You know that moment when you finish a book and realize, wait, it was just a story, and now you have to set down the book and get back to “real life”?You know that moment when you finish a book and realize, wait, it was just a story, and now you have to set down the book and get back to “real life”? And you try, but the book’s message still lingers in your heart and because of its quality has planted a real-life compassion and understanding of the message delivered in the novel. That how I feel when it comes to Michaela Bush’s books.
This book isn’t the fluff stereotyped by the Christian contemporary romance genre. Yes, it has the love stories, but those are shadowed by the subtle greater love story of God’s powerful redeeming love. I love how realistically and movingly the topics of PTSD and past abusive relationships were handled. The characters with their love and banter were so precious to revisit in this second Faith, Hope, and Love book, and I eagerly look forward to reading book #3 and more by this gifted author....more
Over a month ago, I read this book on Thanksgiving afternoon. It was the perfect Thanksgiving and autumn time read, and I greatly appreciated the themOver a month ago, I read this book on Thanksgiving afternoon. It was the perfect Thanksgiving and autumn time read, and I greatly appreciated the themes of friendship, healing, redemption, and a growing yet solid new faith. Unfortunately I didn’t get to reviewing it right away though I had planned on it, so I don’t remember the details enough to give a full review, but I remember how it rekindled the heart of burnt-out reader like I was at the time and made me want to wave at the world, point them to Fallen Leaves, and tell them “This. Read this! It’s so GENUINE!” It brought me to tears and stunned me with its moving and compelling story.
I haven’t read its prequel Purple Moon which I know is rawer and possibly more controversial, showing the life of the main character on her road of life before she came to the decision to become a Christian. I do want to eventually, but Fallen Leaves stands beautifully on its own as a novel, and it’s not necessary to have read book #1 before you pick up this one.
4.5 stars and fond memories of this Thanksgiving read ...more
A while back, I picked up several books from the Warriors of Aralan series by Katelyn Buxton. Having read three now, I’ve come to know this author forA while back, I picked up several books from the Warriors of Aralan series by Katelyn Buxton. Having read three now, I’ve come to know this author for her character-centered stories and honest portrayal of life—the nitty, gritty stuff that’s real, but relatable to the readers.
As the story started, the young protagonist’s naivety had me worried that I wouldn’t be able to get into the story, but I shouldn’t have been concerned. That quickly became a non-issue as I was pulled into the story and just as curious as Rhoslyn in most cases.
The family element in the story was beautiful. (And I must say after just having read book one before reading this one, I did a little bit of fangirling to see Branwen and Quintin married. Totally called it!) Every character added to the story in a great way. Allister’s character drew me in from the very beginning. His story was the heart-throb that kept me glued to the book.
I really adored this short book, and I’m looking forward to reading more books in the Warriors of Aralan series.
Success. What a difference your personal definition of that one word can make! Destiny’s heard a lot about success; if you asked her, she would tell ySuccess. What a difference your personal definition of that one word can make! Destiny’s heard a lot about success; if you asked her, she would tell you what it meant, how her mother had always told her what a successful life was and how Destiny certainly couldn’t achieve it by pursuing her dreams of writing. Destiny doesn’t care for success like that, but what if she and her mom both have the wrong definition of what that seven letter word means?
Newly graduated from high school, Destiny decides to get away from her tense family relationships and return to her childhood state and town, Swallow Ridge. When she was eight, their family moved abruptly away, away from her Nanny and away from her three cousins whom she spent many happy summers with. Now eleven years later, she is hoping to track down her cousins that she was forbidden to talk about after the move while working at the Noveltea, a local bookstore. But the people of Swallow Ridge, a small town with a community that greatly values family, almost seem to know more about her family history than she does.
When Destiny starts to learn more and even re-connect with Kamryn, Lexie, and Teal, her long lost cousins, she begins to see a choice laid out for her. She can either choose to stay bitter against her mother for tearing her from her cousins and for always putting her down as a writer or take the high road that her boss, Mrs. Reed, talks about and forgive and let go of her bitterness against her mother.
I had very few complaints about this book. It really drew me in, touched me, made me laugh, but also think deeply. With the introduction of every new character, I felt as if I were meeting them. I read once that a skill, authors should develop is to write the secondary and supporting characters to have the attitude that they’re the main character, each showing their own attitude toward to life and their own personality. And Lydia Howe masterfully did that; every character was distinct and added so much to the story. Mrs. Reed was one of my favorite supporting characters.
I loved the small town aspect which Lydia captured beautifully. Destiny’s character arc was so neat to read. Destiny isn’t a Christian, and it’s neat to see take in things through her eyes, seeing how her cousins, who are believers, are different and live their lives in a much different way. But, yet, I don’t feel like at any time in the story, I was being preached at, but there was a lot of food for thought throughout the book as well as the overlapping theme of the consequences of one person holding bitterness and grudges in the course of entire generations.
Where Dandelions Grow by Lydia Howe is certainly going to be a re-read for me, as I thoroughly enjoyed it. *I was given an eARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*
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