One woman, an impossible dream, and the faith it took to see it through, inspired by the life of Hulda Klager

German immigrant and farm wife Hulda Klager possesses only an eighth-grade education—and a burning desire to create something beautiful. What begins as a hobby to create an easy-peeling apple for her pies becomes Hulda’s driving purpose: a time-consuming interest in plant hybridization that puts her at odds with family and community, as she challenges the early twentieth-century expectations for a simple housewife.  

Through the years, seasonal floods continually threaten to erase her Woodland, Washington garden and a series of family tragedies cause even Hulda to question her focus. In a time of practicality, can one person’s simple gifts of beauty make a difference?  

Based on the life of Hulda Klager, Where Lilacs Still Bloom is a story of triumph over an impossible dream and the power of a generous heart.

Awards:

  • Bestseller List, 2012, Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association (PNBA)
  • Winner, 2013, Carol Award, American Christian Fiction Writers (AFCW)

Reviews:

I have enjoyed Jane Kirkpatrick’s gift of “enhanced biography”–her true stories of women of the northwest enhanced by her gift of fiction and storytelling. This lovely book is no exception. I am not a gardener but this story made me wish I was! I now understand why people pour themselves into creating beauty from dirt. And I will never look at lilacs the same way again. Hulda Klager’s gift was truly remarkable…and inspiring! – Wynn, Amazon Reviewer

This book will inspire your dreams and refresh your soul. Hulda’s simple life belies her incredible gifts as a gardener. Her thoughts and words reached deep into my heart and soul. Her German heritage mirrors my mother’s, as does her indomitable spirit and deep abiding Faith. Thank you Jane Kirkpatrick for sharing the realities of Hulda’s amazing story by making it personal in its fictionalization. – Janet, Amazon Reviewer

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