By Lorna Seilstad
Published by Revell
ISBN#978-08007-3447-3
381 Pages
Back Cover:
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.
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.
Review:
Love the
book covers of Lorna Seilstad’s books. The covers scream Fun! I was thrilled to
receive a review copy of The Ride of Her Life and take a journey with this
author through history that’s enjoyable and faith based. I adored it! I love
how this author blends history, romance and faith into an entertaining story
along endearing characters I instantly cared about, and her sense of well timed
humor makes a great combination that will bring a smile to your face and warmth
to your heart.
I felt for Mrs. Lilly Hart and her delightful 10 year old son
Levi right from the beginning. It’s been
three years since Lilly lost her husband and Levi his dad and Lilly had to take
a stand against her in-laws who wanted to send her son away to boarding school
to have a proper up-bringing. Lilly moves out of her in-laws house to embark on
a new journey to keep her son by her side and work hard as a cook at a
restaurant. Levi is all boy filled with wonder and surprise at the world and
critters around him. He says to his mom, “Look Mama.”
“What had Levi dragged in now…Lilly thought?”
“Isn’t she pretty?”… You wanna pet her?”
Lilly doesn’t over react at the monstrous, writhing snake
Levi just stuck very close to her nose. She simply tells her son snakes have to
live outside and can’t dine in the restaurant.
Nick who eats at the dinner along with his crew says he’ll help Levi
make a cage for his new friend to live in.
Levi is thrilled, Lilly is grateful and Nick loves Lilly’s cooking! It’s
a win, win for all.
In the process of helping Levi, Nick and Lilly get to know
each other and try to fight the feelings that are developing between them. Nick
is on a deadline to finish a roller coaster in time for the grand opening of
the new theme park in town. Strange things have been happening to delay his
progress. He’ll get to the bottom of that and do what it takes to be done on
time.
Spiritual themes of faith, fear and trust run throughout the
story and deal with a couple of characters. Lilly prays quietly to herself one
day after God reveals something to her heart, “Lord, I see what I’ve been
doing. When the storms came, I had the same choice the Apostles had….I could’ve
responded with fear or faith. And I chose fear. I stopped trusting you and
started trusting only myself! Please Lord, Please forgive me.”
I don’t know about you but I’ve prayed that prayer too! I
love how this author naturally weaves in the spiritual thread and doesn’t make
this story preachy.
Levi will steal your heart and the budding romance between
Lilly and Nick takes so many twists and turns it will keep you guessing with
it’s ups and downs just like the roller coaster ride Nick is building.
Thanks to Lorna’s author notes and Nick’s construction of
his roller coaster in this story I learned so much. I enjoyed reading about the
development of Amusement parks and all that goes into making that and a roller
coaster. I highly recommend this novel (and Lorna’s other books) for a great
summer read and your next book club pick.
Reviewed by: Nora St Laurent
The Book Club Network
Bonus Review:
Looking for a joyful, entertaining read with characters easy to adore? Look no further than Lorna Seilstad’s third Lake Manawa novel, The Ride of Her Life. Instilled with humour, interesting characters and unique historical details of the beginning of the roller coaster craze, this book is quite delightful. Lorna takes her place alongside Karen Witemeyer and Deeanne Gist as a talented writer who adds frivolity and wit to her historical romantic tales. That said, Lilly’s struggle to maintain her independence and provide for her little Levi, and her faith journey add all the substance this story needs. With a charming leading man in Nick, Lorna has produced another lighthearted gem which is engaging and sweet and provides a satisfying end to her series.
Reviewed by: Rel Mollet
Bonus Review:
Looking for a joyful, entertaining read with characters easy to adore? Look no further than Lorna Seilstad’s third Lake Manawa novel, The Ride of Her Life. Instilled with humour, interesting characters and unique historical details of the beginning of the roller coaster craze, this book is quite delightful. Lorna takes her place alongside Karen Witemeyer and Deeanne Gist as a talented writer who adds frivolity and wit to her historical romantic tales. That said, Lilly’s struggle to maintain her independence and provide for her little Levi, and her faith journey add all the substance this story needs. With a charming leading man in Nick, Lorna has produced another lighthearted gem which is engaging and sweet and provides a satisfying end to her series.
Reviewed by: Rel Mollet
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