A Pay it Forward

Let's have a bit of fun. I've just finished reading the book, Where Willows Grow, and it was a terrific read. Because I enjoyed it so much, I'm going to offer it as a Pay it Forward. All you have to do to enter to win this book is commit to Paying it Forward when you are finished reading it.

This book is Christian fiction and is one that I enjoyed thoroughly. I had never read Kim Vogel Sawyer before, but she does a great job with this book.

Harley and his wife, Anna Mae, live on a farm near Spencer, Kansas in 1936. Like all families during the Great Depression, the couple are having trouble making ends meet. Harley and Anna Mae have two young daughters to provide for. When Anna Mae tells Harley she is expecting another child, he doesn't take it well.

Anna Mae firmly believes that the Lord will provide all of their needs. Harley is not a believer. Their relationship becomes strained due to their financial problems. For two years Kansas has experienced a drought and the farm that Anna Mae's father left to the couple is just not producing, so Harley sells the team of mules and informs his wife that he is leaving for Lindsborg to apply for the Works Progress Administration. He's heard they're building a castle and are looking for men to take part in its construction. This causes a huge argument between the two and Harley leaves before they come to terms with it.

Anna Mae is left to look after her children and work the farm. A neighbor who had at one time wished to wed Anna Mae offers to lend a helping hand. Feeling she has little choice, Anna Mae accepts his offer. She feels this man is an old friend and that she can trust him. Little does she know that he is up to no good.

Anna Mae writes to Harley on a regular basis and waits for the checks he promised to send to arrive in the mail. When nothing comes, Anna Mae feels that Harley has deserted his wife and children. In the meantime, Harley becomes deeply depressed because he hasn't heard from Anna Mae.

Anna Mae becomes frantic when the taxes come due and no checks have arrived. She knows she will lose the farm and wonders what she and the girls will do then. However, she continues to keep the faith.

Where did Anna Mae's and Harley's letters go? Will Anna Mae lose the farm or will God intervene? Will Harley come home? All these questions are answered in the book.

Where Willows Grow is a great read that focuses on the history of the Great Depression - how families struggled to survive and the hardships they faced.

Please leave a comment if you would like your name entered into the Pay it Forward draw. Enteries will be taken until Wednesday at 12:01 AM my time. The name of the winner will be announced Thursday. Thanks for participating and be sure to let your friends know.


A very special gentleman in blogland has honored me by presenting me with an award. Mike from Rambling Stuff has presented me with the Wings Beneath My Wings Award. Here, in part, is what Mike had to say about the award: Phyllis over at Scrappy and Happy has the wind Beneath My wings for any one that wants to thank someone for helping you here in blogland.

Mike, I would be happy to give you a hand anytime I can, and thank you so much for this beautiful award. You made my day.


Now there's been some people who have helped me in blogland as well and I'm going to pass this beautiful Wings Beneath My Wings Award on to them:

Anni at Hootin' Anni's - Thank you for helping me with things you are knowledgeable about whenever I ask.

Pea at Pea's Corner - Thank you for lending me a hand with HTML whenever I'm stumped.

Deena at Can I Be Pretty in Pink - Deena has also helped out when I had questions.

Diane at Diane's Place - Diane helped me when I first began blogging here in the fall of 2007.

Denise at Samaritan Women - Denise thanks for all the help you've given me when I had questions.

Mary at Isabella's Closet - Mary has made me many headers for my blog, including the present one. She made it from a card that my grandmother gave to me when I was a child.

If I have forgotten anyone who has helped me with anything, I apologize. Feel free to take a copy of the award. Thanks to all of you who have helped me. Please accept this award in the spirit in which it is given.

And to Mike, who is a giving and generous person and who made my day by giving me this beautiful award. Mike... I present you with the Blogger with a Heart Award. Enjoy and thanks for just being yourself.

Please remember to do a random act of kindness for someone. It could be a smile or lending a helping hand. We all need to know we are appreciated. ~Blessings, Mary~