Helpful Score: 1
You know that feeling of finding a great book? The kind of book whose characters ride the tide of your emotions and pull so deeply on the heart strings that they just might be real people?
What a minute? Who says they arent?
Dont answer that.
My point? Some books have thatthat star quality that make them soar. Wishing on Willows has that quality and so much more.
Its hard to fit this book into the right box because there isnt one out there labeled specifically for it. I wouldnt say its a romancethough its such a sweet love story. A love story between Robin and her son. Ian and Robin. Bethany and Evan. The older couple who visit the diner. Amanda and Jason. I wouldnt call it womens fiction, though there are strong elements of that genre woven all through the story.
Would I call it perfect? Pretty close to it. Its a delicate symmetry, a balance between lyrical writing and character emotions and actions that make them so incredible loveable. I think Ian had the ability to melt my heart more times than should be allowed through the story.
There is a talent for story woven so perfectly through this novel that its like taking a deep breath and not needing to breathe again. I left myself behind and joined their lives.
Now that is good storytelling
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.
What a minute? Who says they arent?
Dont answer that.
My point? Some books have thatthat star quality that make them soar. Wishing on Willows has that quality and so much more.
Its hard to fit this book into the right box because there isnt one out there labeled specifically for it. I wouldnt say its a romancethough its such a sweet love story. A love story between Robin and her son. Ian and Robin. Bethany and Evan. The older couple who visit the diner. Amanda and Jason. I wouldnt call it womens fiction, though there are strong elements of that genre woven all through the story.
Would I call it perfect? Pretty close to it. Its a delicate symmetry, a balance between lyrical writing and character emotions and actions that make them so incredible loveable. I think Ian had the ability to melt my heart more times than should be allowed through the story.
There is a talent for story woven so perfectly through this novel that its like taking a deep breath and not needing to breathe again. I left myself behind and joined their lives.
Now that is good storytelling
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the author for my copy to review.
Mary N. (maggysue) reviewed Wishing on Willows (Wildflowers from Winter, Bk 2) on + 811 more book reviews
A little sad, but the story is filled with wonderful characters. Recommended!
Jessica Allen (allenjess11) -
Plot: I really enjoyed the plot. It was real and simple, but it was intriguing and entertaining at the same time. There wasn't too much happening, but enough to stay engaged with the story.
Characters: I really enjoyed the character development in this story. It really was essential to the story. Watching the characters grow and change as the story develops and learning things about the characters and how they fit together was in itself romantic and beautiful.
Themes: The main theme in this book would be moving forward. Robin is stuck between who she was with her husband and the dreams they shared and moving ahead with her life and taking the next steps.
Emotion: The emotion was great at times and only okay at others. It was easy to identify with the characters, but not always in a deep intimate way.
Overall: I really enjoyed this book and the characters. As I said, it was just a simple story, but it was very well written and entertaining.
---I received this book for free from the publisher for this review.---
Characters: I really enjoyed the character development in this story. It really was essential to the story. Watching the characters grow and change as the story develops and learning things about the characters and how they fit together was in itself romantic and beautiful.
Themes: The main theme in this book would be moving forward. Robin is stuck between who she was with her husband and the dreams they shared and moving ahead with her life and taking the next steps.
Emotion: The emotion was great at times and only okay at others. It was easy to identify with the characters, but not always in a deep intimate way.
Overall: I really enjoyed this book and the characters. As I said, it was just a simple story, but it was very well written and entertaining.
---I received this book for free from the publisher for this review.---
Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert
Book 2 after Wildflowers From Winter
Robin Price has come a long ways. Surviving the grief of losing a husband, Micah, raising their son and starting her own business. The Willow Tree Cafe had her heart and soul poured into it. A dream come true, only it was supposed to be with Micah. Now some developer has come to town and wants to bulldoze her dream.
Ian McKay wanted to prove to his dad he could do something right. A failure and loss in his personal life was reflected in how others looked at him. He would succeed at making a deal in Peaks and putting condominiums up. If only he could get past the stubborn but beautiful widow.
We met Robin in Wildflowers From Winter, I suggest reading this book first. Katie walked the reader through such real emotions with Robin, denial, tears, barely hanging onto sanity. In this book she brings back the real emotions. We see how Robin is not looking for someone new in her life and struggles with guilt, even at the thought of it. The daily grind of running a hurting business along with raising a three year old son. And trying to be everything to everyone. It also addresses some real issues in Ian's life. How other peoples choices can steal from others. Excellent story.
**Book received through Waterbrook Multomah Publishing Group for review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2012/02/waterbrook-multnomah-publishing-group.html
Book 2 after Wildflowers From Winter
Robin Price has come a long ways. Surviving the grief of losing a husband, Micah, raising their son and starting her own business. The Willow Tree Cafe had her heart and soul poured into it. A dream come true, only it was supposed to be with Micah. Now some developer has come to town and wants to bulldoze her dream.
Ian McKay wanted to prove to his dad he could do something right. A failure and loss in his personal life was reflected in how others looked at him. He would succeed at making a deal in Peaks and putting condominiums up. If only he could get past the stubborn but beautiful widow.
We met Robin in Wildflowers From Winter, I suggest reading this book first. Katie walked the reader through such real emotions with Robin, denial, tears, barely hanging onto sanity. In this book she brings back the real emotions. We see how Robin is not looking for someone new in her life and struggles with guilt, even at the thought of it. The daily grind of running a hurting business along with raising a three year old son. And trying to be everything to everyone. It also addresses some real issues in Ian's life. How other peoples choices can steal from others. Excellent story.
**Book received through Waterbrook Multomah Publishing Group for review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2012/02/waterbrook-multnomah-publishing-group.html
Robin Price is struggling. Her husband, Micah, died several years ago leaving her a son to raise and a gaping whole in her heart. She found some form of healing when her best friend, Bethany, helped her open Willow Tree Cafe`. It fulfilled a dream she and Micah shared. Though business isn't booming, her very soul is tied up in the cafe` and the folks who come through it's door. Now a developer wants to build condos where the cafe` sits which means not only losing the cafe but an important ministry that's housed next door. Ian McKay is the project manager of the Peaks condo project. He wants to make his father proud by making this project successful for McKay Development. The town seems to be wooed by his good-looks and charm, all except Robin. Both are stubborn and passionate people. As the struggle ensues, Ian sees Robin's compassion and grace but he also sees her grief. And it moves him. Robin sees a side of Ian that gives her cause to ponder that there just might be more to the man than she first thought. Will Robin and Ian stubbornly hold onto the past, or will they find that their toughest challenge of letting go, will actually be their greatest blessing?
Excellent, exceptional, emotional, encouraging, and entertaining, all come to mind when I think of Wishing on Willows. I read the whole thing in practically one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. The story was so complex in nature that it's difficult to define all the things I loved about it. The characters are so endearing and realistic. Easily relatable. The author writes in such a way that you feel every emotion of every character. To me, that's excellent writing. The message of hope rang loud and clear. Sometimes the Lord is fighting for you in a way you didn't ask for or expect. That's encouraging. I loved that Bethany and Evan were very much a part of this story. For me, that made this story exceptional. Though this story is loaded with deep emotions you will find splashes of humor right when you need them. I found that entertaining. My only wish, besides not wanting it to end, is that there would have been an epilogue. Does that mean there might be another story??? I would love to see more in this series because I have come to love Peaks and the Price family. As a side note, I would like to compliment the cover designers with how well they captured an important element of the story. Well done. Although you could technically read this as a stand-alone, I would encourage you to read Wildflowers in Winter first (also an excellent story). Wishing on Willows is on my favorites list and one I highly recommend, but be ready to have your emotions challenged! Katie Ganshert has definitely become one of my favorite authors. Great job, Katie!
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (March 19, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0307730409
ISBN-13: 978-0307730404
*This complimentary copy was provided by WaterBrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review*
Excellent, exceptional, emotional, encouraging, and entertaining, all come to mind when I think of Wishing on Willows. I read the whole thing in practically one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. The story was so complex in nature that it's difficult to define all the things I loved about it. The characters are so endearing and realistic. Easily relatable. The author writes in such a way that you feel every emotion of every character. To me, that's excellent writing. The message of hope rang loud and clear. Sometimes the Lord is fighting for you in a way you didn't ask for or expect. That's encouraging. I loved that Bethany and Evan were very much a part of this story. For me, that made this story exceptional. Though this story is loaded with deep emotions you will find splashes of humor right when you need them. I found that entertaining. My only wish, besides not wanting it to end, is that there would have been an epilogue. Does that mean there might be another story??? I would love to see more in this series because I have come to love Peaks and the Price family. As a side note, I would like to compliment the cover designers with how well they captured an important element of the story. Well done. Although you could technically read this as a stand-alone, I would encourage you to read Wildflowers in Winter first (also an excellent story). Wishing on Willows is on my favorites list and one I highly recommend, but be ready to have your emotions challenged! Katie Ganshert has definitely become one of my favorite authors. Great job, Katie!
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (March 19, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0307730409
ISBN-13: 978-0307730404
*This complimentary copy was provided by WaterBrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review*
