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Monday, May 3, 2010

Deborah Vogts' Snow Melts in Spring Review and Giveaway!

I picked up Deborah Vogts' debut novel last September at the American Christian Fiction Writer's conference in Denver. This past Sunday, I read it...from start to finish. Sigh. Talk about strong heroes and heroines!

Here's a blurb from Deborah's website:

When an aged horse is severely injured on a gravel road in the Flint Hills of Kansas, country veterinarian Mattie Evans accepts the challenge to save him. But she finds herself in the middle of a longstanding feud between the horse’s owner, pro quarterback Gil McCray, and his ailing father—who is also her dear friend.

As the snow melts in spring, Gil’s return to his estranged father’s ranch brings a chance for new beginnings and reconciliation, but when he falls in love with Mattie, he must face the truths that haunt him or run from his past. Meanwhile, Mattie encourages Gil to return permanently to Kansas rather than retire in California. Their love collides when Mattie’s sister arrives on Gil’s doorstep, causing Gil to come to terms with the jealous acts leading up to his brother’s death and seek forgiveness from those he loves most. Can he accept God’s forgiveness, and will that be enough to make him stop running from his memories of home? In turn, if Mattie forgives, she’ll be forced to choose between the man of her dreams and the land she dearly loves.

Mattie Evans' love for the Flint Hills is such that Mattie is an extension of the land. She loves it, how it makes her feel, and the life it allows her to live. But with that devotion comes a difficult decision regarding her new-found love, and that's the stuff fiction is made out of!

My therapist cap sure did tingle atop my head as I delved deeper and deeper into Gil's dark secrets. And like any well-written book, the secrets become increasingly apparent to the reader. No backstory dumps here, folks. Gil's behavior is psychologically justified, as well, which is always satisfying. (I like it when things just make sense.)

The importance of family demands attention in Deborah's book. Connection--both past and present--approval, blessings, disappointed expectations and pride are all aspects addressed in this book that make it very relatable to readers everywhere. Every client I've seen who was estranged from their family didn't want things to be that way. It's ingrained on the inside to have that connection. We all want it, and Mattie and Gil are no exceptions.

Reading this book invoked thoughts of my own expectations growing up, namely of the type of guy I would marry. After reading and relating to Mattie's dilemma involving her beloved Flint Hills and possibly forging a life in the equally beautiful but very different California, I think the Lord gets a great many laughs at us telling him what we want or what we're going to do. Sometimes his plan is different, and letting go of our expectations--even our hopes--can cause us heartache. As Mattie and Gil learn, though, being in the center of God's will can overcome all of this pain.

I haven't had the pleasure of reading Seeds of Summer, Deborah's second book in the Seasons of the Tall Grass series which released this month. However, you can have a chance to read Book #1 in the series because I'm doing a giveaway!

Rules for entering:

1) Leave a comment with your name and email address (don't assume I have it) and if you are already a follower, let me know (+2)
2) Become a follower (by clicking on the "Follow" button on the left-hand side--I want to see your smiling picture in the box!) (+3)
3) Refer a new follower (and let me know!) (+2)
4) Tweet about this giveaway (by clicking on the Re-tweet button above) (+4)
5) Blog about it (leave me the link) (+5)

Good luck to everyone! I'll post the winner on Friday. :)

(p.s. If you have a kindle, you can get the book free by clicking here!)

Wordle: signature

12 comments:

Karen Lange said...

Thanks for sharing this info. I won't enter b/c I won this book on another blog a while back. It is still sitting on my TBR pile, but I'm thinking I need to move it up in order and read it soon!
Blessings!
Karen :)

Unknown said...

Hi! This books looks amazing! Thanks for the opportunity to win it! I have just become a follower! :)
Thanks and God bless!
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

Diane said...

I follow Deborah's blog and am excited for all her success. Congrats!

Unknown said...

This sounds like a wonderful story. I'm definitely interested in picking it up. I'm an old follower so +2. Hope you're having a wonderful Monday!

Deborah Vogts said...

Hi Jeannie! I just happened on your blog through a google alert. Thanks so much for reviewing Snow Melts in Spring. I am thrilled that you enjoyed my debut book.

On Thursday, I will be posting links on my blog for author interviews about my new release, Seeds of Summer. Based on this review, I think you will enjoy the second book! :)

Many blessings to you and your readers!

Anonymous said...

would love to read this book...thanks for the opportunity :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Cindy R. Wilson said...

Hi Jeannie, well I guess I'm a follower again! I think I've become a follower of your blog at least three times in the last year! I don't know how my face keeps disappearing. Anyway, thanks for the book review--the story sounds wonderful.

wilsoncindyr(at)gmail(dot)com

Jeannie Campbell, LMFT said...

great cindy! that qualifies for more entries. :) wonder why that keeps happening?

Anonymous said...

Just found you...will follow your blog. I do follow Deb's and want so much to read her books.
Please enter me! Thanks!!!
jackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet

Treats by Trish said...

Sounds like a great book! My e-mail is tlynch@waterinthewilderness.org. I am already a follower and I will tweet and FB the link. Love give-aways :-)

Treats by Trish said...

I decided to blog about it too :-) http://actmedium.blogspot.com/2010/05/book-giveaway.html

Deborah Vogts said...

Thanks everyone, for stopping by to say hello! Blessings to you!

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Both comments and questions are welcome. I hope you enjoyed your time on the couch today.