Set in Colorado during the late 1800’s, Daughter of Joy, the first book in the Brides of Culdee Creek series, tells the story of Abigail Stanton. A widow and bereaved mother Abigail takes a position as housekeeper for Conor MacKay.
Abigail believes she is there to help Conor and his daughter find healing from past hurts. In the process of walls breaking down, Conor and Abigail fall in love and plans are made for a wedding, only to be interrupted by the homecoming of Conor’s ill wife, thought to be dead for 13 years.
It is Conor’s dying wife that helps him to complete his journey back to God through the process of forgiveness. And by giving up that which she longs for the most, Abigail herself finds a deeper faith in God. In the end, the marriage of Conor and Abigail is stronger than it would have been if Conor’s wife had not spent her dying days on the ranch.
Kathleen Morgan has written a compelling story of hope and healing. Daughter of Joy is well written and enjoyable to read. For those looking for a good read for a teenage young woman, keep in mind that it does contain references to the temptations and desires that a man and woman face as they fall in love. There are discussions, though brief of the wife’s Christian duty to her husband as well as talk of the occupation of a prostitute.
Review By:
Angela Meyer