Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert

Young, successful architect Bethany Quinn returns to her hated childhood home to show support for the best friend she hasn't spoken to in years. After making the trip because she feels it's the right thing to do, she returns to her life only to be called back to the same hated hometown a few weeks later. From the tragedy of that second visit, her life begins to unravel and no longer fit her plan.

Stuck in a town she hates, rebuilding a precarious relationship with a long lost childhood friend, Bethany finds herself trying to find her way; trying to determine why her life isn't going as she planned.

I enjoyed this book and the story line, although the writing style at times was a bit confusing. The majority of the story is told in third person but a few chapters slip into first person as Bethany tells her own story. The switch is sudden each time it happens and took my by surprise every time.

Overall, it's a good story; a good first effort. The storyline is good and it caused me to look at some of the relationships in my own life. The acknowledgments indicate there is another book coming and I will look for it as I truly enjoyed these characters and watching them develop.

I received this book at no charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Not This Time by Vicki Hinze

I had a very hard time getting into this book. I did not know that it was the third in a series at the time I started reading it. As a result of it being a part of a series, I found it somewhat difficult to get into the characters and story.

As a story, I found it a bit cumbersome to follow. It seemed like there were almost too many characters and the story line seems to sprawl. About two thirds of the way through, I began to truly see where the story was going, and I have to admit I figured out who the "bad guy" was.

I'm not sure I will go back and read the other books in this series; although there was an element that I might like to investigate further. I enjoyed the writing style and will probably look at more books by Vicki Hinze.

I received this book from the publisher at no charge in return for a review.

Torn by Jud Wilhite

I found "Torn" to be an easy read, full of practical advice for handling life when you feel like it's falling apart. We all face disappointment, trials, tragedies and hurts in life. Wilhite has but together many practical suggestions for putting the pieces back together and moving forward.

Ultimately, his premises rest on forgiveness but he walks his readers through other necessary steps before forgiveness can happen. And most importantly, he reminds the reader how important joy is and that it has to be fought for.

Overall, I think "Torn" is a great resource for any individual and would make a great small group study.