Synopsis:~
Like the winter, grief has a season. Life returns with the spring.A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built the life she dreamed of during her teen years in a trailer park. An unexpected interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa.
Determined to pay her respects to her past while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of five hundred acres of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.
Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. When Bethany is left the land, Evan must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.
For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn’t seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace that she’s not even sure exists?
My take:~
Apparently Katie Ganshert is a debut author ~ she could’ve fooled me! Wildflowers From Winter is an incredible novel from a young woman with a very bright future ahead of her. Tender, insightful and moving, this is the story of up and coming architect Bethany Quinn with a mountain of hurt buried deep in her heart, which threatens to overflow when she is summoned back to her childhood home.
Katie plumbs the depths of human grief, childhood desertion, family dysfunction, religious bullying and sacrificial friendship through Bethany’s journey, uprooting pain and unforgiveness to release joy and healing. As Bethany prepares to sell her surprise inheritance, Evan Price struggles with his anger and attraction to the woman who is causing havoc with his future plans. Their relationship develops naturally from genuine dislike to fledgling feelings then deep attraction that neither will allow to soften their hearts. Bethany’s friendship with the grieving Robin is also beautifully told and a reminder of the importance of our friendships with women.
Katie has penned a beautiful romance, one to rival Denise Hunter at her best, with an authentic spiritual journey that will bring tears of both compassion and joy to readers. Discovering Katie Ganshert’s writing will be one of my highlights for 2012, and I can’t wait to see her writing career blossom from here.
With thanks to the author for my review copy
Relz Reviewz Extras
Interview with KatieKatie’s Author Alert
April 30, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Fabulous review, Rel. You hit on so many of the wonderful gems in Wildflowers. I just finished it a couple of days ago and was truly moved. Katie tells a heart wrenching tale full of amazing hope.
April 30, 2012 at 10:28 pm
I was privileged to read an advance copy of this book, and–like you–I couldn't believe this was Katie's first book. I predict many more before she's done.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
May 1, 2012 at 4:43 am
An excellent review, Rel, one that echoes many of the thoughts I had about Katie's stunning debut. She's a gifted writer, and I'm eagerly awaiting her next book.
May 1, 2012 at 4:12 pm
This book first caught my attention from the cover. It's beautiful! Your review makes it even more inviting. A lot of deep issues in one book! Thanks for the review.