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26 May 2011

Diana's Corner - Book Review by Diana Flowers



A fun, relaxing read!

Courting Miss Amsel, by Kim Vogel Sawyer 


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.

Giveaway by Diana:  Leave a comment for a chance to win a gently used copy of CMA from Diana.  Don't forget to leave your email address.   

17 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Another wonderful book to add to my "summer book club". Thanks for the chance to win!
    tsmathews61@gmail.com

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  3. Sounds fantastic! I would LOVE to read this one!! Thanks for the opportunity to win. :) ncmom@att.net

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  4. Stories that change the heart of a person to God's honor touch my tenderness. The time of wonen's suffrage was an exciting period - even in Nebraska it seems. Thank you for the offer of this book for the giveaway and the chance to win it. I hope I win.

    God's Best,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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  5. Teresa, Cathy, and Barb, welcome and thank you for your comments. Something is wrong with google, I am not anonymous! Hope it's fixed soon!

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  6. Oh, that was Diana Flowers above BTW. As Carrie would so eloquently put it...ACK! I love that word; it just covers everything!:)

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  7. There is nothing wrong with a good story that doesn't require a PHD to enjoy. In fact, I often seek these out after a hard day at the office. :)

    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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  8. LOL Pegg, I cannot figure out how to remove that from my google profile. Hey, maybe I will be anonymous, too!

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  9. Love the PHD remark, Pegg. Carrie, anonymous? hmmm...I don't think so.:-)

    Diana Flowers

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  10. Diana, thank you featuring the story on your blog. I fell in love with the secondary characters in this book--Miz Kinsley will go down in my heart as one of my all-time favorites. I hope readers will enjoy their time in Walnut Hill as much as I did.

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  11. Diana and I are SO happy you stopped by to visit the blog, Kim! Now if we could just figure out how to get a pic up of the cover, and if Diana was not anonymous, and my minivan not in the shop!!

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  12. Thank you, Kim. Miz Kinzley is a fine example of what a Christian should be...she didn't judge or preach at the sinner, she simply loved and lived the life before them. Thanks for stopping by, and yes, google has made me anonymous today. The trials of life, Ms. Carrie...sigh.


    Diana Flowers

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  13. Not sure what is happening with google on this blog for Diana, but posts are not going through.

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  14. I am so excited about Diana's review. I am so anxious to read this book! I don't read much, because I'm legally blind, but can read by using extreme magnification. Diana has a way with words when she writes these reviews! PLEASE enter me!

    Barbara Smith

    thatoldgal@gmail.com

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  15. Thank you for your kind words, my sister-in-love. I know you will love this book! Thank you for reading my review and for always being there to support me, even though you suffer a multitude of afflictions.

    Diana Flowers

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  16. Congratulations to Barbara Smith. Love your email address. Hmmm.... makes me think about getting that tiredoldmommy address I have been thinking about, or tom for short! Will notify you by email, also. Blessings!

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  17. Congrats, Barb! That email address IS a hoot. And Carrie, so are you! I wonder if I am still anonymous today...sigh. Yes, I am.

    Diana Flowers

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