I can tell you without a doubt that Ann Gabhart is one of my favorite authors. Not only is she a fave writer, but one sweetheart of a woman. I so admire her and one day hope to inspire others through writing as she does.
This is part of the Hollyhill Series. I began with reading, "Scent of Lilacs", and then went on to book 3, "Summer of Joy". (You can check out all of my reviews of Ann's books.) So, I was blessed when Ann sent me book 2 to complete the series!
Everyone should visit Hollyhill. It's a place that holds such beauty and grace. The characters are real. They are people we are able to connect with and grow with. You could say this is a coming of age of story for the main character, Jocie Brooke, but this series is filled with characters that will touch your heart.
I fell in love with Jocie when I met her in, "Scent of Lilacs". I would have thought this to be my fave of the series, but then I went on to read the last of the series and again was simply blessed by the sweetness of Jocie. Even though she is young, she is a girl that inspires me and encourages me to walk in grace and love.
In, "Orchard of Hope", it is 1964. A time that brought change for everyone. Change that wasn't easy. Life wasn't easy, but the characters of Hollyhill were determined to make a difference with the changes that were heading straight for their town.
They are in the south, but not the deep south. Still yet, racism didn't leave their town void. Evil tried to hit the town of Hollyhill. The war was taking place. Camelot was falling. No matter how much they tried to keep the evils away, they still touched the hearts of those living in Hollyhill. The KKK was alive and they were ready to roar, but God had other plans for those who loved Him. He was about to use all the evil for good.
This book carries a bit of everything. Jocie is filled with questions as life is ever-changing. She sees people from the heart. She is able to see beauty in everyone. She is that girl who simply wants everyone to soar. She's a dreamer and she too isn't settling for common anytime soon. She is ready to stand and make change for the better.
Romance is alive. A baby comes. Friends come home. For some, loss is something they must come to face. For others, freedom is ready to be found.
Ann's words flow with beauty. Her novels are easy. The words leave an imprint upon your heart. If you haven't been blessed to read a book penned by Ann this is a great beginning!!
I see Ann has a new book coming in June. "Love Comes Home", is one you surly don't want to miss!!
This book was a gift from Ann Gabhart for sharing my review with you.
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author ofAngel Sister, Small Town Girl, and Words Spoken True, as well as several Shaker novels--The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--and The Heart of Hollyhill series. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.
