Pages

12 September 2013

Noela Nancarrow reviews WHERE WILDFLOWERS BLOOM by Ann Shorey

Where Wildflowers Bloom
Where Wildflowers Bloom (Sisters at Heart, Book 1)

Revell (January 1, 2012)


Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow 
~5 Stars~ *****


Step inside the Lindberg Mercantile and you’ll see two chairs hugging the checkerboard table with the regulars Mr Grisbee and Mr Slocum slouched over a game in process. Pull up a chair to watch the animated game while you’re warming up next to the stove, from the crisp chill outside. A glance over your shoulder will recognize the ever hard-working Faith behind the counter, struggling to make the store run a profit whilst burdened with recent store robberies and her increasingly forgetful grandfather. Perhaps give a nod of encouragement to her, sympathizing as you observe her enduring snobbery and persecution knowing that these days were a time when it was often frowned upon for women to work in professions.

In this realistic and heart-warming historical tale set in 1866 not too long after the Civil War finished, Faith Lindberg desperately longs to leave Noble Springs, Missouri, far behind along with its painful memories of losing her brother and father in the war. She dreams of travelling with new settlers out west to Oregon with her grandfather. Only one thing stands in her way at first, and that is to talk her grandfather into selling. She is convinced she is doing this predominantly for him and will help him to be happier and to thrive once again. Is it herself though, that is trying to run away from the aching memories?

When the handsome Royal Baxter arrives back in town from the war and takes up in interest in her, Faith can hardly believe it. And when he says he will take her to Oregon, she feels her dreams are finally coming true. So then why is it she continues to think of the moody Curt Saxon who works at the Livery? Curt’s sister Rosemary Saxon who was a nurse during the war, has become a close friend of Faith’s, and it pains Faith to have to say good-bye to the best friend she has ever had. However Faith has to do what is best for her grandfather, and soon her plans are well under way.

Before you help pack up the checkerboard pieces, a glance around the store reveals the Sheriff now chatting to Faith about the most recent robbery, prompting an unnerving feeling. Who could it be breaking in and stealing the Lindberg’s valuable merchandise? Another quick glimpse in the direction of the kitchen goods reveals Rosemary busily dusting them with her feather duster, while the Sheriff snatches peeks at her. With a sigh, you head out of the double doors of the mercantile, bemoaning the day its doors will close on this deep-rooted piece of Noble Springs.

‘Where the Wildflowers Bloom’ has a gentle but strong pulse that beats its way into your heart touching your spirit with the messages of friendship and faith, and compelling you with its intrigue and sweet romance. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, Deeper Shopping, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore.
* * * * * * * * *

Two Giveaways: Ann has generously offered to give away winner's choice of When the Heart Heals or Where Wildflowers Bloom! International -- ebook only! Carrie is also giving away a paperback copy of Where Wildflowers Bloom! Don't forget to leave an email address for contact purposes.

QUESTION: Faith develops a special friendship with Rosemary in 'Where Wildflowers Bloom'. What does a being a good friend mean to you?

37 comments:

  1. Oh Noela please put my name in for a chance to win this book. it just sounds so good. Thanks for the great review.
    MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com ( A good friend is someone you know you can always in good or bad times. Someone who you will share things with that you wouldn't with anyone else. Knowing you can always trust them.)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you, and I'll definitely be putting your name in the hat for the draw dear MAXIE!!

    Great definition of a friend Maxie, thanks for sharing. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a stellar review as always, NOELA! I need to read this since it IS the first in the series, but when to find the time!!

    If I looked up the word "friend" in the dictionary, I would see Noela's, Carrie's, Marian's, and Teresa's pics next to it. The Bible says a friend loveth at all times and you girls certainly do. And I love you right back!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awwww how sweet!! And your pic would be right there as well dear DIANA!! You guys to me are the definition of both friendship and love, and I'll always be forever grateful to the Lord for bringing you all into my life. :)

      I'm so glad you liked the review Diana! It was a very different way for me to write a review but it was the way I was led to do it. Diana if you can find a bit of time, I highly recommend it this charming story! I found that it didn't take that long to read it because it flowed along so well and I was really keen for Faith to realize her true feelings, and to see how it would all pan out. :)

      Delete
  4. A good friend is someone who is there no matter what is going on in your life .In the good times they are there, in the bad times they are there and when it seem the world is falling apart it looks black as black at the bottom of the pit they are still there loving you ,helping you ,correcting you with love if need be . Blessings ,Dana " Girl" Spille

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DANA girl, that is a true friend indeed!! One who is there in both good times and bad, and being supportive and encouraging! Blessings back!!

      Delete
  5. Hello Noella. The book sounds wonderful love to win. Loved your review. Have a wonderful day.
    Blessings
    Diana

    joeym11@frontier.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. G'day DIANA and thanks! It's a great story, all the best in winning a copy. I'll be heading off to bed soon as it's nearly midnight, but I hope you have an awesome day Diana! God bless!

      Delete
  6. DIANA hit the nail on the head - A friend loves at all times! I have a friend that, even though we are separated by distance and time, when we're together again it's like we pick up right where we left off. Get it?

    I loved the review, NOELA. Quite an interesting way to write one. It had me hooked from the beginning....now to read the book :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know exactly what you mean ANNE... it's like that 'connection' never frays no matter the time or distance but remains just as strong as always. I have that with my close friends as well!

      Thanks ANNE, I'm so pleased to have hooked you with my review of this awesome story!! :)

      Delete
  7. What a beautiful review, Noela! I love the way this review is written, bringing the reader into the pages of the story and imagining the sights and sounds!

    Being a good friend means loving and encouraging at all times, whether you are together or miles apart!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much BRITNEY, I'm so happy to hear you loved it! I have to admit I was a little unsure about writing it this way, but it seemed it was just the way it wanted to be written, lol!! :) I really hope you get a chance to read this charming story!

      Absolutely Britney, a good friend is always there for you no matter the distance!

      Delete
  8. A lovely review thank you.

    Being a good friend means being there for the good times & the bad times. Really listening & respecting.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you MARY!

      I wholeheartedly agree MARY, a good friend 'really' listens, and gives you respect as well - two very important elements in friendship! Thanks for sharing.

      Delete
  9. It means many things to me. It means being there when you're most needed. It means listening and thinking about someone else's needs before your own. It means being loyal. But it can also mean telling them something they don't want to hear to prevent them from getting hurt!

    Blessings, Amada

    amada_chavez{AT}yahoo{DOT}com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're exactly right AMADA, a true friend won't idly stand by if they see that you're going to be hurt. Loyalty is another important characteristic too! Thanks for coming by, God bless!

      Delete
  10. Can't wait to read this! I absolutely loved the second book (gasp - yes, I read that one first, now I need to read this one!). She comes up with wonderful stories. Great review!
    Good friends are the ones that still listen to you even though you two haven't talked in 6 months. Nothing seems to change and you feel like it was only days since you last saw them. Good friends are loyal!
    lattebooks at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gasp SUSAN - lol, I'm sure it'll be fine though! I don't think it will matter too much - this one introduces us to Rosemary who I believe is featured in the second book. It is a fabulous book however, and if you loved the 2nd book, you will love this one just as much I'm sure!!

      Yep absolutely, good friends are very loyal - and to me, that is so important, especially when you have suffered betrayal in your life. Thanks so much for sharing Susan. Blessings!

      Delete
  11. What a wonderful review sissy, I love how you wrote it!! This sounds so good, I think I have another one to add to my never-ending TBR PILE!!

    I believe being a good friend means loving that person for who they are and not what they can do for you. I'm so glad I was blessed with the best friends ever in you, Diana, Carrie and Marian. I am so thankful for you all!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much sweet sister!! It really is a wonderful story so I hope you are able to find time to read it one day!

      Amen to your comment about friendship!! And I am SO blessed to have such special, life-long friends in you guys as well! Love you!!

      Delete
  12. hi would like this book. Thanks

    Rebecca

    rebeccapearl4@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi REBECCA, thank you for entry! It's a wonderful book and I hope it blesses you should you win it.

      Delete
  13. Hi Noela, thank you for your review of Where Wildflowers Bloom! I'm delighted you enjoyed the story! Sorry to be so slow responding--yesterday was a travel day for me as I journeyed across country to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers conference in Indianapolis.
    Blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome ANN! And yes, I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful story!:) I remembered that you were traveling to the ACFW conference... I hope you had a wonderful and blessed time there!! God bless!

      Delete
  14. Maria thomas- Please enter me for where wildflowers bloom. I think we have all had moments of making a drastic change to start over. Friends seem to go their separate ways as time goes by, but great friends stay in touch. Plainfancy4@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. You are entered in the draw MARIA, thank you for coming by to read about ANN'S book!
    That's so true about great friends isn't it? Time and distance has no bearing! :) Blessings to you!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have several best friends that I have known for 30 years + - if I need help, I know that I can call them 24/7. They give unconditional love & accept me for who I am, faults & all, & expect nothing in return. They support my decisions, but are also wise enough to suggest other options, if they feel them to be to my advantage. They offer suggestions when I need advice, listen when I need to talk, & offer a shoulder to cry on, when needed. They have also helped me move, numerous times, (with my tons of books, & other collections) - no one but a true friend would do that (lol). I'm blessed to have such friends, & do my best to be EVERYTHING they need in a friend.

    A lot of things to like in the storyline of this book - romance, mystery, the west. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They sound like wonderful friends BONNIE!! :) And I'm sure they see that 'special friend' in you too. Bless you!
      Best of luck in the drawing Bonnie!

      Delete
  17. Loyalty, trust, and laughter :)
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    colorvibrant[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes HEIDI, those 3 things certainly make for great friends! You'll find all that in this story too! :) All the best in the giveaway!

      Delete
  18. I would say being understood not for how you appear to be, but for who you really are. I am usually pegged as being extremely quiet, however, they couldn't be more wrong. Growing up, I really didn't have any friends, but when I went to college I literally had instant friends. Most of us are music majors and get along quite marvelously. Being around them has helped to draw me out of myself though. Although I'm out for about a semester, we still keep in touch. I must confess that my cat was my best friend for some time before though.;) Loyalty, honesty, caring, laughter,sound advice, & prayer. Thank you for the giveaway and for sharing your review, Noela. I really enjoyed reading it and I will be on the lookout for Where Wildflowers Bloom. I would love to win! ~ Jules emeraldelena@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much JULIANNA - I loved reading your post and was encouraged by your words. You remind me of me... except for the music part! Love it, just can't play it! Thanks for coming by and God bless.

      Delete
  19. Being a good friend means being a good listener, telling the truth, being encouraging, and loving them, etc. shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I have had many friends through out my lifetime, but god has taken me through changes in the past years, & my friends have mostly been from a distance, which I think was in preparation for my life of travel's with my husband (for his work). It is so nice to know that I have friends who are there for me when I need them, even when I may not be near them. I was just reminded of this, this past week, when a certain ex-family member decided to verbally attack a family member & myself. Even though I was away from wifi (we were flying home from Argentina), many of my friends were there for me, defending me as only friends can do. It is such a great feeling to know you have friends who are there for you, even when there are sometimes, many miles between you and them. This sounds like a great book, & I would love to win a copy. great review.
    Vmarney(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi,I would just like to say,what a true friend means to me.First and foremast ,i'd like to say you have to be a friend to have a friend.Areally good friend is a person that really cares for you and would drop everything at the drop of a hat to be there for you .Their friendship is unconditional and when you need or even just want to talk ,they are always there for you.I've had friends that gave me a place to stay when ,i needed one at the time, we've been snowed in together ,her and her extended family as well as myself and when we had to see by firelight from the fireplace and cook on a coleman stove ,we were all together through hard times and great times.I've lost some of the best friends anyone on this earth could ever have but i know i'll see them again.God bless you all and thanks for the chance to enter this contest..

    ReplyDelete

Google Analytics