Leon and Esther

by Dorothy May Mercer

Overview

Love and romance 1920's style. Guess what takes place in a horse and buggy--things your great-grandparents will never tell! Handsome Leon--tall, honest and rugged farm overseer--winner of riding contests and women's hearts--meets lovely Esther, petite and innocent farmer's daughter. Do sparks fly? Will this love-match, born of his vision become a nightmare relationship instead? A mysterious stalker of small-town virgins has nearly ruined an innocent girl. Vicious gossips will finish the job and make your blood boil. Be there when a local midwife delivers a home birth.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781623290832
Publisher:	Mercer Publications & Ministries, Inc.
Publication date:	04/15/2011
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.46(d)

Table of Contents

PROLOGUE – Esther and Otis 1

PART ONE 11

CHAPTER ONE – Millie and Walter 11

CHAPTER TWO – Doris 14

CHAPTER THREE – Esther and Doris 16

CHAPTER FOUR – The Same Morning 21

CHAPTER FIVE – The Family 24

CHAPTER SIX – Leon 26

CHAPTER SEVEN – Leon and Walter 29

CHAPTER EIGHT – Dreams 33

CHAPTER NINE–Bad News 37

CHAPTER TEN – Decisions 40

CHAPTER ELEVEN – Pals 46

CHAPTER TWELVE – Leon Comes Calling 50

CHAPTER THIRTEEN – The Picnic 63

CHAPTER FOURTEEN – Sunday Dinner 67

CHAPTER FIFTEEN – The Dance 72

CHAPTER SIXTEEN – The Proposal 75

PART TWO 82

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN – The Wedding Trip 82

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN – Esther’s Confinement 96

CHAPTER NINETEEN – Childbirth 103

CHAPTER TWENTY – Baby Douglas 119

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE –Post Partum Depression 124

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO – The Showdown 131

PART THREE 136

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE – Courtship Done Right 136

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR – At the Grave 155

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE – Family Circle 162

PART FOUR 165

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX – The Tin Lizzie 165

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN – Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada 169

PART FIVE 174

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT – Kansas 174

EPILOGUE – Baptism 184

References 188

Editorial Reviews

5 Stars Faith

"While reading this book, I experienced a myriad of emotions, and this is what kept the pages turning. I fell in love with Leon, but not because he was described as muscled and handsome, but because of his ability to listen to his heart and obey what God had planned for him. When I read the first half of this book, I wished that more people could see that this life is bigger than us, that we all have choices we can make, and how we deal with those choices can determine our happiness, or demise. I loved the faith this family showed, and determination to stick together in an era where options for women in Esther's situation, were greatly limited, to the point where the reader has to remember, and can appreciate, how far the rights of women have come. The last half of this story, greatly pulled on my heart strings, I constantly had to put myself in Esther's shoes, and try to think like she would, being a woman of that time. I loved it, I loved being Esther, and loved being loved by Leon. With this said, I also loved the pace of the story, it moved along just as I like a story to, page turning. Five stars, because life isn't always easy, and this story demonstrates that with love, support, and a willingness to make the hard choices, can pay off in the long run." ...By Amazon Customer

5 Stars "Don't Let the Christian Label Deter You"

"This is a story of Esther, a young self-centered girl, who you really don't like at first, but then you watch her grow after something horrible happens to her, and to Leon, her knight in shining armor. Set in the 1900’s, this novel gives you as real feel for the period in a small, rural farming community. You feel the pain and torment of the characters as they figure out how to deal with a situation no one should have to deal with. You laugh when they laugh, cry when they

cry, and find yourself rooting for them to be able to make it work. Yes, this is labeled a "Christian" novel, and the characters do seek guidance through prayer when times are really tough, but there is no Bible thumping nor will you be rolling your eyes, so yes it is a part of this story, but not the center. Do not let the label deter you. The book is well worth the read." ...By Paul Held III

5 stars A Real Gem

"I just finished reading the book Leon and Esther and I couldn't wait to post a review for other readers. It is a roller coaster ride of emotions, once I picked this book up, I just couldn't put it down. Dorothy [the author] magically places us in an earlier time where life is less about modern technology and more about the interpersonal relationships that surround us. Her book is set in the 1920’s with themes of love, loss, tragedy and romance that are so basic to the human condition it is impossible not to empathize with the characters. Your blood will boil. Your heart will sing with joy as you are immersed into the lives of Leon and Esther. This book is definitely on my recommendation list." ...Elizabeth

From the Publisher