My biggest problem with the book wasn’t a plot issue, but an editing issue. The author switches from a first-person prologue to third person story, then back to first person, then back to third yet again. It was very distracting and pulled me out of the story.

As for the story, I was going to keep reading regardless, because Bethany’s relationship with her grandfather reminded me of my adoration for my own late grandfather. There may have been tears involved.

Bethany has grown up with an image of God that was warped by a slimy, overly-pious preacher, and this has affected all her relationships. Even the positive relationship with her grandfather wasn’t enough to overcome her desire to distance herself from others.

Wildflowers from Winter is a sweet story of renewed friendships and new love, but lurking at the edge of the new-found happiness is Bethany’s battle for self-sufficiency — she is scared to rely on God or anyone else — which could end up costing her everything that really matters.

I liked the story well enough to want to read the second book in the series as soon as I can get my hands on it.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Katie Ganshert’s debut novel Wildflowers from Winter is an emotional novel about grief, love and finding one’s way back to God. It is sometimes heartbreaking, but the overall message is incredibly uplifting. To read my review in its entirety, please click HERE. ( )

I had tear running down my cheeks a bit. The story was heartfelt throughout the whole book. It was very good and I can not wait for the second book that come out in 2013 called "Wishing on Willows."

This book is about letting go, facing your past, trusting god. It really is good and it captures all them though out book and struggles of each one. The book is mainly about Bethany. It also about Robin and Evan a bit. Things happen and you need to learn to trust and let go and face the past as it comes.

You still need to find your faith though this and learn to trust God with your struggles. ( )

Beautiful story of healing, grace, love, and redemption. Not preachy, just real life being lived and bathed in pain and washed in hope. ( )

4.5 only because of an editorial preference on my part. Katie is a good storyteller, though, and carries it off well! I'll post a full review on accidentallymars.wordpress.com on Monday, February 11th. ( )