Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Wildflowers From Winter

GIVEAWAY!

GANSHERT, KAREN
WILDFLOWERS FROM WINTER

A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built a life far removed from her trailer park teen years. Until an 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 while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance 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. So when Bethany is left the land, he 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 she's not even sure exists?

My Review:
 
Wow -- what a stunning debut novel! Not sure if I have the words to describe the power in Ganshert's! Raw comes to mind first in relation to Bethany. She is buried deep under so many protective layers that I didn't exactly like her at first but I knew there were good reasons for the barricades she'd built up around her heart and it took the whole book  to lay them bear in a gut-wrenching emotional Epiphany that left me weeping.

What a contrast to Evan! Though propelled by anger (and justifiably so in many cases), we get the sense of a troubled past that he has dealt with and become stronger for. Bethany is his total opposite -- at least it looks that way on the surface -- and they butt heads from the very first page. The way Ganshert weaves these two stories together is sheer poetry (as is her delightful way with words.) Compelling scenes draw them closer together and just as quickly tear them apart. Over and over and over again. Their love story is gritty and real and filled with God's grace. A journey that will wring a gamut of emotions out of every reader. This one is worth it's weight in gold!

Giveaway Opportunity:
 
If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Wildflowers From Winter, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 22 2012. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!




27 comments:

  1. As I've seen on different occasions...pick me! pick me! Yes, I really want this book!

    Linda at: desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  2. LOL. I'll do my best, Linda, but the thing about a draw is how random it is, you know? I'll wish you good luck though!

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  3. Please enter my name into your "hat" for Wildflowers in Winter by Karen Ganshert. I have read many positive reviews about this novel, and have placed this book on my wishlist.

    Tammi

    dandtdearing{at}earthlink{dot}net

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  4. Some of my favorite characters are like Bethany. They can have so many layers and it's complex but also interesting. I would definitely like to be entered to read this. Thanks, Kav for the giveaway and review.

    Cambonified[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  5. Thank you so much for not only taking the time to read my debut, but to help spread the word with such an encouraging review and a giveaway! You sure brought a big smile to this author's face this afternoon. Thank you!

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  6. Your welcome, Katie. Thanks for stopping by.

    Good luck Na and Tammi!

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  7. I've heard so many great things about this book! Would love to win it!
    Thanks :)

    sunshine6892 at hotmail dot com

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  8. I have heard good things about this book and would love to read it.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    azladijo(at)aol(dot)com

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  9. Seems like everywhere I go, I keep hearing such awesome things about this book! I would LOVE to win a copy!

    Best wishes, Katie, on a very successful debut novel and on your continued work as a writer! May God touch many lives through your gift of words...
    -Emily
    emily_reynolds(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  10. That's because it is awesome! Good luck Emily -- you too, Jo!

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  11. Oh yes I would soo enjoy reading Kate Ganshert's new book..'Wildflowers From Winter'.I have shared on facebook and twitter.......babyruthmac16ATyahooDOTcom

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  12. I knew you'd love this book, Kav! Katie's amazingly gifted, isn't she? I can't wait for her next novel to come out!

    (Already have this book. :) )

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  13. Another great book that people are raving about. Would love this one! And thanks for your review.
    Blessings....Joy
    ibjoy1953[at]yahoo.com

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  14. Amazing writer is correct, Brenda. Love that she gave us a sneak peek into the next novel too. Thanks for the recommend.

    Good luck Joy and eyeballlucy!

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  15. Katie's first release is obviously a winner. I'd love to own a copy of her book. Thank you for offering this giveaway!
    Nancee
    quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  16. This book sounds so good. I would love to win a copy!

    gwen[dot]gage[at]gmail[dot]com

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  17. Beautiful cover. I'd enjoy reading this.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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  18. Thanks for the Review, I can't wait to read 'Wildflowers from Winter", the cover looks awesome, please enter me in your Giveaway.
    Many Blessings

    ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  19. Sounds great.. I've seen this one around the blogging world and it does look good. Thanks for the chance to win.

    ladettek[at]gmail[dot]com

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  20. Thanks for this great review of "Wildflowers From Winter."

    Congrats Katie on your Debut book. I know it is going to be a fantastic read! I would love to win a copy.

    Blessings!
    Judy
    judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  21. I would love to win a copy of this great sounding book to read! Thank You Terrilea(at)yahoo(dot)com.

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  22. I'd love to be entered for Wildflowers From Winter, the cover and title hint at the drama and hope to unfold. Thanks for a chance!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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  23. Oy -- and there's sooooo much drama, Merry. Good luck! You too, Terri!

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  24. I've heard lots of great things about this book and would love to read it!

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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