Noela Nancarrow reviews WHERE WILDFLOWERS BLOOM by Ann Shorey

Where Wildflowers Bloom

Where Wildflowers Bloom (Sisters at Heart, Book 1)

by Ann Shorey

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!

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

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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?

Diana Flowers Reviews When The Heart Heals By Ann Shorey

When The Heart Heals

When The Heart Heals by Ann Shorey

Revell Publishing, 2013

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

4.5 stars

Compelling Historical Romance

In When The Heart Heals, author Ann Shorey takes us on a suspense filled journey into the intriguing life of a lovely young woman's quest for a career, independence, a sense of belonging—and love.

Rosemary Saxon had begun her nursing career in St. Louis during the Civil War, and having moved to the quaint town of Noble Springs, Missouri, wishes to continue in that profession in spite of folks' prejudice against female nurses. Against his better judgement, Dr. Elijah Stewart hires her to assist him in his practice, and instantly begins to butt heads with the willful, but pretty young nurse. Her knowledge of herbs and diagnosing and treating his patients with them is a constance source of contention between the two. In spite of everything, Rosemary's first blush of love blossoms into something much deeper for the handsome doctor.

Before long, Rosemary begins to receive threatening notes and someone vandalizes her herb garden and her greenhouse. Who would do such a thing and why? When Elijah finally proposes to Rosemary and she says "yes", and his supposed fiance flounces into town displaying his engagement ring on her finger...does Rosemary have the courage to remain in Noble Springs? Or is returning to St. Louis the safest solution to all of her problems?

Ann Shorey has penned an engrossing love story with unforgettable characters...humanly flawed but so very endearing. With an intriguing storyline, interspersed with suspense and a spiritual thread of forgiveness, this is one I highly recommend! A nicely written story that is guaranteed to warm your heart, be sure to put When The Heart Heals at the top of your reading list today!

This book is available through Amazon, CBD, DeeperShopping, and your local bookstore.

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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.

Interview with Ann Shorey: Overcoming after Losing the Love of Your Life

Anne Shorey

Ann Shorey is the author of Where Wildflowers Bloom and When the Heart Heals, the first two novels in the Sisters at Heart series for Revell. The third book in the series, Love’s Sweet Beginning, is scheduled for release in February, 2014. She’s also the author of the At Home in Beldon Grove series, also published by Revel.

Ann, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?

            In the late 1980’s, my husband of twenty-plus years was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer. He had recently taken early retirement, we moved to a new community (where we knew no one—although that wasn’t intentional!), and had many plans for a long future together. The book of James says, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” (James 4:4:14a NIV) How true! We certainly didn’t know what awaited us soon after our move.

            Surgery was recommended following the diagnosis, and the surgeon found cancer cells had wrapped around his spine. The surgeon removed all that he could, but the surgery left my husband unable to sit upright or walk without wearing a clamshell-like body brace. He spent three weeks in a rehab facility where we were both taught how to maneuver him in and out of the brace, how to transfer him to a wheelchair, how he could shower—and on and on. As I learned to do things I never dreamed I’d have to master, the Lord was my constant companion.

            Once back home, my husband began radiation treatment and we settled into a routine. We’d been told that some patients with kidney cancer lived as many as thirteen years beyond the surgery. In our case, this was not to be. During his final hospitalization nine months after the initial surgery, one of the nurses asked me how we could show such strength in the face of our circumstances. Right there in the hospital corridor the Lord enabled me to share my faith with her. (Pausing here to re-group. This is hard to write about.)

            When my husband died, I believed my life was over. Instead, the Lord has opened doors that I didn’t know were there. I’d always wanted to write, and my first published article was for a bereavement magazine, telling of our last days together. Since then, so much has happened, immeasurably more than I could ever ask or imagine. God has given me grace to overcome, grace to persevere, and blessing upon blessing in my life.

When the Heart Heals

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?

Unfortunately, none of my books are available in either large print or audio. They are all available in e-book format, however, which makes it possible to enlarge the font on an e-reader.

Where Wildflowers Bloom

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  

When the Heart Heals deals with the issue of forgiveness.

In Where Wildflowers Bloom, one of the main characters struggles with PTSD in the aftermath of the War Between the States. (An interesting note: in that time period, PTSD was called “Soldier’s Heart.”)

Thank you Ann for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

You can find Ann and her books at www.AnnShorey.com

Two Giveaways: Ann will give away reader's choice of Where Wildflowers Bloom or When the Heart Heals! International-ebook only. Carrie is also giving away a paperback copy of Where Wildflowers Bloom!