Book Review: Spark by Jason Jaggard

Photo from Waterbrook Multomah site

Publisher/Date: Waterbrook Multnomah/August 21 2012

Spark is a deceptively small book with a very large impact! At 206 pages, less than a third of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, it does not seem a heavy read. The phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” truly applies here. 

Jaggard has redefined terms that we as Christians have heard to the point of desensitization. “Faith”…”hope”…”love”…”risk”…”change”…words that we are all too familiar with become fresh and relevant in the context of today’s world and bring a message that is timeless. He defines a “spark” as a risk, small or large, that impacts our lives and those around us. He points out that “risk” is a very subjective term, and that what is a risk (in the sense of doing something different than our norm, a real change in our routines, habits, and outlook) for one person is not for another, and that every person can take a risk…create a “spark.”

The founder of Spark Good, Jaggard has created a small group model (which most Christians in today’s church are familiar with), in which Spark groups meet for five weeks. During those weeks, each member agrees to take one small risk per week for 4 of the weeks, and each week the group discusses the impact of the “sparks” created. There is no set curriculum or resources needed (though there is a short guide available) to begin or host a Spark Group.

Jaggard uses multiple anecdotes and stories from his own life and the stories of many others to illustrate his points. We see how small changes created big results, and get a real understanding of what a single “spark” can do.

The writing style is somewhat journalistic, with short paragraphs separated by double-spaced lines, very like a blog (or this review), with few to no long-running sentences. Some reviews I have read since finishing Spark have complained about this style, but personally, it appeals to me. It keeps ideas a bit more organized and concise.

One complaint I have read that I see (limited) merit in is that Jaggard tends to repeat himself often, and uses too many anecdotes and examples to illustrate his point. While I agree that some parts of the book were repetitive, I disagree that it is too much. I find that people absorb more if they hear it more than once. In a fiction piece, a theme or idea is repeated endlessly in example, metaphor, or statement, and while it is not often used in nonfiction writing, it isn’t unheard of, and in this book, I do not find it boring or overdone.

I myself am a risk-taker and have little qualms about trying new things or “thinking outside the box,” so I really identified with the premise of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Spark, and am looking to start a Spark Group at Living Hope Fellowship. I think that anyone can benefit from what Jaggard has to say, and like to imagine what our world would look like if more of us created our own “sparks.”

Spark entry on Waterbrook Multonmah's site  


another bligger's review of Spark

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Director for LHF, and likes to kick out boxes' walls. Mrs. McGinnis received a review copy of this book at the Catalyst Dallas Leadership Conference, but not as part of Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books Program. Her opinions are her own.

Rosaleen Reviews: In Jesse's Shoes (book) by Beverly Lewis

This book, written at a roughly first- to second-grade level, deals with a sister who gets frustrated dealing with her brother Jesse, who is disabled. Below is a video of how Rosaleen, a five-year-old member of Living Hope Fellowship, felt about the book after having it read to her—she is still an early reader and not able to read it by herself. She does, however, enjoy flipping through and looking at the bright watercolor illustrations.


Since Rosaleen is still learning to read and cannot truly "write" a review, I recorded a video where she answered my questions about the book.

One additional note: Rosaleen’s friend Hunter is not mentally disabled, as Jesse is in this book. He does have Aspberger’s Syndrome (“highly functional” on the Autism Spectrum), and Rosaleen has learned to understand that he sees the world differently, and the two enjoy spending time together often.


I personally love this book. Beautifully illustrated, it also is well-written, articulate but easy to understand, and shows a definite familiarity and appreciation for disabled children. The story deals with a “normal” child’s frustrations in a way that is simple, but realistic, and overall was an enjoyable read for myself as well as Rosaleen. I would definitely recommend that parents purchase it for their children, grandparents for their grandchildren, and teachers for their classrooms.

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF. This book was received from Bethany House for review. The opinions expressed, however, are those of the reviewer and person posting.

Review: Moonblood by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Publisher/Date: Bethany House/2012


The third in the Tales of Goldstone Wood series, Moonblood is the story of Prince Lionheart’s search for Rose Red, whom he banished in a moment of rash decision after pressure from the people of his kingdom. He enter Goldstone Wood, a mysterious place that connects the world of Faerie to the worlds of men. Entwined in Lionheart’s tale are the stories of Rose Red and her goat Beana, King Vahe and his Queen of Arpiar, and the knights Imraldera, Eanrin, and Oeric, a unicorn who has betrayed what is good, and the mysterious Prince of Farthestshore, as well as an eclectic and varied cast of characters, some from the previous Tales of Goldstone Wood, Heartless and Veiled Rose. All the stories move toward Moonblood, a magically powerful time when King Vahe plans to sieze power over both the worlds of men and Faerie.


While this is the third Goldstone Wood book, I had no trouble diving into the story, as Stengl gives very rich detail as the story progresses, including enough back story to understand the present. In fact, reading this novel has piqued my interest and I am eager to read the previous two to truly get “the whole story.” The characters are wonderfully flawed, with the heroine/damsel in distress Rose Red being an unsophisticated, grotesque creature but kind and a bit stubborn. Lionheart hardly lives up to his name, as he is a coward, woefully self-preserving, and quick to make excuses for his poor choices. Many characters are bitter, proud, angry, hateful, anguished, selfish, spiteful, and just plain grumpy. Even those that are noble are far from perfect, such as brave Sir Oeric, whose dark past hangs about him like a wet, clinging fog. Of course, there are kind, joyful, wise, jolly characters, and many are a delightful mix of ups and downs. And there are dragons, a simple must for any self-respecting fantasy tale!


To say that Stengl has an exceptional mastery of words would be an understatement. She is an artisan, a craftsperson of great talent, who weaves together countless details to produce a tapestry that is vibrant, engaging, and has a culture all its own, certainly equal to classical masters such as Shakespeare, C.S. Lewis, or Tolkkien, and contemporary to today’s giants such as J.K. Rowling. Her story, though it contains many elements we expect from fantasy stories and fairy tales, is put together in a way that seems fresh, keeps the reader interested, and provokes thought (something lacking in so many fiction books, especially those in Christian categories). Embedded in the beautiful dramatic narrative are spontaneous burst of humor, refreshing, witty, and immensely pleasing.


If I had one complaint about this novel, it is that amongst the exquisite writing, the Christian allegories I was expecting weren’t obvious. Not that obvious is always a good thing, but when I read the critical acclaim for the previous novels on the cover, I expected something different. The previous books were compared to Narnia, which is rife with Christian allegory and allusion that it’s not exactly easy to miss. I suppose I was expecting that, and it wasn’t until the end that it was that apparent (I can’t be more specific without some major spoilers). Still, when it was present, it was very well-done, and nothing about it was un-Biblical, trite, or condescending. It is likely that my somewhat dissatisfaction was due more to my assumptions than to Stengl's writing.


I truly enjoyed this novel, and as stated before, I look forward to reading the previous two tales, as well as the upcoming novel Starflower, which we were given a teaser for in Moonblood. I believe any reader of fantasy fiction would enjoy Moonblood, and perhaps learn something about grace, love, and themselves while doing so.


Extra links:
Goodreads.com entry for Moonblood
Check out Anne Elisabeth Stengl on Goodreads, Facebook, Bookreporter.com, Amazon, and her blog on Blogger.


Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF, and a complete sci-fi and fantasy geek. Seriously. She has a cat named Saavik (it's from Star Trek, look it up). This review of Moonblood is strictly the opinion of Mrs. McGinnis. The novel was provided by Bethany House in exchange for a review. 

Giveaway: Gospel of Yes by Mike Glenn

Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah for sending us copies of Mike Glenn's Gospel of Yes to giveaway (and boo to UPS for damaging the package before delivering it to the wrong house...at least the books are ok)! We've already given away 2 through church and we have TWO more to giveaway to our readers!


I loved this book! I found it truly inspiring. I would recommend you read my full review of this book. You can also check out the official Gospel of Yes Facebook page, or follow Mike Glenn on Twitter.




To enter,  just comment below. Tell us what book you read most recently that impacted you (it doesn't have to be a Christian book or a Waterbrook/Random House publication). You must include a contact email address to win. Comment by Sunday, July 22, at 11:59PM CST.


Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF, and an avid reader. You can find her on Twitter when she can tear herself away from books and "Where's My Water?" on her iPhone (she eve wrote a blog about it!). The original Gospel of Yes review was completed for the Blogging for Books Program and the book read was provided by Waterbrook Multomah. The four giveaway books were provided separately also by Waterbrook Multomah for use as seen fit by LHF in their blog, church, and community. Opinions expressed in the review are strictly those of Melissa McGinnis. Opinions expressed in the comments on this or any post on fellowship fragments are strictly those of the poster.

Interview with Katie Ganshert, Author of Wildflowers from Winter

Released May 8, 2012, Katie Ganshert's Wildflowers from Winter has given great credit to the Christian romance novel. Myself not generally being a fan of the genre, I was pleasantly surprised and delighted when I read it (you can read my review here).


I was even more surprised and delighted that Mrs. Ganshert agreed to an interview, Without further adieu, here it is!



Q: What inspired you to write Wildflowers From Winter?
A: Sleep deprivation! At the time, our son was a wee little baby. I was up late one night nursing and the voice of this twelve-year old girl came into my head. I couldn’t get her out. So I sat down and wrote the prologue. Then spent the next couple weeks trying to figure out why this girl would try to take her own life at such a young age.


Q: Which character do you most identify with in Peaks?
A: Probably Robin. She and I are definitely a lot more alike than Bethany and me. Robin is quick to love, while Bethany is much more reserved. Robin stayed in her hometown because she loved it, while Bethany couldn’t get away fast enough. I’m proud to say I still live in my hometown. It’s hard for me to identify with Robin in her grief, because I’ve never had to go through what she’s going through in the novel. But man, my heart sure goes out to her.


Q: Which character has been the most difficult to create and write? Is there a character that you don’t particularly like, even though they may be necessary for the story?
A: I definitely am not a fan of Pastor Fenton, but he was necessary for the story. To be honest, I struggled with him quite a bit. A lot of prayer went into my decision to portray a pastor in a negative light, especially since there are so many God-honoring, grace-filled, Bible-preaching pastors/preachers out there and the last thing I want to do is perpetuate any stereotypes. But in the same breath, I know people who’ve been badly wounded by the church. I wanted to explore that topic and Pastor Fenton was a necessary vehicle for the exploration. 



Q: Whose feedback on Wildflowers From Winter have you enjoyed the most? The most fulfilling?
A: Man, God’s really blessed me with some amazing, amazing feedback. Feedback that absolutely humbles me. Because who am I that God would use me to encourage and touch readers’ hearts?



Here’s an email from a reader that left me in tears (happy ones, of course):
I just finished reading Wildflowers from Winter. I was NOT expecting to be stunned by this book. I thought it would be another modern romance. Sweet. A light read. I was indeed stunned. I kept asking myself, how could someone so young learn to write so effectively about grief? Let me tell you, dear young lady, you have found your calling. Not only is your writing the kind that “sings” – your content is weighty and moves my heart. I am going to send a copy to a friend who is floundering in her faith. She is disenchanted with Christianity and angry at God for a hardship she had to endure. This is JUST the book for her. Thank you for hanging on to your dream. For pressing through all the critique sessions. Who are you? One gifted writer with an anointing from God to understand human hearts.


I read this in the midst of a very discouraging day. The message couldn’t have come at a better time. Reading that this woman was going to share my story with someone who was struggling in their faith made me feel incredibly humbled and incredibly blessed. It was such a pertinent reminder that this journey isn’t about book sales or accolades, it’s about telling stories that offer hope to a hurting world.


Q: Are we going to see many of the same characters in Wishing on Willows other than Robin? Is there anything we can expect that you can reveal (it’s ok, we understand you gotta keep up the suspense).
A: LOL! Yes, there will be more familiar faces than just Robin’s. Bethany certainly doesn’t play a leading role in Wishing on Willows, but you’ll get a glimpse into her life, and Evan’s too. 


All I can really say at this point—since I haven’t finished revisions yet—is that the story takes place four years later. Robin is a single mom trying to keep her struggling café afloat. There will be romance, some familiar places and some familiar faces. The story is all about letting go of the familiar and not letting fear get in the way of God’s best for our life. You can see the cover on the Wishing on Willows page on my website.


Q: Tell us your “salvation story.”
A: I grew up in a semi-religious home. We went to church on Sundays. I went to a religion class on Wednesdays. I always thought that as long as my good outweighed my bad, I was good to go. I believed in God, but it was all head knowledge. I never had any sort of personal relationship with Him. I didn’t even know that existed.


My freshman year of college, my boyfriend at the time wrote me a letter about his faith and I have no doubt God used that to get my attention. So for the first time, I opened a Bible and read Matthew. Then Mark. Then Luke and John. It was like God speaking directly to my heart. I got down on my knees and told God I didn’t want to do this thing called life on my own anymore. I wanted Him to take over. I wanted Him be my Lord. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made. You can read a more detailed account of my personal testimony on the faith page of my website. 


Q: What is your favorite Scripture and/or Biblical figure and why?
A: Right now, my favorite Scripture is Zephaniah 3:17. 


For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. 


I’ve really been meditating on that middle part. How amazing is it that we worship a God who will calm our fears with His great love? This means so much to me lately, as we are in the process of adopting a little boy or girl from the Congo. The entire process is risky and expensive and overwhelming. I rest in this promise from Zephaniah.


As far as favorite Biblical figure, I’d have to say Rahab. She was a prostitute, looked down upon by society. Seen by men as an object. Seen by women as something disdainful. Yet God saw through the scars and the shame and made her a part of His plan. He used her to save the Israelites. And she found redemption. She is proof that nobody is too broken, too scarred, too beyond-hope for Jesus. He makes all things new. 


Q: We know the best writers are avid readers. Who is YOUR favorite writer?
A: Oh man, there are so many authors I enjoy! It’s so hard to pick one. But I guess, if I had to choose, I’d say Francine Rivers. I’m not sure anything will ever top the Mark of the Lion trilogy. What a powerful story! I reread them at least once a year.


Q: If you were stranded on a island, which five books would you want to have with you?
A: I won’t count the Bible, since that’s so much more than a book.
Let’s see… I’d want a good variety.
Mark of the Lion trilogy (let’s pretend I get a three-in-one set and this counts as one book…pretty please?)
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins 


Q: We know you’re a real person who has a real life outside of your novels. Just for fun, what’s your favorite household chore? Your least favorite?


A: I think “favorite household chore” has to be an oxymoron, right? ;-)
My favorite is probably cleaning the kitchen because it’s the only time I watch TV and I love a clean kitchen. 


My least favorite is definitely vacuuming the furniture. We have a black lab who sheds like crazy and a three year old son who is just….a three year old boy. So the furniture gets dirty and vacuuming is not fun. 


Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of writing?
A: Going on dates with my husband. Playing make-believe with my wild-child of a son (his imagination is off the hook). Reading, of course! Being a junior high leader at my church—clowning around with a bunch of crazy junior high students keeps me young. Going on walks. And meeting friends at Panera for bagels, honey green tea, and girl talk.


Q: How and when do you set up and find time to write with a busy little man around the house?
A: It’s definitely a challenge! But I think anytime we passionately enjoy something, we make time in our schedules for it. There’s nothing quite like writing a novel—the characters become so real and inevitably, God teaches me something valuable. So writing has to be a priority. I try to make my priorities God first, my family second, writing third. Granted, I don’t always succeed. But I try. To stick to it, I usually get up early in the morning so I can spend time in the Word and with my latest story before I hear my little boy’s feet running across his bedroom floor.


Q: What advice would you give an aspiring writer wanting to “get in” this business/ministry?
A: Persevere. Rejection and waiting are inevitable parts of the writing journey. I like what my agent said in a blog post once. Start seeing each no as a wall placed in front of you. If you want it badly enough, you’ll scale the wall and come out stronger on the other side.
Here’s my take…
If penning stories burns in your heart and if pursuing publication draws you to your knees, closer to God, then that’s an amazing place to be, regardless of what happens. 
I have more practical advice on the writer’s corner page on my website. 


Q: Have you ever had a Christian “geek out” moment, like meeting a celebrity or going to an awesome conference (or both)? What was it?
A: Do you mean like an awe-struck moment? Or an embarrassing moment? I’m not a star-struck kinda gal. I’ve definitely gone to conferences and have had the pleasure of meeting some fantastic authors that I really admire. But I don’t think I geeked-out. 


As far as embarrassing moments, I have those at least once a day.  Once, at a writing conference, a waiter spilled soup down my back (and I mean, down my back) and in his mortification, tried to clean it for me. I about jumped out of my chair. I must’ve made a funny face, because my table mates laughed pretty hard. Bless the waiter’s heart, he felt horrible. 


Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: Just a big giant thank you! For reading my book. For interviewing me on your blog! For helping me get the word out about my debut novel! I’m so grateful for all the supportive people I have met because of this writing journey. Thanks for being a blessing to me!
Oh, and I’d also love to point people to two quick things. The Wildflowers from Winter page on my website has all kinds of fun bonus features for readers who fell in love with the story. And if you’d like to read Wildflowers in your book club, please check out the book club page and take me up on my Skype offer! I love chatting with book clubs about my book!



Thank you, Mrs. Ganshert, for sharing with me and with those who are reading this. I personally am looking forward to Wishing on Willows with great anticipation!


Find Katie on Facebook, Twitter, and online. You can also check out her blog here. You can also check out Waterbrook Multomah, the publisher, here, including their Blogging for Books Program.


To WIN your own copy of Wildflowers for Winter signed by the author, comment below. One random comment will win. Must comment with a contact email address by 11:59pm CST Wednesday, June 27. Winner chosen by random.org.

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Program Director for LHF. She received a copy of Wildflowers from Winter through Waterbrook Multnomah's Advanced Reader Copy Program, and was not compensated in any way for reading or reviewing the book, nor for publishing the above interview. Katie Ganshert was not compensated by Melissa McGinnis or Living Hope Fellowship for this interview. All opinions expressed belong only those who expressed them. 

Review: The Church Unique by Will Mancini

As an author, Will Mancini explores the dynamics of casting vision and moving the church forward through his book, Church Unique: How Missional Leaders Cast Vision, Capture Culture, and Create Movement.  He is also a talented church consultant or clarity evangelist, as he describes himself, bringing his valuable knowledge as a pastor and educator into the arena of vision casting for all-sized churches.  His group, Auxano, is named from the Greek word that Luke used to describe early church growth in the Book of Acts.  As a conference speaker, his charisma and knowledge of simplistically sharing the elements of steering the Church in today’s complexities provides the conferencees a blue-print plan of organizing their church.  He is multi-media and social media savvy, having a twitter post and blog spot in order to reach the new emerging leaders of today.  Will Mancini is influenced by his family and the job opportunities as a chemical engineer, pastor, and advertising agent.
  
The thesis of this book is that through a micro-cultural perspective of itself, the Church can identify its uniqueness or missional make-over through living the vision of God that creates a movement-oriented church, a surety to its DNA.  

He begins the book with an introduction where he delivers his story and process that is uniquely his to share.  He entices the reader to dig deeper and search for the elements of their own ministry context and the subsequent definitions of DNA.  He divides the book into four sections, each having specific connotations to visioning.  In his first section, author Mancini writes about recasting vision in respect to being a unique church.  He determines think-holes or barriers to leaderships, debunks the fallacies of strategic planning by allowing creativity to flourish and uses comprehensive historical perspectives to build a leader’s wider perspective of numerical church growth. Lastly, he compares church-goers and their identity with area space of ministry.

The second section of his book offers a clear path to clarifying vision, its benefits and barriers and how it is achieved and communicated.  He offers common-sense direction at pursuing God with an articulate vision or mantra. He stresses the importance of leading a life attuned to God and living out the vision He places upon His children.


Expressing the vision is the basis for the third section of the book.  This is the building-block process of declaring the definition of the vision.  It is the hands-on approach of seeing the vision with new eyes and reacting with certainty the way to embrace the missional mandate the Lord places upon individuals, leaders and churches.   Author Mancini offers a mapping tool to strategize a church’s mandate for vision and development.  In the expression phase, he explains in a further chapter the marks, the “clear ideal and the working definition of a disciple” that are the benchmarks of Christian examination.  [2008:154]   Mancini then furthers his framework analysis by expressing the urgency of communicating properly through being grounded, radical, connectional and daily evolutional.  Lastly in this section, he writes about the need to push forward, keep focus, measure progress, and ask for honest input.


Part four of the book advances the vision through never allowing the status quo to dictate your mission/ministry, keeping the vision aligned and attuned and by transforming hearts in the community in order to create community change.  The author closes by advancing thoughts of uniqueness upon each church, its culture and its community.


Several questions arise as to the author’s subject that is relevant to my context with Living Hope Fellowship: 1) what really is the most important thing to say to a core group to begin to cultivate the desire to communicate the vision of LHF at all levels? 2) After completing the conversation with a core group, how will we remind and disciple people in our church culture context that we are sent from God every day? 


With these questions in mind, I find that I have often dismissed or overlooked the importance of the aspects of vision.  Mancini carefully lays the ground-work for establishing a vision-conscious church.  The framework is intense and must be scaled to meet different church contexts, but there lies the element of uniqueness that he appreciatively communicates and admires. His usage of the Integration Model to justify weaving vision into the life of the church will expose the vision framework for full engagement among the congregation and leaders.


As a new church start-up and being vision-minded from the beginning, many times as a pastor, I have not contextualized the process repeatedly enough to integrate the vision in everything we do as a church.    In this respect, LHF suffers from lapsing or blurred vision, bad communication and from service fatigue.  In LHF’s current context, it is imperative that the vision be recast to develop a new personal formation of ownership, an ownership that leadership, core members and congregational members will buy into that generates an awareness of LHF as a unique church. In my ministry context, LHF is moving forward with some general discipleship standards as to this vision-process by the partnership forged with Senda Beth-el Church, a Spanish-speaking church, in order to develop an interest in starting a new Spanish-speaking church in Gladewater.  This is differentiating LHF among other churches in the community as collaborators in the Kingdom’s economy.  LHF is broadcasting a clear, simple message of how unique we are to the community.


Pastor Ben Bright is the Missional & Administration Pastor for LHF. This analysis was written as part of his studies at Fuller Seminary online.

Review: Gospel of Yes by Mike Glenn

Publisher/Date: Waterbrook Multnomah, 2012


Too often in church we hear the word “no.” We are told what’s not okay, what we shouldn’t do, what’s not “right.” We are reminded of what we as Christians and the church oppose, but rarely is the word “yes” used regularly In The Gospel of Yes, Mike Glenn (pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church in the Nashville area of Tennessee) discusses why this is a shame and directly contradictory to the Gospel. He shares the stories of people who have accepted their “yes” from God (which is roughly defined, the gifts that God has for you, a culmination of your talents, your purpose, and the beauty you possess because of Christ).


There is not enough blogspace to fully explain how much I enjoyed this book. I found it eye-opening, humbling, and yet uplifting as I read. I realized that although I had accepted my “yes” from God, I all too frequently allow the world try to drown it out with many a “no.”


Beautifully illustrating basic truths such as our worth being in what God gave to save us, our glory in being made in His image, and why Jesus gave the Great Commandments of faith, Glenn explains how one simple word can carry such magnitude. The language is simple, easy to understand, and well-founded in Scripture.


While I believe that every Christian should read this book, leaders should especially because it reveals to us not only how to find our own “yes,” but how to help others find theirs, and encourage them in it. He speaks about the uniqueness of each believer and that in truth, one “yes” does NOT fit all. It is a great read all around and I encourage you to pick it up. 

I could go on and on about how fantastic this book is, but I don't want to give away too many spoilers; besides, there is little I could say to add or better interpret what has already been written within its pages.. Suffice it to say, if you don't read it, you're missing out. Mike Glenn is a gifted writer and this is truly a God-inspired, Scripture-centered work that will change the way you look at yourself, your life, your ministry, your heart, and God's heart.

(This video is a very rough cut. Please be patient with me.)

Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF. This book was provided as part of Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books Program, though her opinions are all her own.

Review: Wildflowers From Winter

To be released on May 8, 2012, this debut novel from Katie Ganshert takes the reader into the story of Bethany Quinn, a professional girl in a professional world, who seems to have it all together: great job at a busy Chicago architectural firm, fabulous lawyer boyfriend, and the promise of success ahead. She believes in “standing on one’s own two feet,” and has no use for God or the church Then she gets a call from her mother back in Peaks, Iowa, that sends her life in a tailspin. Her grandfather’s illness, her childhood friend Robin’s tragedy, and the prospect of returning back to the place she worked so hard to escape all combine to frustrate, irritate, and sadden Bethany as she makes her way “home.”

I must admit that I am not one for romance novels, Christian or otherwise, and only read this novel at my husband’s request, as he received it as part of Waterbrook Multnomah’s Advance Reading Copy Program*. I had very little expectation, aside that, until I read the back cover synopsis, I thought it might have a frontier or Amish setting.

I was very wrong, on every count. Ganshert’s characters are believable and though not always loveable (by her design, not poor writing), they are memorable. I personally can relate to Bethany’s desire to “never go home again,” as I myself wanted to “escape” my small hometown. Her story moved me, and I could see why she had no use for the God that she’d known as a child through her mother and Pastor Fenton (a deliciously despicable character). Each character was well-written and the story had a constant forward momentum, with many twists and turns but still realistic. Robin’s story is incredibly touching, and your heart will ache with her in her struggles. You will feel sympathy and disgust for her mother, swoon a bit over Evan, the farm hand on her grandfather’s farm and the ultimate love interest for Bethany, and laugh along with Evan’s humorous family. By the end, my near-disdain had made a 180-degree turn into delight, and I found myself so absorbed I literally couldn’t put it down. I laughed, cheered, and cried rivers of tears, both joyful and sad. I was completely blown away by Ganshert’s attention to detail, and when the “big secret” that had been brewing in the plot and stewing in my mind was finally revealed, I was completely surprised. All this takes place in a modern-day setting, in a place that anyone who’d lived in “small-town America” can relate to easily.

The only complaint I have regarding the writing is that from chapter to chapter, the story point-of-view, and therefore, narrative voice occasionally changes from third-person omniscient (the most common voice of novels, where we see and know everything, including what is not purposely revealed by the characters) to first-person (specifically Bethany), without warning. The first time I thought pages were stuck together. That being said, the copy I read was the ARC program copy and had not gone through the very final stage of editing. Still, after the first time, it wasn’t hard for me to shift my brain with the following changes.

I am very pleased that Wildflowers From Winter has changed my mind about Christian romance novels. This novel is the first in a planned series, and I am eager to get my hands on the next novel, Wishing for Willows. Thank you, Mrs. Ganshert, for a truly uplifting, delightful experience!

www.katieganshert.com/books/wildflowers-from-winter (You can read the first chapter here)

 *For more information about Waterbrook Multnomah’s Advance Reading Copy (ARC) Program, visit them online at www.waterbrookmultnomah.com. 

Melissa McGinnis is the Children’s Ministry Director for LHF, and is a huge fan of Waterbrook Multnomah. Her husband Erin McGinnis received this book as part of the Advance Reading Copy Program (not the Blogging for Books Program). Neither was compensated in any way for this review. Opinions are strictly those of Melissa McGinnis; Erin’s opinion is that “it must be good, because she didn’t surface for three days.”