Book Review: A Prairie Faith: The Religious Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder by John J. Fry

John J. Fry, a professor of history and dean of faculty at Trinity Christian College, blends his love and knowledge of the American West with an exploration into the religious life of a cherished American pioneer in A Prairie Faith: The Religious Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Told chronologically, Fry starts with the birth of Laura Elizabeth Ingalls to Caroline and Charles Ingalls in 1867. Chapter by chapter, the author discusses the important events of the time, the daily life of the Ingalls family and those around them, Wilder's writing, her relationship with Almanzo and Rose, her numerous trips, the popularity of the Little House series, Rose's contributions to the books, and the continued fascination with Wilder and her work. Woven through this in-depth narrative is Fry's argument that while Christianity was important to Wilder's life, it was not central, as proven by her practices and her stoic ideas. 

I found A Prairie Faith fascinating and informative. It is a deeply researched, well-written biography of one of America's most beloved children's authors. Having read numerous biographies of Wilder's life, many cited in this book, I found Fry paid great attention to detail. 

The thesis type format created a fair amount of repetition as Fry focused on his point that Christianity was important but not central to Wilder's life. The author reiterated examples to support that point, stating Laura and her family, then Laura and Almanzo, did not attend evening church services; Laura and Almanzo didn't attend services when they were traveling; and that neither of the Wilders became members of local churches despite being involved in civic organizations, some with religious ties. He cited changes between Laura's handwritten manuscripts and the finished product where the editor's hand changed scenes that surrounded some of Laura's experience with church and church members. He discusses that while Wilder prayed and read from the Bible regularly, she did not mention Jesus, and that her stoic ideas fly against the dependence upon God and Savior to bring you through life. 

With the limited amount of information available on this topic, Fry did a superb job of creating this biography of Wilder's life. Though I'm not sold on supporting the author's thesis, I'm happy to add A Prairie Faith to my collection of resources about Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

Publisher:‎ Eerdmans (February 6, 2024)

Language: ‎ English

Paperback: ‎ 240 pages

ISBN-10: ‎ 0802876285

ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0802876287

I received a copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Thoughts on Little House Life Hacks by Angie Bailey and Susie Shubert

 

I reviewed Little House Life Hacks by Angie Bailey and Susie Shubert on my book blog. You can find that review by clicking here. I will briefly summarize this book for our readers, but since the TV show, Little House on the Prairie and the books it is based upon are the inspiration for Little House Life Hacks, I'll be sharing different thoughts at Laura's Little Houses.

During the pandemic, the authors began streaming episodes of Little House on the Prairie, which is how this book was born. After the authors' note, they introduce the Ingalls family and neighbors. They talk about Charles, Caroline, Mary, Laura, Carrie, and Albert Ingalls. They also make note of Grace and adopted siblings Cassandra and James Cooper. The neighbors include: Isaiah Edwards, Nels and Harriet Oleson, Nellie Oleson, Willie Oleson, Nancy Oleson, Doc Baker, Reverend Alden, Miss Beadle, Miss Eliza Jane Wilder and the Garveys. Almanzo Wilder is only mentioned in this section as Laura's future husband. 

There are ten different hacks in this book surrounding the topics of family life, community life, faith, romantic life, friendships, work life, self-care, resourcefulness, sustainability, and gratitude. The authors blend things about the show and some of its actors, historical tidbits from the time period and about the Ingalls family, quotes by Laura Ingalls Wilder, quotes from the Little House books and Wilder's articles, a recipe or two, and a good dose of humor to create a book to help modern readers create more balance, wellness, and fun in their lives.

Little House Life Hacks allowed me to wander through several of my favorite Little House on the Prairie moments. It's no surprise the show remains popular five decades after it first aired. And with all the 50th Anniversary Cast Reunions happening across the country, the timing of this book couldn't be better.

This is a book I wish I had been wise enough to write; though I'm not sure I could have done the content justice. Again, it validates why the show continues to attract new viewers. The book talks about a variety of subjects that all tie into Little House on the Prairie in one way or another. I think of it as another way to celebrate a show I've loved since childhood. 

What is some wisdom you've taken away from Little House on the Prairie and applied to your own life? 

Reading Now: A Prairie Faith by John J. Fry

 

What role did Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Christian faith play in her life and writing?

The beloved Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder have sold over 60 million copies since their publication in the first half of the twentieth century. Even her unpolished memoir, Pioneer Girl, which tells the true story behind the children’s books, was widely embraced upon its release in 2014. Despite Wilder’s enduring popularity, few fans know much about her Christian beliefs and practice.

John J. Fry shines a light on Wilder’s quiet faith in this unique biography. Fry surveys the Little House books, Pioneer Girl, and Wilder’s lesser-known writings, including her letters, poems, and newspaper columns. Analyzing this wealth of sources, he reveals how Wilder’s down-to-earth faith and Christian morality influenced her life and work. Interweaving these investigations with Wilder’s perennially interesting life story, A Prairie Faith illustrates the Christian practices of pioneers and rural farmers during this dynamic period of American history.

Book Review: Love's Abiding Joy by Janette Oke

 

Welcome back to the Davis family saga with the fourth book in Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly series, Love's Abiding Joy.

Marty Davis has missed the oldest daughter she shares with her beloved husband Clark in the years since Missie married Willie LaHaye and moved farther west to start his cattle ranch. Letters aren't nearly enough to bridge the miles between them. But thanks to the Transcontinental Railroad and tons of support from their family, Clark surprises Marty with a birthday present of tickets to see their darling daughter. 

The train ride seems like it will never end, but one day Marty and Clark get to see Missie, Willie and their grandsons, Nathan and Josiah, along with all the ranchers that have helped to make the LaHayes successful ranchers. 

Clark and Marty settle in for a few weeks' visit, but when tragedy strikes, they must stay with the LaHayes longer than expected, bringing changes for the entire family. The Davis and LaHaye families must lean on their faith to get them through, and as tragedy turns to a renewed need to seek a closer relationship with God for the residents of this western town, Clark is called to help.

What a wonderful addition to this Christian historical series Loves Abiding Joy is. A parents' joyful reunion with their daughter and her family turns to tragedy when Clark is critically injured rescuing children. Oke portrays this family in crisis well: Marty and Missie's different approaches to praying for and helping Clark in the days after his accident; Clark adjusting to a different way to approach the physical aspects of his life; strong, silent Willie who bears a change in his family dynamic; and Missie's guilt over believing this tragedy happened because her parents were visiting. 

Love's Abiding Joy further strengthens Clark's personality as a strong man of faith guiding his loved ones as the patriarch of the Davis family. His thoughtful insights into situations viewed through the ever-loving grace of God also help members of the community Missie and Willie call home. And when Clark and Marty finally board the train back to their own hometown, it goes without saying that the entire community will miss them. 

This book gave me greater insight into why the movie plots changed dramatically as the series continued. They are both great ways to enjoy inspiring Christian fiction.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers; Repack edition (November 1, 2003)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 076422851X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764228513

I purchased this book in 2023. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Love Comes Softly Inspired Fanfiction: Grown Ups

 

Photo credit Hallmark Channel

Grown Ups

Love Comes Softly inspired fan fiction by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Disclaimer: This story follows the television movie characters, not the books. I do not own the Love Comes Softly television movies, book series, or any of the characters. I used some of the dialogue from the Love Comes Softly movie. 

Missie stood in the doorway of their cabin. She clutched the locket Marty had given her this morning. I hope Pa catches the wagon train in time. 

Grown ups made no sense. Wouldn’t it have been easier for Pa to ask Marty to stay in Anderson Corner with them rather than go chasing after her? They had all been so sad this morning as they loaded up Marty’s trunk and baby Aaron’s cradle into the wagon bed. Then they drove into town without saying anything, just like the day Pa brought Marty to live with them.

Missie ran her fingers over the locket. As she looked into the store glass this morning, struggling to keep the tears from spilling down her cheeks, she felt Marty’s hand on her back. She didn’t want to turn around. If she kept staring the opposite way, she wouldn’t have to see Marty and Aaron leave. Maybe she could even ignore the sounds of the wagon wheels against the dirt road as they rolled out of town.

Once Marty left, Pa and Missie drove home in silence. Somehow, she knew Pa would miss Marty just as much as she would. She once said to Marty that she wondered if her Pa could ever love someone again.

“He could, I guess,” Marty said, but her voice sounded sad, like she wasn’t sure it was possible.

Then one day, Missie found Marty and Pa standing in the yard together, out of breath and laughing. He laughed in a way she hadn’t heard in a long time. For the first time since Mama died, Pa looked happy. That’s why she got so angry when Pa told her Marty was heading back East with the wagon train. How could she just leave them? Weren’t they a family now?

When Pa and Missie returned home, she snuck over to play with the dollhouse Pa had made her for Christmas. At least the pretend people in her house could live happily ever after, like the people in the books Marty shared with her.

Pa had walked out to the lean-to to get his things. Now that Marty was gone, he would move back into the bedroom Pa and Missie had shared before Marty came to live with them. She wanted to scream no, but all she did was mumble, “Okay.”

Moments later, Pa barged back into the house screaming her name. “I’m going to bring Marty back.” He warned her not to leave the cabin. Then he turned away. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He was already racing out to the yard to grab his horse.

It seemed like hours had passed as Missie waited in her tree house. She fingered the locket, praying Pa would reach Marty in time. When the sound of wagon wheels pulling into the yard reached her ears, Missie climbed down. On the wagon seat, sat Pa with Marty alongside him, cradling Aaron in her arms. 

Missie’s heart swelled. Marty’s trunk and Aaron’s cradle sat in the wagon bed. They were home to stay. 

“Mama,” Missie whispered to herself.

Then she ran into Marty’s outstretched arms and squeezed her as tight as she could. Marty kissed her forehead. As they hugged, Missie could hear Marty’s heartbeat, and she knew everything would be all right.

With her arm around Missie, Marty walked into the house, followed by Pa, who carried little Aaron. As they sat around the kitchen table, drinking tea and nibbling on this morning’s bread, Missie smiled. This was her family. This was her home. This was forever. 

Copyright Cheryl C. Malandrinos – All Rights Reserved