Customer Reviews

Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana

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"Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie Montanta", written by Tricia Goyers and Ocieanna Fleiss is part of the "Love Finds You" series put out by Summerside Press. The story takes place in 1889 and we are introduced to Julia Cavanaugh. Julia was raised in an orphanage for girls following the deaths of her parents. Now and adult, she has become a teacher at the orphange. When the headmistress, Mrs. Gaffin, announces her upcoming wedding, Julia is at a loss as to what her future holds. The headmistress, who is a bit absent minded, tells Julia that the school will be closing down, but she's made arrangements to send the girls to the west on the orphan train. Julia is to accompany them to their new homes and hints to Julia that she may not want to return. Julia arrives at the final point of her journey, the remote town of Lonesome Prairie, where she delivers the last of the orphan girls to their new parents and discovers that Mrs. Gaffin had offered her as a mail order bride to rough and tumble miner. So, now Julia is stuck in Lonesome Prairie with no money or friends and a potential husband she did not want. She turns to the local circuit parson, Isaac Shepherd, for protection and the story goes from there.

I really enjoyed this book a lot. It's a simple plot, but touching none the less. Julia, an orphan, has craved a real home ever since her parents died. Through her interaction with the families of Lonesome Prairie, she finds a home, but most importantly, she comes to discover that her home is not here on earth, but in Heaven. The characters are fun and humorous, yet are quite believable, which made this story a great read. At it's heart, it's a story of the longing of the heart for family and a place to call home. It's a witty and uplifting book which reminds us that home is where the heart is.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book when I stumbled upon it in our local costco. I'm quite a literature snob, and am usually disappointed in most modern novels. This one surprised me as it is really well written, seems to be historically accurate, and the story is realistic and touching. I've had a hard time putting it down; I read half the book in one night. Highly recommended! Now I'm here at amazon, buying more from the same series. As the books are all written by different authors, I'm really hoping that the other books are as high quality as this 'Lonesome Prairie' story.

Julia Cavanaugh works at the Open Door Home For Destitute Girls. She loves her charges, and they love her. Then Mrs. Hamlin, head of the privately owned orphanage decides to get married and close the home. She is sending the girls west on the Orphan Train, and Julia is going with them. The girls aren't exactly thrilled, and neither is Julia. Mrs. Hamlin tells Julia she has a surprise waiting for her, but won't tell her what it is.
The train leaves New York bound for Lonesome Prairie Montana and the girls all find homes with new parents. Julia finds her surprise too, Horace, a toothless, smelly bachelor whom Mrs. Hamlin has signed her up to marry. She's a mail order bride, something she didn't know about and certainly wasn't in her plans. She's much more attracted to the handsome young preacher, but Isaac has made a promise to never marry.
I'm always fascinated by stories of the Orphan Train, children taken across the country and handed over to strangers. Love Finds You In Lonesome Prairie Montana captures the uncertainity of the orphans and the plight of a young woman stranded in a town full of strangers. Well defined characters, and a strong faith message.

Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss delights readers once again with their touching addition to the Loved Finds You series, Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana.

In 1889, nineteen year old Julia Cavanaugh, leaves New York to travel on the orphan train to unite the young girls in her charge with their new families. Once arriving in Lonesome Prairie, Julia soon realizes that twelve year old Shelby has been overlooked and will be separated from her young sister Bea. Not wanting the two sisters to be separated and already caring for them like a mother, Julia decides to take on both girls as her own. After assigning Bea to his sister Elizabeth, Parson Isaac cannot bear to witness another child be taken from his sister, he immediately argues with Julia. Soon Elizabeth and her husband step up to take in both girls. Julia then prepares to leave knowing that her girls will be well taken care off. Trying to reach her train before it leaves the station and her stranded in the middle of nowhere Julia is held up by the Parson wanting to apologize. Horace shows up further hindering her from catching her train, declaring that he was bought her as a mail order bride from Mrs. Hamlin. Julia's train departs with out her. Not knowing what to do, and trying to avoid Horace, Julia shows up at the home of the Parson's sisters. Not wanting to disrupt Shelby and Bea while they settle into their new family Julia is ask to stay in the mud house belonging to Parson Isaac. Alone for the first time in her life Julia is determined to find her way back to New York and her the woman who has been like a mother to her. Although Julia has one plan fate seems to have another. She soon finds herself becoming a part of Isaac's family as well as falling for the Parson himself. Julia soon feels rejected by Isaac when she learns of the vow he has made to God stating that he will never marry. After learning that his first wife died, Julia finally works up the courage to ask only once again feeling rejected. Soon Isaac realizes that Julia is the love of his life will he be able to reach her before she boards her train?


Love Finds in Lonesome Prairie, Montana is a pure delight filled with the God's grace. Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss has provided a wonderful message that will enlighten reader. I enjoyed reading as Julia's character grew in her faith as she learns the difference between believing in God and trusting in God. A true gem that sparkles on every page with carefully crafted characters and believable situations. Miriam's quite calm provided a soothing calm to rough surrounding landscape. Truly a book that all should read.

Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana is a cross between Janette Oke and Catherine Marshall. I have to say that this has been my favorite book of the year, one that I would love to see be made into a movie.


This book was provided by Lit Fuse thanks Amy and Stephanie

I really loved the message of this book: trusting God. This is something we all need to work on, and I love the way these authors weaved the storyline and portrayed their characters. Excellent job! The storyline was believable and easy-to-follow, while not being boring in any way. The feelings and dialogue of the characters were also very well done. I loved how they showed that sometimes what we think God wants from us isn't always what He wants from us. Sometimes we allow our fears or something else to blind us to what God really wants for us. The authors did a very good job of showing this problem and how it can affect us and those around us. Add this to your to-read if you haven't already!

Julia has been an orphan since childhood, and all she longs for is love and a home. Widower Parson Isaac Shepard vowed to God never to get married again, so that he would not be distracted. Yet, Isaac and Julia are drawn together. This story pulled me in and I couldn't put it down. I read 3/4 of it in one night and finished the rest the next day. I had to find out how the problems in Julia & Isaac's way would be handled. I've read a few Love Finds You books, and this is one of my favorites.

When Julia finds herself heading west to oversee an orphan train and finds herself stuck in a tiny town in Western MT, she is confused about what she should do. Her slightly odd employer seems to have signed her up for a marriage as a mail order bride without her permission and without knowing the bridegroom was less than desirable! No money and no place to stay, Julia casts herself upon the mercy of the good people of the town for shelter and food. In exchange she work teaching the children of the town! Meanwhile, the minister of the town is stuck trying to deal with matchmakers, accidental murder, and family issues and is surprised to find himself attracted to the newcomer.
I have read a few of these Love Finds you series and every single one of them has been really good! I actually went out to buy some of them because I have enjoyed them so much. This book was no exception. It is funny, one mishap after another in some ways, but also puts some great history about that part of MT in there. This humorous romance will keep you entertained and leave you happy in the end! I have to say I did feel a bit irritated by the character of Mrs. Hamlin....she just seemed to be too absent minded and mistake prone to actually organize a successful orphan train, but maybe it was her new husband?
Overall this was a great book, this humorous romance will keep you entertained and leave you happy in the end!
(Thank you to Revell for my review copy)

LOVE FINDS YOU IN LONESOME PRAIRIE MONTANA, part of the Love finds you series, was a sweet story with a sweet heroine. Julia Cavanaugh finds herself accompanying the orphan girls she has raised as they find new homes and new families in the West. Once arriving in Lonesome Prairie, Julia finds not only has Mrs. Hamlin, the mistress she works for, arranged for the placement of these orphans, but she has also taken it upon herself to arrange for Julia to marry a local miner. Julia is aghast at the idea and does all she can to stop the Horace's pursuing ways while struggling with leaving her little ones in the care of others. But soon, Julia finds that Lonesome Prairie isn't that bad . . . either is Parson Ike. She struggles with her infatuation for a man that shows no interested in her at all. But somehow, it is him who fills her daydreams.
Parson Ike, or Isaac has more than noticed Julia, but has vowed to stay single so he can continue to put all his efforts in his position as a circuit riding pastor. He's made his mind up to remain single, but is having a hard time convincing his heart.
LOVE FINDS YOU IN LONESOME PRAIRIE MONTANA, is a simple story of love, family, sacrifice, and devotion. It's a quiet story in that there are no rustlers, shootouts, or high drama at every turn. Though the outcome of Mabelina's trial brings some suspense, the rest of the story seems to unfold at a carefree pace. I am not a fan of love story's that keep the hero and heroine apart for the majority of the story. True, absences makes the heart grow fonder, but I would prefer to see these characters discover and develop a relationship with each other in something other than their thoughts and dreams.

This is a touching story about the orphan train that went west with children looking for a new home. Lots of action and of course a little romance.

I was pulled in from the start with this book. Not only did the back cover copy intrigue me with the concept of a woman traveling west on an orphan train, but the barren Montana setting and the rich cast of characters only added to the depth to be found within this novel. The pairing of Tricia with Ocieanna, who's edited several of Tricia's novels, is a true winning combination of writing skill and talent. If you love a western setting, you're going to love this newest release from the Love Finds You line of books from Summerside Press.