BOOK REVIEW: ONE PERFECT SPRING by Irene Hannon

ONE PERFECT SPRING

Irene Hannon

Claire Summers is a determined, independent single mother who is doing her best to make lemonade out of the lemons life has handed her. Keith Watson is a results-oriented workaholic with no time for a social life. As the executive assistant to a local philanthropic businessman, he’s used to fielding requests for donations. But when a letter from Claire’s eleven-year-old daughter reaches his desk, everything changes. 

The girl isn’t asking for money, but for help finding the long-lost son of an elderly neighbour.
As Keith digs reluctantly into this complicated assignment, he has no idea how intertwined his life and Claire’s will become–nor how one little girl’s kindhearted request will touch so many lives and reap so many blessings.
Through compelling characters and surprising plot twists, Irene Hannon offers readers this tenderhearted story of family connections that demonstrates how life is like lilacs–the biggest blooms often come only after the harshest winters.        ~ publisher

Publisher: Revell Published: May 6.2014 Length: pb 380 pgs | kindle 368
* MY THOUGHTS?

Contemporary story revealing poignancy of past regrets and the miracles of restoration that result from one eleven year old girl's letter of compassion for her neighbour.  One perfect spring pastime. 

Timed with spring's arrival of lilacs after a record breaking severe winter, I was delighted to read lilacs have the biggest blooms after just such a winter - picturing the overall theme of the novel.

The distractions and disturbing interruptions of the life these characters would choose, work their own results and more fragrant bouquets in the end.  Serious life issues encountered by each of the main characters - from 11 year old Haley, daughter to single mom and teacher, Claire, working to renovate an aging home rather than paying rent; middle aged neighbour, Maureen, having recently battled cancer and carrying inner regrets of earlier life decisions; influential philanthropic business owner, David, having lost his wife and working to regain an adult daughter he'd lost in the process of building his wealth; and Keith.  Employee of David's and current charitable project manager, who is struggling with memories of rejection by his birth mother and her various drug dependent alliances.

Quite the tableau into which Ms Hannon immerses readers.  One that kept both my fascination and curiosity piqued.  Development of the dual relationships were unique and authentic to their ages.  Haley was a treasure to story and reader alike.  Sugar, sweetness and bringer of light into many lives, Ms Hannon captivates readers with the charm of this child.

The issues are resolved in various degrees and outcomes, not all as anyone would hope, but realistic to life in sorrows and joys enough to relieve and reassure of life's worth.

A beautifully romantic book that would make an ideal movie!
Ms Hannon is a welcome addition to my library. 
I definitely recommend
ONE PERFECT SPRING for your spring/summer reading.

* Author Bio:

Irene Hannon, who writes both romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 45 novels. Her books have been honoured with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romantic fiction), a National Readers' Choice Award, a HOLT Medallion, a Daphne du Maurier Award, a Retailers Choice Award and two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine. 

A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, long walks, cooking, gardening, travelling and spending time with family. She and her husband make their home in Missouri.

To learn more about Irene and her books, visit irenehannon.

Follow @IreneHannon on twitter

Like and follow Irene's FB page

Fan, friend and follow Irene on Goodreads 

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*Appreciation to Revell for providing an ecopy to read for review without cost or obligation.

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RAGGED HOPE by Cynthia Ruchti : Book Tour Review

Today's Book Tour Stop for Cynthia Ruchti's  RAGGED HOPE -  Surviving the Fallout of Other People's Choices *

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Released July 1st by Abingdon Press:
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“What a beautiful book !  So readable, the pages practically turned themselves.  Ragged Hope is filled with stories; written for those who are weary, worn and wounded.  It offers each of us exactly that—hope that God can do a mighty work even with those of us who carry the ugliest of scars.”

 — Debbie Macomber, #1 NYT bestselling author

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In the words of author Cynthia Ruchti, 
Ragged Hope: Surviving the Fallout of Other People's Choices, is

 "a celebration of the resiliency of the human spirit, the courageous resolve of those determined to survive despite the fallout of other people's choices, and the exquisite redemptive power of the God who can wring beauty from ashes."
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Filled with story after story of western society's realities, it would be hard not to be aware of or personally affected by situations depicted in Ragged Hope.  Job loss, lack of life insurance, HIV Aids from a loved one, pre-retirement redundancy, raising grandchildren, infidelity, post natal depression, only a shortlist.  A practical book, providing thoughtful responses the reader can employ when confronted with just such situations and those personally affronted, challenges to complacency, and scriptures to guide our responses. 
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Examples cover a wide range of losses experienced by so many in the world of our day. In mentioning the few I risk missing the one that may benefit your issue or area of struggle. I was impacted throughout the book's many examples, both personally and responsively. The overarching theme that God carries all such damaged and wounded people dear and near His heart, offering the only Hope that provides strength and inspirits with anticipation. "It's an expectation based on the belief that God cares and that He can reach through the fallout to redeem, revive, refresh, restore..." rather than living stymied by recycling regrets, resentment, and retribution.

Psalm 107 is the template to which Ms Ruchti refers us.  Whatever the life distress, 

"In their trouble they cried to ADONAI, and He rescued them from their distress..." 

with the expected response being, "Let them give thanks to ADONAI for His grace, for His wonders bestowed on humanity!"  *

The conclusion?  

"Let whoever is wise observe these things and consider ADONAI's loving deeds." [CJB]
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A book of Hope, courage and encouragement for the recipients of injustices and those who care.  

An eye opening call to compassion.  
A recommended reading resource.

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Join Cynthia Ruchti for a Facebook chat on August 1 at 8:00 PM EDT. * Readers will be able to discuss the book,
answer and ask questions,  and win prizes. 
* Watch the Cynthia Ruchti Reader Page on Facebook 
for details.  
* Connect with author, Cynthia Ruchti, on twitter @CynthiaRuchti and be sure to like Cynthia's amazon.com and Facebook pages *

Also released In 2013,  her novel When the Morning Glory Blooms  (Abingdon Press Fiction) *

  Cynthia has a total of six books on the shelves,
with more to come in 2014.

Cynthia tells stories of Hope through her novels, novellas, devotions, and nonfiction, and through speaking for women’s events/retreats and writers’ conferences/workshops. She draws from 33 years of experience writing and producing the 15-minute daily radio broadcast, “The Heartbeat of the Home.” Her books have received recognition from RT Reviewers’ Choice, Retailers’ Choice, and Family Fiction Readers’ Choice as well as finalist honors in ACFW’s Carol Awards and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, among others. She serves as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, is a board member of the Deliver Hope ministry, and is part of the worship team at her church. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.

*  *Appreciation to Abingdon Press for an ecopy to read and review without obligation.
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new clothes ...

yay! new clothes!
be blessed getting dressed ! ...

contemplative creative living ...

Abbey of the Arts
Transformative living through
contemplative & expressive arts

 
this invitation to intentional life choices from Christine [Abbey of the Arts], resonated with me and wondered if it would include you as well.  are these commitments you've already made?   or are they challenging you to it? 

Monk: from the Greek monachos meaning single or solitary, a monk in the world does not live apart but immersed in the everyday with a single-hearted and undivided presence, always striving for greater wholeness and integrity
 Manifesto: from the Latin for clear, means a public declaration of principles and intentions.
Monk Manifesto: A public expression of your commitment to live a compassionate, contemplative, and creative life.
1. I commit to finding moments each day for silence and solitude, to make space for another voice to be heard, and to resist a culture of noise and constant stimulation.
 2. I commit to radical acts of hospitality by welcoming the stranger both without and within. I recognize that when I make space inside my heart for the unclaimed parts of myself, I cultivate compassion and the ability to accept those places in others.
 3. I commit to cultivating community by finding kindred spirits along the path, soul friends with whom I can share my deepest longings, and mentors who can offer guidance and wisdom for the journey.
 4. I commit to cultivating awareness of my kinship with creation and a healthy asceticism by discerning my use of energy and things, letting go of what does not help nature to flourish.
 5. I commit to bringing myself fully present to the work I do, whether paid or unpaid, holding a heart of gratitude for the ability to express my gifts in the world in meaningful ways.
 6. I commit to rhythms of rest and renewal through the regular practice of Sabbath and resist a culture of busyness that measures my worth by what I do.
 7. I commit to a lifetime of ongoing conversion and transformation, recognizing that I am always on a journey with both gifts and limitations.

the second point is particularly reminiscent of Henri Nouwen's book, 'Reaching Out', which has deep insight regarding hospitality.  i'd love to hear your responses if you too were impacted by Henri's book and certainly your thoughts on the monk manifesto.  thanks!