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Customer Reviews for Bethany House Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Bethany House Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Adventure is the last thing on Andrea Henderson's mind when she moves to Moses Lake. After surviving the worst year of her life, she's struggling to build a new life for herself and her son as a social worker. Perhaps in doing a job that makes a difference, she can find some sense of purpose and solace in her shattered faith.
For new Moses Lake game warden Mart McClendon, finding a sense of purpose in life isn't an issue. He took the job to get out of southwest Texas and the constant reminders of a tragedy for which he can't forgive himself.
Average Customer Rating:
(24 Reviews) 24
Rating Snapshot (24 reviews)
5 stars
13
4 stars
10
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
23 out of 2496%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Review 1 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Fanastic writing about a tough subject!
Date:March 5, 2013
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
When I first picked up "Larkspur Cove" I didn't know what to expect because I have not read any of Lisa's books prior. However I was pleasantly surprised! It was powerfully written with great details about Moses Lake, Texas (makes me want to visit!) as well as the characters emotions! The book was also very heart-felt!
I thoroughly enjoyed learning the ins and outs of a game warden as well as licensed professional counselors (who go four wheeling to get to clients in flooded areas!) because I did not know much about either! I also really enjoyed learning about Moses Lake, Texas! It sounds like a wonderful place to live with a beautiful, scenic environment!
One of the things I loved the most about this story was Birdie's situation and learning about other children who were in similar situations of previous (or current) abuse! It was so heartbreaking near the end to see what kind of abuse Birdie was experiencing before she moved in with her grandfather! Andrea also stirred my heart in how to parent her son as a single mom! Her story really helped open my eyes to women who are struggling as a single mom in raising their children because I realized maybe I judge too harshly on these amazing women. I have no idea what's it like to raise a child by yourself without a spouse and who I am to "point fingers" at their situation! I came to see that I need to be more like Rev. Hay and reach out a helping hand like he did with Len rather then talking about how they need help! God wants to use the people around them which includes me! Mart's story was good too because I could definitely relate to living in the past; wishing you could have changed things or been there to stop a tragic event.
Something else i really appreciated about Lisa's writing is the balance she has! When I was starting to think about if another character would come back in the picture, they did! She knew how to bring in and bring out any certain character while making the story flow wonderfully!
Overall, Lisa's book was great, but is it definitely a deep book that deals with tough topics that society had! However you can see God's grace working in every situation (no matter how dark the circumstances might be and Andrea's story shows the proof).
One of my favorite quotes from this novel is "Joy, I realized, isn't so much a circumstance you find yourself in but a choice you make." What a powerful truth and out of many that Lisa mentions in "Larkspur Cove"!
Come check out my blog, Crafty Booksheeps, for other similar reviews as well as interviews with other great authors like Lisa!
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Review 2 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Larkspur Cove - A Great Read!
Date:July 10, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The main characters in this book are Andrea Henderson and Warden Mart McClendon. Andrea moves to Moses Lake with her son Dustin to build a new life. Dustin is really bitter and very hurt over the divorce of his Mom and Dad. His life has been uprooted and he isn't the least bit happy. Andrea tries her best to make a living for her and Dustin. He has shut her out of his life and she can't seem to reach him.
Mart ends up in Moses Lake to try to forget the death of his brother and nephew. He feels he is to blame for the accident. He can't or will not forgive himself.
A little girl named Birdie enters the picture and Andrea and Mart team up together to find out who she is and where she came from. That being said, the suspense begins.
Lisa Wingate does an excellent job of going back and forth in the chapters between Andrea and Mart. One never gets lost because it is so well done.
This book is about love, forgiving each other, forgiving oneself, and new beginnings. It is about leaving the past behind and moving forward. It is about God's Love, Mercy and Grace.
Larkspur Cove is the first book that I have read by Lisa Wingate. I am hooked and I am looking forward to reading other books written by her.
Thank you Lisa for writing a good clean book that I would not be ashamed to read or pass along to family or church family. You have a God given talent and may God Bless You!
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Review 3 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
A new beginning can be more than you bargarined fo
Date:June 30, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
When Andrea and her son moved to Moses Lake, she thought
she would start a new life and she would have left all her
troubles behind her. No way, life does not work that way.
she would start a new life and she would have left all her
troubles behind her. No way, life does not work that way.
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Review 4 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Is Coming Home Ever Easy?
Date:May 25, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
After living in Houston for years Andrea Henderson finds herself coming home to Larkspur Cove across from Moses Lake, Texas, an area familiar to her but completely foreign to her son Dustin. Andrea is trying to make a new life for her and Dustin after a painful divorce; unfortunately her new job requires daily travel into godforsaken areas leaving Dustin on his own. Andrea trusts Dustin on his own; he has always been a good responsible young boy, however divorce does sometimes have a negative effect on children. Andrea realizes exactly what kind of effect it is having on Dustin when Mart McClendon the game warden shows up early one morning after Dustin had been in some trouble on the lake. Dustin did not quite tell his mom just how much trouble he was in or what his choices of punishment were. Andrea and Mart find themselves on the same side of the law when they begin searching for the identity of a homely little girl who is keeping company with the town recluse.
Will Dustin ever recover from his parents’ divorce or will he find himself in constant trouble? Will Andrea and Mart find the identity and the truth about the little girl? Does Mart ever face his painful memories that he has been running from? Do Andrea and Mart ever find happiness again? Find the answers to these questions and many more in Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate.
I enjoyed this book. It was a very fast paced book and there was a lot going on. It was hard to put it down.
I received this book free from Bethany House a division of Baker Publishing Group as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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Review 5 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
A good read...
Date:May 23, 2011
Mari LaVell
Location:Renton, WA
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
In her late 30’s and newly divorced, Andrea Henderson is put in a position where she has to rely on her parents assistance to get back on her feet while living in their vacation home in Moses Lake, Texas. Attempting to rebuild a life for herself and her fourteen –year-old son, Dustin, Andrea is struggling in her new career as social worker/counselor while licking her wounds that could be deeper than she expects.
In Larkspur Cove, Lisa Wingate gradually unwinds a story about a little vacation cove where the full-time residents enjoy bantering in the local dockside café while poking their noses in everybody’s business via the Game Warden, Mart McLendon. The discussion of the town bachelor recluse and a mystery little girl in his care becomes a hot topic. A topic that pushes Mart and Andrea to move beyond their awkward initial meeting that involved an angry Game Warden, a frazzled working mom, and a lonely/delinquent teenage boy.
Wingate used first person style through the two main character’s POV in back to back chapters. (Mart/Andrea/Mart/Andrea…) In this reader’s opinion, Mart McLendon’s back story could be developed a little clearer, but overall I enjoyed the POV switch style.
I like how the author gradually unwinds the story about Mart and Andrea working together to solve the mystery around the little girl in the care of the bachelor older man living in the woods. She mixes it with the right amount of romance and healing of past love wounds, and sprinkles it all with believable secondary characters.
I appreciate Bethany House giving me the opportunity to read and review Larkspur Cove, a book worth reading.
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Review 6 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Slightly Addictive Story
Date:May 13, 2011
Chris
Location:Massachusetts
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
This is the first novel I've read by Lisa Wingate, and it is very good. The book comes alive with the sounds and feel of its setting. Colorful secondary characters are not too intrusive upon the main storyline. But best of all is the way the author develops the romance between the main characters. I don't care for her choice of the male lead character's name (same as the regional transit system) but he is, in my opinion, one of the best developed characters and quiet heroes I've encountered in Christian literature. Thank you Bethany House for providing me a free copy so that I could read and review it. It's been a pleasure!
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Review 7 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Highly recommend!
Date:May 8, 2011
Laura
Location:Louisiana
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
When everything seems to fall apart in her life, Andrea Henderson moves back to Moses Lake. Andrea has recently gone through a divorce and is trying to raise her teenage son, Dustin, on her own. Andrea is a case worker for Child Protection Services. She loves her job and helping children and their families. But she can’t seem to be able to help her own son. Dustin is still angry over the divorce and would rather spend time with his dad instead of living with his mom. The problem is his dad does not feel the same way. Dustin acts out and finds himself in trouble with the local Game Warden, Mart. Andrea and Mart work out a plan that will keep Dustin out of trouble and Dustin soon finds a friend in Mart. Andrea and Mart start working on a strange case trying to find out who a mysterious young girl is and why she is living with the town recluse. The more time Andrea and Mart spend together, the more they realize they love each other. Will there pasts keep them apart? I received a free copy of this book to review from Bethany House.
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Review 8 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Tugs at your heart
Date:May 6, 2011
Lee Smith
Location:USA
Age:35-44
Gender:female
If you've never read a book by Lisa Wingate before, you are missing out. One of the things she is truly gifted at is making a setting come alive. Each book I've read has a place that becomes a character itself -- it has its own special feeling, rhythm, atmosphere... magic about it. I feel like I've been to Moses Lake and know the people there after reading this book. That's a special gift.
The story has powerful messages of forgiveness, acceptance and healing without being preachy. Andrea and Mart are both realistic and like able. Andrea's relationship with her son also feels real - as do his struggles. This book is not as funny as her Daily, Texas series, but it will tug at your heart and make you fall in love with the characters. When you close the back cover it's the very essence of bittersweet. You feel like everything is just as it should be, but you're sad to see it end.
I want to thank Bethany House for my copy though it did not influence my review.
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Review 9 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
would be great for those summer reading list.
Date:May 5, 2011
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I will have to say when I first received this book for a review it took awhile to get into it, I kept putting it down and reading something else. However something always made me go back to it and I'm glad I did the book was great once you got past a slow start. This book was a book that was light on the romance, light on the mystery but kept you quessing and hoping. This would make a great book to add to your summer reading list.
thank you bethany house for allowing me to review this book
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Review 10 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Larkspur Cove: A great place to learn
Date:May 3, 2011
vtkid
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Meet Andrea and Mart and follow them as they work through some hardships in their lives. Walking alongside them as they discover how the other can fill a void in each life.
Written in an easy-read style, Lisa Wingate will capture your attention as she weaves a tale of lives converging, the changes and the viewpoint of each.
It is mystery and romance with a little adventure and surprises along the way.
Interested in a sneak-peak? Go to http://www.scribd.com/doc/44929231/Larkspur-Cove
to read the first chapter.
to read the first chapter.
Pick up this book, I don't think you will be disappointed :)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review.
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Review 11 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:April 25, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
After a divorce, a move, and the start of a new career, Andrea Henderson is ready to begin a new life, living in her parent’s lake house on Moses lake with her teenage son. Larkspur Cove relates the story of her struggles with her rebellious son, the difficulties of working as a social worker in a rural, backwoods setting, and her pull between looking for new love and her desire to “make it on her own.”
Game Warden Mart McClendon is also beginning anew in Moses Lake after a family tragedy that he wants to leave behind emotionally. He is suspicious of the “yuppy” newcomer, but gradually begins to see that his first impressions may have been incorrect.
Larkspur Cove alternates between these two points-of-view, following the characters as they struggle with deciding what they want in life and their attraction to each other.
I very much enjoyed reading this book. I found the first couple of chapters a little bit hard to follow, but after that, the story flowed quickly and kept me up reading much too late at night! The story was original and not overly predictable. I recommend this book!
I received a free review copy of this book from Bethany House.
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Review 12 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Great story & an inspiring speaker!
Date:April 23, 2011
clement
Location:Clifton, TX
Age:35-44
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I bought Larkspur Cove when I heard Lisa speak recently, so I have an autographed copy. I was entranced from the first page and read well into the night, woke up and finished it. Now, I'm sorry it is over, but I'll definitely reread it. I love the little lakeside community of Moses Lake and the fishermen in the cafe and Pop and Sheila. All the characters just seem so real to me. I want to find out more about them and hope Wingate bring them into the next book, Blue Moon Bay. All the great mystery of the little girl, Birdie just kept me turning pages and I loved seeing Mart and Andrea overcome their angst and open their hearts to a new relationship. Maybe best of all were the words of wisdom on the wall at the Waterbird. I don't know how Lisa keeps coming up with such great stories, but I wish she'd write even faster. I loved meeting Lisa in Abilene at the library's Brown Bag Luncheon series. If you get a chance to hear her, you should go! She's a great speaker and told us some about how she finds her stories. Read this book and you'll want to get her other books also.
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Review 13 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
What attracts people to Moses Lake?
Date:April 22, 2011
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
“There’s something about Moses Lake that changes people. It’s anybody’s guess as to why that is, but I think that’s what my mama was hoping for when we came here all those years ago…For folks who stay a little longer, the hills, and the draws, and the water, and the people piece together like an old quilt, wrapping around, comfortable and warm. Safe. There’s no mystery to it after a while. You just know you’re in the right place. You feel it deep in your soul.”
And so begins the last chapter of Larkspur Cove.
I wasn’t sure when I started this book that I would be able to get into the story because the chapters alternate between two characters. Andrea Henderson has come through a divorce that no one saw coming. She and her teenage son, Dustin, return to the summer home of her parents on Larkspur Cove in Moses Lake, Texas. All she wants is to rebuild her life, protect her son for whatever life brings his way and do her job as a Child Protective Service employee. The other character is game warden Mart McClendon. Mart has been trying to recover from the death of his brother and young nephew. He blames himself that they died in a boating accident. Return to an area where he lived as a youth, Mart is a local game warden who catches Dustin and other local youth diving off a dangerous rock in the lake.
After an explosive confrontational first meeting, Mart and Andrea find their lives intertwined as they deal with a local recluse and his granddaughter. As an attraction grows between them, each must come to terms with the reasons they returned to Moses Lake.
I enjoyed Larkspur Cove and recommend it to others. I received this book to review for free from Bethany House.
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Review 14 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Small Town Charm
Date:April 20, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
After experiencing a divorce and enduring the loss of the future that she once envisioned for herself, Andrea Henderson moves into her parents' lake house in the riverfront neighborhood of Larkspur Cove. While trying to rebuild her life and her faith, Andrea battles self-doubt as she begins a new job, and she questions her adequacy as a mother to a young teenage son.
Through a series of events, Andrea meets Mart McClendon, a game warden at Moses Lake. He is also building a new life on Moses Lake, but the past continues to haunt him.
Despite their painful pasts, the present pulls them together as they work to uncover the mystery of a young girl who has been taken in by an older man who lives as a hermit in a secluded area. As they are drawn together by circumstances and a united cause, will Moses Lake revive their hopes and rekindle their faith?
Like the novels in Lisa Wingate's Daily Texas series, Larkspur Cove is a story that is driven by well-developed characters in a setting that exudes a small-town charm, with just the right dose of quirky humor. This debut novel is not as light-hearted as the books in her previous series (Talk of the Town, Word Gets Around, Never say Never), but it is an emotionally compelling read that kept me turning the pages. Each chapter alternates between Andrea's and Mart's perspectives, which provide insights into their thoughts and motivations. As a reader, I shared their pain, doubts, and joys as they experienced them. I was drawn to both Andrea's and Mart's stories, but also those of her son, the mysterious child, and the town recluse.
Wingate masterfully creates vivid pictures of life on Moses Lake, that is remarkably real with struggles, sorrow, and triumphs, but equally inviting because of the sense of community. The Waterbird Bait and Grocery is the hangout for the locals, and I looked forward to the engaging conversations provided by the local fishermen. They provide just the right flavor to lighten the mood, and they are reminiscent of the presence of "characters" in real-life that can brighten our day. The quotes that begin each chapter, which are written on the "wall of wisdom" by residents and visitors, offer insight into the novel, but they are also valuable in our own lives. Larkspur Cove is both an emotional and satisfying read.
I am looking forward to visiting Moses Lake again in Lisa Wingate's next book in the series, Blue Moon Bay. It is scheduled to be released in February 2012.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Review 15 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate
Date:April 12, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Andrea and her son moved to Larkspur Cove to live in her parent’s lake house after her divorce. Mart moved to Moses Lake to hide from the difficult times after losing his brother and niece. Neither wanted a relationship, neither wanted to bring up the past. But when circumstances drew them together, everything started to change. Can Andrea let go of her past divorce, and be comfortable letting Mart in her life, as well as her son’s life? And can Mart overcome the hurt and grief of losing his family members? I really like the chemistry between Mart and Andrea throughout the book. It makes you just want t keep reading, and cheering them on!
I loved the characters, Pop Dorsey and his daughter Shelia at the Waterbird Bait and Grocery, those who hung out at the little store playing checkers and such, Andrea’s co-workers, and especially Len and Birdie. I grew to really love Len, and his love for Birdie warmed my heart. The way he took her in, doing the best he knew how to take care of her, the way she showed her love for him was something we don’t see often in our lives. I loved seeing the community pulled together to help, fixing up his house, cleaning, painting, and whatever needed doing. The way they helped with Birdie’s school clothes and supplies, and other ways just to keep Social Services from taking her.
I love the author shows what can happen when we find the best in people instead of judging. And also the examples she gave us of how God is working in our lives, even when we think He has forgotten us and the difficult things we are going through.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fiction! The only complaint I have about this book is that it ended too soon! But I did find out that the sequel to Larkspur Cove….Blue Moon Bay is coming out in February 2012. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
I loved the characters, Pop Dorsey and his daughter Shelia at the Waterbird Bait and Grocery, those who hung out at the little store playing checkers and such, Andrea’s co-workers, and especially Len and Birdie. I grew to really love Len, and his love for Birdie warmed my heart. The way he took her in, doing the best he knew how to take care of her, the way she showed her love for him was something we don’t see often in our lives. I loved seeing the community pulled together to help, fixing up his house, cleaning, painting, and whatever needed doing. The way they helped with Birdie’s school clothes and supplies, and other ways just to keep Social Services from taking her.
I love the author shows what can happen when we find the best in people instead of judging. And also the examples she gave us of how God is working in our lives, even when we think He has forgotten us and the difficult things we are going through.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fiction! The only complaint I have about this book is that it ended too soon! But I did find out that the sequel to Larkspur Cove….Blue Moon Bay is coming out in February 2012. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
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Review 16 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:April 7, 2011
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate
Andrea Henderson moves to her family’s vacation home in Moses Lake, Texas after surviving the worst year of her life. She is recently divorced. Her former husband was a Vice Chancellor at a Christian College when she discovered he had been having an affair and had embezzled funds from the college to pay for his girlfriends’ new apartment full of furniture. Her son Dustin is also having a hard time adjusting to his new surroundings where he knows no one. He gets in trouble with the Game Warden, Mart McClendon, trying to be one of the crowd.
Mart is also in Moses Lake to try to overcome his past. He blames himself for the death of his brother and nephew. Mart and Andrea get off to a stormy beginning when Mart shows up to discuss Dustin. Mart and Andrea come in contact as Andrea starts her job as a counselor for Children and Family Services. Reports begin to surface around town about a mysterious little girl. As Mart and Andrea begin to search for the little girl, they soon discover an interest in each other outside of work.
This story deals with the heartbreak of divorce and the consequences that result. Dustin feels abandoned and starts acting out. Andrea has trouble trusting anyone. She also turns her back on God because she feels He has abandoned her.
I would recommend this book to anyone. I was given this book by Bethany House Publishing to give an honest review. I was not paid in any way for this review.
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Review 17 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Compelling Romantic Drama
Date:March 20, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I had so much fun reading Talk of the Town by Lisa that when an opportunity came to read her newest book I jumped at the chance at receiving a review copy. When I dove into Lakespur Cove I discovered a depth and richness in Lisa’s writing I hadn’t experience before. I was pleasantly surprised and amused by her complex characters and the community at Moses Lake. Moses Lake was as much a character in the book as the main characters Mart and Andrea were. I enjoyed them all.
Game Warden Mart meets Andrea for the first time in an official capacity when her teenage son ends up in trouble and faces the consequence of paying a fine or taking water safety classes. Neither has a good first impression of the other and don’t care to talk ever again.
On their second official meeting each gets to see each other in a different light. Andrea tells the Warden of a little girl she feels might be neglected. She encountered the girl while stuck with a flat tire on the side of the road in the woods. The towns’ people have reported the same to Mart he goes to investigate. Andrea insists she go with him. She is a social workerand is familiar with handling tough situations like this (or so she thought!)
At first glance this situation with the young girl seems like foul play but the Game Warden checks deeper to uncover some very interesting facts about Len and his past. The Reverend and people in the community pull together to help Len, who’s a high functioning mentally challenged man, follow the rules of society concerning this girl and taking care of wild animal life at his home. I love how Lisa puts this aspect in the story. It’s the way I’d hope people would respond, not pie in the sky but caring and transparent.
Lisa and Game Warden Mart move back to Moses Lake for completely different reasons. Both are pleasantly surprised at what they find there. Mart says, “There’s something about Moses Lake that changes people. It’s anybody’s guess as to why that is….the hills, and the draws, and the water, and the people piece together like an old quilt, wrapping around, comfortable and warm. Safe. You just know you’re in the right place. You feel it deep in your soul.”
I got that feeling reading this novel. Colleen Coble said, “After reading Larkspur Cover, I wanted to pack and move to Moses Lake, “ Me too!
This author has blossomed and grown in her writing and does great job of having the characters become family in your heart. Near the end of the novel unexpected, suspenseful events occur that will keep you on the end of your seat. I wasn’t quite sure how this would end. I liked that. I enjoyed the story, the characters and the unique situation. I liked learning about what a Game Warden does in his daily work routine. I had no idea! Larkspur Cove was a special adventure! I look forward to reading more of Lisa Wingates books, you will too!
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
Finding Hope Through Fiction www.psalm516.blogspot.com
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
Finding Hope Through Fiction www.psalm516.blogspot.com
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Review 18 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Romance Blossoms
Date:February 24, 2011
Written in the first-person voices of the two main characters: Andrea Henderson and Mart McClendon, and alternating every other chapter keeps the story line moving at a good pace. By switching back and forth from Andrea to Mart, the reader gains a deeper understanding. It's fun watching romance blossom while the characters move one step forward, two backward.
The author is spot on with the tension between Andrea and her teenage son, Dustin, as he begins to test the rules. I remember, as a mom of a teenage boy, worrying about many of the same thoughts as Andrea when Dustin first gets into trouble and later when he meets a pretty girl.
The ending came too quickly; I wanted it to go on and on. Perhaps the author will write a sequel so that we can follow the adventures of Birdie.
Discussion questions are included.
Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Bethany House Publishers for my copy.
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Review 19 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
Delightful Larkspur Cove
Date:February 22, 2011
Deanna Luke
Location:Texas
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
In the midst of real life sorrows, adventures, and challenges, hope emerges strongly. Lisa Wingate offers us characters like us, like our friends and family. New beginnings, community support, and lessons learned inspire us all to step out and step up in our own lives. Readers will be delighted.
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Review 20 for Larkspur Cove, Moses Lake Series #1
Overall Rating:
I want to go to Larkspur Cove!!
Date:February 16, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Andrea Henderson has not had a great year. In fact she is still trying to move past her failed marriage and grasp the reality of raising a teenage son who is hurting so badly. Andrea has had to move back into her parents lake home and begin life anew. She feels as though she is just never up to making her parents proud. They seem to always have something to critisize.
Her teenage son, Dustin, misses his father and finds himself with the wrong group of friends out on a dangerous part of the lake. While he and his new friends are ready for anything, Game Warden, Mart McClendon, finds them just before they find more trouble. As Dustin is struggling, Andrea, is trying to be the mother she is called to be, but she is finding that she is reminding herself of her mother. She and Dustin are both on a journey of healing and we witness the ups and downs of coming together as mother and son.
Mart too is trying to move forward, but if having a hard time of letting go of guilt and feelings that he can't quite understand. Tragedy has struck his family and as others want things to stay the same, Mart, just wants to heal and get past it all. He tends to keep everything in, while Andrea just needs someone to listen.
Mart and Andrea connect as Mart is working on getting Dustin into a boat safety course instead of being ticketed. Andrea's new job is taking her to places all throughout the country. Places on the other side of the lake. She is seeing much heartache in the children she is trying reach and help. On her first day out she gets lost and finds herself with a flat tire. One man stops, but doesn't help her. Something just isn't right. As he pulls away, Andrea, sees a little girl tucked inside. This precious little girl brings Andrea and Mart together as they seek to help her. As the story revolves around this precious little one named, Birdie, there is more going on than meets the eye. Secrets lie in those woods and will soon be found out.
I loved this book. It was so romantic and filled with stories of faith, family, and friendships. We see how the Lord heals through time and how He places the perfect people in our lives at the perfect time. He seems to connect us all just when we think we are alone. Through reaching out to another we can find the peace we too are searching for. Lisa has a beautiful way with words. You find yourself turning pages and before you know it you are finished and she leaves you wanting more.
This book was a gift from Bethany House for it's review.
Lisa Wingate is a popular inspirational speaker, magazine columnist, and national bestselling author of several books, including Tending Roses, A Month of Summer, and The Summer Kitchen. Lisa and her family live in central Texas. Visit www.lisawingate.com
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