 |
| Lily |
Barbour Publishing, 2012
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
5 stars~*****
A Most Delightful Summer Read!
In Lily, co-authors Diane Ashley and Aaron McCarver, sweep us away to historical Natchez, Mississippi; replete with southern plantations, steamboats, magnificent balls, and the bustling sights and smells of the Mississippi River.
Lily Anderson and her two younger sisters live with their grandmother, and aunt and uncle on Les Fleurs Plantation, after the tragic death of their mother and the abandonment of their father. Lily is feeling forced by her aunt and uncle to marry someone unsuitable, and concocts an incredible scheme...to leave the plantation and live where she has dreamed of living ever since she was a child-on the river aboard a steamship. She talks her grandmother into giving her her inheritance, and purchases the Hattie Belle, unaware that she is half owner with none other than the gambler, Blake Matthews!
Lily and Blake butt heads immediately as Lily wants to deliver cargo such as corn and sugarcane, whereas Blake wants to use it to create the biggest and best riverboat gambling casino on the Mississippi. Although Blake has beautiful, mesmerizing blue eyes, Lily has no intention of ever trusting another man after the abandonment of her father. But, when the wealthy and handsome, Jean Luc, begins to show an interest in Lily, has she finally found a man she can trust? And who becomes the captain of the Hattie Belle?...threatening to turn her world upside down? Who is out to destroy the Hattie Belle's business and why?
Ever since I watched the musical, Showboat, on tv years ago, I have always loved the rich, southern river settings with the steamboats and the big paddle wheels! This is my first novel by Diane Ashley and Aaron McCarver and it certainly did not disappoint. With wonderful main characters, and equally charming secondary characters, I was entranced to the very end! I loved the romantic tension between the main characters throughout the story, and the romance between Lily's slave and a crew member on the Hattie Belle stole my heart. A story of love, forgiveness, and salvation, the satisfying conclusion is guaranteed to leave you grabbing the tissue box.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Diane's books can be purchased through Amazon, CBD and other bookstores.
Diane's books can be purchased through Amazon, CBD and other bookstores.
Giveaway: One of Diane's and Aaron's books will be given away this week. Extra counts given to OWG Followers. Simply put OWG at the end of your comment.
Question: Lily has major trust issues because of her father's abandonment. Has anyone in your life ever caused you to have problems trusting others?
Question: Lily has major trust issues because of her father's abandonment. Has anyone in your life ever caused you to have problems trusting others?
A wonderful and beautiful review DIANA! I am very much looking forward to reading this book!!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I have had people in my life that have shocked and saddened me by their behaviour... and it most definitely has an effect in the trust I have in other people. I have to remind myself frequently that everyone is different!
NOELA, thank you! That is a tough one for me as well. I had so many people misplace my trust as a child (especially my father whom I should have been able to trust more than anyone), that I still have had alot of trust issues in my adult life. But I know there is One that I can trust completely and His name is Jesus!
DeleteYes, I have trust issues because of my father as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Diana!
campbellamyd at gmail dot com
Thank you, AMY! As I mentioned above, that was one of my major issues as well. But thank God we have a Heavenly Father we can trust completely!
DeleteThis book sounds so good! Really looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
joeym11@frontier.com OWG
Hi, DIANA! It's wonderful! Would you like to come back and answer my question above...or are you busy daydreaming about horses and cowboys...like me? lol
DeleteProbably that cowboy I need to learn to trust! LOL
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to give someone back trust once they have broken it. I usually get over it and move on. My main ones are with friends. Has happened one to many times. Sorry Diana I for got to answer it.Now back to the cowboys..... :)
It is hard to trust again once that trust has been broken. I had been hurt by my father and another male family member, not to mention my boyfriend of two years, so for a long time I had a problem even trusting God. I'm so glad I'm doing better with that! Now back to cowboys, DIANA!
DeleteAt last I get over here this week -- been wanting to, but the flu has kept me abed.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the cover, the video, and the review, Diane and Diana!! Been eyeballing this one for a very long time now, so please throw my name in the hat. I LOVE Aaron and Diane -- two of the sweetest people you will ever meet!!!
Hugs,
Julie
JULIE, I dk why your comment went into the spam folder, but I got it out. Praying you are feeling better soon! This looks like an awesome book!
DeleteThey spammed JULIE! I can't believe it! haha JULIE you HAVE to read this one!... also go to older post and read my review of Camellia...you'll have to read that one next! Some of the characters in Lily reappear in Camellia.
DeleteJULIE, I'm so sorry you got that nasty flu bug. I had it, too. Not fun. Praying you feel better in a jiffy!
I have been watching for this book, too, Diana! Great review! Just ordered a regular Kindle copy for myself and for a friend and we're going to add a giveaway of Lily in Kindle for this week, too! Blessings!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it, CARRIE! And yay, an ebook copy for a blessed commenter, too.
DeleteIt is very hard to trust someone once they have done things they shouldn't have. And yes, an ex husband and there was not trusting after the things he did.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, JUANITA. It's always so much worse when it's someone so close to us. I pray you are well on your way to inner healing.
DeleteQuestion: Lily has major trust issues because of her father's abandonment. Has anyone in your life ever caused you to have problems trusting others?
ReplyDeleteYes, I have had someone cause trust issues.
Please enter me in the contest to win a copy of this book.
Thanks!
OWG
CINDI, unfortunately I believe we can all relate. Got your name in my cyber hat here! Thank you for stopping by! :)
DeleteOops, I forgot to add my email addy
Deletecindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
Diana, you have really made me want to read this series! I honestly had not heard of it until I received e-mails from you through the Book club...and now on OWG!
ReplyDeleteI have major trust issues...growing up in a pastor's home
and seeing the way some people treat your family etc...plus in my late teens being raped and preg. It has been really hard for me. But you know God has taught me forgiveness. That was the best thing I had ever done for myself...to forgive others what they did to me. Not that it was okay or to let anyone do it..but when I let it go...God could work in me!
oops I forgot to add my e-mail. It is: sunydey26@aol.com OWG
DeleteOh, JOHNETTE! I am so sorry that you had to go through that. That is for sure every female's worse fear. If you can forgive, anyone should be able to forgive...by God's grace. And you are such a powerful example of that grace. Thank you for sharing that painful experience with us and may God richly and abundantly bless your life.
DeleteJOHNETTE, I am praying for you.
DeleteI am a naturally suspicious person and don't trust easily, not sure if there is a cause for it or if it's just one of my eccentricities/quirks.
ReplyDeleteJasmine A.
montanamade(at)gmail(dot)com
OWG
JASMINE, there might be a subconscious reason for it. I know why I'm not so trusting at times, but I have learned there are still wonderful, godly people that can be trusted. I try to stay in tune to God's voice and when He tells me to back up, I do usually. It's when I don't listen to that still, small voice that I get into trouble. yikes
DeleteTo answer your question, it has always been difficult for me to let go and trust again when someone proves to be untrustworthy. I have a very dear friend who has taught me by example to be quick to forgive and forget. Besides, how can I do less when Christ has forgiven me so much more?
ReplyDeleteThanks Diana, for the wonderful review. Getting to meet the followers on your blog has been a fun and enlightening experience for me. I appreciate having the chance to chat with you, Teresa and Carrie, and the other people who have checked in during this week.
Wow, Julie Lessman! I so adore you and your incredible books, Julie. Thanks for stopping by to say hello. Sorry about the flu and I'm glad you are feeling better.
Hugs to all of the followers who have shared their stories this week. I wish each and every one of you could win a book. I hope those of you who read our series enjoy it and perhaps even find a new perspective on some problem you may be facing. God bless you.
Diane, we have thoroughly enjoyed our week with you on the blog. You are such a gracious and godly lady, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of this week. And a special thank you for the books you write...and the godly solutions you present in all of them. Jesus is the answer to all of our problems!
DeleteI wish we could give everyone one of your lovely books as well...but alas. sigh
We LOVED having you visit with us and our followers this week, DIANE!!! Thanks so much! We will keep praying for you, too. I can't wait to read this series!
DeleteI have been abandoned by both parents, but I have learned to trust God that it just wasn't meant to be. Everything I have been through has made me who I am today. If I hadn't had a rough life I probably wouldn't be so close to God! OWG
ReplyDeletemakeighleekyleigh at yahoo.com
MEGAN, you always have the best attitude! Thank you for sharing and I so hope you get a chance to read DIANE'S books ASAP!
DeleteTrust issues? No, I have been very blessed and sheltered in that respect. Thank God!!
ReplyDeletesusanlulu@yahoo.com
OWG
Thank you for coming by and showing an interest in DIANE'S books, SUSANLULU!
DeleteI know you can take cruises on riverboats/steamboats, wouldn't that be an experience!
ReplyDeleteNo big trust issues for me I guess. Like susanlulu I guess I have been blessed in that respect.
Patty
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Yes, that would be exciting, PATTY! I did take a riverboat cruise at Knotts Berry Farm...a really huge amusement park kinda like Disneyland. Does that count, PATTY? lol
DeleteI can't say I've had any problems with trust issues. Thank the Lord.
ReplyDeleteABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Yes, thank the Lord, APPLEBLOSSOM! And thank YOU for coming by! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful book - I look forward to exploring this new author
ReplyDeleteKIM, please come back and leave an email addy so we can locate you should you be one of our blessed winners! :)
Deletethank you for giving us a chance to enter and win. I am a OWG follower and love to hear of new books and authors. Love to read and review books.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Linda Finn
faithfulacres7@gmail.com
LINDA, welcome to OWG! Diane's books are extraordinary and I hope you can get a copy of Lily in your hands asap! I think you will have a hard time putting it down till that last page is turned!
DeleteI've been lucky in not having many trust issues. A few with certain people, but never kept me from trusting others. I absolutely love this book cover picture. I have always wanted to go down the Mississippi on a River Boat and see the old Plantation homes! But, I'm sure it will never happen.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book so I can see hoe things go between these two . Maxie OWG
Maybe it will someday, MAXIE! But if not, you can take that ride on the riverboat with Lily and Blake in this wonderful novel and get away from it all for awhile! :)
DeleteThis looks really good! I've had some friends that got so busy with their boyfriends and now husbands that I don't see much of them, so it's hard to want to put in the time to make new close friends because it will probably happen again! Seems harder as I get older, too. OWG shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteVERONICA, good friends are few and far between, however God will put friends in your life when you least expect it...w/out you even having to put forth the effort! I won't tell my age on here (ahem), but I never dreamed God would give me some new wonderful and trustworthy friends at this point in my life. He's full of surprises!
DeleteHello everyone...seems like all my friends have already been here! I don't want to miss out on this one - right down my row of books I'd love to read. Historical and in the south...on a river boat..I also loved the musical Showboat!
ReplyDeleteYes, There have been and still are others whose trust I doubt because of their behaviors and betrayals. And - I always need to remind myself of what Jesus would do - and that's difficult, but through Him...it's possible to forgive and forget. There are too many nice people and things to remember to push the bad memories out.
Thanks for this beautiful giveaway. Very appropriate and great review, Diana - you're the greatest of reviewers. Thanks also for the chance to win a great read!
In Christian Joy,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
BARB, your compliments are just too kind. Thank you! And yes, we need to remind ourselves -- what would Jesus do? We must forgive and although it may not be possible to be around that person again, we must go on. As you said there are too many nice people out there to hold on to bad memories of the not so nice ones! Always a pleasure to see you here, BARB, and good luck in the drawing!
DeleteYes, I was hurt badly. It took me a long time to recover & to learn to trust again.
ReplyDeleteOWG
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I'm sorry that happened to you, MARY, but I know most of us can identify. Time heals all wounds they say, and I'm so glad you were able to learn to trust again. Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteIts very hard for me to trust, expecly to trust men. I would love to win a copy of this book
ReplyDeletethanks
jcisforme@aol.com
I'm sorry that you have a hard time with this, JCISFORME but I can certainly identify with your struggle as I had been hurt by males all through my growing up years. But God helped me and I DO trust my husband completely b/c God gave him to me. I will be praying for you. I don't know who you are but God does!
DeleteI have been very fortunate to not have faced many trust issues. Though my dad was always in the field farming - did I mention always?, my mom more than made up for supplying my dreams! Would love to read this book!
ReplyDeletemissionwife@hotmail.com
MELODY! I have missed you - haven't seen you over here in quite some time! You are very fortunate indeed. Thank you for coming by and good luck in the drawing!
DeleteOh yes. I have horrible trust issues with people because of certain people in and out of my life at a very young age. But I know that I can always trust The One that will never let me down. :)
ReplyDeleteAmada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a) Chavez
amada_chavez{AT}yahoo{DOT}com
I'm sorry you had to go through things that caused you to have these issues, AMADA. I certainly understand what that is like! But you are so right. Jesus will never let us down and we can trust Him completely!
DeleteI really enjoyed reading the review today. I have been away from my computer a good share of the week and I am trying to catch up on my favorite blogs. To answer the question, I have been pretty lucky when it comes to trusting people. There have been a couple of situations with people in the past but overall I consider my self fortunate. Oh, and I now follow the blog by email.
ReplyDeleteOWG
Katie J.
johnsonk[at]yahoo[dot]com
Katie J.
Deleteemail correction: johnsonk133[at]yahoo[dot]com
KATIE, I'm glad we are counted as one of your fav blogs! And thank you so much for following OWG! I'm glad you don't have trust issues -- so many people do as a result of actions perpetrated on them by some not so nice people. Thank you for stopping by!
DeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteI've already read Lily and thoroughly enjoyed it. Just wanted to say I love the cover.
VICKIE, we are so honored to have you stop by, and I know DIANE will appreciate it, too. Your covers are pretty awesome as well!
DeleteCONGRATS TO SUSANLULU AND JASMINE FOR WINNING A COPY OF DIANE'S AWESOME BOOKS!
ReplyDelete