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Brides of Culdee Creek #4
Child of Promise
This new release, Child of Promise, is the final book in the series.
Beth MacKay, the daughter of Culdee Creek's owner, returns home after completing medical school to take over the aging Doc Childress's practice. Reluctantly, her life and heart become entwined with that of Grand View's Episcopalian priest, Noah Starr. But Noah struggles with his faith and calling since his wife died and his daughter, Emily, was disabled with cerebral palsy due to the difficult birth.
When Beth becomes embroiled in a spousal abuse case between two of Noah's parishioners, she encourages the battered woman to leave her husband for her own safety. Noah cautions the woman to try to work things out, and when the abuse ends in tragedy, it's the last straw for the already-doubtful priest. Despondent and shaken, he announces his resignation to the church. Only with Beth's faith and love, and a little help from the community, can Noah find his way back to the life and calling God has always intended for him.
Beth MacKay, the daughter of Culdee Creek's owner, returns home after completing medical school to take over the aging Doc Childress's practice. Reluctantly, her life and heart become entwined with that of Grand View's Episcopalian priest, Noah Starr. But Noah struggles with his faith and calling since his wife died and his daughter, Emily, was disabled with cerebral palsy due to the difficult birth.
When Beth becomes embroiled in a spousal abuse case between two of Noah's parishioners, she encourages the battered woman to leave her husband for her own safety. Noah cautions the woman to try to work things out, and when the abuse ends in tragedy, it's the last straw for the already-doubtful priest. Despondent and shaken, he announces his resignation to the church. Only with Beth's faith and love, and a little help from the community, can Noah find his way back to the life and calling God has always intended for him.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2002
About the author
Kathleen Morgan
41 books378 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Kathleen began her career writing contemporary romances and soon moved to historical and futuristic romances. She sold her first book, a futuristic romance, in April 1990 while stationed in Korea as an Army nurse. Additional romances soon followed, until she had sold a total of fifteen books in the general market, establishing a loyal readership along the way.
Since that time, she has received numerous awards for her work, including a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice award and Career Achievement award, and The Literary Times award for Literary Excellence in the Field of Romantic Fiction. She was also a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist.
Kathleen now focuses her writing talents in the area of inspirational fiction, offering readers characters who struggle to redefine their growing faith in everyday life.
Kathleen began her career writing contemporary romances and soon moved to historical and futuristic romances. She sold her first book, a futuristic romance, in April 1990 while stationed in Korea as an Army nurse. Additional romances soon followed, until she had sold a total of fifteen books in the general market, establishing a loyal readership along the way.
Since that time, she has received numerous awards for her work, including a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice award and Career Achievement award, and The Literary Times award for Literary Excellence in the Field of Romantic Fiction. She was also a Romance Writers of America RITA finalist.
Kathleen now focuses her writing talents in the area of inspirational fiction, offering readers characters who struggle to redefine their growing faith in everyday life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 7, 2013
This was my least favorite of the series - At the end of the third book, a fairly significant plot point involving Beth (the main character in this fourth book) was still in play. At the beginning of Child of Promise, this plot point is not even mentioned and I began to wonder if I had missed a book somewhere in between the two. Eventually (like over halfway through the book), the resolution of the plot point is explained but I was left wondering about it for a long time. I still really liked the story of redemption and forgiveness and grace that Ms. Morgan always weaves into her stories and her characters.
March 25, 2011
This was the fourth and final book in this series and I loved every one of them. Kathleen Morgan followed the woman of Culdee Creek Ranch through thier life with all of the trials and tribulations that happen with life. Child of Promise is about Beth McKay leaving the ranch and going to New York to Medical School at a time when woman were not readily accepted and the fact she was half indian just added to her trauma. This shows the richness of faith and how when your down, other people of faith are there to support you. I would highly recommend this series to read. It's very enjoyable.
April 30, 2021
The last book in the series and it ended with a good one. Beth and Noah end up marrying but Noah is really put to the test with his faith in God and even being a priest when Mary Sue's husband is shot by her. He could have let Mary Sue stay at the rectory for the night because her husband was abusing her but he came and begged her to come home. Beth wanted Mary Sue to stay there. Noah left it up to Mary Sue. Well when they got home, he was going to teach her a lesson on how to obey and so she shot him. Very good Christian message about finding God even among a tragedy and searching for what he has called each one of us to do with our lives. Lots of Christian themes throughout the whole series which made it very thought provoking to read. Good series.
June 8, 2017
Book of Faith
This is the last book of four. In this book there is loose and faith in what God can do for us, in the midst of a storm. You need to read them in order to see the whole story. Enjoy
This is the last book of four. In this book there is loose and faith in what God can do for us, in the midst of a storm. You need to read them in order to see the whole story. Enjoy
July 29, 2017
Awesome
This book was very good. I appreciate the history and time period. I enjoy read a book with Godly values.
This book was very good. I appreciate the history and time period. I enjoy read a book with Godly values.
July 26, 2018
Good
Profound
And and and and ans and and and ans and this is dumb it is requieing a xeetain nunmber od qoess
Profound
And and and and ans and and and ans and this is dumb it is requieing a xeetain nunmber od qoess
January 25, 2021
All 4 books are great reads. Enjoy all of them!
I loved all 4 of these books and I'm sure you will too! I am an avid reader, and books about the Lord are ten best!
I loved all 4 of these books and I'm sure you will too! I am an avid reader, and books about the Lord are ten best!
April 28, 2023
A wonderful story that takes place during horse & buggy days. The characters are Beth, returning home to practice medicine, Noah, the preacher, Millie, his aunt, and the town of Grand View.
June 1, 2021
This book was amazing! At first, I was so annoyed by the fact that it lacked smooth transition, that I refused to finish reading it. In the previous book in the series, Beth was head over heels over Ian and still a preteen. This book opens up with two time jumps and absolutely no understanding of what happened with Ian. But despite that, this book (much like the water that Jesus turned to wine) was the best saved for last. I adored this series but this one really took the cake. I learned so much and I love how these books entertain me just as much as it grows me spiritually. This has blessed me so! Great job! I’m so sorry that I was so quick to judge it. It was a most worthy read.
October 14, 2016
Very godly insightful
These books speak to my heart and soul like no other books have they challenge my faith I truly love these books
These books speak to my heart and soul like no other books have they challenge my faith I truly love these books
April 21, 2015
Wow! What to say about this book. I loved it.
Their were many powerful sections that really spoke to my heart.
The characters were wonderful. I read the rest of this series a while back and never read this fourth book. I am sorry I waited... but maybe I needed it more now then before, when I read the rest. You never can tell.
The struggles the characters have really touched my heart as I have struggled to forgive the church that hurt my family almost 3 years ago. We left the church after 15 years of faithful attendance and service. It has been really hard. I still have times when I feel they abandoned and injured me so deeply. It also made me have a soft spot in my heart for pastors, even the pastor of the church that hurt me, and my family, so badly.
Here are a few quotes. My favorite parts of the book. Copied here so I will remember the lessons, even if you are not interested.
Father (pastor) Noah speaks...
"'Sometimes you go on in spite of yourself. Because people need you. Because you hope with all your might that sooner or later the darkness will lift and the Lord will be there right where He has always been all along. When you loose faith, you go on out of sheer, stubborn determination and a lot of hope.'" pg 95
Father Noah and Millie speak. Millie is Noah's aunt and has been helping him since his wife died.
"'Losing Alice shook me to the core of my being. And now to lose you, too...' He shook his head. I question God's mercy. I question His wisdom. I don't understand Him anymore.' (Noah)
'And when has any of that been necessary...in order to love and serve the Lord? Indeed, aren't we but arrogant fools...ever to presume to know the Lord's mind?'
'Perhaps we are, but what can I give to His people if I suddenly feel as if the Lord has turned his back on me and walked away?'" (Noah) pg 156
continuing on pg 157...
'Trust in the Lord, honey. He'll not long...leave you bereft. Perhaps, just perhaps, in His wisdom God has decided it's time for you to move on, to set aside childish things...and become the man of strength and maturity He has always wanted you to be. And perhaps, to do that, He must purge you... of your dependency on my, of the things of this world that have tethered you overlong. You want to fly...don't you? Fly to the Lord?' (Millie)
'Yes. Yes, I've always wanted that, but instead of feeling closer to doing that, I feel... I feel...' Noah groaned and lowered his head, burying his face in his hands. 'I feel as if I'm sinking farther and farther into the much and mire of this life.'
'Then stand fast. Never despair. The Lord may well...be working to bring you to a higher level of union with him. But with each breakthrough there are always...crises of trust and faith.' She touched his head. 'It seems our souls stretch , grow best, that way.'"
Beth, the main character, or at least one of the main characters; talks with another woman in the town.
"'Funny, isn't it, how we expect one thing of the Lord and risk missing the gift He eventually sends us in another way. Yet he never, ever gives us stones for bread, does he?'
'No, He doesn't.' Mary Sue clasped the book to her breast, he eyes shining with a fierce joy. "What Father would?'" pg 287
I have this listed as recommended to married females because of the sensitive nature of one of the themes, as the main character had a child out of wedlock. It may be ok for older unmarried females if they don't mind that being in the book. It is not the main part of the book, it is only mentioned once, and she is seeking God's forgiveness for it.
Their were many powerful sections that really spoke to my heart.
The characters were wonderful. I read the rest of this series a while back and never read this fourth book. I am sorry I waited... but maybe I needed it more now then before, when I read the rest. You never can tell.
The struggles the characters have really touched my heart as I have struggled to forgive the church that hurt my family almost 3 years ago. We left the church after 15 years of faithful attendance and service. It has been really hard. I still have times when I feel they abandoned and injured me so deeply. It also made me have a soft spot in my heart for pastors, even the pastor of the church that hurt me, and my family, so badly.
Here are a few quotes. My favorite parts of the book. Copied here so I will remember the lessons, even if you are not interested.
Father (pastor) Noah speaks...
"'Sometimes you go on in spite of yourself. Because people need you. Because you hope with all your might that sooner or later the darkness will lift and the Lord will be there right where He has always been all along. When you loose faith, you go on out of sheer, stubborn determination and a lot of hope.'" pg 95
Father Noah and Millie speak. Millie is Noah's aunt and has been helping him since his wife died.
"'Losing Alice shook me to the core of my being. And now to lose you, too...' He shook his head. I question God's mercy. I question His wisdom. I don't understand Him anymore.' (Noah)
'And when has any of that been necessary...in order to love and serve the Lord? Indeed, aren't we but arrogant fools...ever to presume to know the Lord's mind?'
'Perhaps we are, but what can I give to His people if I suddenly feel as if the Lord has turned his back on me and walked away?'" (Noah) pg 156
continuing on pg 157...
'Trust in the Lord, honey. He'll not long...leave you bereft. Perhaps, just perhaps, in His wisdom God has decided it's time for you to move on, to set aside childish things...and become the man of strength and maturity He has always wanted you to be. And perhaps, to do that, He must purge you... of your dependency on my, of the things of this world that have tethered you overlong. You want to fly...don't you? Fly to the Lord?' (Millie)
'Yes. Yes, I've always wanted that, but instead of feeling closer to doing that, I feel... I feel...' Noah groaned and lowered his head, burying his face in his hands. 'I feel as if I'm sinking farther and farther into the much and mire of this life.'
'Then stand fast. Never despair. The Lord may well...be working to bring you to a higher level of union with him. But with each breakthrough there are always...crises of trust and faith.' She touched his head. 'It seems our souls stretch , grow best, that way.'"
Beth, the main character, or at least one of the main characters; talks with another woman in the town.
"'Funny, isn't it, how we expect one thing of the Lord and risk missing the gift He eventually sends us in another way. Yet he never, ever gives us stones for bread, does he?'
'No, He doesn't.' Mary Sue clasped the book to her breast, he eyes shining with a fierce joy. "What Father would?'" pg 287
I have this listed as recommended to married females because of the sensitive nature of one of the themes, as the main character had a child out of wedlock. It may be ok for older unmarried females if they don't mind that being in the book. It is not the main part of the book, it is only mentioned once, and she is seeking God's forgiveness for it.
February 15, 2012
When I first finished this book, I was ready to give it 4 stars. I'm glad I waited, because after further consideration, I decided on just 2. I realized that Noah, who is a widowed father of a 2 year old daughter with special needs, was a horrible father. He avoided being at home at all costs, and left the raising and care of his daughter to his aunt. He made it home for meals whenever he could spare the time, apparently. Meanwhile, his aunt, who was getting on in years, had to care for Emily all by herself, and hardly ever got out of the house or around other adults. She didn't seem to mind this situation, and never once complained, but Noah should've stepped up and taken more responsibility for his daughter. He even admitted that he didn't know how to relate to her, and that he avoided being at home, but did nothing to remedy this situation, nor did he ever pray to God to help him connect with her and spend more time with her. This just puzzled me. And then when Beth becomes a border, she helps out his aunt, but Noah is still quite absent from the care and feeding of Emily. The other thing that bothered me was Beth. As if she didn't have enough childhood trauma that she'd have to deal with, she was also made to live in NYC all by herself, and struggle through the prejudices and hardships of medical school. Again, as if that wasn't enough, she also had to deal with getting pregnant, and giving birth to a stillborn baby. Sharing this with no one. I still don't understand how no one knew she was pregnant. For one thing, she was in medical school... and if she gave birth in August, she still had April and May of college, where she would've been noticeably pregnant. This reason alone is to be the cause of her current struggles, but after a sudden, brief confession to Noah, she is cured of all her issues. She never even told her parents, who expressed justifiable concern on her behalf, and wouldn't have judged her. I felt like that whole story line got pushed aside, in order for Noah to realize he was an excellent preacher. But how is being a great preacher more important than being present for your child, special needs or no? I couldn't figure out why Ian was brought back, either. He didn't seem to do much in the story, other than have a few heart-to-hearts with Beth, that she could've had with any other character.
The romance/story aspect.. 4 stars. The book as a whole, I can only give it 2.
The romance/story aspect.. 4 stars. The book as a whole, I can only give it 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2009
p. 280 "... it is prideful to berate and punish yourself when you fall short. Sooner or later, that pride can lead to an inability to forgive yourself. It can even lead to the greatest faith killer of all - despair. ...He had come very close to despair. He had contemplated turning from his Lord and Savior in his sense of utter failure and unworthiness. What a fool he had been to allow anything, most especially his pride, to separate him from the Lord."
p. 281 "All I see are my own mistakes, mistakes that are hurting others and causing all my problems. And the Lord seems so far away right now. I can't hear or see Him anymore. ... What would you want God to do to help you? ... Was there anything the Lord could do for him while he groped about in (despair)? Indeed, who was he even to expect anything?"
This book is all about forgiveness. Especially about forgiving yourself. Who are we to hold on to our guilt when Christ has already forgiven us?
p. 281 "All I see are my own mistakes, mistakes that are hurting others and causing all my problems. And the Lord seems so far away right now. I can't hear or see Him anymore. ... What would you want God to do to help you? ... Was there anything the Lord could do for him while he groped about in (despair)? Indeed, who was he even to expect anything?"
This book is all about forgiveness. Especially about forgiving yourself. Who are we to hold on to our guilt when Christ has already forgiven us?
May 20, 2008
As one chapter of life ends, another begins. Beth MacKay is finally back home at Culdee Creek after five years as a medical student. When she left to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor, she was hopelessly devoted to Noah Starr, the minister of Grand View's parish, and utterly heartbroken at his marriage to someone else. Beth is all grown up now, over her childish crush, and brandishing a fierce determination. But wounds from her childhood have compounded with a fresh hurt that festers deep inside. Noah is widowed now, a single father torn by grief and a growing sense of disillusionment with the pastorate. Noah's and Beth's lives soon become intertwined as they both serve the people of Grand View. But can they use their gifts to heal one another as well?
April 3, 2011
next story in the Brides is of Beth...Beth wanted to become a dr from the time she was a little girl, she also had a crush on Noah the minister of their community from the time that he saved her from a snake. He was much older then she and when she learned he was getting married and she was 17 she decided to pursue the challange of becoming a dr and left her hometown and stayed gone 5 yrs getting a degree and working hard. I loved her story and how she finally was able to have a relationship with Noah after his wife died and he had a little girl to raise with the help of his aunt, The aunt became Ill not long after Beth came back to her hometown and so circumstances trough Noah and Beth together again. you dont want to miss this story....
January 16, 2016
This is so heartbreaking that it hard to believe it the final book in the series. Beth has her heart set on the priest in Grand View Though she try to be not heartbroken by it. Beth goes to medical school. She hold a heartfelt past as well.
Noah is having struggles with his faith and calling once his wife dies and his daughter has disability from her birth. Noah grandmother help with letting Beth stay with them when she has some trouble with finding a place to stay.
Can things go the way they intend or do Noah and Beth find the love and the god they need and for Noah does he stay and learn that god is there for him and he is doing what god wanted him to do. Come read this series if you enjoy it. The first is emotional though the last.
Noah is having struggles with his faith and calling once his wife dies and his daughter has disability from her birth. Noah grandmother help with letting Beth stay with them when she has some trouble with finding a place to stay.
Can things go the way they intend or do Noah and Beth find the love and the god they need and for Noah does he stay and learn that god is there for him and he is doing what god wanted him to do. Come read this series if you enjoy it. The first is emotional though the last.
February 18, 2010
This is book number 4 that is from a series, called Brides of Culdee Creek. It is a series I would read again. . It is all about what she has to go through trying to become a doctor, in a time that it was unheard of for a woman to be a doctor. She also was half Indian, again in that time sad to say was another strike against her. She comes home after 5 years of medical school, and tries to find her way as a grown women and as a doctor now. She also has to deal with some demons in her life, that she is afraid to even talk about, for fear of being rejected once again, from the ones she loves. But she ends up finding out, how much they love her.
January 14, 2019
Child of Promise is definitely my favorite in the Brides of Culde Creek series. I really enjoyed this story about Beth and Noah. True it was sad at times and it changed my opinion on Mary Sue but it was still good. Well written and well paced I felt it was a good end to this series. Kathleen Morgan is an author I will be reading more of in the future.
If you’re looking for a good Christian read than definitely check this out. There’s a lot of focus I. These books about faith in God and Gods forgiveness.
If you’re looking for a good Christian read than definitely check this out. There’s a lot of focus I. These books about faith in God and Gods forgiveness.
January 14, 2012
I liked this book, I have read all four of the books in this series, I loved them all.
Beth MacKay, the daughter of Culdee Creek's owner, returns home after completing medical school to take over the aging Doc Childress's practice. Reluctantly, her life and heart become entwined with that of Grand View's Episcopalian priest, Noah Starr. But Noah struggles with his faith and calling since his wife died and his daughter, Emily, was disabled with cerebral palsy due to the difficult birth.
Beth MacKay, the daughter of Culdee Creek's owner, returns home after completing medical school to take over the aging Doc Childress's practice. Reluctantly, her life and heart become entwined with that of Grand View's Episcopalian priest, Noah Starr. But Noah struggles with his faith and calling since his wife died and his daughter, Emily, was disabled with cerebral palsy due to the difficult birth.
September 30, 2013
It was a brilliant read but I did think the Pastor was a little over described, as such there were instances of his pastoral duty that were not very realistic for his character. The book in its entirety is great, better than the prequel. I think it brings out strong details of crisis in Christian homes. I was more concerned with the Beth character, I don't think her way back to God was properly described to its fullest. This author is brilliant defo reading more.
May 19, 2012
Child of promise is the final book in the Brides of Culdee Creek. I was a little lost at first. This book picks up eight years in the future. I wanted to know what happened to Ian. That question was answered several chapters into the book. Bringing a different love interest into Beth's life was taking a risk. But it worked. another well-crafted story. i will miss these characters.
September 3, 2013
Good ending to the series... I don't know if I could have read another one.... All books very similar, in that the main female character helps the "lost man" she is in love with come to understand himself better through The Lord. This one seemed a little less in depth, maybe because I suspected exactly what would be happening.
May 1, 2011
Book 4 and I'm sorry she has decided to end this particular series. This one started out unexpectedly and confused me. In a way I felt that the author hurried to end the series. However, still a 4 rating and very much enjoyed.
September 8, 2016
Beth MacKay returns home to Culdee Creek to work with the town doctor. She has had many trials in her life, a women becoming a doctor was unheard of, being half Indian and the love of her life got married just as she was leaving. Beth worked hard to succeed in her life.
September 1, 2012
I thought this series ended, but I guess it continues with the ancestors in Scotland. I don’t think so. If it picks up in America again, I might read some to see what happens to this family, but not any time soon.
I like Christian books, but this was a little bit much.
I like Christian books, but this was a little bit much.
July 29, 2014
Awesome
Awesome
Awesome book by Morgan again out of words to explain how I totally enjoyed this book. am a fiction lover and this book proved to be excellent. I hope to read her other books soon.
Awesome
Awesome book by Morgan again out of words to explain how I totally enjoyed this book. am a fiction lover and this book proved to be excellent. I hope to read her other books soon.
November 8, 2014
Hard to put down
Wonderful story of love and forgiveness. sometimes forgiving yourself is harder than forgiving others.this book can be read and enjoyed even if you haven't read the previous books in the series
Wonderful story of love and forgiveness. sometimes forgiving yourself is harder than forgiving others.this book can be read and enjoyed even if you haven't read the previous books in the series
July 12, 2015
Love, love, love
This series is a great one. I only wish to know what came of that sweet little girl of the State's. It was difficult for me to put the books down it is a sure page turner.
This series is a great one. I only wish to know what came of that sweet little girl of the State's. It was difficult for me to put the books down it is a sure page turner.
October 10, 2016
This book deals with some controversial topics that are still relevant to us today. Such topics as women in nontraditional careers (doctor), dual career families, domestic abuse, and disabilities. At the same time, it also deals with such themes as love, loss and anger with God.
July 28, 2014
Book 4 of 4
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews