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Customer Reviews for Bethany House Publishers Wings of a Dream - eBook
Bethany House Publishers Wings of a Dream - eBook
During the Great War, Oklahoma farm girl Rebekah Hendricks is captivated by dashing aviator Arthur Samson. Rebekah travels to Texas to care for her flu-stricken aunt and be closer to Arthur's training camp. But her aunt's death and Arthur's indecisiveness change everything. Should she live a dutiful life or embrace unexpected love?
Average Customer Rating:
(24 Reviews) 24
Rating Snapshot (24 reviews)
5 stars
20
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
24 out of 24100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Review 1 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
Exisite Writing
Date:January 3, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Wings of a Dream by Anne Mateer is one of those beautifully written books that just stands out in a crowd. I loved it and can’t recommend it highly enough. This story took me to a time in history that has not be touched all that much by Christian fiction—the pandemic of the Spanish Flu in 1918. This novel is a delightful story of a young woman with dreams who ends up caring for a family of children while their only living parent—their father—is serving in the war in Europe. It is also a sweet romance that does not disappoint. But the element that stands out for me the most is the author’s gift of characterization and the narrative—brilliant writing that takes us through the growth of an immature 19-year-old into a warm and vibrant woman who is ready to be the life partner of a good and honorable man. Wonderful debut novel.
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Review 2 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
Looking for a Great Read?
Date:December 6, 2011
Henry McLaughlin
Location:Saginaw, TX
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
In 1918, Rebekah Hendricks has dreams. Big dreams. Dreams to fly beyond the confines of the family farm and small town Oklahoma. Dreams of big cities, of a life of excitement and adventure.
When a visiting aviator, Arthur Samson, comes calling, she believes he’s the man she is meant to marry, the man to carry her to the fulfillment of her dreams. But he is called to serve in the Great War.
An urgent message is received that her mother’s sister, Ada, is very sick. Rebekah leaves small town Oklahoma for small town Texas where she finds the Spanish flu epidemic has claimed her aunt. Rebekah is faced with caring for four children who have no one else and Arthur’s wishy-washiness about their relationship. The children win her heart and Rebekah faces a decision between her dreams of escape and adventure and the unexpected love that might change her heart.
Author Anne Mateer paints a vivid picture of life on the farms and in the small towns of Oklahoma and Texas while a violent war overseas calls on all to sacrifice and a devastating illness attacks seemingly without limit. She populates her story world with characters who are complex and flawed just like real people, characters with dreams of their own, dreams to fly on their own adventures, dreams of love and family.
In a compelling story, Rebekah faces one challenge after another from her aunt dying to the children getting sick and other childhood misadventures to the love of her life walking away. As I read the story, I asked myself, “What other problems can the author throw at this girl? Can she make it worse?” Yes, she does, piling on tension and difficulties that keep you turning pages to see what happens next and how will Rebekah handle it.
With each challenge, we see Rebekah grow and mature. Each crisis teaches Rebekah more about herself, about people and relationships, and about the God who loves her. In Rebekah, the author shows a person deal with crises beyond anything she’s ever experienced. From death through being a single parent of four, from running a farm through a broken heart, Ms. Mateer takes us on Rebekah’s journey to a life with more excitement and adventure than she ever dreamed possible.
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Review 3 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
COULDN'T PUT THE BOOK DOWN!
Date:November 10, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This was a delightful book with quite a different story line than I have read before. Rebekah Hendricks is 19 but stuck on her family’s farm in Oklahoma with an overbearing, controlling mother that treats her like a child. She is young and full of adventure with grand ideas of how her life will be. A young man named Arthur Samson seems to be her ticket out and the man of her dreams. Arthur has enlisted to fight in the Great War so she anxiously awaits his return to begin their life together.
Her mother’s sister requests her help as she is very sick. Hesitantly her mother allows her to go. Rebekah is thrilled. Not only will this get her out of her home but she will be closer to her beloved Arthur’s training camp. Her head is dizzy with plans.
She finds out quickly life has a way of making other plans for us. Upon arriving at her aunt’s, she finds there is a Spanish flu epidemic and her aunt dies shortly upon her arriving. The greater shock is that her aunt has been caring for 4 children whose mother also died and their dad is a soldier in the war. Now Rebekah is shouldered at the tender age of 19 with 4 children who have no one but her to care for them.
I can remember when my children were young and how hard and tiring the days were but I had so many modern conveniences. The author was wonderfully vivid in writing about all the days entailed in caring for children in the 1900’s without all the modern “fluff” I had. I found myself actually feeling tired reading about all the work she did! It made me realize how blessed I was!
I loved how I was made to feel a part of the daily life during that era. Caring for the sick was an awesome job without all the day to day chores of running a home. Before all the medications and antibiotics we have today, sickness was often fatal and people really suffered.
The story shows a young woman maturing through hardships. Rebekah becomes torn apart as she struggles with pursuing her dreams or accepting the reality of the responsibility she has been placed in. After much wrestling with herself and the Lord she accepts the truth she has always known: God is in control and His plan is always perfect. She reminded me of myself the times I have fought what God has chosen to bring into my life until I too submit to Him and find real peace.
This is an outstanding book with strong spiritual lessons. How wonderful when a book can entertain us and teach us more about ourselves and God. This one does all of this and more!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
Her mother’s sister requests her help as she is very sick. Hesitantly her mother allows her to go. Rebekah is thrilled. Not only will this get her out of her home but she will be closer to her beloved Arthur’s training camp. Her head is dizzy with plans.
She finds out quickly life has a way of making other plans for us. Upon arriving at her aunt’s, she finds there is a Spanish flu epidemic and her aunt dies shortly upon her arriving. The greater shock is that her aunt has been caring for 4 children whose mother also died and their dad is a soldier in the war. Now Rebekah is shouldered at the tender age of 19 with 4 children who have no one but her to care for them.
I can remember when my children were young and how hard and tiring the days were but I had so many modern conveniences. The author was wonderfully vivid in writing about all the days entailed in caring for children in the 1900’s without all the modern “fluff” I had. I found myself actually feeling tired reading about all the work she did! It made me realize how blessed I was!
I loved how I was made to feel a part of the daily life during that era. Caring for the sick was an awesome job without all the day to day chores of running a home. Before all the medications and antibiotics we have today, sickness was often fatal and people really suffered.
The story shows a young woman maturing through hardships. Rebekah becomes torn apart as she struggles with pursuing her dreams or accepting the reality of the responsibility she has been placed in. After much wrestling with herself and the Lord she accepts the truth she has always known: God is in control and His plan is always perfect. She reminded me of myself the times I have fought what God has chosen to bring into my life until I too submit to Him and find real peace.
This is an outstanding book with strong spiritual lessons. How wonderful when a book can entertain us and teach us more about ourselves and God. This one does all of this and more!
I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
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Review 4 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
Captivating Story!
Date:November 4, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Rebekah Hendricks has always dreamed of living life beyond the plain farm fields of Downington, Oklahoma. When aviator Arthur Sampson promises her adventure in the big city, she feels certain God has placed him in her path. When her Aunt Adabelle falls ill, Rebekah travels to Dallas to tend to her. Anticipating her aunt's quick recovery, Rebekah is shocked to discover, upon her arrival, that her aunt is sick with the Spanish Influenza . . .and that she has taken in four children under her care. Rebekah makes a promise to her dying aunt that she will take care of the children until the father returns home from the Great War. The more time she spends with these children the harder it becomes to leave them. Will these children take her away from her big dreams or will God change the desires of Rebekah's heart?
Wings of a Dream has to be one of the most captivating debut novels I've ever had the honor to read. Filled with deep characterization, historical detail, and spiritual depth, this book is one you don't want to miss.
When I first opened the book, I instinctively fell into dissatisfaction with the first-person narration. By nature, I don't like stories told from this view point. As I progressed through the story, however, I honestly couldn't have enjoyed it from any other point of view than the one the author wrote.
Every chapter will leave you dying to know what will happen next.
This story touched a vulnerable area in my life. Experiencing almost the exact heart-break as Rebekah, I found it healing and reassuring as it left me with the promise that God dreams bigger and better dreams for me than I could ever dream for myself.
I highly recommend Wings of a Dream--especially to those who may be struggling with broken dreams or a directionless future. This story will encourage you and strengthen you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
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Review 5 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
A Soaring Story!
Date:October 30, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Nineteen-year-old Rebekah Hendricks has always dreamed of a life filled with adventure, far from her family’s Oklahoma farm. When she falls in love with the daring aviator Arthur Samson, she quickly believes he is the man for her to marry.
While Rebekah waits for the Great War to end and Arthur to return from his base in Texas, her mother’s sister falls ill. The opportunity care for her aunt in Texas strikes Rebekah as the start of adventure. Seizing the opportunity to leave behind Oklahoma, Rebekah is certain this is God’s exciting plan for her life.
But then everything goes awry. Rebekah feels trapped on another farm, surrounded by sorrow, duty and endless work. All of Rebekah’s long-held dreams seem buried by her circumstances. When unexpected love blossoms, she must choose between clutching her old dreams or allowing new ones.
Although Wings of a Dream is Anne Mateer’s debut novel, her writing is expertly crafted. The first-person point of view in this story never gets tiresome. Its focus is neither too broad, nor too narrow. The reader is given exactly the right information.
The history in this book provided a rich backdrop and brought the era to live. There was not so much that the story felt like a textbook, however!
The characters are very well developed. They felt like they could be people I knew. Rebekah is a young lady with exhilarating dreams, trying to find her way amidst tragedy, drudgery and conflicting emotions.
Wings of a Dream is laced with positive, uplifting messages about trusting God. Rebekah’s struggle to go from her ways to God’s resonated with me. Alongside her, I learned that dreams can, and often do, change.
Wings of a Dream soars as a sweet, well-written tale of dreams, discovery, change and love! I recommend it and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars!
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my review.
While Rebekah waits for the Great War to end and Arthur to return from his base in Texas, her mother’s sister falls ill. The opportunity care for her aunt in Texas strikes Rebekah as the start of adventure. Seizing the opportunity to leave behind Oklahoma, Rebekah is certain this is God’s exciting plan for her life.
But then everything goes awry. Rebekah feels trapped on another farm, surrounded by sorrow, duty and endless work. All of Rebekah’s long-held dreams seem buried by her circumstances. When unexpected love blossoms, she must choose between clutching her old dreams or allowing new ones.
Although Wings of a Dream is Anne Mateer’s debut novel, her writing is expertly crafted. The first-person point of view in this story never gets tiresome. Its focus is neither too broad, nor too narrow. The reader is given exactly the right information.
The history in this book provided a rich backdrop and brought the era to live. There was not so much that the story felt like a textbook, however!
The characters are very well developed. They felt like they could be people I knew. Rebekah is a young lady with exhilarating dreams, trying to find her way amidst tragedy, drudgery and conflicting emotions.
Wings of a Dream is laced with positive, uplifting messages about trusting God. Rebekah’s struggle to go from her ways to God’s resonated with me. Alongside her, I learned that dreams can, and often do, change.
Wings of a Dream soars as a sweet, well-written tale of dreams, discovery, change and love! I recommend it and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars!
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my review.
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Review 6 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
WWI and the Spanish Flu, romance and faith
Date:October 29, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This romantic historical fiction book opens during World War I when Rebekah Hendricks' aviator sweetheart has entered the war effort as a flyer. Rebekah leaves the uninspiring farm life she has grown up on to travel to Texas where she plans to care for her ailing aunt. From this point on she is caught up in the reality of life, death, circumstances, and faith. She learns through these difficulties and depends on new friends for support and guidance. Anne Mateer has woven a splendid story centered around Rebekah's and a small town's tragedies during the Spanish Flu epidemic. Mateer's character development is wonderful, and her telling of his historical period enhances the story-line beautifully.
I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group, BethanyHouse in exchange for my honest review. A review of this book is also posted on my blog at http://ChatWithVera.blogspot.com.
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Review 7 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
A Satisfying Read
Date:October 28, 2011
A Reader
Location:NC
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I very much enjoyed reading Wings of a Dream by Anne Mateer. It's her first book, but her writing style flows nicely and isn't choppy at all. I was so happy that it was a first person "I" book. It was refreshing to read just from the female's point of view with no male or sub-character viewpoints. I felt like I learned alot about the Spanish influenza that I didn't really know before. The book was more of a quiet slower pace, but I really enjoyed the characters themselves. Some authors aren't able to write children into a story and make them realistic or lovable. They are just annoying plot devices/interrupters. These children are different. They are written very well and I fell in love with the little darlings. Some of the sub-characters are interesting and I would like to hear more about them in future books. The book's atmosphere reminds me alot of Janette Oke's Love Comes Softly and Prarie Legacy series with some Sarah, Plain and Tall thrown in. It's a quiet romance, but satisfying.
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Review 8 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
Wonderful Debut!
Date:October 25, 2011
Carrie
Location:Central California
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I loved it!
I’m not a big historical fan but I was hooked from the beginning. Anne drew me in with real characters and a compelling story.
Rebekah Hendricks yearns to live a life of adventure, far from her small Oklahoma hometown. She and a visiting young aviator plan a soaring future. Arthur returns to his air field in Texas and Rebekah’s presence is also needed in Texas: to tend to her ailing aunt. Arriving just before her aunt dies of the Spanish Influenza, Rebekah finds herself with her aunt’s four young motherless charges to care for. Their father is off fighting in World War I. Rebekah’s heart and emotions careen like a panicked horse when Arthur’s plans diverge from hers. The local sheriff comes calling. Then the children’s father returns. Should Rebekah follow her dreams or her heart?
Set in 1918 and 1919, I felt Anne Mateer really made the era come alive. Whether people are battling Spanish Influenza or Swine Flu, World War I or Desert Storm, hearts and human nature are much the same.
I’m so pleased to be able to highly recommend Wings of a Dream. Let me know what you think!
Disclaimer: I know Anne personally and I was furnished a copy of Wings of a Dream for review purposes, but neither factor influenced my review and recommendation. They just made my life a little easier.
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Review 9 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
Masterful debut with a powerful message.
Date:October 18, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Masterful debut. I loved that it was in first person POV, which is not common for historical novels, but the style worked very well. Wings of a Dream totally captured my heart. I loved how the author took what was essentially a self-centered young woman and matured her through a variety of painful circumstances over which she had no control. I felt bad for Rebekah because she wanted to do the right thing, but she was afraid of being passed over entirely if she said no, so she struggled with it. That made her very easy to relate to and likable.
I read this book in two sittings. I simply couldn't make myself break away from the story from page 81 to the end. I fell in love with those children as much as the heroine did. The author showed them in all of their good and bad behavior so well they seemed like real kids to me and not fictional characters. I could see how she felt overwhelmed at times, but on the other hand them needing her gave her a sense of purpose.
This is a passionate story about finding true love. The hero was a great guy all around, but he had his weakness, making him that much more real to me. I wanted to kick him in the but and tell him to go after her and not let her get away. Thankfully he must have heard me mentally yelling at him while I read because he did just that (much to my delight and pleasure) and so rather than being sad at the end, I sighed with relief. This book is enthralling. I can't say much more without giving some spoilers.
I found it necessary to be vague in my above description because half the fun of this story is not knowing what she will do or who she will choose. My heart was very satisfied with how everything came together in the end. Even more than that, I loved the strong faith message in this story that God's path often doesn't match ours, but when our paths become one we are truly satisfied.
What's the takeaway value of this book? The message that God will give us the desires of our heart, but that usually comes with necessary changes because rarely do our desires match God's at the outset. He knows just what we need. If nothing else, this book is great when it comes to encouraging us all to wait on God and to allow Him to direct our lives until we are fully and completely aligned with His will. But we can't do that if we don't surrender to Him and listen for His prompting. Well done!
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Review 10 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
Not the Right for Me
Date:October 15, 2011
It always pains me when I come across a book that others really enjoyed and I didn't. It's even worse when it's a brand new author. Each book is like a new baby to an author, and I imagine new authors are doubly sensitive when they read reviews of their "firstborn." But unfortunately, Wings of a Dream just wasn't my cup of tea.
There's not one clear area that I can point to as to where this book went wrong for me. I could name several things that didn't appeal to me, but I really don't want to get into a whole lot of details lest I ruin the reading experience for others. However, I compliment the author for creating a most unlikeable character in Rebekah's mother. She was far too uppity for her own good. :o)
In spite of my overall dislike of this story, I do plan to give Anne's novels another try in the future. Every author, especially a new one, deserves a second chance to make a good impression, and I think with a little more work, Anne's future novels could be real gems. My rating for Wings of a Dream is 3.5 stars.
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Review 11 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:October 14, 2011
Rebekah Hendricks is stuck in a small town in Oklahoma and really wants to spread her wings. How can she, though, when she has a mother who hovers over her and directs her every path. Arthur seems to be her only hope in shedding the small town life. First he is being stationed in Dallas, Texas. A telegram comes shortly after Arthur leaves stating that Rebekah's aunt is very ill. Her mother gives approval of her going to Prater Junction, Texas to help tend to her. Rebekah jumps at the chance to go thinking that her aunt will help her get to Arthur. What she finds when she arrives is a totally different story. Aunt Adabelle was taking care of 4 children, who weren't her own. Rebekah is left taking care of these 4 children while her dream is only a few miles away.
While waiting for the children's father to come home, her future lies before her. Through all this, she is starting to wonder what God really wants for her life.The pastor's wife befriends her and is slowly becoming her voice of reason. She is also constantly pointing Rebekah back to God and prayer. What will Rebekah choose to do in the end? Will she capture her dreams and run with them or will she face reality and give everything she's ever wanted up?
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Review 12 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
Wings of a Dream by Anne Mateer
Date:October 14, 2011
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Rebekah is a young 19 year old women living during World War 1. This is a time of great conflict in our country as well as a time of great hardship as they are going through the Spanish Influenza outbreak. This great pandemic was sweeping the country and killing young and old alike. Rebekah had been yearning for some excitement in her life to take her away from the hum drum of everyday life she lived in with her family. Rebekah had just fallen in love with an aviator but he was gone now to Texas to train for war. He was everything exciting that she wanted in her life--handsome and a world traveler. Rebekah's aunt had written a letter asking for help and Rebekah had been sent by her mother to a small farm just outside of a small town in Texas to care for her. Rebekah gets excited to be sent to Texas, a place that she has not ever been to but also closer to the base that her sweetheart has been sent. What she finds however when she gets there is her aunt near death's door from the Spanish Influenza and needing help not only for herself but the 4 small children under her care. When her aunt dies the next day Rebekah finds herself growing up quickly as she learns to care for the farm and the 4 children now under her care.
I loved this book. It appealed to me in so many ways from the historical aspect of the war taking place in our country to the difficulties of living with so much death all around from illness that could not be conquered by medication. The stresses of everyday life in the early 1900's required one to rely on your neighbors and God as the only help in time of need. The only part that was not time acurate was when the child fell down the well and did not go all the way to the water. Wells in that time would have all been hand dug and therefore much too wide for a child to have been stuck in but other than that seemed good to detail.
This book was provided for this review by Bethany House Publishing.
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Review 13 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
Reviewing WINGS OF A DREAM by Anne Mateer
Date:October 13, 2011
BevK
Location:WI
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Reviewing WINGS OF A DREAM by Anne Mateer
I'm not sure how to even start this review since I just finished reading the book and am flooded with tears of JOY. It is such a heart-felt book, and I highly recommend it to all ages.
This touching story is about a 19 year old girl wanting to 'leave home' and enter into the 'adventure of her life' away from family and everyone she knows... where this 'dream' leads her, is not in the direction she expected, but as she is 'led' she keeps her trust in the Lord that He will fulfill all her dreams.
She is set in the middle of everything she wanted to LEAVE and then when she thinks she must, of her own accord 'leave' she finds God has worked a magic in her heart that she never expected. You will love this whole story, and enjoy the 'thoughts' of someone who is determined they want to get away from what they grew up with... and, how many of our teenagers feel that way! Most books you can tell early on, how it will end, but this one may catch you by surprise... but, guaranteed you will love it and want others to read it as well.
I was given this book from Bethany House publishers to read for review, with no requirements that it be positive.
Posted by IBELIEVE2 at 12:54 PM
Reviewing WINGS OF A DREAM by Anne Mateer
I'm not sure how to even start this review since I just finished reading the book and am flooded with tears of JOY. It is such a heart-felt book, and I highly recommend it to all ages.
This touching story is about a 19 year old girl wanting to 'leave home' and enter into the 'adventure of her life' away from family and everyone she knows... where this 'dream' leads her, is not in the direction she expected, but as she is 'led' she keeps her trust in the Lord that He will fulfill all her dreams.
She is set in the middle of everything she wanted to LEAVE and then when she thinks she must, of her own accord 'leave' she finds God has worked a magic in her heart that she never expected. You will love this whole story, and enjoy the 'thoughts' of someone who is determined they want to get away from what they grew up with... and, how many of our teenagers feel that way! Most books you can tell early on, how it will end, but this one may catch you by surprise... but, guaranteed you will love it and want others to read it as well.
I was given this book from Bethany House publishers to read for review, with no requirements that it be positive.
Posted by IBELIEVE2 at 12:54 PM
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Review 14 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
A Delightful Surprise
Date:October 6, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
There are not many novels surrounding the horrible flu epidemic of the Great War. In fact, I don't think I had ever read any before this. I really, really, liked Wings of a Dream. The characters were wonderful, and I liked the fact that it wasn't just a "romance" book. I loved the way Rebekah's veiwpoint and aspirations did a total turnaround. The kids were so sweet and I found it easy to see why Rebekah fell in love with them!
What I think I like most about this book was the fact that the storyline was inspired by author Anne Mateer's own personal family history. Being a bit of a genealogy nut, I really appreciated that. :)
It's hard one you try a new author- you never really know what you're going to get. But Wings of a Dream was a sweet, hopeful story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
What I think I like most about this book was the fact that the storyline was inspired by author Anne Mateer's own personal family history. Being a bit of a genealogy nut, I really appreciated that. :)
It's hard one you try a new author- you never really know what you're going to get. But Wings of a Dream was a sweet, hopeful story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
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Review 15 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
Kudos to debut author Anne Mateer!!!!
Date:October 1, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
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Meets Expectations:
5
out of
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What happens when your dreams not only crash, but explode in flames and disintegrate? Oklahoma farm girl Rebekah Hendricks lives simply but dreams big. Then The Great War catapults untold lives. Compound chaos and destruction with a Spanish flu epidemic, grieving children, and an unfaithful suitor, and our heroine suddenly fights to survive another day, much less imagine that God could ever provide a rewarding life.
Praise God for writers like Anne Mateer, who've produced a wholesome, entertaining story line and a role model heroine. Put "Wings of a Dream" on your gift list for folks from junior high to young at heart!!! Then buy a copy for yourself!!!
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Review 16 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
Sweet Historical Fiction
Date:September 28, 2011
As I read Wings of a Dream, I couldn't help but notice how much it reminded me of Catherine Marshall's Christy. Told in a similar style, with fisrt person narrative about a young girl full of ideas and dreams who is thrust into a reality that is not at all what she expects, Wings of a Dream took me on a wonderful journey. Anne Mateer captured the voice of the 19-year-old Rebekah with expert precision and allowed me to experience the maturing process with her as she grew from a young girl wanting looking for greener pastures to a woman of faith who could appreciate the Lord's blessings wherever she found herself. I would classify this story as more of an historical novel with romantic elements than a true historical romance, but (as in Christy) I enjoyed the tension of not knowing which young man Rebekah would ultimately choose until the very end of the book. Readers who enjoyed Catherine Marshall's Christy will enjoy Wings of a Dream as well.
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Review 17 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
God Can Provide our Dreams in Unexpected Ways
Date:September 20, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
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Meets Expectations:
5
out of
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As a female girl in the 1918's , it seems that our role in life is to be a society wife and get married and play house. Rebekah Hendricks has one goal in mind to exit out of her small town of Dowington, Oklahoma and marry Aviator Arthur Samson. So when she is offered the chance to go out of town to care for her sick Aunt , she agrees as it is an exciting opportunity. However, once Rebekah arrives , it seems that she has come in the time of the Spanish Influenza Pandemic and her aunty passes away. Rebekah discovers that her aunt was caring for four children whose father Frank is at war and her dying wish was for Rebekah to take care of them . So the story begins as Rebekah becomes caregiver and playing the role of mother to the children. In this it seems that Rebekah has captured the attention of the local Sheriff but her heart is with Arthur. As the story comes to light it seems that Arthur hasn't been completely faithful and Rebekah in turn is heartbroken. Enter Frank , the children's father who has returned. Will Rebekah choose the path of wife to bachelor Sheriff Jenkins or will she begin to care too much for the children and accept Frank's offer of an instant family ?
Find out in Wings of A Dream by Anne Mateer , a Christian author that I will be looking out for more books to read by her.
Find out in Wings of A Dream by Anne Mateer , a Christian author that I will be looking out for more books to read by her.
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Review 18 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
Date:September 15, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This is a wonderful coming-of-age story. Hemmed in by the monotony of farm-life and a domineering mother, Rebekah is aching to test her wings. She's so young in the first chapter. So naive and starry-eyed and self-centered. But Mateer takes Rebekah on a surprising journey that doesn't just change her, it transforms her.
There's tons I'd love to say about the romance, but am afraid of giving something away. Suffice to say that I found it spell-binding and confusing and a tad discombobulating. (Do I have you intrigued?) It would make a great discussion for a book club. I'm dying to talk to someone who has read the book because...well, just because it begs to be talked about. :-)
With its rich characterization and vivid descriptions that evoke an era long past, Wings of a Dream will take your imagination on a flight of fancy that will hold you enthralled until the very last page.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".
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Review 19 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
Charming debut novel!
Date:September 14, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Rebekah was so likable, just an ordinary girl, wishing for an extraordinary life...and always being disappointed or hindered in her plans. So many of the characters seem to endure so much suffering, yet each are able to find joy despite their circumstances. The story flowed smoothly and even brought me to tears - goodbyes always do that to me!
Set amid the often forgotten Spanish influenza outbreak, Wings of a Dream was a sweet story of dreaming for something else in life, but realizing all you've ever truly wanted is right in front of your nose. I absolutely loved this beautiful and charming debut novel by Anne Mateer!
*I received a free review copy through CFBA. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine.*
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Review 20 for Wings of a Dream - eBook
Overall Rating:
Fantastic debut
Date:September 5, 2011
Erica Vetsch
Location:Rochester, MN
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
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Meets Expectations:
5
out of
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Wings of a Dream is a stellar debut for Anne Mateer. Her heroine, Rebekah, embarks on a coming of age journey compressed and accelerated by the difficult times she's living in. The Spanish Influenza, World War I, an untrustworthy suitor, and her own unsettled heart force her to put her on plans on hold and take responsibility for a house, farm, and four adorable children. While Rebekah feels her dreams of adventure are slipping away, in reality, God is preparing her wings to soar.
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