Plum Creek Bride

Although not as emotionaly intense as I would have liked --Jonathan seemed to be on a verge of an exhaustion breakdown which is certainly understandable when he has to fight the prejudice of a townspeople who didn't want change. Not even to save their own lives.And Ericka, a loving, steady young woman who wanted to be a good mama and whatever else to bring about family unity. But why do women worry about losing their identities? It certainly shows a lack of self confidence -- all they have to do is make their own identy within their realm of life. And always add love. Ericka's greatest strength.I really loved her solution to the baby's problem with cows milk.Altogether a perfectly satisfying story with great characters - would have like to hear of more interaction with the "forbidden" indians -- and somebody should have slapped the Mayor's wife a time or two but her character was so life like.

After the death of her parents, young, beautiful, and headstrong Erika Scharf travels alone from Germany to Plum Creek, Oregon, to take a position as a Mother's Helper. Upon her arrival, Erika discovers a house full of grief, as the woman who hired her has just passed away during childbirth, leaving a distraught husband and a fussy baby girl. Erika has her work cut out for her as she convinces the young Dr. Callender that he and his child need her.Jonathan Callender's life is in turmoil. The death of his wife left him with a tiny baby he doesn't quite know what to do with. Distracted by his own grief and a wailing child, Jonathan all but decided the best thing to do would be to send the child to his mother in Scotland. Then help arrives in the form of a beautiful, determined German whirlwind named Erika. Little did Jonathan realize that Erika would not only care for and love his child, but she would also restore his own heart. It will take Erika's unselfish acts of love and sacrifice to make Jonathan understand that she is the soulmate he's been searching for."Plum Creek Bride" is an inspiring tale of courage, patience and love. Lynna Banning has taken two totally opposite characters in the form of Erika and Jonathan, and brought them together through a fascinating journey. Overcoming grief, prejudice and ignorance, these two people find a joy and love that will last throughout their lives. Fans of Banning's previous historical romances will not be disappointed with this touching new novel.

The well-told tale of German immigrant Erika Scharf and Oregon doctor Jonathan Callendar combines witty dialogue, drama, heartwrenching emotional struggle, and Ms. Banning's customary strong writing. Readers will cheer for the plucky heroine as she tames an embittered hero.Superbly plotted. Outstanding writing. Ms. Banning is a master of the evocative phrase.