Book two of Stephen Bly’s Homestead series opens with the Bowers family suffering another major setback.  Heavy rains cause their sod roof to collapse while Matthew Bowers is away.  Lissa calls upon her children to help restore their new home using any means possible. 

Meanwhile, the rains have wreaked havoc on more than the Bowers’ homestead.  The railroad tracks are also washed away and eldest daughter, Jolie Bowers, arrives at the scene to help with the wounded.  There she learns that the railroad plans on raising shipping rates, an act that has many people up in arms.  Tempers are flaring all around, and both sides plan on using gunmen to help strengthen their stand. 

With plenty on her mind from the turbulence of the railways to her impending marriage, Jolie finds herself facing one more struggle.  Lawyer Strath Yarrow, a widower, has come to town hoping for a new start for himself and his young son.  Though she is promised to another, Jolie finds herself attracted to Strath.  Can she trust in God’s wisdom when it comes to matters of the heart? 

Once again, I found myself totally absorbed in Mr. Bly’s fascinating stories set in 1890’s Nebraska.  Strong characters blend with a stunning setting through his deft use of narrative and dialogue. 

While I found Jolie to be an incredibly strong, likeable heroine, much like her mother, for the majority of the book, there was one instance where she showed such naivety it became impossible to believe she could be so foolish.  This instance had me wondering if she is really capable of starting a marriage and living out from under her family’s roof. 

Overall, the story is another great read.  I do think it is best if you are introduced to each character from the beginning with the first book, STRANGERS & PILGRIMS.  Matthew Bowers is not around for the majority of this book, and his character is a focal part of his wife’s tenacity.