Wishing on Buttercups: A Novel

I was torn between reading quickly to find out what happens to the characters and wanting to take my time and savor Miralee's excellent storytelling. Characters come to life and I felt like I was walking along side Beth. One of the best parts for me was seeing how Beth and Jeffrey learn to rest and trust in God. It's been awhile since I've read the first book in the series and it doesn't matter that I didn't remember it. Wishing on Buttercups could stand alone. This is a positive thing, I think, since there are often gaps in time between my ability to read different books in a series.

God puts dreams in our hearts and minds that may seem hard to attain at times. We can wish on buttercups if that is what we choose to do but we find it far more productive to work on honing our skills to achieve our dreams. Aunt Wilma thought Beth should focus on finding a wealthy husband who could provide her with everything she wanted in life, but Beth wanted to be an artist more than anything else, or she thought she did. Jeffery came from a wealthy family and had the world at his fingertips. His dream was to be an author, which his parents could not understand and did not want to accept. I enjoyed the mostly friendly arguing between Aunt Wilma and Mrs. Cooper. But then I almost cringed whenever Isaac Lansing or Brent Wentworth put in an appearance. Wentworth, with whom Beth had previously had a relationship until he suddenly disappeared, was the most troublesome because he kept wanting Beth to sneak around to see him which is never a good thing. The scars she bore from a childhood accident seemingly kept her mind in constant turmoil, such that she had difficulty believing that a good and decent man like Jeffery would ever be attracted to her and somehow made her more susceptible to the lies of men like Brent Wentworth. The best part of all was watching how Beth and Jeffery turned to the Lord and found their faith growing stronger and their reliance on His guidance developing, something they both needed in view of what lay ahead. I enjoyed the romance, the humor, the faith aspect, and the suspense. I found this to be an enjoyable story.

Great read! I rarely give 5 stars but this book deserves all 5. Great story line, wonderful insight to the hidden feelings that can plague a person. A must read for a 13 to a 90 year old!

Author did a great job. I recommend this story to those who are not TOO christian but appreciate BEING christian - and who enjoy happy endings.

Wishing on Buttercups is the second book in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series by Miralee Ferrell. Best Christian Romance novel I have found. This book is about Beth Roberts and her journey to find her family she was separated from 17 years ago. This story has a way at tugging at your heart. On her journey Beth and Jeffery start to develop a relationship and Jeffery finds out she is the illustrator for the magazine he writes for. As they continue to try to build a bond he tries to help Beth reunite with her family. I couldn't put this book down it was so interesting and every page i turned I got more intrigued. Miralee Ferrell is a wonderful writer and I promise you will enjoy this book. Or any of the other books she has written she is one talented lady!!!!  

What a wonderful story! Miralee Ferrell is an excellent author. I appreciate her way with words and her ability to keep a story from stalling. I was delighted to revisit some characters from the first book in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series, Blowing on Dandelions, as well! I found it hard to relate to Beth in the beginning of the story. To me, she seemed rude and selfish at times. However, as the story progressed, and I was able to glean more knowledge of her past, I could put her actions in better perspective. By the end of the story, I was fully involved in her life and rooting for her! After all, who can't relate to scars from the past (both seen and unseen)? Jeffrey, bless his heart, is a very patient man. While I wish his relationship with God would have been more developed, I understand it might have taken away from the main plot of the story. However, I still admired his love and dedication to Beth. The theme of the story is hinted at right in the beginning of the book. The Bible verses the author included at the beginning of the story were very relevant throughout the book. Learning that God is always with you, even in the rivers and fires of our lives, is a hard lesson (Isaiah 43: 2). Also, keeping God first and foremost in our minds when looking to the future, and handing Him the reigns is something everyone struggles with (well, I know I do!). Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and cannot wait for the next book in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series, Dreaming on Daisies.

Wishing on Buttercups is the second book in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series. It follows Blowing on Dandelions but can be read alone and understood. Miralee Ferrell has done it again with this book. It is possibly even better than the first one in the series, and I didn't think that was a possibility. The characters continue in the second one with the focus being on Beth and Jeffrey this time. You still find family relationships, trust issues, faith issues, love, and dealing with a past that is not remembered. There are new characters introduced to the series that have a direct impact on the two main characters. This book is also one that can't be put down once started. I can't wait to read the novella, Forget Me Not, and the next book in the series, Dreaming on Daisies.I recieved the book from the Book Club Network in exchange for a honest review.

Wishing on Buttercups was a nice trip into the past. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. However, we are reacquainted with previous characters. Our heroine Beth is a very talented young artist who has been selling her paintings to a women’s magazine under a pen name. She lives with her adoptive aunt at a boarding house in Oregon. Beth has some hurts from the past that are both physical and emotional. She was burned as a child but she only has snippets of memory. Her aunt is not a blood relation. She was given to her when she was a very young girl. For a while Beth was even taken care of by a Native American tribe. She does not remember her family or if and why they may have abandoned her. Jeffery is a gentleman who is trying to find his place in this world as an author out from the influences of his very successful family. His father, who is a lawyer, wants him to come back to Ohio to take over the family business, something which Jeffery has no desire to do. He happens to be writing for the same magazine who also has accepted Beth’s paintings. He is romantically interested in Beth. However, Beth is not really open to having a relationship for she fears no one will want her due to her burns and also she recently was brokenhearted in a previous relationship. As Jeffrey and Beth become friends and as she begins to open up to him, the past has decided to step back into the picture in more ways than one. Jeffrey, Beth, and even her aunt have secrets they are each trying to keep hidden. Again, this was a nice stroll in the past and what life living in a boarding house may be like. I am still amazed at how strong the pioneers were to pick up, leave everything, and move out west, knowing there would be hardships. There are some heartbreaking moments in this story, but I really did enjoy reading my first Miralee Ferrell book. I received this book from The Book Club Network and the opinions are my own.

Incredible Christian Historical Romance Travel back to the 1880’s to visit Baker City, Oregon. In book 1 of this series Katherine Galloway (now Jacobs) has opened a boarding house. In this book we return to that house and get a very detailed look at Beth Roberts, her Aunt Wilma, and Jeffrey Tucker. All three of these people have been staying at the boarding house for an extended period. Other than the fact that this book in set in the same boarding house and a number of the characters from book 1 make an appearance this story stands alone and can be read and enjoyed without having read the first book in the series. Though I do believe that the enjoyment can be enhanced by having read the first book and knowing a little more about these additional characters and how they interact with each other. Beth has been keeping secrets both from her past and from the present hidden from everyone except for her aunt. She believes that no one would ever understand because no one ever has in the past. As shadowy memories surface, Beth sketches the scenes she sees and is shocked by what-and who-her illustrations reveal. Jeffrey has kept his own secrets. He doesn’t have the right to pry into Beth’s affairs but he finds himself strangely drawn to her and intrigued by the whiff of mystery surrounding her. I loved the characters of both Beth and Jeffrey very much. They were wonderfully developed and presented. I had a very heavy heart while I waited to see Beth move past the wounds she had suffered at the hands of others as a child. I really enjoyed the fact that Beth held on to God and even encouraged Jeffrey to draw closer to God himself. Miralee does an excellent job of exploring the truth that many people who have been horribly wounded in the past hold on to those wounds and can even be consumed by them. It seems to be a part of human nature to exaggerate the wounds that we’ve suffered and let them control our present and future. I received a free copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

A nice historical with a little mystery, a couple of very different romances, and some realistic family dynamics that are well developed and fascinating. I have to admit that I didn't particularly like, Beth, the heroine. She came across as self absorbed, she deliberately misinterprets people's actions and words, she is naïve to the point of gullible, and waffles in her actions at times. I also found her to be tender-hearted, gentle, sensitive to other people's pain, forgiving, loyal, and strong in her moral character. I loved Jeffery! He is a good man, he is determined to be independent, kind and gentle, quite understanding, and he also has a sense of humor. He isn't perfect, though, sometimes jumping to conclusions and a bit jealous at times when it comes to a certain girl. The characters that live in the boarding house are diverse, flawed, quirky, fun, interesting, and enjoyable. There are also some near-villains that are delightfully despicable and the reader is glad when they get their comeuppances. While I found a couple of the situations in Wishing On Buttercups to be a little implausible, the imagery is very rich and the reader feels transported directly into the story. My little movie-screen-in-my-brain found much to work with in this book and even after I had to put the book down to do other things I found myself replaying scenes and wondering what would happen next. The book does get a little slow in spots but it's worth the time spent, I actually finished it in less than a day. I will note is that I have not read book one in this series, Blowing On Dandelions, but I really didn't feel out of the loop at all. It can be read as a standalone but I am definitely going to go back and read book one when I get the chance. Overall Wishing On Buttercups book is a very enjoyable story and any reader that likes historical fiction will likely enjoy this book. (I received a copy of this book from the Publisher through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own)

Miralee Ferrell has another new fan! This is the second book of hers that I have read –the first one being Blowing on Dandelions. Wishing on Buttercups is the second book in the ‘Love Blossoms in Oregon’ series, and even though I read Blowing on Dandelions immediately before this, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone book. It is fun, though, to ‘revisit’ the earlier characters and see how they are! One could call this a historical romance and be correct, but this novel is so much more! Miralee Ferrell delivers the kind of Christian fiction that one can think about and grow from as well as read for enjoyment. The characters’ vertical relationship with the Lord as well as horizontal relationships with each other are demonstrated, showing admirably that only when the vertical is loving and close will the horizontal ones fall into proper order. Beth Roberts and her Aunt Wilma moved to Baker City, Oregon when most of Wilma Roberts’ money disappeared with Beth’s suitor from where they lived in Topeka, Kansas. While not an ideal solution, Wilma hopes that Beth meet, fall in love with, and marry a well-to-do man as her savings are rapidly dwindling. It is one of several secrets that Wilma has kept from Beth. Beth has several closely-guarded secrets from everyone except Aunt Wilma. At least one secret is locked away even from her conscious memory. Jeffery Tucker, another roomer at the boardinghouse, secrets of his own. One secret he revealed is that he is in Oregon to write a book about the West. He has decided to plan a fictional boardinghouse and its residents as the backdrop to that book. He is also looking for an artist who can collaborate with him and provide drawings of western life. Jeffery has an interest in Beth, in spite of his secrets. Beth, likewise, feels a pull to Jeffery, but has greater “keep out” signs around her secrets. Many challenges arise when the secrets begin to come out, little by little. Beth believes that God loves her, but has a hard time believing anyone else, particularly a man, would love her. The Lord has been speaking to her heart, and the first time she recognizes Him is when His quiet voice tells her to trust Him – that He will not fail her. As she grows ever closer to the Lord, she learns that Jeffery has a different attitude about the Lord. He asked Jesus into his heart when young, but feels that the Lord would not bother Himself with the daily affairs of His children. Their ensuing conversation has elements of struggles that I had in the past, and appreciate how Miralee leads their discussions of the Lord going forward. Will Jeffery and Beth act on their growing feelings, or will their secrets – and faith differences – keep them apart? Beth, who keeps her artistic talent private, has found herself drawing events that seem to be real, yet she cannot recall them. Do they hold a clue for who her parents were; had they abandoned her as she feared? Jeffery’s father arrives in hopes of taking him back east. Dr. Caleb Marshall, an old friend of Aunt Wilma and her late husband, visit Beth and Wilma in Oregon. And to heighten the suspense, Beth’s former fiancé, Brent Wentworth, shows up in town. The novel races to an outstanding conclusion, with wonderful surprises that put closure on secrets and replace past hurt and shame with a covering of love. While I love the entire novel, I also appreciate the After Words – specifically, the author’s summary of why she wrote this story. It is unique and personal to the novel, and may open up questions to think about for things not previously noted. I highly recommend this book for anyone who appreciates historical romance which is rich in family and friend relationships. This would be a book that I would feel completely comfortable to share with young adults and teens. It is the kind of novel that, while looking forward to the next book, leaves the reader with solid Christian responses to living challenges and a sense of satisfaction of time well spent. I received a copy of this book through the “For Readers Only” group at The Book Club Network, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Wishing on Buttercups by MiraLee Ferrell takes place in the 1880's in Baker City, Oregon. It is about a young lady named Beth Roberts. She has secrets of her own that she doesn't share with anyone. She also has so many things about her childhood that are secrets to her. Jeffrey Tucker is an aspiring writer living at the same boarding house. He and Beth are drawn to each other, but she is withdrawn and difficult to get to know. However, his heart doesn't let him give up trying. Beth's secrets...secrets to her and those she holds are eventually revealed. What does she do with her feelings for Jeffrey? How does she handle learning about the unknown in her past? What will happen when some of the past follows her? This book is well worth reading to find out! The storyline flows smoothly and quickly. I never felt that this book dragged at all. The characters are so real. One really sympathizes with Beth and her circumstances. I found myself totally enraptured in this sweet story that has several twists and turns. This was a page turner...and I found myself reading into the early morning hours. Such a sweet and tender read that held me till the last page. Highly recommend.  I was given this book through The Book Club Network for my honest review which I have given.

*Wishing On Buttercups: Love Blossoms in Oregon Series by Miralee Ferrell***** PDF Wishing On Buttercups picks up the story from Blowing On Dandelions, set in Baker City, Oregon in 1880. Beth Roberts is staying at Mrs. Jacob's Boarding House with her Aunt Wilma Roberts. Beth has secrets that only her Aunt knows about and some she has not shared with her Aunt Wilma. Beth has sent drawings in to be published in The Women's Eastern Magazine under the pen-name of Elizabeth Corwin, or E.C. What would her Aunt say if she learned she had submitted her drawings to the magazine and was being paid for them? Her Aunt thinks her drawings are a passing thing and will stop once Beth is married. But Beth knows no man will want her with her past and her scars, she only has her drawings. Jeffery Tucker is also a border at Mrs. Jacob's Boarding House with secrets of his own. He left home where his parents had his future all mapped out for him, including a bride. But Jeffery has plans of his own that do not include his wealthy parents plans. He wants to make it on his own without the influence of his father's wealth. He wants to be a writer and is currently writing his first book, hoping he will finally get it published. There is an attraction between Beth and Jeffery, but both have their own secrets and are not prepared to share them at this point. Besides, Beth doesn't think she can trust another man since her ex-finance broke their engagement and left without telling her why or saying goodbye. Jeffery can't figure Beth out, she seems to like him but keeps her distance. Has he done something to offend her or is she just shy? Can he get passed her mistrust? As the months go by three men show up in Baker City. Someone from the past, a family member and a stranger. But these men bring secrets of their past, stress, more deceit, answers of the past and hope for reconciliation—a hope that has been prayed for for many years. Who can be trusted? Why show up now when Beth and Jeffery are finally finding their way and developing a trust and a budding romance? As Beth and Jeffery continue to place their trust in God, will they find more heartache or love? What happens when they share these secrets and their hearts? I love that the story picks up from the first book, Blowing On Dandelions. The characters are real-to-life and have many struggles we have. Problems with trusting others-or themselves, past hurts, insecurity, as well as growth, learning to trust, growing faith and trust in God, forgiveness, reconciliation, surprises and love. You will need tissues, so have them handy. I loved this book and hope there will be another one in this series. ~~I received a PDF copy of the book from the author for my review~~

Another great novel in the Love Blossoms in Oregon Series.   Wonderful story that kept me intrigued as to Beth's mysterious past. Well written and easy to follow story-line about a young woman searching for who she is while reaching for who she wants to be. Author Miralee Ferrell once again gives the reader well developed characters coupled with life issues that touch so many people.  I loved that this is a great follow-up to Blowing on Dandelions, but a story that can also stand on its own.

Author Miralee Ferrell takes us back to Baker City, Oregon and the boardinghouse ran by the now Mrs. Katherine Jacobs. In her second book of the Love Blossoms in Oregon series we follow Beth Roberts and Jeffrey Tucker. Beth Roberts is an Illustrator for a women’s magazine back East. She wants to keep her identity a secret so she uses a different name on her drawings. She’s sort of a wallflower because her past has left her with scars and trust doesn’t come easy for her. Jeffrey Tucker wants to be a writer, as he sends his book to various places he gets rejection after rejection. Finally a magazine agrees to publish his book as a series, along with illustrations. Jeffrey starts taking an interest in Beth. It seems like whenever he seems to be making progress, something happens that makes her pull away. To some readers this may seem aggravating but when you have something that you perceive as a deformity you become ultra-sensitive and you can take the slightest thing the wrong way. I’m going to use a Dr. Phil phase “perception is reality”. We see that a lot in this book. Beth and her scars; also Jeffrey and his Father. When Marcus Tucker comes to visit, Jeffrey sees a side of his dad he has never seen before. Beth’s struggle with her past reminds us to listen to the One who sacrificed His life for you and on that cross He said "YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!"

I must say when reading the first title in this series by Miralee, I had no idea where this story would lead for the main character. She was such a strong woman in this story & showed strength & composer in the events that take place. She faced her past, found her future & can now move on with her life with her family with her. Can't wait to read the story on Stephen who we learned some about in this book. Good work Miralee, can't wait for Daisies!!!

BOOK REVIEW FOR WISHING ON BUTTERCUPS by MIRALEE FERRELL Written in such a way I was taken in, and became a bystander, watching as each page turned into a new miracle. I love this book and the lessons I learned, as in the previous book. It makes me want to move into a different time period when God’s word was taken to heart in every part of life. I want to go to this boarding house and stand on the stairs and watch the lives unfold. I connect with so many of the members therein. From Beth’s pain of not being perfect in her own eyes and battling to see herself how God see’s her, to the oh so forgiveness of Francis as her eyes are open to the love of God that came from her family and their actions. I was riveted to this book until it’s completion in the wee hours of the morning, taking notes as God conveyed to my own life, the lessons needed to be learned.  THAT is what I look for in a book, how it pertains to my life. Captivated from the first words and feeling the pain, anger, shyness and forgiveness from the characters so lovingly placed. You have outdone yourself in this one! I cannot wait to continue this saga and watch the children grow up and teach their own children the life lessons most important. My favorite era of writing is this time frame. The hard work and “having more than enough” this boardinghouse proves to be the safe haven for the lost, hurting, and “unloved” bringing the most different persons together to form a family and find the healing touch of God. Perfectly written/ and a big thank you for sharing this amazing book with me. Thank you for allowing m e to become part of the family I found in this boardinghouse. I appreciate your heart. Joy C. 

"Wishing on Buttercups" is the second novel in the "Love Blossoms in Oregon" series by Miralee Ferrell. This is the story of Beth Roberts and Jeffery Tucker who we met in "Blowing on Dandelions". This is a lovely story of showing that it is not outward beauty that determines your life, it is the inward beauty and God's love that shines through. Beth and Jeffery both have secrets that they try to hide, and they are drawn to each other. Beth has already been taken in by an unscrupulous suitor, so she is very leary of Jeffery. Jeffery has his own secrets that he has to work through. Miralee has done a fabulous job of showing us these characters lives and the struggles that they go through. It's a beautiful story of love and compassion, and learning to trust. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction. While it is would be enjoyable to read the first book in the series first, this is also a "stand alone" book that can be enjoyed on it's own. Reviewed by Wanda

Perhaps you have a four-leafed clover pressed in the pages of a book, or a dried wild flower pressed between the pages of the family Bible. But what if that wild flower was a reminder of a memory—a memory you know you have, but yet, can’t quite remember either. But every time you look at it, it stirs something inside you that keeps you wondering….dreaming….searching your mind for answers that you just can’t come up with. Beth Roberts was an illustrator. But when she let her mind do the drawing, the strangest pictures presented themselves on her sketchpad pages. A child, smoke rising from an abandoned cooking pit, red welts on the child’s skin—what did all of this mean? “She plucked a yellow buttercup from the grass and lifted it to her nose. Something tugged at her heart, darting in and out of the shadows of her mind, barely out of reach.”….”An image coalesced in her mind,”….”This one was of a woman, her face hazy, holding a deep yellow flower.”…”Where had that memory come from?” (page 148-149) While playing as a child, the children were rolling on the ground and Beth’s sock had fallen down. The children screamed and said her legs were scary. They no longer wanted to include her in their play. “ ‘Memories.’…. ‘Or, maybe they’d been dreams. I’m not sure. Mostly at night, but they carry into the day … sometimes anyway. And into my sketches. Like today.’ ” (page68) How would Beth piece all of these vague memories together? Nothing made any sense. Why had she been abandoned as a child? And how could she get answers to her questions? Miralee Ferrell does a wonderful job in this historical fiction. This book kept me turning the pages for an outcome to Beth’s quest for answers. I did feel there was a bit of a lull in the middle of the book, however, it soon picked back up to an even more interesting finish. Set at a boardinghouse in the 1800’s, Wishing on Buttercups is filled with suspense, romance, and involuntary autobiographical memories that are reminiscent of a past that can’t quite be remembered. But then, the pieces start falling into place—an invalid woman, a banker from another town—they all play a part. A copy of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no other compensation has been given.

Wishing on Buttercups : A Novel--Second book in the Love Blossoms in Oregon series, By Miralee Ferrell I read the first book Blowing on Dandelions in this series and I really loved it. I thought Wishing on Buttercups could not be any better. Boy was I wrong. It is an awesome book and Miralee did a great job of writing it. She brings out her characters and it is as if you are right there with them back in the 1880's in the west. Wishing on Buttercups had some of the same characters as the first book. This book is about Beth Roberts and Jeffery Tucker. Beth has been raised by Wilma, who she calls her aunt. Beth has issues with her past and afraid to get close to anyone. She is afraid they will not have anything to do with her if they find out about her past. Her aunt Wilma has raised her from around three years old. It bothers Beth that she may have been abandoned and not wanted as a child. Beth loves to draw and she likes to slip away by herself to be alone. She doesn't want anyone finding out what she does . Beth also still has a problem with an old boyfriend, and she is afraid to love again. Jeffery Tucker is a young handsome writer. He wants to make a life on his own and not have to depend on his father's money. Jeffery is having some strong feeling for Beth, but Beth is afraid to let him get close. There are two other men that come into town and boy is there some action that goes on. Will Beth ever remember or find out what happened to her parents? Can she accept the past and move on and make a life for herself ? There is a lot going on in Wishing on Buttercups and you need to be sure you don't miss out on this awesome book. You will not be disappointed, but you do need to read the first book Blowing on Dandelions first. I was given a copy of this book from the author to read for my honest review . 

When I review a book I often find it hard to put my feelings into words. Sometimes, though, a book touches a part of you that you keep hidden and the words simply pour out on the page. Wishing on a Buttercups was just that book for me. The first book in this series, Blowing on Dandelions, brought back some long forgotten memories from my childhood and spoke to me in its own special way. Wishing on Buttercups touched an inner struggle that I have dealt with since I was a child. I could relate to Beth's scars and her inner turmoil over how the world perceived her because of them. Being born with physical limitations myself, I never saw the world through rose-colored glasses. Instead, I saw flashes of cruelty that is just as often heaped upon us by adults as it is by other children. Miralee tackled this issue with perfection. I love what Aunt Wilma said to Beth when she was worrying about her scars. She said, "But dear heart, your peace can't come solely from your drawings, nor can you find your entire worth there. That must come from God." She opens the readers eyes to the fact that how God perceives you and how you perceive yourself are the most important things. When you finally realize how much God loves you and see your own self-worth, the way others see you will no longer matter. I would like to share something from the author's note at the end of the story. Miralee wrote: "I don't ever want to write a simple romance without something that drives it. In this case, it was a young woman who's been damaged--not only physically, but emotionally, due to the scars from her childhood. As I thought about that, I realized many of us carry hurts and scars from words spoken or actions taken that we had little or no control over." Miralee not only sees the story, she sees the truth behind the story. Something about this series touches an emotional cord in me and it was compounded a hundred fold in this book. But that's not all I loved about it. The characters displayed a strong sense of family and loyalty and had high moral values. The plot had depth but was also lightened up with a little humor. I laughed out loud when Micah lost his grip on the paint can! The romance between Beth and Jeffrey was a sweet romance that built by degrees as the story progressed. There were so many things that threatened their already tedious relationship and it was very heartwarming to watch it unfold. Miralee has written another story that will leave you wanting more and with new characters introduced into the story it left things wide open for book three. I can't wait to read it! The story was so well written and I don't hesitate to recommend it. If you love historical romance, or simply a story that digs deep to tug at your emotions, you'll love Wishing on Buttercups. Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. The opinions stated are mine alone and are honest and forthright. If I recommend a book you can believe its a book I enjoyed. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

Can Love Survive When Secrets Collide? She’d kept her secrets safely hidden—those from her past, and those in the present. Some things, Beth Roberts knows, a lady simply doesn’t share, even in the 1880’s West. The townspeople would never understand. No one ever has. Jeffery Tucker, a handsome young writer, has kept his own secrets. He doesn’t have a right to pry into Beth’s affairs but finds himself strangely drawn to her and intrigued by the whiff of mystery surrounding her. Beth knows that one day someone will unravel the threads of her past. And when two men from her past arrive, the truth might just hurt . . . Beth’s future and her heart. As shadowy memories surface, Beth sketches the scenes she sees and is shocked by what—and who—her illustrations reveal. Dare she risk her heart again? I couldn't wait to delve into Beth's story, and we go most of the book with bits and pieces of the puzzle. Much like life. We have 2 different main stories, that come together so beautifully at the end. I couldn't get enough! Each book stands alone, but together it is more enjoyable! You won't want to miss part 2 of some amazing stories of how God can heal places that long have scarred so deeply that you think you can't recover. Miralee really blends in a beautiful storyline with a fantastic message, all of them different and so beautifully written. Please don't miss out! I received a copy from netgalley, in exchange for my honest review.

“Wishing on Buttercups,” the second installment in Miralee Ferrell’s Love Blossoms in Oregon series, opens in August, 1880, shortly after the action of “Blowing on Dandelions.” Quiet Beth Roberts has finally begun to settle into life at the Jacobs’ boardinghouse with her loving but at times imperious Aunt Wilma, and her dreams of pursuing art as a career seem to be coming to fruition. However, beneath the tranquil surface of her carefully-maintained façade lie ripples of distrust and fear waiting to boil over. Years of stigma and deception have convinced her that if anyone knows her intimately, they will reject her, and she “decided early on that hiding her identity would serve her purposes the best.” She has only vague recollections of her past, and although she has always wanted to discover more, she fears that the truth will prove to be more painful than the burden of not knowing. Any sense of peace that Beth feels is quickly disrupted by inquiries about her past or by the feeling that someone may be trying to move beyond the walls she has built around her heart, and that is especially true where fellow boarder Jeffery Tucker is concerned. She doubts that she will ever be able to cultivate the future that she wishes for as she builds a life for herself in Baker City, Oregon. This second novel provides a successful transition from its predecessor by exploring the lives of several secondary individuals who were introduced in “Blowing on Dandelions” and expanding the character base while also revisiting former characters. The apparent simplicity of the story belies an undercurrent of complex emotions and situations that demonstrate Ferrell’s uncanny ability to parallel contemporary issues facing women today with those of her characters. Her straightforward, modest writing style immediately draws readers in and speaks to the heart. Although “Wishing on Buttercups” is mostly a character-driven book, the plot contains ample twists to keep readers engaged and invested. Likewise, the characters themselves are exceptionally relatable. They are three-dimensional, with flaws and strengths, and the overarching theme of learning to love oneself speaks to men and women alike. As Christian historical fiction, the novel emits a soothing message of reassurance and faith while encouraging self-acceptance and compassion. Even readers who do not necessarily espouse Christian beliefs or care for romance or historical fiction will find inspiration and delight within Ferrell’s mellifluous prose. “Wishing on Buttercups” can possibly be a stand-alone novel, but it is best read after “Blowing on Dandelions” and will be followed by “Dreaming on Daisies,” which will complete the trilogy. The “AfterWords” section appended to the novel itself offers an author’s note explaining how the story came to be, as well as questions for individual or group discussion and a sneak peak at chapter one of “Dreaming on Daisies.” I received an early PDF version of this novel in exchange for an honest review.