"The Dandelion Field"
By Katheryn Springer
Synopsis:
This handsome firefighter makes a living coming to the rescue, but Gin doesn't need a man to fight her battles.
After Raine's dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter's youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that's compromised when Raine reveals she's pregnant.
Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: "The baby is mine."
Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.
As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.
After Raine's dad walked out, Ginevieve Lightly never lived in one place too long, a rambling lifestyle that defined her daughter's youth. When their car dies in Banister Falls, Wisconsin, Gin promises Raine they can stay until she finishes her senior year of high school. Gin will do anything to make sure her daughter has a bright future . . . a future that's compromised when Raine reveals she's pregnant.
Dan Moretti has only ever called Banister Falls home. After losing his best friend in a tragic accident, Dan devoted himself to responding to fires, rescuing the helpless, and guiding Cody Bennett, his best friend's son, through life. With Cody being the epitome of the good kid, it was an easy job. Until he says four little words: "The baby is mine."
Knowing gossip of Raine's pregnancy will erupt sooner or later in the small town, Gin's reflex is to grab the suitcase and escape to a new city, a new life. But with each passing day, Gin's feet stay rooted in Banister Falls, and she falls a little more for this local firefighter who shows her not all men abandon women at the first sign of smoke.
As Gin and Dan do the best they can to guide the two teenagers through their early entry into adulthood, they discover together that romance can bloom in the rockiest of situations. And God can turn the pieces of a broken past into a beautiful new beginning.
My Thoughts:
The cover of this book drew my attention immediately, combined with the title. I wondered what on earth a field of dandelions could have to do with a firefighter and a single mom, Gin and her son, Cody. As I don't want to spoil this connection for readers, I won't give any more info on this, but I must say it is heart wrenching and so meaningful. There is no other word for this book but CAPTIVATING! I was engrossed in the story from the first page and could not put this book down until I finished.
The characters become very real to you within minutes of beginning to read. Raine, a young, lonely girl whose dad walked out, is in a strange town, needy and hungry for someone who will be kind to her. She and her mom do the best they can in the circumstances, but as a teen, Raine is dissatisfied and unhappy. You just want to open your arms and give her a big hug, telling her that it will be alright. Cody, is a young man, with a similar problem. His dad lost his life after a tragic accident. Although you feel his loss, he does have a mom who has been successful in providing for him, as well as a role model , Dan. The author has done an excellent job in making you feel this hurt and loss. A somewhat delicate subject is dealt with in such a compassionate way. You feel the pain and confusion when Raine reveals her pregnancy. As a parent of a young person, I could relate easily. You can see the heart of each character as well as watch them grow in their faith.
The plot moved quickly as twists and turns evolved in each chapter. A somewhat unwanted romance develops, as this story proceeds. I cannot say that this novel is a cliffhanger, however it allows you to feel deeply as you read and contemplate how God can bring beauty from the most dreaded situations. It is truly a story of hope.
Kathryn Springer has successfully written a book that will touch your inner being. There is hope in the darkest of moments of our lives. It is our choice of how to use it. Can we put our faith in God's plan? Can we allow him to do His will?
Definitely, a five star book!! I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
This book was provided by Litfuse in exchange for a fair and honest review.
About the author:
Kathryn Springer is a USA Today bestselling author. She grew up in northern Wisconsin, where her parents published a weekly newspaper. As a child she spent many hours sitting at her mother's typewriter, plunking out stories, and credits her parents for instilling in her a love of books --- which eventually turned into a desire to tell stories of her own. Kathryn has written nineteen books with close to two million copies sold. She lives with her husband and three children in Marinette, Wisconsin.
To read other reviews of this book: http://litfusegroup.com/author/kspringer
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