No One Ever Asked - A Review

Published: April 2018, Waterbrook
Author: Katie Ganshert
Title: No One Ever Asked

About the book:
Challenging perceptions of discrimination and prejudice, this emotionally resonant drama for readers of Lisa Wingate and Jodi Picoult explores three different women navigating challenges in a changing school district--and in their lives.

When an impoverished school district loses its accreditation and the affluent community of Crystal Ridge has no choice but to open their school doors, the lives of three very different women converge: Camille Gray--the wife of an executive, mother of three, long-standing PTA chairwoman and champion fundraiser--faced with a shocking discovery that threatens to tear her picture-perfect world apart at the seams. Jen Covington, the career nurse whose long, painful journey to motherhood finally resulted in adoption but she is struggling with a happily-ever-after so much harder than she anticipated. Twenty-two-year-old Anaya Jones--the first woman in her family to graduate college and a brand new teacher at Crystal Ridge's top elementary school, unprepared for the powder-keg situation she's stepped into. Tensions rise within and without, culminating in an unforeseen event that impacts them all. This story explores the implicit biases impacting American society, and asks the ultimate question: What does it mean to be human? Why are we so quick to put labels on each other and categorize people as "this" or "that", when such complexity exists in each person? 

My Thoughts:
I don't think I've ever picked up one of Katie Ganshert's books and haven't loved it. But this one. Oh my goodness, it surpasses any of her others! It's highly appropriate for the current crazy world we live in. I think that I literally read this in about a day. I got completely lost in the story. 

I received a copy as part of the Blogging for Books program. Sadly, this is my last review for them as they are discontinuing the program. I was not required to like the book, only give my honest opinion.

Recommended to fans of Karen Kingsbury, Lisa Wingate, Jodi Picoult

Rating 5 stars

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten Books I read in 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly theme hosted by the Broke & the Bookish.

This week's theme is the top ten books I've read in 2015. I could do a variety of lists, but I know myself well enough to know that I can't just pick 10! So here's what I came up with.

1. The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron - This is by far my favorite book of the year. It enthralled me.

2. Accept This Dandelion by Brooke Williams - This was so much fun to read. I giggled my way through it.

3. Dandelion Field by Kathryn Springer - The story in this one kept me turning the pages. The way that there were two stories really being told at the same time.

4. How to Catch a Prince by Rachel Hauck - My favorite of the Royal Wedding Series. I loved this one.

5. From the Start by Melissa Tagg - Her books have captivated me from the first, and this one wasn't any exception.

6. Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund - I loved Ryan in this book. He gave a whole new meaning to the "wounded" hero.

7. Not By Sight by Kate Breslin - I loved her debut last year. This one was a great second novel.

8. The Gifting Series by K. E. Ganshert - I read all three of these in one weekend I believe.

9. Fire and Ice by Mary Connealy - I'd been wanting Bailey's story since book 1. Was so glad to get it in this one.

10. Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin - I love the cover on this book. I love her writing.

11. Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar - It's been a while since I read one of his books. This one was a surprise delight.

12. One More Wish by Robin Jones Gunn - Robin's books are like old friends. Even when it's a new book. They are truly a breath of fresh air.

13. Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz - Laura's books make me long to be in the period of history. They truly are amazing.

14. The Wedding Chapel by Rachel Hauck - If I wasn't already a fan of Rachel's, then this book would have made me one. It's that good.

15. The Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman - Julie's first contemporary novel. There are enough fun characters in it to make me not sad that she's writing contemporary instead of historical. Though I still love her historicals.

16. Wings of Glory Series by Sarah Sundin - These have been on my list for a while. I'm so glad that I got to them, finally. Book 3 is my favorite.

17. Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter - I kept hearing about this book. I was glad to finally read it.

18. The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan - I'd forgotten how funny his books are until I started this one. I love his sense of humor.

19. Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George - I love fairytale retellings. This one retells the Twelve Dancing Princesses.

20. Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey - I kept waiting for Reef's story. I was not disappointed in it at all.

Now for some that are mostly rereads:

21. Short Straw Bride & Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer - These are my two favorites by Karen.

22. Juliet by Anne Fortier - I loved this one from the first time that I read it. This time through, I was buddy reading it, and I loved it even more.

23. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling - One of my friends is reading this series for the first time, and I said I'd buddy with her on these. No matter how many times I read them, Harry Potter never gets old.

Top Ten Tuesday - Top Ten (Or Twenty) Books Read in 2014

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly theme hosted by The Broke & The Bookish. Feel free to join in.

This week's topic is one that I usually do on New Year's Eve. But it works for this week. This week, the topic is the top 10 books I've read in 2014. This is probably one of the hardest posts I've written. I mean, how can I narrow my list down to just 10?! I've read so many books this year that it was so hard to decide. My initial list contained over 50 titles.

So after cutting some out, here is what I came up with though.... Each title links to the review on my blog and purchase links are listed too.

Beginning with the Women's Fiction/Contemporary Category

1. Bridge to Haven by Francine Rivers - this is probably the BEST book I've read this year. It was simply amazing. Buy it here.

2. The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate - Another amazing book. Buy it here.

Now for the WWII books....

3. In Perfect Time by Sarah Sundin - By far, my favorite of the series. I couldn't get enough of Kay & Roger. Buy it here.

4. Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohkle - I was impressed with her book Promise Me This a couple years ago. This one was just as impressive. Buy it here.

5. For Such a Time by Kate Breslin - A beautiful retelling of Esther set against Nazi Germany. I need a copy of this! Buy it here.

Moving on to the general historical...

6. Love's Fortune by Laura Frantz - This family saga is amazing! Most of these are amazing. But I'm serious, this book, and the others in the series are well worth the time and money on these. Buy it here.

7. Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund - Probably my favorite of Jody's books. Such a gripping story. Buy it here.

8. Pelican Bride by Beth White - This was a surprise for me. I don't usually read early American history, but I really loved this book. Buy it here.

Now to the romance (both contemporary and historical)...

9. Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade - I adored this book. Absolutely adored it! I loved everything about it - the cover, the characters, the story - everything. Buy it here.

10. When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren - It's the Christiansen Family. Need I say more? I"m so excited to read the next one (soon). Buy it here.

11. A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert - I've come to expect quality from Katie. And I was not disappointed. Such a beautiful story of discovering true beauty. Buy it here.

12. Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg - Melissa's books always make me giggle. This was no exception. Buy it here.

13. Princess Ever After by Rachel Hauck - I love princesses, fairy tales, happy endings. Pure fluff. Buy it here.

14. Tried & True by Mary Connealy - Probably my favorite of hers so far. I laughed all the way through it. Buy it here.

Finally, the Young Adult & Suspense books.

15. Silenced by Dani Pettery - Book 4 in the Alaskan Courage Series, Kayden finally gets her turn. And this McKenna's sister's story of love is filled with danger. But she and Jake figure it all out. Buy it here.

16. Deceived by Irene Hannon - My favorite in the series and favorite by Irene. Can Connor be any more dreamy? Buy it here.

17. The Lunar Chronicles of Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress  by Marissa Meyer - Should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me. Especially lately. I've pretty much been gushing about them.  Buy them here.

 

18. Worth the Wait by Laura Jackson - Laura's debut reminded me a lot of the Christy Miller books. Buy it here.

and speaking of the Christy Miller Books,

19. Forever With You by Robin Jones Gunn - I literally squealed when I learned that Robin was writing a series about Christy & Todd and their married life. Literally squealed. Buy it here.

and finally,

20. The Fairest Beauty by Melanie Dickerson - a young adult retelling of Snow White. I still have to wonder how I missed her all this time. Buy it here.

So I couldn't cut my list to just ten. Though I did try. I left off wonderful ones of Dare to Love Again by Julie Lessman, In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews, With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden, Stuck Together by Mary Connealy, Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan, Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan, Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer, and March Bride by Rachel Hauck. Seriously, there were so many delightful ones I read this year, that I couldn't list them all.

So how did you come out? What books were your favorites this year? Maybe you have a hidden gem I need to discover. Tell me in the comments.

October Bride - A Review

Published - September 23, 2014, Zondervan Books
Series - A Year of Weddings Novella Book 11
Author - Katie Ganshert
Title - An October Bride
Format - ebook
Find on Amazon

When Emma Tate accidentally discovers her dying father's bucket list with all but three items crossed off, she knows that one item is within her power to see it crossed off - Walk Emma down the aisle. There's just one major obstacle to that. Emma has only just recovered from a broken engagement! When her lifelong buddy Jake Sawyer hears of her plan, he proposes to her. Soon everyone in town knows of their engagement and that an October wedding has been planned. Speculation runs rampant as does the rumor mill. But with only Jake & Emma knowing the true reason behind their engagement, they have to overcome not only rumors, the dubious friends, but also realize that the biggest complication is their true feelings for each other! So will this October wedding go off as planned for the sake of Emma's father or will it become something so much more?

Ever since I first read Wildflowers from Winter, Katie's books have been on my radar. So when I saw she was taking part in the Year of Weddings Novellas, I couldn't have been more thrilled. I don't think that there is a single book by Katie I've not enjoyed , and this one is no exception. My only wish on this one was more story!

I loved everything about this novella. I loved the way that Emma was determined to go through with a fake marriage just so her father could walk her down the aisle. I have a feeling her father knew all along what she was doing and that he humored her by going along with it. I also loved the way that Emma came to admit that she loved Jake. I loved Jake for being so noble and proposing knowing it was to make her father's wish come true. I loved Jake for finally telling Emma how he felt. So yes, I'm gushing a bit with this one. I'd have loved to have seen Emma's best friend get together with her brother Liam, who also happened to be Jake's best friend. Maybe Katie will bring those characters back for another story someday.

I received the Kindle version of this book for free from Booklook Bloggers for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of weddings, novellas, Love Inspired, Katie Ganshert

Rating - 5 stars

Broken Kind of Beautiful - A Review

Published - April 15, 2014, Waterbrook Press

Author - Katie Ganshert

Title - A Broken Kind of Beautiful

Format - ebook, paper

Find on Amazon

Model Ivy Clark is willing to do whatever she can to salvage her career. She's almost twenty-five and the magazines are wanting the younger girls to be their models. When the opportunity arises to return to Greenbriar, SC to be the new face of her stepmother's bridal gown line, Ivy balks at first, but then sees it as a chance to make it the best shoot of her career. She arrives aloof and wanting to hold people at arms length. She doesn't count on her stepmother's gentle love, the enthusiasm of Sara, a childhood acquaintance, or her photographer, Davis Knight. Davis has put his cameras away ever since an accident injured his sister. He is happy and content working at the maintenance man at the church. Yet he can't resist when his aunt asks him to be the photographer for her new advertising campaign. True it puts him in close contact with a woman who longs to remain in the high paced fashion world. But as he gets to know Ivy, he sees her for who she really is. Can he show her that what she's searching for is right there in front of her? And will he be able to surrender his own desires as well?

I was thrilled to pick up this newest book by Katie Ganshert. I'd loved both of her previous ones. This one is a stand alone and not connected to her other books.

Once again, Katie has written a story that not only pulls at the heart strings, but also causes the reader to care. Ivy is broken. She knows her father never wanted her. Her mother pushed her aside. A stepmother loves her, but Ivy has too many walls built around her heart that prevent her from caring about Marilyn. The modeling world has been her life since she was 14. She dived right into the glitz, glamour, drugs, etc that are connected with that world. She doesn't understand what love really is.

 As I read what all Ivy went through, my heart ached for her. I wanted her to realize that she was beautiful. There were a couple of things that ran through my mind as I figured out Ivy. The first was that she reminded me a lot of Jenny in Forrest Gump. The second is the song "More Beautiful You" by Christian Recording Artist Jonny Diaz. Both of those things showed someone longing for something else. The YouTube music video is at the bottom of this post.

There were times when I wanted to shake Davis. He needed to learn that he's forgiven for what happened to his sister and that he didn't need to sacrifice his own calling. But it's a tough road for him. I can understand how he feels.

Overall, this book is about redemption. About finding out how God takes a broken soul and turns it into something beautiful.

I really do think that this is my favorite book of Katie's so far.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook/Multnomah's Blogging for Books program for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Karen Kingsbury, women's fiction, Denise Hunter, Becky Wade

Rating - 5 stars

More Beautiful You Video 

Please rank my review.