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Morris was the first Christian fiction writer I read and this the first series. I picked the first in the series (The Homeplace) up in a Christian bookshop and enjoyed it so much that I bought the rest of the series of 4. The story is set around a Christian family living in a simple rural area. It is about the various trials they experience due to death and absence of key members of the family for various reasons. I especially liked the sense of community encapsulated in the series and that everything is linked back to the strong Christian faith of the lead characters. There is also a romantic storyline running throughout which doesn't take centre stage but is another reason to keep reading. I read the series twice over the last 5 years and it has become a favourite. Recommended for anyone who wants to read something wholesome that keeps the attention. ( )

Although I had not read the first two books in this series, I wasn't lost; although it would have been nice to read from the beginning. Anyway, this is the first book I've read from this author and I hope to find more in addition to the fourth book, which I've already ordered. His characters seem real and you want all the best (or worse for the "bad" guys) for them. Although it's not written in the first person and there are scenes without Lanie in them, it is her story and you get glimpses into her diary and "her" poetry (for an actual book of poetry from the same author.-I'd love to find this book.) A lot of theology was spouted through the characters voices and thoughts. The one thing they left out was that Dr. Owen Merritt's encounter with Amelia Wright was similar to that with Joseph and Potipher's wife. Although Amelia wasn't married and a coat wasn't left, I thought someone would realize it. ( )