Wild Rose

When I'm in the right mood, I enjoy reading Christian romances. I like Contemporary novels, but if I am given the opportunity to combine my love of history with my love of reading, well that's even better. I came across this book in my local public library and thought it sounded interesting from the back cover. I wasn't familiar with this author, but I'm always open to reading new authors. This book pulls you into the story by the end of the first chapter. I like that the heroine is insecure and in hiding at the beginning. I loved watching her blossom and gain self-confidence as the book progressed. This is a thoroughly enjoyable love story and also a believable one. The characters in this story come alive and you find yourself caring about what happens to them. This book deals with some difficult topics with sensitivity and yet in a way that is realistic. That is a very difficult combination to find in Christian books. I would highly recommend this book to others. I definitely plan to check out other books by this author in the future. Lisa

I loved this story from the first chapter, and I anxiously await more novels from Ruth Axtell Morren, who shows tremendous potential in this book. The story is extremely compelling, and though there really isn't much action in the book, the constant interaction between Geneva and Caleb keeps you interested at all times. The romance is gradual, not too rushed, and I was thankful, as I've read one too many Christian romances where the romance is forced on you in the very first chapter in one "love at first sight" moment. I would definitely recommend this book to others, and I can't wait to read more from Ruth!

This is one of those books I can go back to again and again. Geneva and Caleb are characters that make you love them. Though I can't relate to the circumstances, I felt empathetic toward Genevas as she faced the perceived disdain of her hometown and her attempts to befriend her neighbor. Caleb's willingness to embrace the future after the dissertion of his fiance' takes a while, but is worth the wait. As a big fan of Christian fiction (contemporary and historical), I am constantly seeking talented authors willing to speak of God's hand in our lives. In each of her books I've found Ruth Axtell Morren living up to my expectations. Winter is Past, Wild Rose and Lilac Spring are among my favorites in the genre. Can't wait to read Dawn in My Heart.

I loved her debut novel Winter is Past, this one is also excellent! The two primary characters are very well developed as is the story of how two wounded, lonely individuals become friends. This story is rich in details of Maine coastal life .It's just a thoroughly enjoyable read!

What can I say? It's been a few months since I read an advance copy of this book, but thinking of it still makes me smile. Though I read a lot of contemporaries, there's nothing like a good historical. And boy does this book fit the bill. From the first page as the vegetables fly onto the wharf, you are captured by the story. I was enthralled that my daughters asked me to read it aloud to them. Thankfully, I could! We all collapsed in a group hug dashed with tears at the end. Don't miss it.