“If you’re lucky enough to be at the lake, you’re lucky enough.”~welcome sign, Moses Lake~
Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate is a sweet story about the people who inhabit tiny Moses Lake, Texas. The relaxed pace of this novel gave me the feeling I was on vacation at just such a spot—with all the time in the world to enjoy the everyday goings on of the folksy characters.
At first the people in the town seem like a group of ‘no one specials,’ some might even call them losers . . . a single-for-life game warden, pushy reverend, bitter divorced mom, rebellious teen, old man whose brain doesn’t “work too good anymore,” and timid little girl who never speaks. But as the story progresses, their inner beauty shines. The townsfolk have been especially judgmental of Len, the misunderstood old man who is trying to make a home for his granddaughter in spite of his disabilities. I loved the scenes where Mart, Andrea, and the Rev begin to see Len as someone cherished by God, someone of value.
It was equally touching when long-time single Mart takes a chance on falling in love. Or when Andrea, the bitter divorced mom, realizes how wrong her attitude toward the Lord has been. She muses . . .
“I’d been so certain that a perfectly smooth, perfectly predictable, perfectly blessed life was my rightful inheritance for having been a regular churchgoer, a volunteer, a devoted mother, and a good and faithful servant. When the road turned rocky, I was angry that I’d been robbed of what I deserved. What I was owed. I was like one of those spoiled kids—the ones who had everything and took it all for granted.”
For truly God owes us nothing yet showers us with blessings. As James reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Our Town
This book somehow brought to mind Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, a play that celebrates the special treasure that is everyday life.
I didn’t want to leave my new friends at Larkspur Cove when their story ended. With little fanfare, they’d crept into my heart. Don’t miss out on getting to know them, too!
Follow this link to purchase a copy of the book for yourself. Then save this story for a day when you need a fresh view of the ordinary people who share your life.
***Thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy of the book for me to review.
About Lisa Wingate: Lisa Wingate is an award-winning journalist, magazine columnist, popular inspirational speaker and a national bestselling author of 16 books. Her first mainstream novel, Tending Roses, is in its fifteenth printing from Penguin Putnam. Tending Roses is a staple on the shelves of national bookstore chains as well as in many independent bookstores. Lisa is one of a select group of authors to find success in both the Christian and mainstream markets, writing for both Bethany House, a Christian publisher, and NAL Penguin Putnam, in mainstream fiction. Her bestselling books have become a hallmark of inspirational southern fiction. Her works have been featured by the National Reader’s Club of America, AOL Book Picks, Doubleday Book Club, the Literary Guild, American Profiles and have been chosen for numerous awards.
Hi Renee, I’ve never heard of this author. Thanks for the book review! Have a Blessed Holy Week!
Thanks, Noreen! Blessings!
I, too, have never heard of that author, but she sounds wonderful. Thank you so much for the recommendation and review. Have a wonderful Easter.
Same to you, Patty Ann!
Wow. That quote is powerful. Makes me think.
It did me, too, Juju. Blessings, my friend!
this is a great review. I love finding a book that can help me escape into another world.
Yes, this is a gentle story which presents some solid truths. I love that combination!
Love the review. Just wanted to let you know I will email you my new blog address and name for it. It is even better than my nanas sweeties. It too is private. Have a great Easter. hugs,
Oh, good. Thanks, Janet! Wishing you and your little sweeties Easter blessings
Ooooh, sounds good! I hadn’t heard of it before, but think I’d really like it. Thanks for sharing.
I’m a new follower from the Blog Hop. I’d love it if you’d drop by A Helicopter Mom and follow me back!
Thanks!
Mickey
Thanks for following, Mickey! I’m following back, and I enjoyed your list of 100 things.
What a great review. This is a book I would enjoy reading.
Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte
I enjoyed your Easter post, Charlotte! Thanks for stopping by!
This sounds like a wonderful book, I love the name.
Blessings,
Ginger
The name and the cover–both are beautiful. Thanks for visiting, Ginger!
Hi Renee Ann,
I’m going to get started on the book I won from you sometime! 
Thanks for sharing another wonderful post on NOBH!
The cover photo caught my eye since it is a beautiful photo. This book sounds amazing like all the books you review. You do such a great job reviewing all the wonderful stories you read! It’s always fun to get lost in your review, I can only imagine at this stage in my life how wonderful it would be to actually sit down to read each book from cover to cover
Thanks for stopping in on this lovely Easter weekend, Tracy! I love how we can all share what we’re into at NOBH, and how those interests can reflect Christ in us. Blessings!
I love seeing positive reviews for books I have sitting on my shelf. I didn’t get this one for review, but I’m glad I have it. I can’t wait to read it now.
Hope you had an awesome Easter Renee Ann!
Thanks, Joy!
I love your reviews Renee, they’re so creative and informative. I wanna be a reviewer like you when I grow up.
Thanks for sharing and Happy Easter!
XOXO~ Renee
Ha ha, Renee! Your blog can’t be beat! Have a great week
Love your passion for good reading material. I don’t read fiction often but did read one from Karen Kingsbury this week. Reading Wierd now…
Rejoicing in our risen Savior!
Pamela
I have Unlocked in my TBR pile. It looks like a good one. I enjoy seeing the family photos and keeping up with you on your blog, Pamela! Blessings!
Enjoyed your review, Renee
I have just reviewed Larkspur Cove also and loved it. Lisa’s books are always fun to read but this one has a lovely depth to it.
I’m so glad you popped in, Rel! I’ll hop over to check out your review
I absolutely adore books about “different” types of people in smaller communities (maybe because that’s the kind of place I want to live in once my bebes are grown up … soon). What a great review!
Hopping over from Cym’s book party!
I know what you mean. I grew up in a small town and have always loved going back . . . I had fun visiting your blog, Julie! Thanks for stopping in at Doorkeeper today.
Sounds like a good book.
Thanks for stopping by.
I enjoyed checking out your blog, Heather! I often “see” you on twitter in Joy’s list of inspy book reviewers. Blessings!