When the Meadow Blooms

When Rose Meadows leaves the sanitarium, it is not entirely a victory. Her tuberculosis is no longer the threat it was before, but she is still weak, and exerting herself might cause it to return. Unfortunately, with two daughters to look after, she may have little choice but to exert herself. Her oldest will be able to help with the work, but millinery only brings in so much. They will, at best, be scraping by.

They would be in trouble if it weren’t for her late husband’s brother taking the three of them in. Dirk Meadows has scars of his own, both outside and in. Burned in a fire and seemingly abandoned by the love of his life, he prefers his studies of the natural world to any human company. He still has some human compassion, however, and it is that which prompts him to take in his in-laws.

When the Meadow Blooms is a touching, wholesome story about second chances and the possibility we all have for growth. Despite the summary on the back of the book (and that I gave), at times I felt Calla was the true protagonist, for taking the most agency, especially at the start.