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Moses Lake #1
Larkspur Cove
Adventure is the last thing on Andrea Henderson's mind when she moves to Moses Lake. After surviving the worst year of her life, she's struggling to build a new life for herself and her son as a social worker. Perhaps in doing a job that makes a difference, she can find some sense of purpose and solace in her shattered faith.For new Moses Lake game warden Mart McClendon, finding a sense of purpose in life isn't an issue. He took the job to get out of southwest Texas and the constant reminders of a tragedy for which he can't forgive himself. But when a little girl is seen with the town recluse, Mart and Andrea are drawn together in the search for her identity. The little girl offers them both a new chance at redemption and hope--and may bring them closer than either ever planned.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2010
1523 people are currently reading
3804 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Wingate
57 books13.4k followersLisa Wingate is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Before We Were Yours, which remained on the bestseller list for over two years. Her award-winning works have been selected for state and community One Book reads, have been published in over forty languages, and have appeared on bestseller lists worldwide. The group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa and six others as recipients of the National Civics Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. She lives in Texas and Colorado with her family and her deceptively cute little teddy bear of a dog, Huckleberry. Find her at www.lisawingate.com, on Facebook at LisaWingateAuthorPage, or on Instagram @author_lisa_wingate
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 545 reviews
May 29, 2014
I’m a little bit conflicted when it comes to the rating for Larkspur Cove because despite the slow start, I did end up really enjoying the read. The characters drew me into the story, and I loved the first-person narration of Andrea and Mart. It was cool to get the story from both of their perspectives versus one or the other.
The bit of mystery about the sweet little girl that Andrea saw with a local loaner really compelled me to keep reading. I wanted to find out just who Birdie was & how she wound up at Moses Lake. The romance between Andrea and Mart felt genuine to me and had some very sweet moments. I did want to see a bit more development there; perhaps a little more revelation out of both of them. Their baggage from the past was never explored very well, though I suppose it might have just been an assumption that they were in the process of making peace with it. It just seemed all tied up in a bow when in reality they had not disclosed that much information with one another.
I did love Lisa Wingate’s writing style. There were several lines that I highlighted to look back at again later, lots of gems worthy of contemplation. The setting itself was also very well-done, and the lake lifestyle came across very easily and gave me a comforting feeling.
I think what ultimately kept me from giving this one a higher rating is that it seemed to lose steam a bit and the story began to drag about a quarter of the way through. Once I hit 40%, I chugged along nicely, but up until that point, I wasn’t as compelled to pick it up or continue reading.
I did still like the story and am glad that I decided to stick with it. I’d consider reading the other books in the series, but might look at some of Wingate’s other books before I do.
The bit of mystery about the sweet little girl that Andrea saw with a local loaner really compelled me to keep reading. I wanted to find out just who Birdie was & how she wound up at Moses Lake. The romance between Andrea and Mart felt genuine to me and had some very sweet moments. I did want to see a bit more development there; perhaps a little more revelation out of both of them. Their baggage from the past was never explored very well, though I suppose it might have just been an assumption that they were in the process of making peace with it. It just seemed all tied up in a bow when in reality they had not disclosed that much information with one another.
I did love Lisa Wingate’s writing style. There were several lines that I highlighted to look back at again later, lots of gems worthy of contemplation. The setting itself was also very well-done, and the lake lifestyle came across very easily and gave me a comforting feeling.
I think what ultimately kept me from giving this one a higher rating is that it seemed to lose steam a bit and the story began to drag about a quarter of the way through. Once I hit 40%, I chugged along nicely, but up until that point, I wasn’t as compelled to pick it up or continue reading.
I did still like the story and am glad that I decided to stick with it. I’d consider reading the other books in the series, but might look at some of Wingate’s other books before I do.
July 11, 2015
I needed this book - I've always enjoyed Lisa Wingates stories... And I'm not sure this is any better than her other ones - other than it was what I needed right now :o) Some of my favorite lines... "Joy, I realized, isn't so much a circumstance you find yourself in but a choice you make." or "Maybe he saw in me a man who'd been raised going to chruch every Sunday, and gotten mad at God, and quit. Maybe he could tell that deep down inside me, there was a part that'd started to face the fact that you're not always going to understand why God does things the way He does, but you don't do yourself any good by turning your back on your faith, either." or "Maybe I just needed to accept my parents for who they were and get over myself. Maybe I was finally at a place in my life where I could." then there was, "Stop looking ahead. Stop looking back. Stop. Look around." "You've got to take your chances as they are. God gives what He gives, and only He knows why. If you're smart, you open the gift while it's on the table. Enjoy it. Be thankful for it. Live every minute of it while it's happening..." "In the stillness was a voice, soft like the mourning dove, yet persistent like the endless refrains of the mockingbird. It beckoned me with it's sweetness, warmed my soul, comforted my heart, promised that even when I'd been the lonliest, in the deepest despair, even when I thought I was lost in the darkness, I was never really alone God had been there, even when I could not see him, even when I could not hear His call, even when I denied His presence. He had been there in the wilderness, as He is in all places. I had only to be still, and listen, and let Him lead me home." Finally "A kite is like a man's life... No matter how much he tries, he can't make it more than a piece of paper and a ball of twine, on his own. He's got to give it over to something bigger, let the Good Lord breathe into it. After that, he just has to do two things - turn his eyes toward heaven and keep hold of the string."
August 20, 2018
SUMMARY: Adventure is the last thing on Andrea Henderson's mind when she moves to Moses Lake. After surviving the worst year of her life, she's struggling to build a new life for herself and her son as a social worker. Perhaps in doing a job that makes a difference, she can find some sense of purpose and solace in her shattered faith. For new Moses Lake game warden Mart McClendon, finding a sense of purpose in life isn't an issue. He took the job to get out of southwest Texas and the constant reminders of a tragedy for which he can't forgive himself. But when a little girl is seen with the town recluse, Mart and Andrea are drawn together in the search for her identity. The little girl offers them both a new chance at redemption and hope--and may bring them closer than either ever planned.
REVIEW: A litte bit romance, a little bit suspense, and a little bit mystery, the author wrapped this all up in a nice package. Each chapter opened with a delightful quote from the Wall of Wisdom at the Waterbrid Bait and Grocery at Moses Lake. It has a good storyline along with characters filled with everyday strengths, weaknesses, and faults. This story was written from parallel 1st person POV's from Andrea and Mart and I really enjoyed seeing the events from both their perspectives. Both Andrea and Mart were struggling with issues from their pasts. Neither would let go and let God. I enjoyed seeing how both of them grew and learned to appreciate today for the gift it is as they saw the hardships that Birdie had endured and how much Len with all his difficulties tried to love his granddaughter and protect her.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Leave other people to their own affairs until you have your own house in order. God did not appoint you the keeper of the world."
"When you're busy worrying about what should be, you miss what is....A moment unappreciated is a moment lost."
"A kite is like a man's life. No matter how much he tries, he can't make it more than a piece of paper and a ball of twine, on his own. He's got to give it over to something bigger, let the Good Lord breathe into it. After that, he just has to do two things - turn his eyes toward heaven and keep hold of the string."
REVIEW: A litte bit romance, a little bit suspense, and a little bit mystery, the author wrapped this all up in a nice package. Each chapter opened with a delightful quote from the Wall of Wisdom at the Waterbrid Bait and Grocery at Moses Lake. It has a good storyline along with characters filled with everyday strengths, weaknesses, and faults. This story was written from parallel 1st person POV's from Andrea and Mart and I really enjoyed seeing the events from both their perspectives. Both Andrea and Mart were struggling with issues from their pasts. Neither would let go and let God. I enjoyed seeing how both of them grew and learned to appreciate today for the gift it is as they saw the hardships that Birdie had endured and how much Len with all his difficulties tried to love his granddaughter and protect her.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Leave other people to their own affairs until you have your own house in order. God did not appoint you the keeper of the world."
"When you're busy worrying about what should be, you miss what is....A moment unappreciated is a moment lost."
"A kite is like a man's life. No matter how much he tries, he can't make it more than a piece of paper and a ball of twine, on his own. He's got to give it over to something bigger, let the Good Lord breathe into it. After that, he just has to do two things - turn his eyes toward heaven and keep hold of the string."
September 10, 2018
This was a slow read for me. At times it felt repetitive, however I still ended up enjoying it. The characters and the overall story were interesting enough, although I did crave to have a little more depth to the story and all the emotions that were brought forth. I was able to relate to the mom who was in her late thirties with a young teenage son though. So many of the emotions expressed in their relationship with each other were very authentic. I also enjoyed the setting of the lake. I was easily able to visualize the area and the natural settings which made for a relaxing read.
October 14, 2019
This is the second book by Lisa Wingate that I've read. There's something about her writing that draws me in. She creates realistic characters that I come to care about. There is mystery,suspense and romance in this book. Also, in this book there is more scripture and sayings that cause a person to ponder, but they come in the form of sayings posted on the little store at Larkspur cove. I will definitely read more of Wingate's books.
August 13, 2020
3.5 I think this book might technically be Christian Fiction. This book included family drama, romance and suspense. Although at times this book was a bit contrived and preachy, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and settings and may read the next in this series in the future.
May 27, 2019
"A kite is like a man's life," my granddad had said as I weighed the choice between letting that kite soar and holding it down. "No matter how much he tries, he can't make it more than a piece of paper and a ball of twine, on his own. He's got to give it over to something bigger, let the Good Lord breathe into it. After that, he just has to do two things -- turn his eyes toward heaven and keep hold of the string."
Lisa Wingate is a master storyteller and I found myself, once again, completely enthralled in her fiction. Complex characters struggling with true-to-life issues that seem insurmountable at times. Gut-wrenching and inspiring and so very hopeful! I particularly related to Andrea as she tries to find her footing after a messy divorce. My heart was in my throat for much of the read. And all mixed up in Mart and Andrea's complicated love story is the mystery of a vulnerable little girl found in the company of a war-damaged recluse. Spellbinding stuff!
Lisa Wingate is a master storyteller and I found myself, once again, completely enthralled in her fiction. Complex characters struggling with true-to-life issues that seem insurmountable at times. Gut-wrenching and inspiring and so very hopeful! I particularly related to Andrea as she tries to find her footing after a messy divorce. My heart was in my throat for much of the read. And all mixed up in Mart and Andrea's complicated love story is the mystery of a vulnerable little girl found in the company of a war-damaged recluse. Spellbinding stuff!
April 17, 2021
This felt more like Chick-Lit to me with a bit of mystery. I don't gravitate toward Chick-Lit but I like this author. So with that thought I went into this one and I don't feel disappointed.
Andrea is recently divorced with no place to call her own. She and her son move into her parents' lake house until she can find her own place. She needs to heal from a broken marriage and start a a new life as a single parent. I liked Andrea as an MC. Her role as mother was well done. Although I wanted to reach in and give her son a "what for" as my mother would call it. And I loved the male MC, Mart. He was really 'walking perfection' which usually is always a negative for me, but I have to confess that I fell under his spell. He was such a great character. I also liked Birdie and her grandfather. They were unique characters that pulled me in. So overall, this one was 4 stars.
Andrea is recently divorced with no place to call her own. She and her son move into her parents' lake house until she can find her own place. She needs to heal from a broken marriage and start a a new life as a single parent. I liked Andrea as an MC. Her role as mother was well done. Although I wanted to reach in and give her son a "what for" as my mother would call it. And I loved the male MC, Mart. He was really 'walking perfection' which usually is always a negative for me, but I have to confess that I fell under his spell. He was such a great character. I also liked Birdie and her grandfather. They were unique characters that pulled me in. So overall, this one was 4 stars.
July 7, 2011
Two lives connected by one small child…
Recently divorced Andrea Henderson moves herself and her teenage son to her parent’s vacation home in Larkspur Cove, in Moses Lake, Tx. Professionally, she has to start over and takes a job as a counselor in the area on the other side of the lake – a side her family avoided. She finds out how difficult this can be her first day when she gets a flat tire on the way to her appointments. While stuck out there with little phone reception, she sees a man drive past her with a small unkempt girl in the passenger seat. Not sure she can trust this man, she motions him on to avoid him stopping, but she can’t get the image of the little girl from her mind.
Martin (Mart) McClendon has also found a home in Moses Lake after a tragic accident takes the lives of his brother and nephew in which he blames himself. Racked with guilt over the deaths, he’s taken a job there as a game warden to distance himself from his family. On the same day Andrea’s car breaks down, Mart catches her son getting into trouble on the lake with some of the local rich kids. When he meets Andrea he thinks she’s just another rich parent not willing to see what her child has done wrong and she also gets the wrong impression of him.
Soon they find themselves working together to find the identity of the young child (Bertie) staying with Len, a man that’s had is own fair share of issues. Living on the wrong side of the lake, suffering from TBI, he’s slow and has a hard time understanding most things. He lives in a run down house surrounded by junk such as an old bus and some not so nice looking dogs. The questions are raised: Is Len capable of taking care of this child? And is this child really a relative of his?
I thought this was a well written novel but it didn’t beckon me as I thought it would. The story revolving around Bertie was interesting enough, but it didn’t grab me. Neither did the main characters. I found myself wanting to know more about Andrea’s first marriage but the author didn’t go very deep. I didn’t feel for them as I thought I should have. I did like some of the secondary characters though, and they seemed to add a bit of charm to the book.
There was little action in the book until the end, and then things really started to roll and I found myself interested and rooting for the main characters. I think with a little more emotional connection this book could have rated a higher star on my rating scale. One plus was that the author did give readers a chance to see inside the world of Child Protective Services.
This is a clean read, with a little romance and a little mystery. Nothing in it is shocking or offending, so it’s very safe for those looking for such a book. I’d pass it on to anyone looking for that kind of fiction.
*I give the book a 3.5/5
*I received this book from Bethany House Publishers, I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Recently divorced Andrea Henderson moves herself and her teenage son to her parent’s vacation home in Larkspur Cove, in Moses Lake, Tx. Professionally, she has to start over and takes a job as a counselor in the area on the other side of the lake – a side her family avoided. She finds out how difficult this can be her first day when she gets a flat tire on the way to her appointments. While stuck out there with little phone reception, she sees a man drive past her with a small unkempt girl in the passenger seat. Not sure she can trust this man, she motions him on to avoid him stopping, but she can’t get the image of the little girl from her mind.
Martin (Mart) McClendon has also found a home in Moses Lake after a tragic accident takes the lives of his brother and nephew in which he blames himself. Racked with guilt over the deaths, he’s taken a job there as a game warden to distance himself from his family. On the same day Andrea’s car breaks down, Mart catches her son getting into trouble on the lake with some of the local rich kids. When he meets Andrea he thinks she’s just another rich parent not willing to see what her child has done wrong and she also gets the wrong impression of him.
Soon they find themselves working together to find the identity of the young child (Bertie) staying with Len, a man that’s had is own fair share of issues. Living on the wrong side of the lake, suffering from TBI, he’s slow and has a hard time understanding most things. He lives in a run down house surrounded by junk such as an old bus and some not so nice looking dogs. The questions are raised: Is Len capable of taking care of this child? And is this child really a relative of his?
I thought this was a well written novel but it didn’t beckon me as I thought it would. The story revolving around Bertie was interesting enough, but it didn’t grab me. Neither did the main characters. I found myself wanting to know more about Andrea’s first marriage but the author didn’t go very deep. I didn’t feel for them as I thought I should have. I did like some of the secondary characters though, and they seemed to add a bit of charm to the book.
There was little action in the book until the end, and then things really started to roll and I found myself interested and rooting for the main characters. I think with a little more emotional connection this book could have rated a higher star on my rating scale. One plus was that the author did give readers a chance to see inside the world of Child Protective Services.
This is a clean read, with a little romance and a little mystery. Nothing in it is shocking or offending, so it’s very safe for those looking for such a book. I’d pass it on to anyone looking for that kind of fiction.
*I give the book a 3.5/5
*I received this book from Bethany House Publishers, I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
July 31, 2020
Rated 3.5 stars
July 26, 2024
Well, while I like Wingate's books, this one lagged for me and I didn't feel connected. And while I don't expect super deep faith elements to her books, this one was really slap-dash and shallow. It would have been better without it.
November 14, 2024
this book made me feel emotions i haven’t felt since getting on my antidepressants
August 1, 2019
3.5 Stars
September 11, 2013
Disclaimer: I don't usually read inspirational romances. I tend to not like them, since most of the ones I've read have been way too heavy-handed on the religion and thin on the relationship between the two main characters. This is an exception.
Larkspur Cove is an inspirational romance set in Central Texas that does very well in making life, and it's characters, real.
The heroine, Andrea, is a divorced woman, looking for meaning in a life that's been shattered by her husband's actions. She's uptight, and far too concerned with putting her world into neat, little boxes, but that's part of her charm. She's just realized life doesn't work that way, and she's not sure how to handle it.
The hero, Mart, is a man's man game warden, still trying to get over the pain of losing three people very close to him, two in particular. In spite of his rough ways, he's a kind and intelligent man, who's more easygoing than Andrea first assumes.
Naturally, there's conflict when they first meet. Dustin, Andrea's son, isn't taking the divorce well and starts off with the wrong crowd, found, of course, by Mart. But their relationship develops well, and is far more realistic in that development than some of the other romances I've read.
As far as the religious aspect goes, this book doesn't get even mention it for the first half, beyond whatever fits in the world (e.g. Reverend Hay inviting Andrea to church as part of welcoming her to the community...community tends to revolve around church here in Texas, no matter what your denomination). It isn't until close to the end of the book that any sort of "seeing the light" occurs. It's debatable how necessary it is to the ending, and to the resolution of the relationship, but either way, it's not annoying.
The action is good. The plotting is excellent, though I wished some aspects were more clearly resolved so that I could have had some emotional resolution, instead of only the intellectual kind. Not every problem is easily resolved in this book. In fact, there were times when I literally was on the edge of my seat, wondering how they would get out of their predicament. And just because they find a little peace now, doesn't mean things have gotten better.
The secondary characters and the world itself are well-drawn. This is obviously a woman who knows small-town Texas. However, with that comes some things that are sure to make more liberal-minded folks squirm. Some of Mart's thoughts regarding being a man, for instance, and references later on to Mart's getting a switch as a kid, making it sound like getting switched was a good thing.
In fact, the only weak characters, I thought, were Dustin and his dad. However, the "deadbeat" was drawn with more depth than I expected.
I don't feel I can end this review without mentioning Birdie and Len. They were the cutest, sweetest thing in this book. There were real dangers, yes, but that relationship restores my faith in humanity.
Overall, a nice, light read that made me smile, and got me turning back to spiritual thoughts without outright preaching at me.
Larkspur Cove is an inspirational romance set in Central Texas that does very well in making life, and it's characters, real.
The heroine, Andrea, is a divorced woman, looking for meaning in a life that's been shattered by her husband's actions. She's uptight, and far too concerned with putting her world into neat, little boxes, but that's part of her charm. She's just realized life doesn't work that way, and she's not sure how to handle it.
The hero, Mart, is a man's man game warden, still trying to get over the pain of losing three people very close to him, two in particular. In spite of his rough ways, he's a kind and intelligent man, who's more easygoing than Andrea first assumes.
Naturally, there's conflict when they first meet. Dustin, Andrea's son, isn't taking the divorce well and starts off with the wrong crowd, found, of course, by Mart. But their relationship develops well, and is far more realistic in that development than some of the other romances I've read.
As far as the religious aspect goes, this book doesn't get even mention it for the first half, beyond whatever fits in the world (e.g. Reverend Hay inviting Andrea to church as part of welcoming her to the community...community tends to revolve around church here in Texas, no matter what your denomination). It isn't until close to the end of the book that any sort of "seeing the light" occurs. It's debatable how necessary it is to the ending, and to the resolution of the relationship, but either way, it's not annoying.
The action is good. The plotting is excellent, though I wished some aspects were more clearly resolved so that I could have had some emotional resolution, instead of only the intellectual kind. Not every problem is easily resolved in this book. In fact, there were times when I literally was on the edge of my seat, wondering how they would get out of their predicament. And just because they find a little peace now, doesn't mean things have gotten better.
The secondary characters and the world itself are well-drawn. This is obviously a woman who knows small-town Texas. However, with that comes some things that are sure to make more liberal-minded folks squirm. Some of Mart's thoughts regarding being a man, for instance, and references later on to Mart's getting a switch as a kid, making it sound like getting switched was a good thing.
In fact, the only weak characters, I thought, were Dustin and his dad. However, the "deadbeat" was drawn with more depth than I expected.
I don't feel I can end this review without mentioning Birdie and Len. They were the cutest, sweetest thing in this book. There were real dangers, yes, but that relationship restores my faith in humanity.
Overall, a nice, light read that made me smile, and got me turning back to spiritual thoughts without outright preaching at me.
March 19, 2017
I love Lisa Wingate's books and yet this one didn't take that love all the way to the end. I lost interest about 75% into the book and truthfully didn't feel emotionally invested. The characters had some pull for me but eventually I just wanted the book to end.
March 5, 2013
When I first picked up "Larkspur Cove" I didn't know what to expect because I have not read any of Lisa's books prior. However I was pleasantly surprised! It was powerfully written with great details about Moses Lake, Texas (makes me want to visit!) as well as the characters emotions! The book was also very heart-felt!
I thoroughly enjoyed learning the ins and outs of a game warden as well as licensed professional counselors (who go four wheeling to get to clients in flooded areas!) because I did not know much about either! I also really enjoyed learning about Moses Lake, Texas! It sounds like a wonderful place to live with a beautiful, scenic environment!
One of the things I loved the most about this story was Birdie's situation and learning about other children who were in similar situations of previous (or current) abuse! It was so heartbreaking near the end to see what kind of abuse Birdie was experiencing before she moved in with her grandfather! Andrea also stirred my heart in how to parent her son as a single mom! Her story really helped open my eyes to women who are struggling as a single mom in raising their children because I realized maybe I judge too harshly on these amazing women. I have no idea what's it like to raise a child by yourself without a spouse and who I am to "point fingers" at their situation! I came to see that I need to be more like Rev. Hay and reach out a helping hand like he did with Len rather then talking about how they need help! God wants to use the people around them which includes me! Mart's story was good too because I could definitely relate to living in the past; wishing you could have changed things or been there to stop a tragic event.
Something else i really appreciated about Lisa's writing is the balance she has! When I was starting to think about if another character would come back in the picture, they did! She knew how to bring in and bring out any certain character while making the story flow wonderfully!
Overall, Lisa's book was great, but is it definitely a deep book that deals with tough topics that society had! However you can see God's grace working in every situation (no matter how dark the circumstances might be and Andrea's story shows the proof).
One of my favorite quotes from this novel is "Joy, I realized, isn't so much a circumstance you find yourself in but a choice you make." What a powerful truth and out of many that Lisa mentions in "Larkspur Cove"!
Come check out my blog, Crafty Booksheeps, for other similar reviews as well as interviews with other great authors like Lisa!
I thoroughly enjoyed learning the ins and outs of a game warden as well as licensed professional counselors (who go four wheeling to get to clients in flooded areas!) because I did not know much about either! I also really enjoyed learning about Moses Lake, Texas! It sounds like a wonderful place to live with a beautiful, scenic environment!
One of the things I loved the most about this story was Birdie's situation and learning about other children who were in similar situations of previous (or current) abuse! It was so heartbreaking near the end to see what kind of abuse Birdie was experiencing before she moved in with her grandfather! Andrea also stirred my heart in how to parent her son as a single mom! Her story really helped open my eyes to women who are struggling as a single mom in raising their children because I realized maybe I judge too harshly on these amazing women. I have no idea what's it like to raise a child by yourself without a spouse and who I am to "point fingers" at their situation! I came to see that I need to be more like Rev. Hay and reach out a helping hand like he did with Len rather then talking about how they need help! God wants to use the people around them which includes me! Mart's story was good too because I could definitely relate to living in the past; wishing you could have changed things or been there to stop a tragic event.
Something else i really appreciated about Lisa's writing is the balance she has! When I was starting to think about if another character would come back in the picture, they did! She knew how to bring in and bring out any certain character while making the story flow wonderfully!
Overall, Lisa's book was great, but is it definitely a deep book that deals with tough topics that society had! However you can see God's grace working in every situation (no matter how dark the circumstances might be and Andrea's story shows the proof).
One of my favorite quotes from this novel is "Joy, I realized, isn't so much a circumstance you find yourself in but a choice you make." What a powerful truth and out of many that Lisa mentions in "Larkspur Cove"!
Come check out my blog, Crafty Booksheeps, for other similar reviews as well as interviews with other great authors like Lisa!
April 22, 2011
“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.”
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!
I advise you to purchase a copy of the book for yourself. Then save it for day when you need a fresh view of the ordinary people who share your life!
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.”
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!
I advise you to purchase a copy of the book for yourself. Then save it for day when you need a fresh view of the ordinary people who share your life!
March 13, 2017
I love it when people realize that God is with them, and that He really does have a purpose for them.
May 13, 2013
I fell in love with all the characters of this book. It has amazing quotes that I could apply to my own life. You will not be disappointed by this author.
August 20, 2021
This is #1 in the Moses Lake inspirational series. Story notably has great characters as well as wonderful quotes ~ posted on the Wall of Wisdom of the “Waterbird” Bate and Grocery Store, Moses Lake, Texas.
There is a bit of mystery and yes a sweet romance in this story.
Story alternates between the POV of Mart McClendon aka hunky game warden
and
Andrea Henderson a young mom who is recovering from a broken marriage.
She and her son ~ Dustin have returns to her parent’s vacation home to try to pick up the broken pieces. Andrea has her hands full trying to start a new life especially when Dustin is a bit rebellious about leaving his dad.
The bit of mystery is when ‘Birdie’ a 6 year-old girl shows up and is living with the town’s crusty old recluse who lives in a rundown farm ~ not an idea setting for a little girl. .
Certainly an enjoyable read!
There is a bit of mystery and yes a sweet romance in this story.
Story alternates between the POV of Mart McClendon aka hunky game warden
and
Andrea Henderson a young mom who is recovering from a broken marriage.
She and her son ~ Dustin have returns to her parent’s vacation home to try to pick up the broken pieces. Andrea has her hands full trying to start a new life especially when Dustin is a bit rebellious about leaving his dad.
The bit of mystery is when ‘Birdie’ a 6 year-old girl shows up and is living with the town’s crusty old recluse who lives in a rundown farm ~ not an idea setting for a little girl. .
Certainly an enjoyable read!
September 6, 2017
Recently divorced mom, Andrea Henderson is starting over in Lake Moses with her teenage son, Dustin.
The book is narrated in alternate chapters by AH and game warden, Mart M.
MM is a sweetheart and great alpha hero n this book.
Nice mix of thriller, mystery and Southern everyday life.
On to book 2 in this trilogy !
Great life lessons 2B found in this tale .. and I discovered the water bike .. would like 2 try one of those!
The book is narrated in alternate chapters by AH and game warden, Mart M.
MM is a sweetheart and great alpha hero n this book.
Nice mix of thriller, mystery and Southern everyday life.
On to book 2 in this trilogy !
Great life lessons 2B found in this tale .. and I discovered the water bike .. would like 2 try one of those!
July 15, 2024
I wouldn't say this is the most engaging book I've ever read. But it was creative with the story plot. I would have appreciated more plot twists but it still had solid character development. I did appreciate the message of forgiveness
October 6, 2020
It was okay. Kind of basic and formulaic but I was curious so was enjoyable enough to read.
December 4, 2020
OK - this has a sequel so maybe it will be better
July 15, 2021
5 stars- one of the best Christian romances I’ve ever read. I wanna move to Texas now.
February 10, 2023
Book - 4.5 stars
Narration by Johanna Parker and Scott Sowers - 4.5 stars
Narration by Johanna Parker and Scott Sowers - 4.5 stars
March 23, 2021
Despite a bit of slow going at first, I still gave this 5 stars for the lovely writing, and the ending which was both intriguing and sweet.
September 13, 2022
Classic hallmark divorcee flees bad marriage and old life for a small town and meets a hunk. But she's afraid to start over. But she does. Classic plot. Well done.
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