Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert Review & Excerpt

Robin Price has her hands and heart full.  Robin owns a struggling cafe, Willow Tree Cafe, that is made from memories of her late husband.  Her spunky son is the center of her life, but single-parenting, and managing the cafe and wearing her thin.

Suddenly her life adds another stress--the town wants to build condos where her cafe and a local ministry are located.  Ian McKay is heading the operation and constantly in her life to persuade her to sell. The town begins to form opinions and pick sides as business and personal mix.

 Ian has his own motives for making sure the condos are built, but all Robin can see is her own need for the cafe.  Ian's family business depends on this business deal and Robin feels that the Willow Tree Cafe is part of her family.  Both Robin and Ian will struggle with the grief that is hidden inside of them, and come to surrender their plans and themselves to a God of second chances.

I was thrilled to get to read Wishing on Willows after reading and reviewing Wildflowers from Winter last year.  Wildflowers from Winter was one of the top ten books I read for 2012, and I can pretty much guarantee that even though it is early in the year, that Wishing on Willows will be on my top ten for 2013.  Here's why.

Katie Ganshert has this uncanny ability to write about really hard topics, topics that matter and people really deal with, in a way that isn't just "writer's fluff."  Novels are often the stuff that we read because it escapes real life, but Ganshert doesn't do that.  She brings in the hard, heart-wrenching things that we deal with and walks us by faith in God's plan.

Robin wrestles with God and Ganshert writes what many of us think and have gone through, "She's believed, with absolute certainty, that God could have healed her husband.  Nothing was beyond His power...But God didn't heal Micah. And now Willow Tree was slipping through her fingers...and she found herself in the exact same place as before.  Certain God could save it, unsure if He would."  Ganshert walks Robin and us through the way God works, not always in our way, but in a way that always shows His love.

Something else really well done was how Ganshert allowed us to love Robin & Micah's relationship and yet feel as Robin allowed room in her heart to let go of the pain and to continue her journey with God passed the pain of the past.

Both Ian and Robin were well developed, as well as the character's that surrounded them.  It was wonderful to learn more about Bethany and Evan--because as readers we get attached to our characters, so I was happy to see them.

I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone--but I would want them to read Wildflowers from Winter first.  Both are excellent books.

I cannot wait to read more from Ganshert.  Her two books have been a highlight on my reading list.

Read the an excerpt for Wildflowers from Winter here.
Read the first three chapters for Wishing on Willows here!  I think that with each chapter the book got better.  And that is how a good book should be.

Top Ten Books for 2012

I know I read 48 books this year, possibly more since I didn't keep track and had to try and remember all of them.

These are not in order because it is hard for me to rank these books because they are not all the same genre and I did not read them all for the same reasons.  Some I read for fun, others for spiritual growth, some for book clubs, and others because I was reviewing them and fell in love with them.  

So here are my top 10 favorites that I read in 2012.

Gold Cord by Amy Carmichael. 

This book is one of my all time favorite books now.  I am lending it, but when I get it back I plan to re-read it.  Blessed and enriched through Amy Carmichael's love and devotion to God.

In Defense of Food by Michael Pollen

I have never read a book like this, and I wasn't sure how I was going to get through pages and pages about food, but it has challenged the way I view food (even though I'm already a vegan/vegetarian) and I love to be challenged.

Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

I had never read Mitch Albom before, even though I'd heard of Tuesdays with Morrie.  Albom's writing style flows and brings out poignant messages without blaring them in your face.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Schaffer and Annie Barrows.

A book of letters.  I didn't think I would get into this, but by the end I really enjoyed it.  Now I want to go visit Guernsey Island.

Betrayal by Robin Lee Hatcher

I chose this because not often do "Christian Fiction" authors make the relationship the character's have with God so smoothly.  It was natural to read, and continuous throughout the book--both things that I find rare in a Christian Fiction book.  

Son by Lois Lowry.

The final book to The Giver series.  I love Lois Lowry and have since fourth grade when my teacher had us read Number the Stars.  

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

This was another surprise for me.  I expected to read a normal Christian fiction book, but was really surprised by the way Camden handled the characters and situations.  The heroine isn't perfect, nor is she weak.  The hero has flaws and even the love story has actual, real obstacles.  The way Camden also handled the "conversion" situation was something I really appreciated.  We don't always have "aha" moments with God, and many times it is more subtle.  I enjoyed this book immensely.  

Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert

If you have recently been in grief you may or may not want to read this book.  The author writes that well.  Katie writes so vividly of the emotions and pain of grief that you can feel it through the pages.  I love how Katie wrote in such a way to make you feel the characters' feelings.  Something I thought was really well done was how spiritual leaders are viewed as God, and many times people turn way from God because of that.  However, the book showed that God is who we are to focus our eyes on, not merely others.  Great book.

Spiritual Warfare for Women by Leighann McCoy

I had selected this book to review and had put off reading it because I wasn't really ready to read it.  Then some things happened and I knew I needed to read it.  So I did.  I was so blessed.  God used McCoy to grow me spiritually and expand my idea of what it meant to fight spiritually.  I highly recommend this.  

The Great Controversy by Ellen White

I have wanted to read this for--a long time, but I was working on finishing the other four books.  I was deeply encouraged through this book, particularly as relates to "the time of trouble" that the Bible talks about.  Seeing God's love and the way He has been with His people through out history and will be with us always really was amazing.  The book ends with "God is love" and it couldn't be better summarized.

Waiting for Morning by Margaret Brownley

From the publisher: 

The Brides of Last Chance Ranch, #2

Molly Hatfield comes to Arizona Territory seeking stability and security. But living in Cactus Patch provides her with more than she ever dreamed.

There is nothing Molly wouldn’t do for her teenaged brother, Donny. Blaming herself for the accident that left him wheelchair bound, Molly has dedicated her life to his care. But in 1896, gainful employment for a woman is hard to come by. So when Molly learns that an eccentric rancher in Cactus Patch, Arizona, is looking for an heiress—someone to take over management of the ranch in exchange for future ownership—she jumps at the chance to provide a real home for her brother.

However, Molly didn’t bank on meeting Dr. Caleb Fairbanks, the town’s charming unmarried doctor. Caleb has a way with Molly that makes her nervous. But it’s how he is with her brother that really alarms her. Caleb sees past the wheelchair and genuinely likes Donny, but Molly fears he’s putting unrealistic ideas into her brother’s head. Falling in love with Caleb would threaten everything she’s worked for, even her brother’s future happiness. But it could be the very reason God brought her to Last Chance Ranch.

My review: 

I enjoyed the fun and spunky characters. Both the primary and secondary characters were engaging.  I was happy to hear some about the characters in the first "Last Chance Ranch" series, although, if you don't want to know what happens in the first book before reading it, then definitely pick up the other book.  Both books are worth the time to read it.

Smething that I thought was well done was about Donny and the way he felte with his wheelchair.  H was trapped but more than just physically he was trapped by what he emotionally and mentally thought.  It is encouraging to see the struggle and success that Donny goes through.  

I am eager to learn more about what will happen with some of the secondary characters that were brought up in the last two books.

I would recommend both books to anyone, but I have to admit that I liked the first book better.

I received this book for free from Booksneeze for my honest review.

Betrayal by Robin Lee Hatcher

From the publisher: "The latest historical romance from award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher and the second book in the Where the Heart Lives series, Betrayal will take readers to the high desert of western Wyoming, through the crags of the Rocky Mountains, and into the hearts of two seekers learning to trust God's love no matter the circumstances.

It's the turn of the twentieth century and drifter Hugh Brennan is a man well acquainted with betrayal. Hugh finds himself drawn to the attractive widow, Julia, yet when he looks into her eyes, he recognizes the same hurt that haunts him.

Julia Grace has little reason to trust men, but she's going to have to trust someone if she's to keep her ranch from the clutches of her dead husband's half-brother. Is it possible God had a hand in bringing Hugh to her door?"

This is the second book in the "Where Your Heart Lives" series.  However, it will read well without having to read the other books.  However, the epilogue to this book gives away some details from the first book.  I decided to read "Belonging" the first book in the series before reading this one to review.  Both are worth your time to read.

I think I did enjoy this one, "Betrayal" even more so than "Belonging".  Hatcher does an incredible job of making the character's relationship with God natural throughout the book.  Not many authors have this ability and I was spiritually blessed to read the scripture that the characters would remember or read throughout the story.

The love story was sweet and endearing.  The characters had a depth that made the reader want to know more about them, and Hatcher revealed more about them as time passed. She did an excellent job of "show not tell" in her book.

The theme of renewal through the book was very touching.  I think that many readers will identify with having a past, or something in their past that they wish was not there--and then the freedom and joy of knowing that God can give them new life.

I would highly recommend this book to others, and I cannot wait to read the third book in this series!  I will also be checking out more of her books, since this is the first time I have read her works.

I received this book free for my honest review from Booksneeze.com

Wildflowers from Winter Excerpt

This summer I reviewed the book Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert.  That post is here.  Well, if you want to get a sneak peak before buying the book, here are the first couple chapters!   I hope you will take a moment to read these chapters, and then go and read the book.  I am looking forward to reading her new book when it comes out in March.    

Against the Tide by Elizabeth Camden

From the publishers: "As a child, Lydia Pallas became all too familiar with uncertainty when it came to the future. Now, she's finally carved out a perfect life for herself--a life of stability and order with no changes, surprises, or chaos of any kind. She adores her apartment overlooking the bustling Boston Harbor, and her skill with languages has landed her a secure position as a translator for the U.S. Navy.

However, it is her talent for translation that brings her into contact with Alexander Banebridge, or "Bane," a man who equally attracts and aggravates her. When Bane hires Lydia to translate a seemingly innocuous collection of European documents, she hesitantly agrees, only to discover she is in over her head.

Just as Bane's charm begins to win her over, Lydia learns he is driven by a secret campaign against some of the most dangerous criminals on the East Coast, compelled by his faith and his past. Bane forbids any involvement on Lydia's part, but when the criminals gain the upper hand, it is Lydia on whom he must depend."

This was one of the best historical fiction books I have read in a while.  The main and supporting characters were both realistic and likeable (or non-likeable, when you were supposed to not like them.)  Lydia and Bane were both strong characters who were written with real depth.

I liked that the love story wasn't a quick throw together, and that there were real obstacles that had to be overcome.  The love story isn't clean, and for once the character's flaws are hard obstacles to deal with.  Lydia doesn't stay pretty and neat, but nor is she careless.  Bane is hard when he needs to be and really is the better of the two characters.  

Another part that was well crafted was the spiritual side.  In many Christian fiction books the characters have sudden "aha" moments where they come to know God.  The way one of the characters comes to know God is much more realistic to how it is in real life.  And I thought it was woven well through-out the story, without it being trite or preachy.  Well done Elizabeth Camden.

I read through the book quickly because I was so engaged, but now I was to go back and re-read it and enjoy it all over again.  I would definitely recommend this book to others.  

This is the first book I have read of Camden's but it will not be the last one!

I received this book free for my honest review from Bethany Publishing.

Isle of Shadows by Tracy L. Higley

From the publishers: "Revised and updated from the original, Christy-award finalist Shadow of Colossus.

Enslaved in a World of Money and Power, Tessa Dares to be Free.

Raised as courtesan to wealthy and powerful men, Tessa of Delos serves at the whim of her current patron, the politician Glaucus. After ten years with him, Tessa has abandoned all desire for freedom or love, choosing instead to lock her heart away.

But when Glaucus meets a violent death in his own home, Tessa grasps at a fragile hope. Only she knows of his death. If she can keep it a secret long enough, she can escape.

Tessa throws herself on the mercy of the Greek god Helios, but finds instead unlikely allies in Nikos, a Greek slave, and Simeon, Glaucus’s Jewish head servant. As Simeon introduces her to a God unlike any she has ever known and Nikos begins to stir feelings she had thought long dead, Tessa fights to keep her heart protected.

As an assassination plot comes to light, Tessa must battle for her own freedom—and for those to whom she has begun to open her heart—as forces collide that shatter the island’s peace."

I have never read the original work Shadow of Colossus so this review is simply related to this book.  The story moved quickly and each section was by a day.  The book covers seven days, but each day has many chapters.  I enjoyed that aspect of the writing because I felt each day was filled with meaningful interactions with each character.  However, because it only covered seven days, the love story seems a bit fast, but it was still engaging to read.  

Tessa's position as a hetaera was interesting to read, and made her strong willed character believable during that time period.  The reader will enjoy not only the main story line  but also the history of Colossus.  What I love about historical fiction is learning more about the time period.  Higley also has a little section in the back of her book that gives more history.  

The book also includes a discussion guide for group discussions.  

I would recommend the book for light reading that also teaches you more about one of the seven wonders of the world.

I received this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for  my honest review.