The Star Garden

By Nancy E. Turner

Book Overview

From the bestselling author of These Is My Words comes this exhilarating follow-up to the beloved Sarah's Quilt. In the latest diary entries of pioneer woman Sarah Agnes Prine, Nancy E. Turner continues Sarah's extraordinary story as she struggles to make a home in the Arizona Territory.

It is winter 1906. Nearing bankruptcy after surviving devastating drought, severe storms, and the rustling of her cattle, Sarah remains a stalwart pillar to her extended family. Then, a sudden stagecoach accident puts three strangers in her path who will change her life forever.

In sickness and in health, neighbor Udell Hanna remains a trusted friend, pressing Sarah to marry. When he reveals a plan to grant her dearest wish, she is overwhelmed with passion and excitement. She soon discovers, however, that there is far more to a formal education than she bargained for.

Behind the scenes, Sarah's old friend Maldonado has struck a deal with the very men who will become linchpins of the Mexican Revolution. Maldonado plots to coerce Sarah into a business partnership, but when she refuses, he devises a murderous plan to seize her land and build a railroad straight to Mexico. When Sarah's son Charlie unexpectedly returns from town with a new bride, the tension erupts into an all-out range war between the two families.

Finally putting an end to Udell's constant kindnesses, Sarah describes herself as "an iron-boned woman." She wants more than to be merely a comfortable fill-in for his dead wife. It is only through a chance encounter that she discovers his true feelings, allowing her to finally believe that a selfless, enduring love has at last reached out to her.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312363176
• ISBN13: 9780312363178
• Release Date: November 2008
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Beautifilly written adventure!!

As with almost everyone else who has discovered this series, I am completely charmed by Sarah Prine. Beginning with 'These Is My Words' I have rooted for Sarah, cried with her, laughed with her and admired her. From what I have read this is her final installment and this book, like the other two before it, is a wonderful adventure. The last chapter gave me tears and joy. As with any adventure, it eventually ends but I will certainly look forward to my next journey with Ms Turner with great anticipation. Start with 'These Is My Words', read 'Sarah's Quilt' and this book. I promise you won't be disappointed. Thank you Ms Turner!!

Heart warming story of life in old Arizona...

I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I love books written with strong woman characters. This is the 3rd book in the series of Sarah Prine who moved to Arizona with her family and now has her own family of kids and grandkids around her in Arizona. The hardships of fire, dust storms and battles for the land continue to as Sarah tries to decide whether to marry the 'guy next door'. Nancy Turner makes you feel the pain and happiness that Sarah goes through with all the tough decisions she has to make in her life. A series of books that I dearly love and hope a 4th is yet to come!!( PLEASE!!!)

Unbearably wonderful

The final book in Nancy E. Turner's Agnes Prine trilogy is as beautifully written as the first two books in this series and I recommend it wholeheartedly. However, I do wish that the author would rethink her decision to wrap this series up and just keep going and going. I know Agnes has a lot more story left to tell and just like I would like another slice of Agnes' Arizona Pecan Pie (thanks for the recipe Nancy!), I would love to read about the next chapter in her life even more.

Sad to see it end...

I finished this book a week ago and still can't quit thinking about Sarah and her family. Nancy Turner has created characters so real I feel like I know them personally and am sad we won't be seeing them again. This series has been one of my all time favorites.

Like reuniting with old friends...

This third book of the Prine/Elliott saga begins just as the second book ended, in 1906 Arizona Territory... Forty-three-year-old widow Sarah Agnes Prine Elliott has just survived one of the most difficult years of her life. Her longtime friend and neighbor Rudolfo Maldonado has just tried to get back into her good graces after being discovered attempting to sabotage Sarah's ranch, but she still doesn't believe he's really sorry. Sarah's brother Harland, recently widowed with four small children, has come to stay on the ranch until he's able to get on his feet again. The entire extended family is still in mourning over the murder of Sarah's niece Esther, while all the young adults of the Prine and Elliott families are trying small steps toward independence. Likewise, new neighbor Udell Hanna, who first indicated a romantic interest in Sarah in the second book, returns with an invigorated desire to win her heart. Part of her feels attracted to this hardworking, plainspoken man; another is guilty to move from the memory of her husband Jack. As usual, life for the clan is interrupted by a number of factors, including a serious bout of influenza that seriously jeopardizes lives -- and Charlie's return with a bride whose very presence on the family ranch spells trouble for the family. Still, there's little doubt they'll make it through -- largely due to Sarah's inner strength, which readers have been able to follow since her teenage years in "This is My Words." Well-written and beautifully characterized, the story of Sarah, her family and friends is bound to keep readers immersed. Turner skillfully combines research on early 20th century Western living with thoughts, feelings and ideas that are common to all human beings in any era.