WISHING ON WILLOWS by Katie Ganshert

Robin Price is struggling. Her husband, Micah, died several years ago leaving her a son to raise and a gaping whole in her heart. She found some form of healing when her best friend, Bethany, helped her open Willow Tree Cafe`. It fulfilled a dream she and Micah shared. Though business isn't booming, her very soul is tied up in the cafe` and the folks who come through it's door. Now a developer wants to build condos where the cafe` sits which means not only losing the cafe but an important ministry that's housed next door. Ian McKay is the project manager of the Peaks condo project. He wants to make his father proud by making this project successful for McKay Development. The town seems to be wooed by his good-looks and charm, all except Robin. Both are stubborn and passionate people. As the struggle ensues, Ian sees Robin's compassion and grace but he also sees her grief. And it moves him. Robin sees a side of Ian that gives her cause to ponder that there just might be more to the man than she first thought. Will Robin and Ian stubbornly hold onto the past, or will they find that their toughest challenge of letting go, will actually be their greatest blessing?

Excellent, exceptional, emotional, encouraging, and entertaining, all come to mind when I think of Wishing on Willows. I read the whole thing in practically one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. The story was so complex in nature that it's difficult to define all the things I loved about it. The characters are so endearing and realistic. Easily relatable. The author writes in such a way that you feel every emotion of every character. To me, that's excellent writing. The message of hope rang loud and clear. Sometimes the Lord is fighting for you in a way you didn't ask for or expect. That's encouraging. I loved that Bethany and Evan were very much a part of this story. For me, that made this story exceptional. Though this story is loaded with deep emotions you will find splashes of humor right when you need them. I found that entertaining. My only wish, besides not wanting it to end, is that there would have been an epilogue. Does that mean there might be another story??? I would love to see more in this series because I have come to love Peaks and the Price family. As a side note, I would like to compliment the cover designers with how well they captured an important element of the story. Well done. Although you could technically read this as a stand-alone, I would encourage you to read Wildflowers from Winter first (also an excellent story). Wishing on Willows is on my favorites list and one I highly recommend, but be ready to have your emotions challenged! Katie Ganshert has definitely become one of my favorite authors. Great job, Katie!

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook Press (March 19, 2013)
ISBN-10: 0307730409
ISBN-13: 978-0307730404

*This complimentary copy was provided by WaterBrook Multnomah through Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review*

To find out more about this author and her books, I recommend you visit her website at http://katieganshert.com/