Katie Ganshert's Wishing on Willows, ©2013

Before anything else, you must go here and listen to Clair de Lune ~ my very favorite. My father played this on our Baby Grand when I was small and I have always loved it! http://katieganshert.com/willow-tree-cafe/

And... a snippet of recipes from Willow Tree Café is there as well!

Wishing on Willows
Dynamic!

Follow Robin as she learns how to love again. Holding on so tightly, her world begins to fall apart until she leans on the One who can hold it all together. Peace. My star?? Caleb.

She slipped off her shoes and climbed the stairs into the living room where Linda hung finger-painted pictures over the television and hummed backup to a bare-chested Caleb's enthusiastic yet off key rendition of "The Farmer and the Dell" [Who cares if it is Farmer in the dell!]. He sat on the sofa sans shirt, bouncing his legs and bobbing his head to the beat. As soon as she peeked over the banister, his face lit with a grin. It was the best kind of greeting.
   --Wishing on Willows, 75

Robin and Micah dreamed of having a café like the unexpected ones they sought out on their honeymoon. Lilting laughter, joy, completeness, dreams, children. Only Micah soon dies. Willow Tree Café is more than a dream. It is a combination of who they are, who they wanted to be. Bethany, Robin's sister-in-law, helps her make their dream come true as they put photos Micah took onto canvas and surround the walls with them ~ fresh pastries, breads, and coffees wafting out onto the sidewalk as music comes from within. The music of Robin's heart. Expecting their child, their dream is here. Healing, memories, hope. Now Caleb is almost four, and the music remains.

Ian took a deep breath and braced himself in the booth. This was it. Dad's company. People's jobs. Ian's reputation. All of it hinged upon today's meeting.
   --Ibid., 31

A large employer is expanding to their small town of Peaks, Iowa. Developers, McKay Development and Construction, have come in advance with plans for condominiums. Readying for the population boom that will boost the economy and tax revenue, keeping the workers downtown before they look elsewhere for housing.

The mayor stopped chewing, worry lines crowding around his eyes. "I do wish we could leave Willow Tree Café out of the mix. Robin makes a killer latte. She's a nice woman. Very passionate about what she does."
   --Ibid., 33

Willow Tree is in the south end buildings where the condos will fit perfectly. It sits between a jewelry store and an antique shop that also houses the ministry of One Life. Comfortable to come to, accessible, an outreach to those who would not come to a church building. Willow Tree is part of community gatherings, welcoming all those who need a shelter, a refreshment, a pause in their day.

Robin has the support of her family. Ian is trying to win the support of his. Will he leave his desires behind as he tries to find fulfillment in his search for peace?

This story is very full and answers are reflected in the every day living. So rich. It took until the middle of the book before Ian figured out what I already had in mind for them! Glad he caught up to me! Very enjoyable reading. I like the growth and character building as they learn to rely on the Lord for direction.

Jeremiah 33:3
Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

***Thank you to author Katie Ganshert for having an Advance Reading Copy sent to me for this review. No other compensation was received. Wishing on Willows will be available at booksellers tomorrow, March 19, 2013.***

Join Author Katie Ganshert
for a Wishing on Willows
Facebook Launch Party Extravaganza!

Katie will be answering questions via live chat, offering up a slew of prizes, and giving you a behind-the-scenes look at her latest book. Becky Wade and Courtney Walsh will also be popping in to the celebration! We hope to see you there.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 6:00 PM (CST) on Katie’s Facebook page.

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• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (March 19, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307730409
• ISBN-13: 978-0307730404

About the Author: Katie Ganshert graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her husband and their young son. She is the author of Wildflowers from Winter and Wishing on Willows.