Elizabeth Wehman

The story is so well written that the author placed me in 1833 alongside the Baker family. It was a hard life for those coming to the Michigan territory. They had to build a place to live in. At times the winter storms were so fierce you could feel the cold wind as it blew snow everywhere. I’m not much for being out in the cold and wondered how anyone could survive the winter. I got shivers every time I read that a family member had to go out in the snow. The author does a good job of describing the hardships families faced as they came to start a new life in the area.

The Baker family is very welcoming to everyone and willing to help in any way they could. There was one character in the story that was difficult to like. She was a very unhappy person who critiqued everything and made those around her uncomfortable. It was refreshing to read how others treated her with kindness and showed God’s love to her.

There are moments in the story when tensions rise as an accident kills something dear to the Indian chief. I liked how the man responsible wanted to face the chief and tell him the truth. He wanted to protect his family and knew that his honesty was what God wanted him to do. With trouble brewing another tragedy strikes which causes worry among the little community.

There are relationships that go through trials and new arrivals that bless everyone. There is a nice faith element in the story which shows how trusting God can get you through hard times. I loved reading this story that shares hopes, dreams and new beginnings.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (más)

Crooked Paths Straight by Elizabeth Wehman is book two in The Newburg Chronicles series. This is a wonderful story that takes over where the first book ends, so it is best to read them in order. With this story we pick back up with the Baker families as they build their homes in the new area. The story shows the importance of prayer and helping others. The characters are so real and the writing so clear it was easy to imagine them, their surroundings and the events that took place. I love how the author has written a very good story that is based on true people and events. The amount of research she did is very evident. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.… (más)

I was so excited to be given the opportunity to read Elizabeth Wehman's new book "The Year the Stars Fall", book one in the Newburg Chronicles series.

Wehman takes us back to 1833. The story is based on real-life events. Betsy Baker Swain and her husband, Aaron make a fast decision to go with her family from Pennsylvania to Michigan territory for cheap and to make a good living. As you know the pioneering days brought had many conflicts. As you know there weren't a limited amount of trains, no cars, planes to anywhere they wanted. They dealt with rough terrain, cold temperatures, wild animals mosquitos and so much more. If they need help with anything they are screwed because they don't have neighbors nearby. They also had to worry about Native Americans, the Chipwea

The book also brings up the conflict caused by the Cass Land Agreement and the government's offer of cheap land in what's now Michigan.

The family also had to worry about communication with the Chippewa Natives Americans. Wehman reveals details about the family contribution to the settling of New Newburg and events in 1833. I learned about the Leonid Meteor shower that looked as if the sky was falling and is visible across much of the USA in November 1833. Wehman did her research and it showed. I felt like I was reading a biography book about Betsy Baker-Swain and Aaron's life journey. It is an inspiring book full of dreams, hopes, and faith. The story is centered on trusting God. It isn't a preachy story. I can't wait to read more from this series.

"Celebratelit sent me this book for my honest opinion."… (más)

I love it when a story can teach me as it entertains and this is certainly true of The Year the Stars Fell, It is an excellent historical fiction novel based on the life of Hosea Baker and his family as they traveled from Pennsylvania to the Michigan Territory in 1833 to begin a new life. Author Elizabeth Wehman takes us with them as they were plagued with wild animals, rugged terrain, and their fear of Indians. They also faced extreme hardship as they settled the land and were tormented by mosquitoes. Some even fell ill from a fever that was caused by mosquito bites but through it all, Hosea continued to trust in God.

"Trusting God when things are out of our control is when He shines the brightest. I've relied on God to protect my family, but most of all," Hosea pointed toward the sky, "I've relied on Him to take away the fear that often creeps into my heart."

In her author's notes, Wehman reveals more true details about this family's contribution to the settling of New Newburg and I enjoyed learning about another event that occurred in 1833. I had never heard of the Leonid Meteor Shower that looked as if the sky was falling and was visible across much of the United States in November of 1833. Including it near the end of this book was a lovely way to tie Hosea's joy of studying the stars with his deep trust in their Maker.

The Year the Stars Fell is an inspiring story filled with hope, faith, and perseverance and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian fiction.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and this is my honest opinion.… (más)