Wishing on Willows - Katie Ganshert

Robin Price has a lot on her plate; an energetic three year old, a cafe that's struggling to make ends meet, yet both are reminders of a much loved husband, Micah, who died nearly four years ago.

Having Willow Tree Cafe allows Robin to be thankful that her business is a strong part of the community especially that of the One Life ministry to whom she gladly provides refreshments, free of charge.

Then one day, handsome developer Ian McKay turns up on the doorstep of her beloved town Peaks talking of a development of condominiums - to be built where the cafe and two other shops reside. Is the town going to let this happen? The Mayor, a loyal customer of the Willow Tree, is a fan of the plans. Would people let a vital ministry fade away? Shatter her dreams that she shared with Micah? With both Robin and Ian determined to win the ensued battle, a town becomes divided. But there's more to this change. Both have a past that they need to let go of, let go before they lose out on the opportunity to have a future together. One that they both don't see rushing towards them.

Will they be able to take this second change that God has created for them? Or will them remain alone and wonder when the pain of their old lives will recede?

Consumed by grief that many feel is stopping her live again, Robin is a beautiful yet stubborn woman. Faultlessly devoted to her son, the real question is - how long should she mourn for her husband? Beautifully written, Ganshert has created a story that is heartbreaking yet filled with so much hope. All the characters are robust and scripted perfectly. Amanda, Robin's sister-in-law, takes some of the limelight which breaks up the intensity of the burgeoning love story between Ian and Robin as well as the condo development.

Hooked from the first few pages, this is an easy to read book. Whilst there are characters from the authors previous book, Wildflowers From Winter, it's still very much a stand alone novel. Characterization is well thought out as is its dialogue. A true testament of a good writer is evoking emotions from the reader and for me a lot was annoyance with Amanda's 'meddling'. Even if she meant well, it still grated on my nerves somewhat. That aside, the romance is there bubbling nicely away and what I really like about Ganshert is that she isn't afraid to question God's intentions. She does this in an honest, every day life way and gives answers that makes sense. Overall, another great book - a highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Blogging for Books program, part of WaterBrookMultnomah publishing. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.

Wildflowers from Winter - Katie Ganshert

Young architect Bethany Quinn works at a prestigious firm in Chicago, has a lawyer boyfriend and generally a great life - one that is millions of miles away from the trailer park that she left back in Iowa when she was a teenager.

Unexpectedly, a strained call from her mother tells Bethany of her grandfather's ailing health. With regret she returns home to visit Dan having not seen him for five years as well as face a best friend she hasn't seen in ten years who is dealing with her own heartbreaking trials.

Things turn for the worse and now Bethany has inherited five hundred acres of farmland and the attractive Evan Price who takes care of the Quinn farm just adds a complication that Bethany would rather do without.

Suddenly there is a myriad of events to cope with - a grieving friend, an ending relationship, the loss of her job and meeting up with her past in the form of a much despised pastor. On top of all of this, Bethany tries to deny her attraction to Evan. He disagrees with the way she sees the future of the farm and in spite of himself, Evan is drawn to her too.

Faced with an uncertain future she realizes with all the bridges that she tried to burn, the one that will allow her to have a new life, love and ultimately peace is the one with God. Can she recapture her faith in Him and the people of Peaks?

What an amazing and powerful story. Beautifully written Wildflowers from Winter will tug on all of your emotions. It takes an honest look at how one person's life can be broken by another's misuse of religion. And how relationships and friendships that may have been lost, can be renewed; how love can find its way to even to the most shielded of hearts. Superbly written, Ganshert's debut novel is frank, poignant and so compelling I read it in one day - yes it's that good! A very highly recommended read.

Find out more about author Katie Ganshert at : http://katieganshert.com/

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterbrookMultonomah through their Blogging for Books program. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.