When her younger brother and his friends get fleeced at cards by a cheating gambler, Larkspur turns the tables with her own subterfuge and skills. The gambler takes umbrage at her winnings and vows revenge. Her siblings decide that for her safety, the sisters must all leave town for a homestead in the west. Traveling under a different identity and in a covered wagon pulled by oxen, Lark and her three sisters strike out on an adventuresome journey. This first book in the series is compelling and gripping. They endure hardship and encounter sickness and death on the trail, but they make new friends with kindly strangers. It’s an interesting and well written story, sure to please readers of Christian fiction. ( )

The Seeds of Change by Lauraine Snelling is the debut of Leah’s Garden series. I have read all of Lauraine Snelling’s novels and she never fails to disappoint. I thought The Seeds of Change was well-written with developed characters. I could tell Lauraine Snelling did her research. The author captured the time period with the dialogue, clothing, attitudes, conveyances, and so much more. I was transported back in time as the Nielson sisters traveled west looking for a new place to settle. This is an inspiring tale. We get to see what people can accomplish when they put their minds to it and rely on God. The Seeds of Change is a faith filled story. The Nielson sisters as well as the majority of the other characters are Christians who rely on God. They pray for guidance and want to make sure they are following God’s path for their lives. This is also a story about survival. It was not easy to survive in the west. This story has drama, faith, family, joy, sorrow, and romance. The Seeds of Change is an engrossing story that held my attention until the very end. I was sorry to turn the last page. I look forward to reading the next story in Leah’s Garden series. The Seeds of Change is an uplifting, engaging tale that lingered with me longer after I finished it. ( )

I so enjoyed this read, and really didn't want it to end, but at least there is another book to look forward to.
The Nielson family is very close, and with danger lurking, Larkspur resumes being Clark, and they are off to a new life for the sisters. There are four sisters traveling and they increase there family along the way, they are willing to give it all for others.
I loved how the title of the read resonates in several ways, and also with help in their survival. These girls are will prepared for their journey because of the foresight of their parents, and they share their skills with others.
Such a heartwarming read, and they wear their faith and love of the Lord for all to see!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review. ( )

The Seeds of Change by Lauraine Snelling, with Kiersti Giron, is the first book in the Leah’s Garden series. This is a great story Christian Historical Fiction story of four sisters, all named after flowers, who flee their home after Larkspur wins back what her brother and his friends have lost in a poker game. Needing to change her identity, she dresses as a young man and goes by the name of Clark.

This is such a fun story to read. I enjoyed how the girls had so many talents and were so loving and caring to those they met.. Their father had taught them how to shot a gun and use a knife for hunting and safety. Their mother had taught them the love of flowers and music. I enjoyed the way music was used in this story. I also enjoyed the strength they had to build up the farm and make a home for themselves and the children they adopted. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this story from the publisher through Netgalley, this is my honest review. ( )