My True Love Gave to Me by Karen Witemeyer

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Twelve Days of Christmas get a romantic Texas twist!

Anna King has pledged her heart to Simeon Shepherd, but her father refuses to grant her hand to the young farmer. Simeon determines to be patient and earn David King's respect over time with hard work and evidence of his ability to provide. However, when a wealthy new suitor arrives in Bethlehem, Texas to woo Anna with her father's support, patience is no longer an option. Simeon has twelve days before Christmas to best his rival and prove once and for all that he is Anna's true love.

AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS.....

I loved this delightful spin on the classic Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas! Karen Witemeyer's wit and humor are well-known so who could better create twelve unique gifts for a determined young Texan to give to his sweetheart? Simeon Shepherd only has twelve days to prove that he is worthy to marry the love of his life and it doesn't take long for him to gain the support of all of the townspeople in Bethlehem, Texas. Will he, however, be able to convince the harshest judge of all? Can Simeon earn the blessing of Anna's father, David King?

I found myself singing the carol and laughing out loud as I learned some of the original gifts that Simon and his family chose for Anna, but Witemeyer's creativity doesn't stop there! Simeon, Anna, the Shepherd family, and the King family are some of the key characters, and they bear the names of people found in the first Christmas story! There is also an inspiring devotional at the end of the novella to deepen our appreciation for this special time of year!

I thoroughly enjoyed My True Love Gave to Me and I recommend it to anyone wanting a sweet, entertaining Christmas romance. It's also a quick read for those who don't have much time for reading during the busy holiday season!

I received a complimentary ARC from the author. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.

Winner of the HOLT Medallion, ACFW Carol Award, Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, National Reader's Choice Award, and a finalist for both the RITA and Christy Awards, Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. Karen's favorite aspect of her writing life is hearing from readers. Nothing encourages her heart more. She'd love to hear from you. 

Learn more by visiting her  Website   Facebook   Goodreads   Bookbub 

View all my reviews

The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass by Katie Powner

ABOUT THE BOOK

After years of drifting, fifty-year-old Pete Ryman has settled down with his potbellied pig, Pearl, in the small town of Sleeping Grass--a place he never expected to see again. It's not the life he dreamed of, but there aren't many prospects for a high school dropout like him.

Elderly widow Wilma Jacobsen carries a burden of guilt over her part in events that led to Pete leaving Sleeping Grass decades ago. Now that he's back, she's been praying for the chance to make things right, but she never expected God's answer to leave her flat on her face--literally--and up to her ears in meddling.

When the younger sister Pete was separated from as a child shows up in Sleeping Grass with her eleven-year-old son, Pete is forced to face a past he buried long ago, and Wilma discovers her long-awaited chance at redemption may come at a higher cost than she's willing to pay.

Set in northern Montana along the rugged and remote Hi-Line, Katie Powner's latest interweaves poignancy and humor to present a story of friendship, forgiveness, and moving forward.

MY THOUGHTS.....

Reading this book was a heartwarming and soul-searching experience that will remain with me for a long time. The characters are realistic and yet totally unique, including a pot-bellied pig named Pearl. It isn't often that a pig plays a major role in a contemporary fiction novel, but Pearl is Pete Ryman's steadfast companion and one of two friends that he can count on. Until...he returns to Sleeping Grass, Montana, and slowly creates a network, including his sister and nephew, an older lady who holds a secret to Pete's past, a troubled young woman struggling to escape her abusive husband, and Windy Ray, Pete's Indian friend who possesses a very deep faith with his Creator.

Author Katie Powner paints stunning word pictures and I was totally captivated by her emotional story! The Winds Blows in Sleeping Grass is a poignant depiction of hurts and forgiveness; hope and second chances. I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction.

I received a copy of the book but there was no obligation for a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katie Powner is an award-winning author who lives in rural Montana where cows still outnumber people. She is a two-time OCW Cascade Award and ACFW First Impressions Award winner. Katie is a mom to the third power: biological, adoptive, and foster. She loves Jesus, red shoes, and candy. 

Katie can be found at www.katiepowner.com,  

Follow her on Facebook     Twitter     Instagram

I invite you to check out my reviews of these other Katie Powner books!

The Sowing Season

Where the Blue Sky Begins

View all my reviews