Dreaming on Daisies: A Novel (Love Blossoms in Oregon Series Book 3)

Leah wants to make her family ranch a success, but her Pa's drinking is causing problems, and she can't get a loan, though the banker, Steven, helps in other ways; on top of all this, her brother Tom returns with shocking revelations about her Ma.(Though reviews are inherently subjective, I prefer to provide some organization to my opinions through the use of a personal rubric. The following notes may contain spoilers.)Plot and Setting: 5 -- Plot has many unique elements, no major holes, and a sense of focus. The family dynamics in the Carlson/Pape household are complex and painful, and make for an interesting plot, while Steven's experiences grant him a unique understanding, making him the perfect person to be added to the mix. I especially loved Frances charging into the scene, as well, and making waves in such a positive way. Setting is clear, believable, and consistent.Characters: 4.5 -- Relatable, realistic, interesting, dynamic characters. Most minor characters have depth, as do the relationships between characters. We got to know the characters well, with the exception of Tom. I could understand Steven's feelings of being second to Beth in some ways, and Leah's determination to succeed even if other people don't help as they should, Charlie's pride, and Frances's desire to pass on the help she had received. The ups and downs in these relationships felt real and interesting. But somehow I didn't connect to Tom, and I didn't understand his actions, especially regarding what he kept secret and his expectations on his return.Mechanics and Writing: 4.5 -- Few, if any, typos or word errors. Good use of alternating POV, from many angles. Generally skillful writing. I did appreciate the way we were kept apprised of time passing with the date frequently listed at the start of new sections--proof of well-thought-out and well-planned timing--but it really only helped if I could remember the dates of the sections before. I felt like I needed to start writing the dates down and taking notes to really see how the sections fit together. And really, mostly the mentions of time passing were worked into the story, and about the time I had figured it out, I'd read on and see it there. So it actually became a bit of a distraction for me.Redeeming Value: 5 -- Well-developed, central, uplifting themes. Leah tends to be pessimistic, and jumps to negative conclusions easily, but through processing the complex family situation she learns to rely more on God, forgive, and trust again. Steven sorts through his own feelings of being the least loved in his family, and uses his experience to relate to Leah and Tom. Charlie finally puts aside his pride with God's help and Frances's prodding, and Tom finally sets aside his anger when Charlie is able to assure him of his love. Sex, alcohol, violence, etc, are not glorified at all. Charlie has a definite problem with alcohol, but it's clearly something he needs help with and he becomes a better person when he quits.Personal Enjoyment: 5 -- I loved it. It made me feel in all the best ways, and leaves me content and satisfied. One I'll definitely read again.

I've read something by Miralee Ferrell, but I read so much, I've forgotten what it was. However, last night I finished reading Dreaming on Daisies and was sad when it came to an end. I had come to love the hard-working Leah and appreciate banker Steven. Charlie Pape started out kind of rough, but Frances Cooper rubbed his rough edges off by the end of the book. Tom's immaturity grew up through the book and became a likable young man. Every major character in the book had issues to work through, and part of that comes from one character who is absent by death but plays a large part in the book--Tom and Leah's mother.Leah doesn't know that her mother has been alive for the last nine years and died shortly before Tom came back to the ranch. Tom has come back thinking the ranch belongs to his and Leah's father and that he will inherit part of it. He has come back to get what's coming to him, or so he thinks. In finding out that Leah's father has lied to her for nine years, Leah has an extra hard time with his drinking and throwing away good money after bad in running the ranch. She wanted to get a loan to hire an extra hand and to increase the stock. Steven's home burns up in a mine explosion and comes to live at the ranch in the bunkhouse and work evenings and weekends for Leah in exchange for room and board. This gives Leah the proximity to Steven and vice versa for them to fall in love, but it's a rough and rocky road.Miralee has written a book with real-life problems in a fictional world. There is drama, angst, and turmoil throughout the book. There is someone who comes in and sets things right, whether it is Frances Cooper with Charlie, Millie or Buddy (the hired help) for any one of them; but, ultimately all signs point to God for being able to heal the hurts and deal with the drama.Overall the book is a great read, there is just enough humor to offset some of the angst, and a few daisy chain crowns woven into the plot. Steven is a very empathetic character realizing how Tom and Leah both feel and being able to put himself in their respective shoes. He can see both sides of their coin and inserts a bit of sensibility into the rather heated situations they find themselves in. A solid four stars!My thanks to David C Cook publishers for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my review.

“Dreaming on Daisies” by Miralee Ferrell is the third book in the Love Blooms in Oregon series. Leah Carlson is a lovely young woman with a lot of worries. Her father is a drunkard, her brother ran away years before and she is single-handedly trying to keep the ranch going. She needs a loan to purchase more stock, but her loan is denied does not have the deed that says she is the owner. Her widowed father will not entertain the suggestion of getting a loan. The banker, Steven Harding feels so badly for her and determines to try to do something to help. When his home is burned, he offers to be a ranch hand for Leah in addition to his banking duties in return for room and board.Unbeknownst to both Leah and Steven, there are many family secrets. Leah’s father has not been honest with her and it all comes to light with devastating pain.I enjoyed this story very much and really like the characters that Ms. Ferrell spins for her tales. I am enjoying more books in the series.

The storyline and characters were a delight, I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, the true treasure for me, was the truth about forgiveness and God's unyielding love. There were so many moments that showed how to forgive and how God's mercy and grace are ever present. I loved the story and would love to see how Tom is doing, how Charles and Mrs. Cooper are doing. I loved these characters and just want to know how life treats them. :)

Great story!!

Started slow but ends well. Enjoyed this story and the faith message at the end

love this author and the books feel I know the characters

loved it! ordered her other books!