Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick, c2012

CAN'T YOU JUST SMELL THEM!!!

Lilac Days
April 21 - May 13, 2012

Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens 115 South Pekin Road Woodland, WA 98674

 

Lilac Photo from Jane Kirkpatrick's Story Sparks, March, 2012

First, before I begin my review, you absolutely must go to Jane Kirkpatrick's Story Sparks, March, 2012, issue and read "Lilac Love" for yourself! Here is a hint of content, for you won't want to miss this event if you are in the area of the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens:

"The official opening, April 21, I'm hoping is bright and sunny with lilacs blooming everywhere and there's no limit to the number who can treat themselves to the garden's delight that day or for the next three weeks (through Mother's Day). Everyone is welcome and I hope people will consider taking home a lilac start to plant in their back yards."

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As you can tell, I am enraptured by Jane Kirkpatrick's Where Lilacs Still Bloom.

Because! They still do.

Jane Kirkpatrick has written a vivid picture of the life of Hulda Klager, a German immigrant and farm wife whose schooling ended after eighth grade, but... her education certainly didn't. Because of Hulda Klager, you might enjoy crisper, bigger apples, begun by her grafting; lighter and darker shades of daffodils, and the dynamic colors of lilacs, subtle, yet blending with extended blooms.

Hulda Klager's life will encourage you to persist against all odds to achieve your dream. You say you left them far behind? Don't! Keep your dream alive. You will reach your vision if you will continue and not give up. Life is daily.

I love Jane Kirkpatrick's novels! She begins with a Cast of Characters which I find very helpful as I grow to know each one by her descriptions of their abilities and outlook. It helps me connect them within their families and those coming alongside.

"Hulda Klager, the woman of my story, withstood floods, horses ruining her plants, and she threw out hundreds of lilacs that failed to meet her exacting standards. But she persisted until she'd developed over 250 individual varieties of lilacs many of which she gave away."  --Jane Kirkpatrick

The many setbacks in Hulda's life did not deter her. The sadness she endured, as well as her family, as they clung to each other in rebuilding. Hulda's children had a firm foundation because of the strength of the love between Hulda and their father. He was a loving husband who complemented her temperament. The losses in their family line were catastrophic and unyielding; tragic to any generation.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/80832252/Where-Lilacs-Still-Bloom-by-Jane-Kirkpatrick-Chapter-1-Excerpt

There are 44 chapters. Here is a "smidgen" from Amazon.com to whet your appetite for this historical fiction novel:


Where Lilacs Still Bloom can be preordered at Jane Kirkpatrick's website www.jkbooks.com and other online and retail stores near you and at the publisher website www.randomhouse.com


Thank you, WaterBrook Multnomah blogging for Books, for this advance reading copy of Jane Kirkpatrick's novel, Where Lilacs Still Bloom, in exchange for my honest review.