Christy J. (southernsassygirl) reviewed Wish You Were Here (Wish You Were Here, Bk 1) on + 180 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I won't sugarcoat the truth here...I almost marked this book as a DNF (did not finish). I made it to the 100-page mark and thought to myself, "If this book doesn't pick up the pace reeeeeeally soon, I don't think I can go on." Well, nothing like a little perseverance, ya know? :o) I went another few pages, then a few more, and then, there was no getting around it...I was hooked.
There's really just one thing I want to highlight from this fabulous debut novel, and that was the balance between Allison and Seth's relationship failing and the new relationship forming between her and Daniel. I mean, honestly...in real life, how many of us would have screwed that up so badly? I'll be the first to admit that it would be me because, like Seth, I have always had this innate need to be in control (or at least, convince myself that I'm in control even if I'm not). But wow, how many times have I jumped the gun ahead of God's plan? More times than I care to count. I was so impressed that when it came to decision time for both Allison and Daniel that things were allowed to take their natural course, and both really allowed God to direct their steps.
Beth Vogt joins a fabulous crop of new fiction writers this year...seriously, they're sprouting up all over the place! I'd love to see a spin-off from this novel featuring either Meghan or Hadleigh (well, a story for both characters wouldn't disappoint me, either). :o)
There's really just one thing I want to highlight from this fabulous debut novel, and that was the balance between Allison and Seth's relationship failing and the new relationship forming between her and Daniel. I mean, honestly...in real life, how many of us would have screwed that up so badly? I'll be the first to admit that it would be me because, like Seth, I have always had this innate need to be in control (or at least, convince myself that I'm in control even if I'm not). But wow, how many times have I jumped the gun ahead of God's plan? More times than I care to count. I was so impressed that when it came to decision time for both Allison and Daniel that things were allowed to take their natural course, and both really allowed God to direct their steps.
Beth Vogt joins a fabulous crop of new fiction writers this year...seriously, they're sprouting up all over the place! I'd love to see a spin-off from this novel featuring either Meghan or Hadleigh (well, a story for both characters wouldn't disappoint me, either). :o)
Helpful Score: 1
Allison Denman is about to marry Seth Rayner, the guy she's been dating for the past 6 years. So how come nothing feels right? She didn't want a big wedding and she hates her frothy dress and now a week before the the wedding she finds herself sharing a kiss with Seth's brother, Daniel. How could she do such a thing? Seth is predictable and safe and to Alli that's comfortable. So why does Alli find herself so drawn to Daniel? Why are the postcards he's sent to her from his carefree traveling so appealing? Allison is not sure how to resolve this whole out-of-control, Rayner brothers mess, but her best friend keeps encouraging her to trust the Lord with her future and stop trying to control everything herself. Will she take her friends advice and release her tight control on life and let God do His work? And with whom will she find her happily ever after?
WOW! When I first looked at this book I thought it sounded like a really cute story. I mean the bride kissing the groom's brother got me right away. And it is a cute story with lots of great humor (which I loved) but it really is so much more than that. This author skillfully tackled some pretty tough subjects like, pornography, cutting, anger and what happens when a parent favors one child over another. How you're raised is very much a part of who you are and how you see the world. But the author also carefully points out, that we don't have to figure everything out, the God who created us can take care of that. We just need to listen to His voice. I really loved getting to know all the larger-than-life characters. Seth was a likeable guy, if you did things his way. Daniel was my kind of hero. Tough yet gentle and understanding. You could definitely see why Allison was so drawn to him. I appreciated Alli's friend Maggie who stuck by her and loved her but was also honest with her. We all need a true friend like that. And who wouldn't like Alli's aunt Nita. What a very loving lady. The Llamas were great addition to the story, and to me, they almost feel human. One thing I really enjoyed was the postcards from Daniel at the heading of each chapter. It really added something special and tied in very nicely with the ending. Wish You Were Here is one of those stories that will stay with you long after you close the book. It would make a great Hallmark movie! Well done Beth Vogt!!! I am looking forward to what comes next!
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Howard Books; Original edition (May 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451659865
ISBN-13: 978-1451659863
File Size: 1716 KB
Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc
ASIN: B005C6GDSK
*I received this complimentary copy from Howard Publishing through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
WOW! When I first looked at this book I thought it sounded like a really cute story. I mean the bride kissing the groom's brother got me right away. And it is a cute story with lots of great humor (which I loved) but it really is so much more than that. This author skillfully tackled some pretty tough subjects like, pornography, cutting, anger and what happens when a parent favors one child over another. How you're raised is very much a part of who you are and how you see the world. But the author also carefully points out, that we don't have to figure everything out, the God who created us can take care of that. We just need to listen to His voice. I really loved getting to know all the larger-than-life characters. Seth was a likeable guy, if you did things his way. Daniel was my kind of hero. Tough yet gentle and understanding. You could definitely see why Allison was so drawn to him. I appreciated Alli's friend Maggie who stuck by her and loved her but was also honest with her. We all need a true friend like that. And who wouldn't like Alli's aunt Nita. What a very loving lady. The Llamas were great addition to the story, and to me, they almost feel human. One thing I really enjoyed was the postcards from Daniel at the heading of each chapter. It really added something special and tied in very nicely with the ending. Wish You Were Here is one of those stories that will stay with you long after you close the book. It would make a great Hallmark movie! Well done Beth Vogt!!! I am looking forward to what comes next!
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Howard Books; Original edition (May 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1451659865
ISBN-13: 978-1451659863
File Size: 1716 KB
Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc
ASIN: B005C6GDSK
*I received this complimentary copy from Howard Publishing through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Helpful Score: 1
So fun. So delightful. Such a great new voice to watch! A perfect weekend read and oh, so much more.
Wish You Were Here has got so much to love! A kiss within the first ten pages? Yes, please! Conflict, love triangles, just a *wee* bit of drama (because what romance wouldnt be good without it?), llamas, some LOL dialogue, but yet a depth to the characters that was well crafted. Awesome.
I love Allison Denman. You can read some much of this character in her actions and she wants her happily-ever-after so badly, but it seems life isnt going to give her one lying down.
Sigh. Daniel is an easy-on-the-eyes hero. He has a great heart, but dont let his outdoorsman exterior fool you. Hes got his own share of problems. Only one being the fact that he kissed his brothers fiancée - five days before the wedding. Yeah. I wouldnt want to be in his shoes.
I loved the depth to the characters. I felt Allison was really well rounded and played wonderfully upon the page. Dont let the cute cover fool you, the novel has its moments of hilarity, but also some serious undertones that compliment it really well.
Id love to see Allison and Daniel get their cameo part two. Maybe a short story, please?
An excellent new voice in Christian Fiction to watch, this novel does its genre proud!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publisher and author for my copy to review/influence.
Wish You Were Here has got so much to love! A kiss within the first ten pages? Yes, please! Conflict, love triangles, just a *wee* bit of drama (because what romance wouldnt be good without it?), llamas, some LOL dialogue, but yet a depth to the characters that was well crafted. Awesome.
I love Allison Denman. You can read some much of this character in her actions and she wants her happily-ever-after so badly, but it seems life isnt going to give her one lying down.
Sigh. Daniel is an easy-on-the-eyes hero. He has a great heart, but dont let his outdoorsman exterior fool you. Hes got his own share of problems. Only one being the fact that he kissed his brothers fiancée - five days before the wedding. Yeah. I wouldnt want to be in his shoes.
I loved the depth to the characters. I felt Allison was really well rounded and played wonderfully upon the page. Dont let the cute cover fool you, the novel has its moments of hilarity, but also some serious undertones that compliment it really well.
Id love to see Allison and Daniel get their cameo part two. Maybe a short story, please?
An excellent new voice in Christian Fiction to watch, this novel does its genre proud!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publisher and author for my copy to review/influence.
