Thursday, October 11, 2007

Melody Carlson's Ready to Wed ~ Reviewed



Ready to Wed
By Melody Carlson
Published by GuidepostsBooks
ISBN 978-0-8249-4724-8
Visit Novel Journey to read an 10-11-07 interview with Melody.


Description:


A cold, dreary spring day is brightened for the Howard sisters—Louise, Alice and Jane—when Belle Bannister checks into Grace Chapel Inn, the bed-and-breakfast they run out of their childhood home in Acorn Hill, Pennsylvania. Belle is on a mission to fulfill the dream she believes is from God: to find a husband among the eligible bachelors of Acorn Hill and marry within three weeks. Meanwhile, Jane Howard gets a letter from Justin, her ex-husband, asking if he can visit, and she's filled with anxiety. What can he want after all this time? Belle's quest and Jane's own soul-searching lead them both to unexpected answers, proving that God truly works in mysterious ways.

Review:


Prolific author Melody Carlson proves that authors can keep delivering captivating stories, even as they near their 100th book. In Ready to Wed, she has created a town that is a character in itself. It seems to come alive and welcome you in. All the characters are memorable, from the Howard sisters to their strong-willed Auntie to their pastor, Kenneth, who has perfected Popping In 101—a prerequisite class in Seminary.

Belle Bannister drives in town in a pink convertible to find the husband God showed her in a dream. Her stay at the Inn gets the sisters reluctantly involved in Belle's quest when their Auntie Ethel becomes infatuated with the idea of a wedding. The manhunt is on and while the sisters like sweet Belle, they pity the town's bachelors.

From the moment Auntie berates Jane on page one for wearing old gardening clothes and Crocs in public—even if that public is her own garden—you'll be enchanted by Acorn Hill and its inhabitants. Caring, warm and a bit whacky all define the characters that flow from Carlson's pen.

If you were raised in a small town, you'll be nostalgic recognizing old neighbors. If you're a city dweller, you may find yourself longing for life in Acorn Hill. Whichever you are, you'll not come away untouched by this warm story of friendship and faith. I'm looking forward to the next books in this series. Ready to Wed receives a high recommendation.

Reviewed by Ane Mulligan
www.anemilligan.com

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