Diana's Corner - Book Review by Diana Flowers

A fun, relaxing read!

Courting Miss Amsel, by Kim Vogel Sawyer 

www.kimvogelsawyer.com

takes us to Walnut Hill, Nebraska, in the late 1800s, when women still didn't have the right to vote or own property, and Susan B. Anthony is just coming on the scene, speaking on the women's suffrage amendment. However, they ARE allowed to teach, and that is just what the new schoolmarm, Edythe Amsel does best. Instead of just teaching her pupils "the three Rs", Miss Amsel uses unconventional methods to enhance her students' learning pleasure, and quickly arouses the ire of the townsfolk.

When Joel Townsend comes to pick up his two nephews from school, who have been left in his charge, romantic sparks quickly begin to fly between the handsome farmer and the pretty new schoolteacher. Joel wants to provide a mother for his nephews, and falls quickly in love with Edythe. However, too many obstacles stand in their way.

Miss Amsel does not share Joel Townsend's faith in God, and wishes only to teach and not be saddled down with an instant family. Soon Miss Amsel's very existence begins to crumble; Joel becomes engaged to someone else and the townsfolk are discussing removing her from her position. When a disaster occurs will Edythe change her priorities and acknowledge her need for God in her life? Will she give up teaching to follow the women's suffrage movement, and can she stay in the same town near Joel and his new wife?

This book was not one of suspense or hidden secrets, or even unending excitement. What it was, however, was a wonderful story, with a strong, moral, spiritual thread throughout. When I ended up with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes at the conclusion, I knew that I had just finished a rich, satisfying read.

Courting Miss Amsel  from CBD

Description:
Edythe Amsel is delighted with her first teaching assignment: a one-room schoolhouse in Walnut Hill, Nebraska. Independent, headstrong, and a strong believer in a well-rounded education, Edythe is ready to open the world to the students in this tiny community. But is Walnut Hill ready for her?

Joel Townsend is thrilled to learn the town council hired a female teacher to replace the ruthless man who terrorized his nephews for the past two years. Having raised the boys on his own since their parents' untimely deaths, Joel believes they will benefit from a woman's influence. But he sure didn't bargain on a woman like Miss Amsel. Within the first week, she has the entire town up in arms over her outlandish teaching methods, which include collecting leaves, catching bugs, making snow angels, and stringing ropes in strange patterns all over the schoolyard. Joel can't help but notice that she's also mighty pretty with her rosy lips, fashionable clothes, and fancy way of speaking.

http://www.christianbook.com

CFP's comments:
Formats:  Book is available in multiple formats, including hardcover, paperback, Kindle, and on CD!  I love audio books, so of course I am thrilled to hear it is available as a listen option.

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