Barton Oleson has been her nemesis, always doing things, pulling her curls, putting things in her seat—she is hoping that this third year won't be like the past two years. She can never forgive him for what he has done to her.
"I'll hate you 'til the day you die, Barton Oleson!"
"At the end of term last year, after two years of trying to get Lula's attention, he'd almost given up. Almost. That girl was a part of him as much as his arm. Although he could survive without either, he'd prefer not to."
The story's plot will have Lula and Izzy returning to classes and receive a shock. It seems that Barton Oleson worked hard all summer and has earned himself a position as a student-teacher. But soon into the term, Professor Cook will be injured, and Mr. Oleson will now teach the class.
The story was an emotional roller coaster ride as we listened to the audiobook. Ms. Kari Trumbo brings her characters to life and allows the reader or listener to become immersed in this tale. The main story will be the relationship between Lula and Barton and how they slowly put their differences aside from the past two years. Barton grows up, he isn't doing the juvenile things he did the first two years, and now he is in a position of authority. But, that brings about a new situation; he isn't supposed to fraternize with students. How will he get Lula to fall in love with him like he is with her? Lula is so determined to become a teacher—and marriage is not in the picture. The story will have a second couple, Izzy and another student. Life will change for these two couples as the story progresses and the Christmas break comes around.
I loved the dialog, characters, interaction, and realism of this tale. It has the good, the bad, and the ugly of life and people—but it also offers hope and a future with patience. The story is a clean, godly-based historical western without curse words or intimate scenes. It does have a happy ending and can read well as a stand-alone. I guess you could say that Barton does grow up and learns that playing tricks on a girl is not the way to gain her interest. He isn't genuinely interested in becoming a teacher—but, his feelings for her are so strong that he is willing to give up the summer, gain experience, and return as a student teacher for the fall. Lula is caught between her head and her heart in what she wants for her future. Her family has sacrificed for her to attend school to become a teacher. Does the future offer a chance for both? A lifelong dream of becoming a teacher and still able to become a wife?
November 19, 2019
This is another beautiful story about another of the seven sisters in this series.
It must have been really terrible for Lula to have all the unwanted attention and teasing from Barton while in school and now, in this story, she is studying to become a teacher but Barton beats her to it and he has become a Teacher's Aid at her school.
The story shows clearly how when a man matures and finds himself in love, how his way of handling things changes. He has now become a caring, loving person but still Lula doesn't trust him at all and he really has to work hard to get her to change her mind.
The book is written with so much emotion and so many life changes in it that I was glued to the pages and couldn't help but read well into the night.
It is totally entertaining and that is something I value highly in a good story and am happy to recommend it.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of a revision of this book and my voluntary review above is unbiased.
It must have been really terrible for Lula to have all the unwanted attention and teasing from Barton while in school and now, in this story, she is studying to become a teacher but Barton beats her to it and he has become a Teacher's Aid at her school.
The story shows clearly how when a man matures and finds himself in love, how his way of handling things changes. He has now become a caring, loving person but still Lula doesn't trust him at all and he really has to work hard to get her to change her mind.
The book is written with so much emotion and so many life changes in it that I was glued to the pages and couldn't help but read well into the night.
It is totally entertaining and that is something I value highly in a good story and am happy to recommend it.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of a revision of this book and my voluntary review above is unbiased.
November 18, 2019
This story line was a tough one for me because I was bullied in high school and not because someone had a crush on me but because I was someone who was easy to pick on. Barton does change and become more mature and responsible. Although he still has juvenile tendencies to get over like leaving Lula behind when she fell in the river because he was mad at her; she could have been seriously hurt or gotten ill walking back in the rain. It was interesting to read about school to train teachers back then and how most schools allowed married men, but not women, so women had to choose career or family, but not both.
November 16, 2019
This is one of my favorite books by Kari Trumbo. The characters were fun, entertaining and really pulled me into the story. This story was so beautiful I had goosebumps, the book reaffirms how God meant love to be between a man and woman. Kari Trumbo writes how love is patient, kind, giving and putting the others happiness first. The message is one of abstinence until marriage, this is such a beautiful story of how hard but worthwhile it is. A clean wholesome book, one I could read again and again!
September 24, 2017
A heartwarming story of an unlikely love!
Sparks in Spearfish is a love story of a young boy who bullies the girl that he is attracted to. Unfortunately, this causes the girl to retreat and make changes to keep the bullying down. However, Lula never expected to have to see Barton, her bully, in her final year of teaching school. Barton has to find a way to show Lula that she can trust him and can open her heart to him. It is a love story in the making that has many bumps in the road. Can Lula and Barton get past the bumps and find the love that they both want?
Sparks in Spearfish was a well-written story of an unlikely love union. There is plenty of action and suspense with the budding romance to keep my interest piqued. Kari Trumbo really knows how to keep your attention to the very end. The characters were well developed and engaging. Even at times when you didn’t like Barton for his bullying and mean tactics. I thought the way that Barton tried to turn things around was a good show of character. Most boys pick on girls that they like getting them any type of attention that they can. This was no different.
This book is typical of other Kari Trumbo books that I have read in that she brings a great story to the reader that is entertaining and grabs the attention. I was not disappointed at all in this book. I recommend Sparks in Spearfish to anyone that enjoys reading a unique love story with a happy ending.
Sparks in Spearfish is a love story of a young boy who bullies the girl that he is attracted to. Unfortunately, this causes the girl to retreat and make changes to keep the bullying down. However, Lula never expected to have to see Barton, her bully, in her final year of teaching school. Barton has to find a way to show Lula that she can trust him and can open her heart to him. It is a love story in the making that has many bumps in the road. Can Lula and Barton get past the bumps and find the love that they both want?
Sparks in Spearfish was a well-written story of an unlikely love union. There is plenty of action and suspense with the budding romance to keep my interest piqued. Kari Trumbo really knows how to keep your attention to the very end. The characters were well developed and engaging. Even at times when you didn’t like Barton for his bullying and mean tactics. I thought the way that Barton tried to turn things around was a good show of character. Most boys pick on girls that they like getting them any type of attention that they can. This was no different.
This book is typical of other Kari Trumbo books that I have read in that she brings a great story to the reader that is entertaining and grabs the attention. I was not disappointed at all in this book. I recommend Sparks in Spearfish to anyone that enjoys reading a unique love story with a happy ending.
October 26, 2017
Just like a great story you hear about only better!
I started the series after I read about Ruby and Beau! The following series after that Seven Brides of South Dakota. You can't put them down without trying to hurry and do whatever So You can get back to reading. Fall in love with the Arnsby girls. Meet their men and fall in love with them all
I started the series after I read about Ruby and Beau! The following series after that Seven Brides of South Dakota. You can't put them down without trying to hurry and do whatever So You can get back to reading. Fall in love with the Arnsby girls. Meet their men and fall in love with them all
September 15, 2017
Hard to put down
This story was wonderfully written and incredibly hard to put down. It shows the difference in how men and women perceive actions and how differently we react to them. These differences bring about amusing circumstances in this story.
This story was wonderfully written and incredibly hard to put down. It shows the difference in how men and women perceive actions and how differently we react to them. These differences bring about amusing circumstances in this story.
December 10, 2017
Another Awesome Book!
I loved the turmoil in this book! From hatred to love, many of us have understood this very common struggle!! The resolution was wonderful and the time with her sisters was especially meaningful!!
I loved the turmoil in this book! From hatred to love, many of us have understood this very common struggle!! The resolution was wonderful and the time with her sisters was especially meaningful!!
April 26, 2018
Loved it
The rules teachers had to live by were very strict, but understandable at the time. I'm sure that many broke those rules. This story was very well written and told of one case where not following the rules for not end in disaster.
The rules teachers had to live by were very strict, but understandable at the time. I'm sure that many broke those rules. This story was very well written and told of one case where not following the rules for not end in disaster.
September 18, 2020
He's impossible... She's rattled...
Out of the 4 books that I've read in the Seven Brides Of South Dakota series, I missed book #4, I think that Sparks In Spearfish was the one that I connected with the least. Not that I didn't enjoy the audiobook, because I did, but, this where this Millennial starts to feel a little old, both characters came across as two very immature hormonal kids in need of some serious growing up.
I really did like Lula even though she's a bit self absorbed and naive. However, my 21st Century must be coming through because I spent more time mad at Barton's lousy behavior and ridiculous expectations than I did actually liking him. But, I did enjoy the audiobook. I wanted to see the two get together, maybe because they kinda deserved each other, and I was glad when they finally got their happy ending.
While Kari Trumbo kinda missed me with the characters, I absolutely loved the Normal (teacher) school background, and I enjoyed checking back in with the Arnsby sisters and finding out what they're up to.
I've really been getting frequent flier miles with audiobooks this summer and Sparks In Spearfish was another good experience production-wise. The narrator did a great job bringing author Kari Trumbo's story to life. I'm definitely looking forward to listening to the next Seven Brides Of South Dakota novel.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Out of the 4 books that I've read in the Seven Brides Of South Dakota series, I missed book #4, I think that Sparks In Spearfish was the one that I connected with the least. Not that I didn't enjoy the audiobook, because I did, but, this where this Millennial starts to feel a little old, both characters came across as two very immature hormonal kids in need of some serious growing up.
I really did like Lula even though she's a bit self absorbed and naive. However, my 21st Century must be coming through because I spent more time mad at Barton's lousy behavior and ridiculous expectations than I did actually liking him. But, I did enjoy the audiobook. I wanted to see the two get together, maybe because they kinda deserved each other, and I was glad when they finally got their happy ending.
While Kari Trumbo kinda missed me with the characters, I absolutely loved the Normal (teacher) school background, and I enjoyed checking back in with the Arnsby sisters and finding out what they're up to.
I've really been getting frequent flier miles with audiobooks this summer and Sparks In Spearfish was another good experience production-wise. The narrator did a great job bringing author Kari Trumbo's story to life. I'm definitely looking forward to listening to the next Seven Brides Of South Dakota novel.
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
November 20, 2019
Barton tormented Lula something awful when they were growing up by playing prank after prank on her. Now he holds a position as a teacher assistant to the teacher of the teaching school class where Lula is a student. Will their relationship stay the same with Barton as her tormentor or will it change into something else. This was a sweet, funny, and somewhat exasperating in parts story that held my interest with a great storyline with realistic and well developed characters. It fully explores the social expectations of both men and women of the time period accurately which makes the story all the more realistic and meaningful plus stays true to the time period.
May 17, 2020
Book 5 in the series. Kari writes heart wringing love stories that are clean and full of situations.
Lula is the heroine. Barton Is the hero .
Lula has only one wish and that’s to become a great teacher. Life throws her for a loop when Barton shows up as her assistant. Barton has a history of tormenting Lula. Thing is Barton has grown up and his one goal is for Lula to notice him. Will Lula give him a chance.
Meghan Kelly was fantastic as always . Her voice for each character is right on her tone , nobody does it better
Lula is the heroine. Barton Is the hero .
Lula has only one wish and that’s to become a great teacher. Life throws her for a loop when Barton shows up as her assistant. Barton has a history of tormenting Lula. Thing is Barton has grown up and his one goal is for Lula to notice him. Will Lula give him a chance.
Meghan Kelly was fantastic as always . Her voice for each character is right on her tone , nobody does it better
June 18, 2020
This is book 5 but can stand on its own. I just love the Kari's style of writing these sweet Christian historical romances. No two stories are the same and she puts such depth into her characters that you find a connection with them. This is a great read for anyone who loves a clean historical romance. The narrator does a fantastic job and was really a lot of fun to listen to.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 4, 2024
This is a classic story of boy meets girl, then it's obvious that he doesn't know what to do to get her attention. So, instead of charming her, he creates an enemy -- an enemy that just makes his heart go pitter-patter. Throughout this book, I laughed at the stunts Barton pulled, while my heart broke for Lula. Yet, quite shockingly, when Barton returns to the Normal School in Spearfish, he's grown into a caring man over the Summertime off. As Lula and Barton are finally able to put the humiliation of the past behind them, he leads her in faith, saves her from being bullied, and ensures the truth will set them free of4 turmoil. Trumbo, through her story, initiates a bit of suspense and resourcefulness to complete their dreams and a reason to fight for a love that will be never ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2017
The fifth addition to the Seven Brides of South Dakota series, “Sparks in Spearfish” is a historical romance with an interesting premise.
Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2017 December issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 10, 2020
Lula wanted to be a teacher, no distraction, when a bully from the past has other ideas. The rule back then were very strict and one was no married woman could be a teacher. All of hers are enjoyable, and one enjoys reading them Also was given audio which had good narration for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
July 10, 2020
This book made me mad at times. I wish I could have punched him in the head. That being said. this book is excellent. The writing is great and the characters well developed with characteristics that people can relate to. You can tell it is in a series. There is a hint of mention of sisters and the like, but it does not spoil.
February 16, 2020
Wonderful romance!
Great addition to this series! And a great example of true romance! Today should be more like the historical example of marriage being a long lasting covenant! We tend to give up too quickly! Loved the book! Great read!
Great addition to this series! And a great example of true romance! Today should be more like the historical example of marriage being a long lasting covenant! We tend to give up too quickly! Loved the book! Great read!
February 25, 2020
Barton and Lulu
Fun story about school nemesis. Barton teased Lulu and she did not like him one bit. Until they grew up but training as teachers for not allow fraternizing with the opposite gender. - Babs
Fun story about school nemesis. Barton teased Lulu and she did not like him one bit. Until they grew up but training as teachers for not allow fraternizing with the opposite gender. - Babs
April 21, 2021
Great series.
Thank you Kari Trumbo, I really enjoyed Barton and Lula's story, Lula was the only one for Barton, But he went about it wrong, but he was lucky, it worked out well.
Thank you Kari Trumbo, I really enjoyed Barton and Lula's story, Lula was the only one for Barton, But he went about it wrong, but he was lucky, it worked out well.
October 2, 2022
Great book
Another great addition to a wonderful series. I loved Martin's teasing ways but glad Lula finally saw through it. I recommend this book to anyone who likes clean historical romance books.
Another great addition to a wonderful series. I loved Martin's teasing ways but glad Lula finally saw through it. I recommend this book to anyone who likes clean historical romance books.
January 6, 2018
#5
The stories continue and the history of South Dakota expands to a different town and people but still the family is primary.
The stories continue and the history of South Dakota expands to a different town and people but still the family is primary.
January 17, 2022
Excellent read
A very good story. It pulls you in and you can't put it down. Well developed characters and story line. Love reading Kari's books!
A very good story. It pulls you in and you can't put it down. Well developed characters and story line. Love reading Kari's books!
May 10, 2022
Exciting
A sweet story of youthful infatuation that turns to love. Can they keep their distance so they both can accomplish finishing their education?
A sweet story of youthful infatuation that turns to love. Can they keep their distance so they both can accomplish finishing their education?
July 16, 2022
Adventure and drama. Teacher and student. Romance at a great setting. I loved it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews