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Prairie Sky #1
Under This Same Sky
~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most. ~
Illinois ~ 1854
Becky Hollister wants nothing more than to live out her days on the prairie, building a life for herself alongside her future husband. But when a tornado rips through her parents’ farm, killing her mother and sister, she must leave the only home she’s ever known and the man she’s begun to love to accompany her injured father to St. Louis.
Catapulted into a world of unknowns, Becky struggles to make sense of the path the Lord has placed her on and finds solace in corresponding with Matthew Brody, the handsome pastor back home. But when word comes that he is all but engaged to someone else, she must call upon her faith to decipher her future.
Illinois ~ 1854
Becky Hollister wants nothing more than to live out her days on the prairie, building a life for herself alongside her future husband. But when a tornado rips through her parents’ farm, killing her mother and sister, she must leave the only home she’s ever known and the man she’s begun to love to accompany her injured father to St. Louis.
Catapulted into a world of unknowns, Becky struggles to make sense of the path the Lord has placed her on and finds solace in corresponding with Matthew Brody, the handsome pastor back home. But when word comes that he is all but engaged to someone else, she must call upon her faith to decipher her future.
364 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2017
About the author
Cynthia Roemer
7 books449 followersCynthia Roemer is an award-winning inspirational writer with a heart for scattering seeds of hope into the lives of readers. Raised in the cornfields of rural Illinois, Cynthia enjoys spinning tales set in the backdrop of the 1800s prairie and Civil War era. She writes from her family farm where she resides with her husband of thirty years.
Follow Cynthia on Bookbub to keep current on her upcoming book releases: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cynth...
Website: https://cynthiaroemer.com/
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Follow Cynthia on Bookbub to keep current on her upcoming book releases: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cynth...
Website: https://cynthiaroemer.com/
Author Newsletter: subscribepage.io/Hbu3vg
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 25, 2017
Under This Same Sky
Cynthia Roemer
Received from Author for Review
UNDER THIS SAME SKY hooked me from the very first page. The story takes place in 1854 in Illinois and Becky and her Pa have just survived a tornado on their family farm. The tornado took her Ma and her sister, but for some reason spared Becky and her faith has been shaken. Becky's father has been seriously injured and has lost his sight. The traveling preacher comes and buries Becky's mom and sister. Matthew Brody is the preacher who goes from community to community to offer his services. He offers to take Becky's father to St. Louis so he can learn a trade. He needs to feel useful and be able to take care of Becky and himself. Matthew knows he should be moving on to the next town but feels the Lord is guiding him. He also notices how much Becky has grown and isn't the little girl he used to knew.
Anyway, as Matthew and Becky's father are heading to St. Louis, they discover a stowaway! Yup, Becky has hidden in the wagon because she believes she is meant to be with her dad. Matthew doesn't have the heart to turn around and they all proceed to St. Louis. Becky and Matthew get to know each other along the way and when Matthew leaves them there, they decide to write each other while they are apart. Matthew gets a church in Becky's hometown and he is excited to maybe one day have her serve along side of him. UNDER THIS SAME SKY had my heart in my throat throughout most of the story and I couldn't wait to see what happened.
UNDER THIS SAME SKY is filled with hope, love, tragedy, forgiveness, and finding your way back to God. Becky did a lot of growing up while in St. Louis and her faith is restored. Once I started reading, it was very hard for me to put this heart tugging story down. Becky struggles with her grief as well as her faith, and it was wonderful to watch her grow. The life lessons that author Cynthia Roemer weaves into her story are amazing and I am excited to read more by her.
All of the characters are believable and well written. They each have an important part in Becky's story.
Cynthia Roemer
Received from Author for Review
UNDER THIS SAME SKY hooked me from the very first page. The story takes place in 1854 in Illinois and Becky and her Pa have just survived a tornado on their family farm. The tornado took her Ma and her sister, but for some reason spared Becky and her faith has been shaken. Becky's father has been seriously injured and has lost his sight. The traveling preacher comes and buries Becky's mom and sister. Matthew Brody is the preacher who goes from community to community to offer his services. He offers to take Becky's father to St. Louis so he can learn a trade. He needs to feel useful and be able to take care of Becky and himself. Matthew knows he should be moving on to the next town but feels the Lord is guiding him. He also notices how much Becky has grown and isn't the little girl he used to knew.
Anyway, as Matthew and Becky's father are heading to St. Louis, they discover a stowaway! Yup, Becky has hidden in the wagon because she believes she is meant to be with her dad. Matthew doesn't have the heart to turn around and they all proceed to St. Louis. Becky and Matthew get to know each other along the way and when Matthew leaves them there, they decide to write each other while they are apart. Matthew gets a church in Becky's hometown and he is excited to maybe one day have her serve along side of him. UNDER THIS SAME SKY had my heart in my throat throughout most of the story and I couldn't wait to see what happened.
UNDER THIS SAME SKY is filled with hope, love, tragedy, forgiveness, and finding your way back to God. Becky did a lot of growing up while in St. Louis and her faith is restored. Once I started reading, it was very hard for me to put this heart tugging story down. Becky struggles with her grief as well as her faith, and it was wonderful to watch her grow. The life lessons that author Cynthia Roemer weaves into her story are amazing and I am excited to read more by her.
All of the characters are believable and well written. They each have an important part in Becky's story.
July 24, 2020
I'm honored to have the opportunity to share Under This Same Sky with you, Book One in my Prairie Sky Series. Set in 1854 on the Illinois prairie, it's the story of Becky Hollister, a young girl whose faith is shaken when tragedy strikes her family, altering her life forever. An unexpected chain of events and encounters help to, not only restore her faith, but open her heart to love and to God's perfect plan for her life. I hope you'll enjoy reading Becky's story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
February 4, 2019
Sweet prairie romance.
Becky's world is overturned following a deadly tornado. She understandably is bitter initially but her caring and loving personality come through ultimately. I especially loved the impact she had on Roy, Jimmie and Emily. The love of Christ and being dependent on His direction come through clearly in this novel.
Under This Same Sky is a well done debut. I look forward to the next in the series.
Becky's world is overturned following a deadly tornado. She understandably is bitter initially but her caring and loving personality come through ultimately. I especially loved the impact she had on Roy, Jimmie and Emily. The love of Christ and being dependent on His direction come through clearly in this novel.
Under This Same Sky is a well done debut. I look forward to the next in the series.
January 11, 2018
Under This Same Sky by Cynthia Roemer is a reminder of why ‘prairie fiction’ still resonates with us. It strips down the ‘essentials’ of life to the bare minimum and shines a light on what matters most: faith, family, and friendship. A little romance doesn’t hurt either.
The story grabs your emotions from the very first page – Becky Hollister desperately trying to find help after a surprise tornado claims her mother and sister, leaving their family home destroyed and her father critically injured. I held my breath along with Becky as we waited for word on her father’s condition, occasionally distracted (I’ll admit it) by Pastor Matthew Brody who saves the day & then continues to drop in.
While your life may not have been upended in quite the same way, I’m willing to bet at some point it has changed as fast as Becky’s did. We all can relate to her struggle to hold onto her faith in God’s goodness when life is hard, to cling to her dreams even as she learns to trust God’s dreams for her life. I think Roemer presented these issues authentically and with grace – grace not only for Becky as she works through them but grace for all of us who have been there too.
Bottom Line: Under This Same Sky by Cynthia Roemer is as sweet as it is emotional. The blind school elements of the story are inspiring – with layered characters and touching wisdom. While I (of course) loved the budding romance between Becky and Matthew, I would have enjoyed the story just as much without it … because of the characters (except for Sarah, who I wanted to purse whomp lol), the setting and the message. If you’re a fan of Janette Oke, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Laura Ingalls Wilder and other stories set in the newly-settled heartland, you’ll really enjoy this book too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
The story grabs your emotions from the very first page – Becky Hollister desperately trying to find help after a surprise tornado claims her mother and sister, leaving their family home destroyed and her father critically injured. I held my breath along with Becky as we waited for word on her father’s condition, occasionally distracted (I’ll admit it) by Pastor Matthew Brody who saves the day & then continues to drop in.
While your life may not have been upended in quite the same way, I’m willing to bet at some point it has changed as fast as Becky’s did. We all can relate to her struggle to hold onto her faith in God’s goodness when life is hard, to cling to her dreams even as she learns to trust God’s dreams for her life. I think Roemer presented these issues authentically and with grace – grace not only for Becky as she works through them but grace for all of us who have been there too.
Bottom Line: Under This Same Sky by Cynthia Roemer is as sweet as it is emotional. The blind school elements of the story are inspiring – with layered characters and touching wisdom. While I (of course) loved the budding romance between Becky and Matthew, I would have enjoyed the story just as much without it … because of the characters (except for Sarah, who I wanted to purse whomp lol), the setting and the message. If you’re a fan of Janette Oke, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Laura Ingalls Wilder and other stories set in the newly-settled heartland, you’ll really enjoy this book too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
March 24, 2019
This is one of those books that starts off with a woman's struggle when she asks, "Why didn't You help them, Lord?" And I knew right away that this book was going to hit me hard. I had read the blurb so I knew that Becky Hollister would meet with tragedy and lose loved ones. I knew the setting was in the mid 1800's, so I knew that life would be a struggle for her, and it was. As so often happens when disaster strikes, people of faith still (often) can't help asking/wondering WHY God didn't prevent it, or WHERE God was, especially if they've been faithful, attended church, been a "good" person, and so on. The struggle, however, was eased when she turned to God, just as it is for believers.
Both Becky and her father lost , and her father had injuries from the natural disaster that occurred and took the lives of their loved ones. They have a wonderful pastor who guides them and helps them through their grief. His name is Matthew Brody. Becky and Matthew do have feelings for each other, but when Becky and her father move to another state, eventually his feelings wane and this leaves her with even more doubt. She had to come to terms with a lot, including her faith in God.
I loved this book and thought it was very encouraging and inspiring. It included a lot of Bible verses, so for that reason I think that people who are not Christian might not enjoy the book as much. It is a bit "heavy" on the spiritual aspects of Becky's journey to emotional and spiritual well-being again.
Both Becky and her father lost , and her father had injuries from the natural disaster that occurred and took the lives of their loved ones. They have a wonderful pastor who guides them and helps them through their grief. His name is Matthew Brody. Becky and Matthew do have feelings for each other, but when Becky and her father move to another state, eventually his feelings wane and this leaves her with even more doubt. She had to come to terms with a lot, including her faith in God.
I loved this book and thought it was very encouraging and inspiring. It included a lot of Bible verses, so for that reason I think that people who are not Christian might not enjoy the book as much. It is a bit "heavy" on the spiritual aspects of Becky's journey to emotional and spiritual well-being again.
March 21, 2024
I loved this pure Christian romance so much that I decided to dive right into book 2. ❤️
January 3, 2021
I was hooked from the first page. Becky's journey, both physically and spiritually, was relatable and encouraging. While you felt you knew where things were going in the beginning, the author opened up possibilities that were equally desirable, making you realize you'd be satisfied no matter the outcome. Looking forward to book two.
October 5, 2017
This book definitely deserves deserves a five star rating.
I say this because the author has written her heart out in this beautiful book.
I enjoyed it very much.
Isn't it weird how we can take things the wrong way? A simple misunderstanding the wrong way?
I know I have done that and probably will continue to do so. Especially if people don't make themselves clear the first time.
I laughed at particular scene because it reminded me so much of Little House after Laura turned 18.
I love how the author weaves in love, hope, and most of all trust in this book.
It's hard to trust people once they've burned you but that's what trusting in the Lord and forgive others is all about don't you think?
Even tragedy has a way of shaking out Faith to the very core. But, if you think about it, that is Satan at work. Once an angel in Heaven He knows how we work just as much as God does.
Sorry this is a lengthy review. I just wanted to do this book justice because it was such a good book!!!
I received this book for free. In no way required to review this book.
I strongly recommend this book.
I say this because the author has written her heart out in this beautiful book.
I enjoyed it very much.
Isn't it weird how we can take things the wrong way? A simple misunderstanding the wrong way?
I know I have done that and probably will continue to do so. Especially if people don't make themselves clear the first time.
I laughed at particular scene because it reminded me so much of Little House after Laura turned 18.
I love how the author weaves in love, hope, and most of all trust in this book.
It's hard to trust people once they've burned you but that's what trusting in the Lord and forgive others is all about don't you think?
Even tragedy has a way of shaking out Faith to the very core. But, if you think about it, that is Satan at work. Once an angel in Heaven He knows how we work just as much as God does.
Sorry this is a lengthy review. I just wanted to do this book justice because it was such a good book!!!
I received this book for free. In no way required to review this book.
I strongly recommend this book.
October 9, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
Most of us have had to deal with loss, loss from a natural disaster is all over in the news these days. This story takes you through a horrible tornado that leveled one family's homestead. It also took a wife/mother and daughter/sister. The two left; father and daughter, are having to face life without their loved ones. The father sustained a head injury during the tornado and was rushed into town to the doctor. This story is so appropriate given the most recent suffering from weather and man made loss. I love the way the author shows you the inner struggle going on with those who lost their family. She is able to give hope with her truth of God's love and peace. There are other trials that this family has to struggle through and it really is sweet to see how each grew throughout the span of this story. This is a new author for me, I was given this book to read and review. I'm so glad I was. This is a wonderful story! I'll be reading the rest of her books for sure!
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Most of us have had to deal with loss, loss from a natural disaster is all over in the news these days. This story takes you through a horrible tornado that leveled one family's homestead. It also took a wife/mother and daughter/sister. The two left; father and daughter, are having to face life without their loved ones. The father sustained a head injury during the tornado and was rushed into town to the doctor. This story is so appropriate given the most recent suffering from weather and man made loss. I love the way the author shows you the inner struggle going on with those who lost their family. She is able to give hope with her truth of God's love and peace. There are other trials that this family has to struggle through and it really is sweet to see how each grew throughout the span of this story. This is a new author for me, I was given this book to read and review. I'm so glad I was. This is a wonderful story! I'll be reading the rest of her books for sure!
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August 22, 2018
Under This Same Sky is a sweet, heartwarming story that I thoroughly loved from the start! Becky and her father emerge from sudden loss realizing that all they have is one another. Along with their battered faith in a God who allowed it. A young pastor, Matthew Brody, gently shepherds them through their grief, hoping to help them get a fresh start. His feelings for Becky, however, begin changing as time and distance separate them. Still grieving and wrestling with her bruised faith, Becky also must come to terms with her feelings for Matthew. And God. I loved all of the characters, all the way from the prairie to the streets of St. Louis. Cynthia Roemer demonstrates how God's Providence makes every friendship a blessing. So much of Under This Same Sky reminded me of when I first fell in love with reading Janette Oke's books as a teenager. I'll be reading book 2 soon!
February 14, 2019
First of all, I love the cover of this book. You can see that Becky is dressed in the clothing that her Aunt Ellen made for her. Becky is tenderly holding the Bible that Matthew has given her.
Wow, I don't know how I would handled the aftermath of losing loved ones from a tornado! How devastating that was for Becky. And, not knowing if her Father would survive his injuries, very hard indeed.
With the help of Matthew, Jimmy and Aunt Ellen, Becky learned to trust God to help her. I liked the fact that the author included Scripture and stories of heroes from the Bible in this book.
There were so many lovable characters in this book. I highly recommend it.
I am very excited to read Book # 2 that the ACFW Book Club will review the end of February.
Wow, I don't know how I would handled the aftermath of losing loved ones from a tornado! How devastating that was for Becky. And, not knowing if her Father would survive his injuries, very hard indeed.
With the help of Matthew, Jimmy and Aunt Ellen, Becky learned to trust God to help her. I liked the fact that the author included Scripture and stories of heroes from the Bible in this book.
There were so many lovable characters in this book. I highly recommend it.
I am very excited to read Book # 2 that the ACFW Book Club will review the end of February.
July 1, 2017
This is an excellent debut novel. The author has written a story with wonderful characters and a story line that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was pulled into Becky's story from the first pages and didn't want to put it down after I had started it. This is also a wonderful story showing God's love and care for His children during times of tragedy and loss. The author certainly captured the feel of life in rural Illinois during the 1800's. This is definitely one that I recommend to the reader who enjoys really good historical fiction. I am certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.
January 12, 2018
I know the plans I have for you
A tornado took the life of her ma and sister. Can Becky get help for Pa in time?
Without giving too much away and being a spoiler, I 'll tell briefly that Becky and pastor, Matthew, each feel a romantic attraction for the other without the other knowing. Becky goes to St Louis for almost a year. During this time, Matthew's former girlfriend moves to their small community and tries to win back Matthew. Could this be the Lord's working, since he will need a wife.
I was interested in the school for the blind and how people often treated blind people in that time
It was interesting to watch Becky mature and developed as a Christian.
This is a Christian story and a lot Scripture is quoted in ways to help one another. I think it was fitting to the story. Becky struggled with understanding God and how He could allow bad things to happen
I really liked this book and look forward to reading more by this author
A tornado took the life of her ma and sister. Can Becky get help for Pa in time?
Without giving too much away and being a spoiler, I 'll tell briefly that Becky and pastor, Matthew, each feel a romantic attraction for the other without the other knowing. Becky goes to St Louis for almost a year. During this time, Matthew's former girlfriend moves to their small community and tries to win back Matthew. Could this be the Lord's working, since he will need a wife.
I was interested in the school for the blind and how people often treated blind people in that time
It was interesting to watch Becky mature and developed as a Christian.
This is a Christian story and a lot Scripture is quoted in ways to help one another. I think it was fitting to the story. Becky struggled with understanding God and how He could allow bad things to happen
I really liked this book and look forward to reading more by this author
May 5, 2020
Wonderful Romance
I loved this story. I really got into the story about Becky and Matthew. The author did a great job of helping and showing how humans when tragedy happens how we blame God as He is supposed to keep us from anything bad happening to human kind. Well life happens and Becky's journey through all of this will be helpful to all readers. Matthew's struggle is a journey that many go through as well. Lots of life lessons in this book.
I loved this story. I really got into the story about Becky and Matthew. The author did a great job of helping and showing how humans when tragedy happens how we blame God as He is supposed to keep us from anything bad happening to human kind. Well life happens and Becky's journey through all of this will be helpful to all readers. Matthew's struggle is a journey that many go through as well. Lots of life lessons in this book.
August 12, 2021
Historical romance
A delightful and relaxing read. So enjoyable! Set in the prairies of the midwest. Believable characters and great story. I look forward to read book two in this series.
A delightful and relaxing read. So enjoyable! Set in the prairies of the midwest. Believable characters and great story. I look forward to read book two in this series.
February 18, 2019
I enjoyed the history of the blind school as well as some of the differences between country life and city life.
September 5, 2019
This was my first time reading a book by Cynthia Roemer, but it will not be my last. I am thrilled to have another author of this genre to call one of my favorites. For me, this book did not always go the way I thought it would. Just when I thought I had everything figured out Ms. Roemer would throw a curveball my way. That is only one of the many reasons I loved this book! These characters turned into old friends by the end of the book. Then I was sad to see them go.
So, do I recommend this book? Yes! Absolutely!
So, do I recommend this book? Yes! Absolutely!
April 13, 2022
Loved it! Great contrast of characters. One woman selfish, self-centered...... the other woman, giving, loving, godly Christian.
But there is tragedy, and sorrows, and hurts.
How do we apply God's word, to this reality?
I loved the application of scripture.
But there is tragedy, and sorrows, and hurts.
How do we apply God's word, to this reality?
I loved the application of scripture.
April 6, 2019
Sweet romance with a great message!
April 15, 2020
Sweet journey
This story did indeed touch my heart as I watched the characters grow in their faith and desire to follow God's path for them. I look forward to the next book.
This story did indeed touch my heart as I watched the characters grow in their faith and desire to follow God's path for them. I look forward to the next book.
August 3, 2022
This is a very moving, heartwarming book. It is very well written and holds your attention. This is christian fiction at its best. It is a very inspirational book, full of drama, romance and the love of God. I can't put into words how this book touched me.
October 11, 2020
I found Cynthia Roemer through a mutual Facebook group and gravitated to her because her latest work is set during the same time period as mine. This first book of hers is pre-Civil War, and there are sequels for those who like serial novels.
When a mighty storm rips her family and leaves her father injured, Becky Hollister's life reels out of control. She's assisted by the young circuit-riding preacher, Matthew Brody, who begins to envision her as a possible wife. Desperate to help her father recover, Becky seizes an opportunity that will throw her into close contact with Matthew for a short while, then keep them apart for months. Are they meant to be together or will their attraction wane? As they both encounter trials and testing of their faith, their relationship hangs in the balance as each seeks God's will.
When a mighty storm rips her family and leaves her father injured, Becky Hollister's life reels out of control. She's assisted by the young circuit-riding preacher, Matthew Brody, who begins to envision her as a possible wife. Desperate to help her father recover, Becky seizes an opportunity that will throw her into close contact with Matthew for a short while, then keep them apart for months. Are they meant to be together or will their attraction wane? As they both encounter trials and testing of their faith, their relationship hangs in the balance as each seeks God's will.
September 2, 2017
A very sweet historical inspirational romance. I liked how the challenges of blindness in those days was explored and how the main character had to let go of her own desires and submit to God.
June 9, 2017
I finished Cynthia Roemer’s Under this Same Sky over the weekend. If you are looking for a sweet romance that also keeps you asking questions, you’ve found the right book. Becky Hollister’s life is turned upside-down when a tornado destroys her family’s farm, killing her mother and sister and injuring her father.
Pastor Matthew Brody makes the rounds to check on his congregation and discovers Becky and her pa in need of serious assistance. He helps Becky rush her father to the doctor’s home.
Her pa’s injuries lead to his blindness and he makes the decision to attend a school for the blind far away from their prairie home–without Becky.
Becky is heartbroken and wants nothing more than to be with her only remaining immediate family. She hatches a plan to stowaway in the wagon Pastor Brody will drive Pa to St. Louis in. On the way–after Pastor Brody and her father discover her presence and decide to allow her to stay–Becky’s admiration for Matthew begins to develop into affection.
But the next year will be spent hundreds of miles apart. Can their budding love survive the distance? And the rearrival of Matthew’s old sweetheart back home? Can Becky find the faith she needs to accept her family’s tragedy?
Elegant, just-right descriptions, strong emotion, and growing faith lines make this book worthy of your must-read list.
Pastor Matthew Brody makes the rounds to check on his congregation and discovers Becky and her pa in need of serious assistance. He helps Becky rush her father to the doctor’s home.
Her pa’s injuries lead to his blindness and he makes the decision to attend a school for the blind far away from their prairie home–without Becky.
Becky is heartbroken and wants nothing more than to be with her only remaining immediate family. She hatches a plan to stowaway in the wagon Pastor Brody will drive Pa to St. Louis in. On the way–after Pastor Brody and her father discover her presence and decide to allow her to stay–Becky’s admiration for Matthew begins to develop into affection.
But the next year will be spent hundreds of miles apart. Can their budding love survive the distance? And the rearrival of Matthew’s old sweetheart back home? Can Becky find the faith she needs to accept her family’s tragedy?
Elegant, just-right descriptions, strong emotion, and growing faith lines make this book worthy of your must-read list.
August 18, 2017
The first Christian fiction books I remember reading growing up was Janette Oke’s Love Comes Softly series. This debut novel, Under This Same Sky, took me back to the prairie and the sweetness of first love in a similar fashion.
Becky’s bravery and kindness made me like her from the start. Her coming-of-age story really has it all – family, friendship, love. My heart broke to see her doubt God during her pain and loss, but she matures in her faith and grows in character very nicely through the story. Matthew is just as likable and sweet. His heart for the Lord makes him a perfect fit for our heroine. 🙂
I was disappointed the two of them weren’t able to spend more time together in the story, but their time spent apart was important to the plot. The friends Becky makes along the way are equally endearing.
I thought the historical details were very well researched. I felt like I was traveling across the prairie and seeing the 1850’s version of St. Louis with my own eyes. I loved learning about the different cultures and how the school operated too.
Under This Same Sky offers a beautiful message of God’s grace and healing beyond the hurt. The first page may open with tragedy, but the last page ends with hope.
I received a free copy from the author. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.
Becky’s bravery and kindness made me like her from the start. Her coming-of-age story really has it all – family, friendship, love. My heart broke to see her doubt God during her pain and loss, but she matures in her faith and grows in character very nicely through the story. Matthew is just as likable and sweet. His heart for the Lord makes him a perfect fit for our heroine. 🙂
I was disappointed the two of them weren’t able to spend more time together in the story, but their time spent apart was important to the plot. The friends Becky makes along the way are equally endearing.
I thought the historical details were very well researched. I felt like I was traveling across the prairie and seeing the 1850’s version of St. Louis with my own eyes. I loved learning about the different cultures and how the school operated too.
Under This Same Sky offers a beautiful message of God’s grace and healing beyond the hurt. The first page may open with tragedy, but the last page ends with hope.
I received a free copy from the author. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.
June 18, 2017
Becky Hollister’s life changes in an instant after a tornado hits her prairie home. She is forced to leave behind the only home she has ever known in hopes of helping her father heal from his injuries. Traveling pastor Matthew Brody helps with the move. Becky begins to believe there could be more than friendship between her and Matthew, but she begins to question things when she hears news of his imminent betrothal. Is it possible that God has different plans for her than she envisioned for herself?
This is a promising debut from Roemer. Her book is filled with love, tragedy, and forgiveness, but the overall theme is one of hope. There are numerous touching scenes with these realistic characters. Becky’s struggled to regain her faith and rebuild a relationship with God is one that will likely be familiar to many readers, particularly those who have gone through struggles in life. Strong supporting characters add to the enjoyment of this well-written historical work. Fans of Jeanette Oke are likely to enjoy this story. Bible verses are appropriately woven throughout. I look forward to reading the second book, which will be released in 2018.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I was not required to write a positive review.
This is a promising debut from Roemer. Her book is filled with love, tragedy, and forgiveness, but the overall theme is one of hope. There are numerous touching scenes with these realistic characters. Becky’s struggled to regain her faith and rebuild a relationship with God is one that will likely be familiar to many readers, particularly those who have gone through struggles in life. Strong supporting characters add to the enjoyment of this well-written historical work. Fans of Jeanette Oke are likely to enjoy this story. Bible verses are appropriately woven throughout. I look forward to reading the second book, which will be released in 2018.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I was not required to write a positive review.
February 1, 2019
Thank you to the author, for giving me the PDF to read. The following review is my honest opinion and thoughts.
Under This Same Sky is a beautiful story of learning to trust the Lord through hardships and follow His will for us. I liked how the author had several layers of things each character went through and experienced. A good read for anyone looking for an uplifting but not overly cheesy story of figuring out life and learning to trust Him.
Rated three stars as the characters weren’t as developed as well as I like in a book. The author has a lot of potential! But the characters in this book fell flat. I finished the book wondering what the main characters saw in each other and why they fell in love.
Under This Same Sky is a beautiful story of learning to trust the Lord through hardships and follow His will for us. I liked how the author had several layers of things each character went through and experienced. A good read for anyone looking for an uplifting but not overly cheesy story of figuring out life and learning to trust Him.
Rated three stars as the characters weren’t as developed as well as I like in a book. The author has a lot of potential! But the characters in this book fell flat. I finished the book wondering what the main characters saw in each other and why they fell in love.
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May 7, 2017Cynthia Roemer’s debut, Under the Same Sky, is a story of healing and hope in the aftermath of a devastating storm that wreaks havoc on the heroine’s home and family. In Becky we see a young woman struggling through grief to find her way in a world turned upside down who learns to trust the Lord to guide her path in whatever circumstance. A lovely story with a gentle romance, Under the Same Sky will appeal to readers of Janette Oke and Kim Vogel Sawyer.
June 29, 2017
I love this story and the author's voice. Wow! I often labor to get into books, but this one was captivating from the start and stayed that way. Pick up Under This Same Sky and let Cynthia Roemer take you back in time. Lovely.
April 29, 2017
Under the Same Sky was one of my favorite books of 2017. It is a moving story about Becky Hollister. Becky and her father lose their home and Becky's mother and sister when a tornado rips through the prairie. Becky's father is injured and loses his sight as a result of the injury.
Matthew Brody is the circuit riding preacher that services their community. When he finds Becky and the devastating situation her and her father are in, he dives in to help. He lays her mother and sister to rest and he works to help gather the community to rebuild their home. As he is doing this, he gets a fresh look at Becky. She is not the young girl he remembers, but a beautiful woman that he feels drawn to.
Becky begins to live temporarily with her aunt and uncle. Becky's father learns of a school for the blind in St. Louis that can help him learn a trade so that he can take care of himself and Becky. He decides to go for a year and leave Becky to live with her aunt and uncle. Headstrong Becky has other plans and stows herself in the back of the covered wagon. When Matthew and her father discover Becky, they do not have the heart to turn around. On the trip to St. Louis Becky and Matthew begin to develop feelings for one another. Matthew begins to wonder if Becky could become the preacher's wife he has been searching for. Becky and Matthew begin to correspond with one another through letters.
Becky's relationship with God has suffered due to all that she has lost. When Matthew gives her his Bible, she begins to renew her relationship with God. As Becky and her father remain in St. Louis Becky transforms. At first her goal was to return to her home on the prairie and she could not imagine being happy anywhere else. But her goals and her plans change as she begins to work in the blind school that her father attends. She makes friends and begins to see God's hand working.
Matthew is excited to be offered a church in the community that Becky is to return to. He is hoping she can minister to the community right along side her. Becky and Matthew's relationship goes through much testing in the book but despite that, God is working on both of them. As Becky realizes that God may be asking her to sacrifice the one goal and dream that she has, can she do it and still be fulfilled. Will God provide an alternative in time?
This book is so well written. I was so engaged in Becky's story. She is a remarkable character. The book also has humorous situations and misunderstandings that add to the story. I loved the supporting characters in the book as well. The ending of the book was amazing. I cannot say enough good things about Under the Same Sky, it was moving, it was engaging, and it was hopelessly romantic. I hope for many more books by Cynthia Roemer, she has a new fan in me.
Matthew Brody is the circuit riding preacher that services their community. When he finds Becky and the devastating situation her and her father are in, he dives in to help. He lays her mother and sister to rest and he works to help gather the community to rebuild their home. As he is doing this, he gets a fresh look at Becky. She is not the young girl he remembers, but a beautiful woman that he feels drawn to.
Becky begins to live temporarily with her aunt and uncle. Becky's father learns of a school for the blind in St. Louis that can help him learn a trade so that he can take care of himself and Becky. He decides to go for a year and leave Becky to live with her aunt and uncle. Headstrong Becky has other plans and stows herself in the back of the covered wagon. When Matthew and her father discover Becky, they do not have the heart to turn around. On the trip to St. Louis Becky and Matthew begin to develop feelings for one another. Matthew begins to wonder if Becky could become the preacher's wife he has been searching for. Becky and Matthew begin to correspond with one another through letters.
Becky's relationship with God has suffered due to all that she has lost. When Matthew gives her his Bible, she begins to renew her relationship with God. As Becky and her father remain in St. Louis Becky transforms. At first her goal was to return to her home on the prairie and she could not imagine being happy anywhere else. But her goals and her plans change as she begins to work in the blind school that her father attends. She makes friends and begins to see God's hand working.
Matthew is excited to be offered a church in the community that Becky is to return to. He is hoping she can minister to the community right along side her. Becky and Matthew's relationship goes through much testing in the book but despite that, God is working on both of them. As Becky realizes that God may be asking her to sacrifice the one goal and dream that she has, can she do it and still be fulfilled. Will God provide an alternative in time?
This book is so well written. I was so engaged in Becky's story. She is a remarkable character. The book also has humorous situations and misunderstandings that add to the story. I loved the supporting characters in the book as well. The ending of the book was amazing. I cannot say enough good things about Under the Same Sky, it was moving, it was engaging, and it was hopelessly romantic. I hope for many more books by Cynthia Roemer, she has a new fan in me.
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