Tending Roses (Tending Roses Series, Book 1) Review
Lisa manages in this wonderful story to have the grandaughter who is pregnant and no job at this time come manager her bossy, no it all grandmother. The family has decided that grandma needs a person to watch over her before they put her into a home. The grandaughter also learns how person smart grandma is and that being managed is not really what she needs. i have read all 5 of the books in this series and they are all wonderful, can hardly wait to reread them.
Tending Roses (Tending Roses Series, Book 1) Feature
Tending Roses (Tending Roses Series, Book 1) Overview
While living in a remote Missouri farmhouse-and struggling to care for her husband, baby, and aging grandmother-Kate Bowman finds inspiration in the pages of her grandmother's handmade journal...
Tending Roses (Tending Roses Series, Book 1) Specifications
First-time author Lisa Wingate drew upon her relationship with her grandmother for inspiration in writing
Tending Roses. Her sensitive and able crafting of language, character, and situation pierces through the turmoil and stress of everyday life, illuminating its message with almost painful intensity: "Maybe you should start wanting less." Wingate's words resonate as readers are introduced to Kate Bowman, her architect husband Ben, and their infant son. Kate, on maternity leave from her high-profile Chicago job, has been given the unenviable task of convincing her increasingly frail and forgetful grandmother that she can no longer live alone on the Missouri farm that has been her home for almost half a century. Kate and Ben are struggling to deal with mounting debts and medical bills as they strive to build a lifestyle, rather than a life. Frustrated by dealing with her stubborn, if well-meaning, grandmother, Kate finds solace and clarity in Grandma Rose's handwritten journal. The simple stories of earlier, less complicated times renew Kate's understanding of the truly important things in life. Through the journal, Kate discovers the essence of the remarkable Grandma Rose and is forced to reevaluate her priorities and those of her family.
Simply put, Wingate's aim is to exhort readers to "stop and smell the roses." The daily race to achieve and have more, more, more is clearly and all-too-accurately portrayed in these pages. I guarantee readers will stop to think of their own lives and where they are spending their energies. Let's hope Lisa Wingate has other relatives as inspiring as Grandma Rose for future novels. --Alison Trinkle
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Customer Reviews
Possibly the best fictional book I've ever read - Lynn -
I simply loved this book. It is a comfy, cozy read that reconciles past wounds and brokenness in a way that could only be the hand of God. It is a healing that all of us would desire. Written in a gentle and beautiful way. Love the book.
Realistic portrayals and thought-provoking insights - Robert Tucker -
Not being the genre I prefer in my reading habits, I began this book somewhat hesitantly after promising a friend I would read it. From the beginning my discomfort became elevated as I recognized myself in the husband who seemed overly caught up in his work in an effort to stay current with the onslaught of bills and expenses. I wondered if the entire story would be a "man-bashing" festival, something I did not care to experience. Yet, surprisingly, although written from a woman's point of view, the book was fairly impartial in its presentation of people and the flaws of the women were as obvious as the men.
I smiled as I read about the grandmother who bustled about making pies, cleaning house, and managing a myriad of chores. I further related to the family tensions that abound when tough decisions are approaching or when various value systems collide. All these events and more are in this sentimental story about an aging grandmother. Underpinning the book is an examination of individual priorities, and putting life back in order. The people are real, the problems are current, and the resolutions are satisfying. Smooth sentences and warm story-telling come together to make an engaging read that can be enjoyed by everyone.
I was disappointed however that some of the people were not given much background or depth and we never quite learned the story behind the little girl and her family. Furthermore, much of the anguish of the family past was glossed over in favor of creating external harmony. While this makes the book realistic, it also makes it a shade superficial. I was hoping for a little more character depth from the father, and I never was entirely sure I could picture some of the other characters. While it reads a little like a Hallmark movie (and I enjoy Hallmark movies), it is a beneficial read with heart-warming moments. I recommend it for anyone needing to take a few minutes of reflection of what is important in life.
Tending Roses - M. M. Walter - Aurora, CO
This is a sweet, easy, fun and edifying read. Makes you realize how important family relationships are and how important forgiveness, compassion, and thinking of others besides yourself are to maintaining healthy relationships.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Apr 11, 2010 15:34:51
