Book Review: As the Lily Grows by Susan E. Kirby

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Title: As the Lily Grows

Author: Susan Kirby

Series: Prairie Rose #2

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Having put the general store in trust for Frankie, her uncle's illegitimate son, Libby Watson pursues her long held dream by writing for the local newspaper. When Frankie wins a trip to the St. Louis World's Fair, Libby must chaperone the boy accompanied by neighbor Ike Galloway. During the trip, Libby discovers Ike to be a man of quiet strength and faith, and their friendship blossoms into an ardent love.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**5 stars**

I loved it! ❤ At last I got to continue this series and watch Libby's story unfold! And it was so worth it. As the Lily Grows is book two in the PRAIRIE ROSE series by Susan E. Kirby, and is set in the late 1800s/early 1900s. It follows Elizabeth Watson as she has moved to a new town and works at a post office. Her father and brother join her. And she continues to deepen relationships with the townspeople, grow in her faith, and figure out romance! Speaking of romance, I was delighted to realize a certain young man is a POV character, along with Libby, in this book!

Some things I loved about this book were Libby's loving father and his godly wisdom and advice; Libby's friendship with a certain young man *winks*; delving deeper into the backstories of some characters, and seeing new angles and figuring out secrets; truth being displayed in a gentle, raw, admonishing way; the fair(!); and just meeting and growing to love so many endearing characters!
There were so many lovely things about As the Lily Grows and it definitely kept me turning pages. I felt a little lost within the pages of these by-gone days!

It is definitely an exciting, adventurous, old-fashioned tale that will tug at your heartstrings. If you enjoy Christy, the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series, or any of Janette Oke's books, you'll probably love this series by Susan E. Kirby. Do check it out!

Book Review: Prairie Rose by Susan Kirby

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Title: Prairie Rose

Author: Susan Kirby

Series: Prairie Rose #1

Genre: Historical

Audience: Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

The first novel in a richly rewarding three-book series about a young woman's journey to find her place in a small town at the turn-of-the-century. Seventeen-year-old Libby Watson is thrilled at the news that she has inherited a small town general store. In Edgewood, Illinois, Libby becomes the town's post-mistress. Quickly swept into the lives of the locals, she soon finds herself with two suitors.

~ MY REVIEW ~

**4 stars**

Prairie Rose is a sweet, adventurous, and meaningful tale akin to the classics! It made me think of Christy and perhaps the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES series. My second time reading it, I quite enjoyed. Though a little slow at times - or wrapped up in politics or legal matters that I couldn't really bring myself to care about - I still count it a worthy read and love some of these characters even more after an additional read! Elizabeth, Libby, is a lovely character. Kindhearted and ambitious, yet temper-headed and flawed. She's real and I like that. I look forward to watching her grow and blossom as her journey continues in the next couple books of the PRAIRIE ROSE series!

And, I must admit, I'm very invested in the thought of which young man she will choose. I know who I like best! *laughs* Even if I was bored at times, Prairie Rose sucked me into this historical setting and into the lives of these unique characters. And I'm happy to report that I'm reading and loving book two, As the Lily Grows!