Katie Ganshert: Wildflowers From Winter

Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert
Review By Mary A. Hake

Wildflowers from Winter provides an intimate look into one woman’s life and her struggle to overcome her tainted past. Bethany Quinn is dealt several tough blows as her dream life of being a successful architect begins to crumble. Can she renovate herself as she has the buildings she’s worked on? She’s forced to return to her despised rural hometown for a time, where she is thrown into assisting her former best friend and her grandfather’s hired hand.

This powerful novel deals with loss and finding one’s way through grief. Don’t read the back cover copy first—it gives away too much of the story. I like the joy and adventure of discovering things as I read. And this book is one you won’t want to miss. Even though it deals with sorrow, readers will find hope in the midst of pain.

The insights gleaned can spill over into anyone’s life journey, just like wildflowers bloom profusely following a severe winter. Katie Ganshert’s strong characterization and flowing prose in this debut novel make me long for her next one.


Wildflowers from Winter at AMAZON

Annie Try: Psychological Suspense

Losing Face by Annie Try,
Review by Mary A. Hake

Annie Try has crafted a touching book that takes readers into the world of two teen girls in England, as told through their own words. The friends communicate online and share chapters of events from their troubled lives—quite vulnerable and authentic. Emma Jennings, who has been in a number of foster homes, is “best mates” with Cassandra Briggs, who is brutally injured in an auto accident. The novel’s title, Losing Face, speaks of the serious injury Cass suffered, from which she wonders if she can ever recover or if she’ll always feel like a freak.

Personal perceptions and relationships—with family members, friends, schoolmates, and romantic—are addressed as the girls deals with real life. They struggle to handle negativity from within and without and help each other overcome. This story can encourage readers of all ages to cope with their own trials.

I was drawn immediately into the interaction between Cass and Em, and the events and reactions seemed so true-to-life. I also enjoyed the British terms, even if I didn’t know what all of them meant. The vocabulary doesn’t prevent American readers from enjoying the poignant tale.


Available (as of the date of this article) for $3.99 on Kindle

Nikki Arana: Thriller

The Next Target by Nikki Arana
Review by Mary A. Hake

The title of this riveting novel may sound like a mystery thriller. In a way it is, but not as you might expect. The Next Target delivers a behind-the-scenes view of a radical Muslim plot to turn America into an Islamic nation. Muslims who dare to explore or accept Christian truths face threats and even death. Set in California, this story feels too true and will open your eyes to what could actually be occurring right now.

A young female student in Austia’s English language class is the victim of an honor killing because she turned to Christ. Zaki, a new Muslim employee at the Career Center, prompts suspicion. Is he trying to learn more about Austia’s true purpose behind teaching Muslim women to speak English? Austia’s husband had been killed trying to share Christ in his Kuwait homeland. Will his widow also become a casualty in this spiritual battle?

Nikki Arana’s powerful tale works its way into your heart. I believe this is a life-changing book that will make readers think about the potential of current issues and how they could make a difference. It has made me more aware of how Muslims think and motivates me to pray for their eyes to be opened to God’s truth.


BOOKS BY NIKKI ARANA

By the Light of the Silvery Moon

By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer
Review by Mary A. Hake



This fictional account, set on the Titanic, draws on destiny and human nature as the dramatic story unfolds. Amelia Gladstone is traveling to America to meet a man with whom she’s been corresponding. In fact, Mr. Chapman funded the trip and hopes this will lead to their marriage. Accompanying Amelia is her aunt, Neda, who raised Amelia from age six after her mother went back to serving as a stewardess aboard ship and was never heard from again. Her cousin, Henry, ends up in jail, so Amelia bestows his ticket on an unfortunate man she meets while they’re waiting to board.

Quentin Walpole’s life parallels the parable of the prodigal son and the longing father. He’s ready to shake off his failures and seek a new future. Returning to the country of his birth also means returning to the land where he caused his mother’s death. How can he face the pain? And he continues to avoid his wealthy father since he knows he’s devastated him too. His brother, Damien, works to ensure Quentin won’t bring his father further pain.

Both brothers are attracted to innocent Amelia and she to them. But what about sensible Mr. Chapman? She feels compelled to remain loyal to her benefactor, yet her heart calls for a different conclusion. And then comes the unforgettable disaster, which submerges these romantic notions along with the sinking ship. Has she lost her true love?

Tricia Goyer takes readers on a fantastic voyage of history, romance, and suspense, throwing in some surprises before the Titanic disappears from sight. She truly brings the voyage and the passengers to life. I think this novel would make a great movie too.


BOOKS BY TRICIA GOYER AT AMAZON

Amish Fiction: Kate Lloyd

Leaving Lancaster by Kate Lloyd
Review by Mary Hake



This Amish novel with a different approach offers a heart-tugging read. During her teen running-around years, Esther left her Pennsylvania Amish community with Samuel Fisher, whom she married in California. Samuel was drafted and lost his life in Viet Nam. Their daughter, Holly, now 37, lives with her mother above their Amish Shoppe in Seattle, Washington. Esther had told Holly her parents were dead and she didn’t know where her siblings lived, so Holly grew up without the extended family she longs for.

Esther’s mother, Anna, has written her letters over the years and relates how her health has deteriorated, begging her only daughter to come home. Esther reluctantly agrees to return to her childhood home, dragging resentful Holly along on this redefining journey. What a contrast in lifestyles they encounter! And just when Holly is getting to know her relatives, she learns the clan intends to move to Montana, where farmland is plentiful.

Throughout the story, guilt and secrets are uncovered, aggravating painful wounds from the past but they also create opportunities for change and healing. Can all the lies and hurtful words and deeds be forgiven so reconciliation can occur? Esther believes Samuel’s mother hates her and there’s no hope for any relationship. Holly is determined to get to know her grandparents and find answers about the dad she never knew.

To all the turbulent emotions stirred among family, add a dash of romance. Anna’s Mennonite neighbor has a single son, Zach, a handsome, successful veterinarian who comes to Holly’s aid more than once. And widowed Nathaniel has been attracted to Esther since their school days.
Could these two distressed women find love in Lancaster? Would they be willing to leave their city lives and choose plainer ways?

I enjoyed this book with its authentic feel, and I couldn’t restrain my tears at a most powerful scene. It does go overboard with similes that shout “look at me” rather than move the reader deeper into the tale, but those are easily overlooked since the book calls you to keep reading. I hope the story will continue in a sequel.

Love Inspired Mystery: Christy Barritt

Race Against Time by Christy Barritt
Review by Mary Hake

Tension and suspense grip the reader from the first sentence. The danger feels real and keeps the pages flipping as we Race Against Time with the characters. Madison Jacobs, a widow with a young son, is attacked in her own home. Her neighbor, police detective Brody Philips bolts to her rescue. This pattern of threats and attempts to save continue throughout the fast-paced novel.

Although I suspected the identity of the murderer early in the book, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment as I rooted for Brody to stop the serial killer. Christy Barritt weaves a web of the connections that prompt the Suicide Bandit’s choice of victims, all pointing to the guy he’s targeting.

Amidst the turmoil and fear, a longing to love and be loved surfaces. Madison thought she would never want another romantic relationship since losing the one you love hurts way too much. Brody has never found a woman he felt drawn to commit to for a long-term relationship. Could their mutual attraction turn into something substantial—do they want it to?

This story also deals with guilt and forgiveness for the past. The deeper issues enrich the tale and offer hope for the future. Race Against Time is more than a simple mystery thriller. Read it for escape. Read it to help you heal from the past. Read it to help you grow in trust.


BOOKS BY CHRISTY BARRITT AT AMAZON

Amish Fiction: Laura V. Hilton

Promised to Another by Laura V. Hilton

Review by Mary Hake

Schoolteacher Annie Beiler may not fit the typical Amish persona, but she steals your heart as she seeks to find her own true love. She’s feisty and spontaneous, but also a thinker and a lover of history. Attracted to one of the transplanted boys from Pennsylvania, Annie wonders why Joshua Esh seems to pay attention to every girl but her. When her former beau returns from the “Englisch” world to reclaim her, Annie balks. She no longer cares for Luke, but how can she convince him?

Joshua has his own secret, which he keeps from Annie even as their relationship develops. Will his deceit cost him her love? Continued misunderstandings threaten to drive them apart. Yet, other circumstances are at work, along with potential tragedies. How can any good come from all the negatives in their lives? Unexpected plot twists make this story one you’ll remember.

Laura V. Hilton’s third book set among the Missouri Amish completes her “Amish of Seymour” series. I’ll miss these wonderful and intriguing characters. She did a great job at bringing the people and place to life. It seems so real I wish I could visit them.

Books by Laura V. Hilton at AMAZON