Christy J. (southernsassygirl) reviewed Wildflowers from Winter (Wildflowers from Winter, Bk 1) on + 180 more book reviews
Bethany Quinn's life is the definition of success--cushy job at a prestigious architectural firm, great apartment in Chicago, and a boyfriend that's an up-and-coming big-city attorney. When she gets an urgent call out of the blue from her mother that she needs to return to podunk Peaks, Iowa, she sends her frustration and ranting into the universe and reluctantly makes the trip...the trip that sends her back to her Grandpa Dan, the one whom she could always depend on. What she doesn't count on is the handsome hired help at her grandpa's farm, a man who does nothing but argue with her at every turn. Bethany also doesn't count on the childhood memories from Peaks that continually flood her mind, and remind her of things she'd rather forget. Before all is said and done, the painful, lifelong decisions that she needs to make won't come without some much-needed soul searching, and the release of her own selfish control.
Few authors capture the raw tension and depth of emotion that Katie Ganshert has in her debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter. She explores the intensity of grief, the hypocrisy of a church pastor, and a series of childhood events that shape an adult woman into someone cold and unfeeling. Bethany's character is complex and flawed, and when merged with stubborn Evan and grieving Robin, the combination of all three produces an unforgettable story. It's not difficult as a reader to see some of your own self in any one of these characters because as they peel back the layers of grief, hurt, and depression, the final result makes the title of this book take full shape.
It's clear after just one novel that Katie Ganshert has a very bright future Christian fiction. Wildflowers from Winter is guaranteed not only to be an poignant read for some, but a ministering read for many.
Few authors capture the raw tension and depth of emotion that Katie Ganshert has in her debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter. She explores the intensity of grief, the hypocrisy of a church pastor, and a series of childhood events that shape an adult woman into someone cold and unfeeling. Bethany's character is complex and flawed, and when merged with stubborn Evan and grieving Robin, the combination of all three produces an unforgettable story. It's not difficult as a reader to see some of your own self in any one of these characters because as they peel back the layers of grief, hurt, and depression, the final result makes the title of this book take full shape.
It's clear after just one novel that Katie Ganshert has a very bright future Christian fiction. Wildflowers from Winter is guaranteed not only to be an poignant read for some, but a ministering read for many.
Dee W. (dwolters) reviewed Wildflowers from Winter (Wildflowers from Winter, Bk 1) on + 63 more book reviews
Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert, book review.
This novel started a little slow for me, but was very enjoyable to read. Bethany Quinn has overcome her small town beginnings and is now a successful architect in Chicago with a lawyer boyfriend. An unexpected call from her estranged mother leads her back to her hometown and old memories.
Robins husband has been declared brain dead, but she does not want to sign the papers for his organs to be donated. Maybe he will wake up and this will all go away. Bethany, her childhood friend, and Evan, her brother-in-law, try to aid her in this terrible time of grief and heartache. And then Bethanys grandfather dies. In his will he gives Bethany the 500 acre farm and Even the farm house, cattle and equipment. Bethany is ready to sell the land to open her own firm. Evan just sees all he has worked for about to be taken from him.
This story of modern families torn apart by poor decisions and unrealistic expectations, also shows that Gods grace is for all. This will be a good vacation take along book. The story moves well and keeps your interest.
Disclaimer: I was provided an advanced readers copy of the book by Waterbrook Press. All opinions expressed are my own.
This novel started a little slow for me, but was very enjoyable to read. Bethany Quinn has overcome her small town beginnings and is now a successful architect in Chicago with a lawyer boyfriend. An unexpected call from her estranged mother leads her back to her hometown and old memories.
Robins husband has been declared brain dead, but she does not want to sign the papers for his organs to be donated. Maybe he will wake up and this will all go away. Bethany, her childhood friend, and Evan, her brother-in-law, try to aid her in this terrible time of grief and heartache. And then Bethanys grandfather dies. In his will he gives Bethany the 500 acre farm and Even the farm house, cattle and equipment. Bethany is ready to sell the land to open her own firm. Evan just sees all he has worked for about to be taken from him.
This story of modern families torn apart by poor decisions and unrealistic expectations, also shows that Gods grace is for all. This will be a good vacation take along book. The story moves well and keeps your interest.
Disclaimer: I was provided an advanced readers copy of the book by Waterbrook Press. All opinions expressed are my own.
Renee C. (steelergirl83) reviewed Wildflowers from Winter (Wildflowers from Winter, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
Wow! I really can't ever recall reading a Christian fiction book with this much emotion. Seriously people, I think I cried a total of ten times while reading this one. It's listed as romance but it is so much more than that. I don't know about you but when I think romance I think something that you read when you just want an escape but aren't expecting a whole lot of depth so that leads me to declare that this is so much more than a romance! It's far from the standard fare of fluff and puff that I've been reading lately with it's great message (minus the "preachy" factor) and so much raw, gritty emotion from each of the characters, not just Bethany. As such, it lends to the authenticity of the story and a connection to ALL characters that you don't always get when reading a romance. There is so much you will take away from this story. Rediscover life, love, and God along with Bethany in this great fictional debut that reads like a true story. Katie Ganshert just made a new fan in this reader with Wildflowers from Winter. I cannot wait to read Robin's story which will hopefully include more of Evan and Bethany.
*ARC provided by publisher at author's request in exchange for posting my honest review.*
*ARC provided by publisher at author's request in exchange for posting my honest review.*
Mary N. (maggysue) reviewed Wildflowers from Winter (Wildflowers from Winter, Bk 1) on + 811 more book reviews
Such a good book! Wildflowers from Winter is the first novel by Katie Ganshert and what a debut. Highly recommended!
I thought this was an excellent book, it dealt with many issues and did so beautifully, showing Gods mercy without making you feel like you just sat through a sermon like some Christian Fiction does. This is a highly recommended book.
From the very first line, I knew this would be a novel I would fall in love with. I did that and so much more.
There are so many elements to this story that I loved. A woman with a hidden past, she doesnt even want to confront, finds herself in the last place she ever wanted to be. And she just might be falling in love.
The writing is so incredibly strong. The characters grow from the very first page. Subtle twists to the plot keep the story always moving forward. And I wasnt sure to expect with each new chapter.
Its the kind of novel I *love* to read. Dialogue that zings, characters that have so much growth to make, but as a reader, I cant help loving them anyway. A plot that makes a reader so eager to know how it all ends, and yet writing that makes me to want to stop and just savor every word.
In short, I really didnt want it to end.
Katie Ganshert may be a debut author, but this novel does not read like a debut. Surely she has been holding out on us and there is a published backlist. And yet there is just enough room to grow in her writing, that I know the next book will be even better.
Its that kind of book. Womens fiction/romance fansthis book will become your new best read. Its making my 2012 best list. Easy!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for an advance copy to review.
There are so many elements to this story that I loved. A woman with a hidden past, she doesnt even want to confront, finds herself in the last place she ever wanted to be. And she just might be falling in love.
The writing is so incredibly strong. The characters grow from the very first page. Subtle twists to the plot keep the story always moving forward. And I wasnt sure to expect with each new chapter.
Its the kind of novel I *love* to read. Dialogue that zings, characters that have so much growth to make, but as a reader, I cant help loving them anyway. A plot that makes a reader so eager to know how it all ends, and yet writing that makes me to want to stop and just savor every word.
In short, I really didnt want it to end.
Katie Ganshert may be a debut author, but this novel does not read like a debut. Surely she has been holding out on us and there is a published backlist. And yet there is just enough room to grow in her writing, that I know the next book will be even better.
Its that kind of book. Womens fiction/romance fansthis book will become your new best read. Its making my 2012 best list. Easy!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for an advance copy to review.
Siobhan T. (siobhankt) reviewed Wildflowers from Winter (Wildflowers from Winter, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
I really love this author. She never disappoints. The book was beautifully written and moved me to tears several times and also made me laugh. It was a good read with a great ending.
Sherry K. reviewed Wildflowers from Winter (Wildflowers from Winter, Bk 1) on + 188 more book reviews
Bethany Quinn left her hometown of Peaks (along with it's memories & her best friend Robin) to pursue her dream of being an architect. She's been working at a prestigious Chicago firm for awhile now and along with dating a good-looking but shallow lawyer, her dream has become a reality. Then she receives a phone call from her estranged mother that causes her to return to Peaks. Robin is dealing with a crisis and her grandfather has had a heart attack. Bethany decides to handle what she needs to handle and leave as quickly as possible. Then she meets Evan Price. He's taken care of her grandfather and his land for the past several years. Now she's inherited that land. And just what is she suppose to do about that? It's not long before she receives unexpected news from Chicago, which will now extend her stay in Peaks. When Bethany reveals her plan for the land, Evan fights her decision but knows she is one determined lady. And even though he's frustrated with her he also feels a tugging in his heart. Evan drives Bethany crazy but he also gives her goosebumps she's never had before. In the time shes been in Peaks, she's felt hard-pressed to reconcile the God of her youth and the God she sees now. Will Bethany continue to hold tightly to the past (hurts and all) or will she learn to let go and allow God to show her who He really is?
Wildflowers from Winter is a well-written, emotionally-stirring tale that's full of very true-to-life characters. I honestly felt like they could just walk right off the page into my living room. I found the dialog to be very realistic as well. We all have our issues and, like Bethany, our past is what shapes us into who we are today. With that in mind, I appreciated how the author so carefully displayed that God can still work in our lives despite how we feel and in spite of what we think. The story deals with some very deep emotions. The emotions of hurt, anger, loss, grief, pride and hypocrisy. I think those are emotions that have touched all of our lives. And though you'll find a lot of angst among the pages, you'll also find a lot of hope. We can all use a good dose of that! If you're looking for a story that will challenge your emotions then I would definitely recommend Wildflowers from Winter. I am now looking forward to Wishing on Willows!
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (May 8, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0307730387
ISBN-13: 978-0307730381
*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review*
Wildflowers from Winter is a well-written, emotionally-stirring tale that's full of very true-to-life characters. I honestly felt like they could just walk right off the page into my living room. I found the dialog to be very realistic as well. We all have our issues and, like Bethany, our past is what shapes us into who we are today. With that in mind, I appreciated how the author so carefully displayed that God can still work in our lives despite how we feel and in spite of what we think. The story deals with some very deep emotions. The emotions of hurt, anger, loss, grief, pride and hypocrisy. I think those are emotions that have touched all of our lives. And though you'll find a lot of angst among the pages, you'll also find a lot of hope. We can all use a good dose of that! If you're looking for a story that will challenge your emotions then I would definitely recommend Wildflowers from Winter. I am now looking forward to Wishing on Willows!
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (May 8, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0307730387
ISBN-13: 978-0307730381
*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review*
