Hey everyone!! I hope y'all are enjoying your week because guess what? It's Wednesday! That glorious time in the middle of the week where we can happily say "It's all downhill from here!"
Today's review may or may not have a cowboy...what do you think?
*About The Author*
I agree with Thomas Jefferson when he said, "I cannot live without books." Some of my earliest memories are of my parents reading books to me or -- in the case of my father -- telling stories he made up. And even when they weren't reading to me, my parents could often be found, book in hand. Is it any wonder I decided to teach myself to read? Once I did learn, it was hard to find me without a book. My husband will tell you that that's still the case.
At least in my mind, it's only a small step from being an avid reader to wanting to be an author. From the time I was seven, I was convinced I should be a writer. The type of writing varied with the seasons. For a few months I fancied myself a playwright. Fortunately the teachers in my elementary school indulged me, and my class produced my two plays: "All About Thermometers" and "Hawaii." Neither, I am happy to report, made its way to Broadway.
There was a brief time when I aspired to be a newspaper reporter, but that was soon eclipsed by my determination to be a novelist. All the while, though, I knew that writing was not the easiest way to earn a living, and so it was always going to be a second career. That's why I went to college and majored in French, fully intending to teach at the university level. When I graduated, I married my high school sweetheart and took a "temporary" job as a computer programmer. Although it hadn't been part of my plan, that turned into a permanent career in Information Technology.
Along the way, I've had a chance to do a lot of writing, including four technical books and what I describe as "enough technical articles to cure insomnia in a medium-sized city." (My budgets were also considered to be works of fiction.) Now, though, I'm able to write full time, and for the first time, all I'm writing is fiction.
No doubt about it, I've been blessed. I had parents who nurtured my love of reading and have a husband who's not just my best friend but who's driven tens of thousands of miles to help me research books and who, after all these years, still hasn't lost his sense of humor, even when dinner is late because I have "just one more scene" to write.
When people ask why I write, the answer is simple: it's part of who I am and who I was meant to be. I truly believe this is God's plan for me, and that's why it is my fervent prayer that my books will touch my readers' hearts and strengthen their faith in Him.
If you're looking for more information about me, you may enjoy this TV interview on a Denver-area cable network. My portion starts around minute 12.
At least in my mind, it's only a small step from being an avid reader to wanting to be an author. From the time I was seven, I was convinced I should be a writer. The type of writing varied with the seasons. For a few months I fancied myself a playwright. Fortunately the teachers in my elementary school indulged me, and my class produced my two plays: "All About Thermometers" and "Hawaii." Neither, I am happy to report, made its way to Broadway.
There was a brief time when I aspired to be a newspaper reporter, but that was soon eclipsed by my determination to be a novelist. All the while, though, I knew that writing was not the easiest way to earn a living, and so it was always going to be a second career. That's why I went to college and majored in French, fully intending to teach at the university level. When I graduated, I married my high school sweetheart and took a "temporary" job as a computer programmer. Although it hadn't been part of my plan, that turned into a permanent career in Information Technology.
Along the way, I've had a chance to do a lot of writing, including four technical books and what I describe as "enough technical articles to cure insomnia in a medium-sized city." (My budgets were also considered to be works of fiction.) Now, though, I'm able to write full time, and for the first time, all I'm writing is fiction.
No doubt about it, I've been blessed. I had parents who nurtured my love of reading and have a husband who's not just my best friend but who's driven tens of thousands of miles to help me research books and who, after all these years, still hasn't lost his sense of humor, even when dinner is late because I have "just one more scene" to write.
When people ask why I write, the answer is simple: it's part of who I am and who I was meant to be. I truly believe this is God's plan for me, and that's why it is my fervent prayer that my books will touch my readers' hearts and strengthen their faith in Him.
If you're looking for more information about me, you may enjoy this TV interview on a Denver-area cable network. My portion starts around minute 12.
*Book Description*
Kate Sherwood is used to her fact paced advertising job. That's why it's so much of a culture shock when her ailing grandmother and her arrive at the dilapidated old resort from her grandmother's past fifty years ago. Kate expected it to be bad...just not nearly this bad. But when she spies a handsome handyman fixing their cabin window she realizes there just might be a silver lining...
Greg Vance doesn't know what to make of the beautiful blonde that just showed up at Rainbows End...or the fun banter between them. Greg came to Rainbows End to try and make sense of his life but now he's just more confused! Spending time with Kate is nothing but dangerous for him...so why does he do it?
When Kate begins to see Rainbows End's, and Greg's, potential is God directing her to her pot of gold? Or will the promotion she's always thoughts she's wanted steer her away from the country life that's beginning to grow on her?
*What I liked*
First off, I feel the need to mention how incredibly adorable this cover is. Seriously, Amanda, it's great. Second, I LOVE the angle you used with the friendly banter Greg and Kate had with each other. A lot of authors make their characters start out hating each other which is good too but I have to say I love that you chose a different path with their friendship/teasing. I also must say, I loved the grandmother's conniving. It's something I'd picture my grandma doing so I can relate. Her friendship with another character in the book that will remain nameless was so sweet too. :)
*What I didn't like*
I can't say that there is too much I didn't like. One thing that bothered me was the fact that Kate originally treated Greg differently thinking he was "just a handyman" instead of a border. However, that is a part of life everyday so that "flaw" just stands to make the book more relevant.
*My Rating*
I give At Bluebonnet Lake...
4 1/2 stars!
*Why my rating is what it is*
My rating is 4 1/2 stars because it isn't my ALL TIME favorite which is where I usually reserve 5 stars for fiction books. However, I loved the characters, their stories, and the sweet friendships involved which definitely merits "At Bluebonnet Lake" 4 1/2 stars.
*Where to buy it*
Wherever Christian books are sold!
Another wonderful book thanks to NetGalley and Revell!! I promise you won't want to miss this book. Oh, and if you are a reviewer as well, be sure to comment!!
Blessings,
Nicki
Nice job, Nicki! And thanks for connecting with me on my blog. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for taking the time to read and review my book. I'm delighted that you enjoyed it and hope you're looking forward to the next book in the series.
ReplyDelete