Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert- a book review

Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert 

 Wishing on Willows is apparently a continuation of one of the author’s previous books.  This one centers around Robin Price, her little son, and Ian McKay.  Robin is a widow, who is trying to live out her late husband’s dream of running a cafe.  It is more of a ministry for her rather than a source of income.  She is very determined to keep it going in memory of her husband.

 Ian is developer who has been hired by the local government to build a condominium complex. Unfortunately, the plan calls for replacing the cafe and surrounding buildings with the new construction.

While the other property owners agree to sell, Robin is steadfast in her refusal.

This book started really slow for me. The chapters are short and it took me until chapter 10 to really get into the story. Once I did, I couldn’t put it down.  I think if I had read the previous book, I would have had an easier time getting into this one.  I would have like to have known more about Robin’s husband, Micah, and their lives before he died.

While you know this is a Christian romance, unlike other romance books where you’re pretty sure the characters are going to fall in love and live happily ever after, I was never really sure Ian and Robin were going to end up together.  They are both stubborn and determined, and Robin can’t seem to let go of her past and Ian has issues he’s dealing with as well.

There is one really touching portion that, while a bit unbelievable, is very romantic.  Robin gets angry at herself, Micah, and God, for Micah’s death.  She throws her wedding ring, which also happens to be her deceased mother’s, into a pond.  Ian miraculously finds it and gives it back to her.  I know, a bit unlikely that he would find it, like a needle in a haystack, but still a very romantic gesture.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author.  I hope to read more from her.

Read an exerpt below:

Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert (Sneak Peek) by WaterBrook Multnomah

I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from WaterBrook Press through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”