Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Escape to Manawa! ~ The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad ~ Review


I’m just a bit sad as I write this review. Why? Because book three in the “Manawa Summers” series has come to an end. A very satisfying end, but an end none the less, thus the part of me that is sad.

            Once you’ve traveled to Lake Manawa, Iowa, you will never want to leave. Having spent three books there, felt the sand between my toes, the sea breeze on my face and made friends with Marguerite, Emily and Lilly, I promise you I will be visiting again and again and again…

            Lilly is the star of “The Ride of Her Life” and the poor woman definitely has a ride – and it’s not all roller coaster thrills. A budding romance that might require more daring than she’s willing to chance, in-laws that should (I’m sorry) be hung by the toes for the torture they put their former daughter in law through and the cutest little boy you will read about in today’s Christian fiction.

            The novel is darling. I love the characters. The romance. The little boy (yes, I know I already mentioned him, read the book and you’ll know why). The setting is truly escape-worthy. Tension abounds, along with the scent of flame-torched fried chicken. Nick is a stand-out hero, one I really wanted to see get his happily-ever-after. Perfect.

            A hidden escape that becomes an intimate gathering of all that makes a good novel so incredibly enjoyable. Escape to Manawa Island, you’ll be so glad you did!

            This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.

            **Available May 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker publishing.**

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More about the novel...

The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws' home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa. However, her in-laws find that life utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and when a row ensues, a handsome stranger--who designs roller coasters, of all things--intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky (though charismatic) gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.Filled with delightful characters and the romance of summer, 

The Ride of Her Life is another supremely entertaining story from the witty Lorna Seilstad. Readers will laugh out loud and sigh contentedly as they spend the summer of 1906 in Lake Manawa.

13 comments:

  1. So this book is part of a series? I have had my eye on this book because the cover is so stinkin cute!
    I'll have to look these books up.

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    1. YES! And the first one still remains my favorite of the three, ever!! Making Waves is #1 and A Great Catch is #2. All THREE are totally worth reading. Over and over. ;-)

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    2. Thank you Casey, I will definitely have to look into these :-)

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    3. Ha! I had to come back here and double check what the title was - Making Waves e-book is free through CBD. so I am downloading it.

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  2. Okay, I need to read this series. Not only does your review convince me, but it takes places in Iowa?! Going to Amazon.com now... :)

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  3. Love your review, Casey! This one is up next for me -- I can't wait! :)

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    1. It's a fun one. You'll get hooked. ;-) Have you read the other two yet, Michelle?

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  4. Casey,

    This book sounds great - it's on my Goodreads to read list!

    Glad I found your blog and I've nominated you for a KREATIV BLOGGER award. Go check out my post:

    http://beckydoughty.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/blog-award-from-me/

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    1. Always great to share awesome reads! Thanks for the award, Becky. :-))

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  5. Hi Casey! I awarded your blog The {Booker} Award! Here is the link to my post for all the info: Christian Bookshelf Reviews

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  6. This was the best of the three in my opinion. (Although I have a 1/4 of Emily's story yet to read. ;D)

    This novel was awfully cute.

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  7. This book looks good! It also sounds like a great little escape! I would love to win this one. It's definitely going into my TBR pile.

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