Friday, May 4, 2012

An Unforgettable Read - Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert/5 Stars

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.

5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to the author for providing a copy for review.

**Would you like the chance to win a copy of Wildflowers from Winter?  Well, then...  Visit my interview from earlier this week with Katie for more details!


 

12 comments:

  1. Thank you for this, Christy! So glad you were able to resonate with the characters.

    I do have one book written (not yet contracted) that takes place in South Carolina! Hoping it makes its way onto the shelves someday!

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    1. You are most welcome, Katie!

      Oooo, South Carolina, huh? One place I've never been, but always wanted to visit. :o)

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  2. Whoa! Now that's a glowing review :) Must check this book out!
    A SC book location?! Oh yeah...now that's southern ;)

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    1. Anne, it's a great book! Hope you signed up for the giveaway! :o)

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  3. Love, love, LOVE this book. And yes, you captured it so perfectly, Christy!

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    1. Thanks, Casey! I haven't come across a romance/women's fiction book in a long time that was this good.

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  4. I loved this one too, it's early yet but I have the feeling it's going to go on my best books of 2012 list at the end of the year!

    XOXO~ Renee C.

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    1. I'm sensing the very same thing here, Renee! :o)

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  5. I loved Katie's book. It's a moving story that will stay with me for a long time to come. Katie is one talented author with a great voice and super story telling skills! I can't wait for her next book. I wanna hear Robin's story.

    I love your blog. I'm not a southern gal (I live in Northern California), but my mom was from Texas and passed on her love of sweet tea, which is my beverage of choice. =)

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    1. Keli!

      Hi there!! How nice to see another person from a completely different area of the country that likes sweet tea! I tell ya...it's just not common too many other places besides down here. :o)

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  6. It sounds interesting, but I did not see anything mentioned about the Lord or faith. Is there anything in the novel about the Lord? I want it for a church library. Since she is new, I don't know anything about her writing. When you give it 5 stars I usually buy it! Thanks!
    Candace Betts

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    1. Candace,

      Katie is a new author, and writes Christian fiction. I didn't realize until you pointed it out that I didn't mention any of the Christian elements in my review, but trust me, it definitely falls under the category of CF.

      Also, I don't review anything but Christian fiction, so if you see it featured here, rest assured it's in that genre! ;o)

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I love your comments!! They make me happier than cold sweet tea on a hot summer day! :o)