Reading books by Chautona Havig gives me joy, and Prairie lived up to my expectations. The characters, scenery, and plot kept me interested. Jess a Davidson wakes up in the place of her dreams one day in the prairie. The people she encounters bring to life the ideas of Christian love.

This Christian fantasy novel is the first book in the Journey of Dreams series. I could not put this book down, in typical fashion for a book by Chautona Havig. I found myself wanting to visit Prairie myself. The ambiance of the place along with the people appears to be warm and welcoming. Ms. Havig builds wonderful worlds that draw you in and make you feel you are actually there.

I definitely recommend reading this book. So check it out for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

If ever a book was meant for me this one is it. I can’t believe how on point this story is for me. I am a huge fan of Little House on the Prairie. I have always loved that time period where people lived in a small town and had farms. Neighbors helped each other and families spent time together. I have wished so many times that my life was different. How many times have you said that you wish your life was different? Let’s unwrap this story together as we step into a place where there is no concept of time.

Jessa wakes up in a field filled with everything you would imagine from being on a farm. She has no concept of where she is and how she got there. Now I had to let that sink in. Did she just land Somewhere over the Rainbow? My heart beat a little faster as I took in everything that Jessa did. She was in the place she thought her life would be better at. Meeting the people in Prairie made her unsure of what was happening. Everyone helped each others out , they welcomed strangers yet seemed so removed from the world we know.

The simplicity of this place was heartwarming. I loved when Jessa is talking to Graham about going to church. His explanation is so on track that it hit me in the face. “How do you expect to eat at the Lord’s Table, feed on His Bread, and nourish yourself with one another if you never partake.” Well I think God just smacked me in the face with that statement. We need to surround ourselves with like minded people and fellowship at church. Why do we lose sight of God wanting to have a relationship with us?

The story is one that awakens an urgency within me. I pray from this day forward that I trust God with everything in my life. I want that childlike faith again and that hunger to be in His presence. Let Him settle my restlessness and be content where I am. Allow me to be joyful in the midst of a storm and give grace to others without judgment. Show me that the desires of my heart I have already received and remind me of the blessings of patience, family and unconditional love.

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

Prairie

Chautona Havig has the gift of making setting come to life. I felt as though I was there with Jessa drinking in the air and the sound of the crickets and just the beauty of it all when she finds herself in Prairie.
I do need to point out, however, that for those who are familiar with or have experienced pregnancy and all the things that Jessa termed the indignity of pregnancy, this book would probably be a better fit than it was for me. I'd shudder to read this book aloud, honestly. So many intimate details.
The premise had to do with someone from modern times finding themselves in a different world, of sorts, that resembled the Little House books the protagonist loved. Prairie does resemble that time period a little, but it has a unique monetary system, code of ethics, and elders in the place of government. And the people and their values are different as well.
Another thing I should point out is that this book, while it does have the theme of contentment, puts the focus on God granting the desires of the heart in a way that might be taken in a way that perhaps the author did not mean. While the author did emphasize waiting for God's timing, things such as marriage, motherhood, and the longings associated with that play a large role here. I don't think she was saying that those things are for everyone. It's just that the characters' journeys will mean different things to different people. I'd suggest praying before reading this book, if it's not already a habit. And there was one particular aspect of the "awakening" that I did not enjoy. Again, things work differently in Prairie.

Here's a quote that sheds some light on the main character:
I whispered to Stella Beth all my hopes and desires for what those dreams might mean for both of us. I’d never desired marriage—not with that kind of longing—before I’d come to Prairie, but now it was the deepest hope of my heart. Shame filled me at times. I felt like a child who had received everything she’d ever hoped for, and then found something more to covet. I don’t know how long it took the Lord to answer those prayers, but by mid to late summer, I felt it again—that peace that comes in knowing you are in the Lord’s will—that you are content.
....
Mama once said that hospitality was a gift that anyone could give and at any time, but few ever do. To Mama, most of what passes for hospitality should have been defined as “entertaining.” “Anne-girl,” she’d say. “Anyone can entertain guests. You don’t have to put part of yourself into mere entertainment. Hospitality requires that you let someone into your family, not just your home. When you visit someone’s house and they make you feel like you belong there always—that is hospitality.” ( )