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Lake Manawa Summers #3
The Ride of Her Life
The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws' home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa. However, her in-laws find that life utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and when a row ensues, a handsome stranger--who designs roller coasters, of all things--intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky (though charismatic) gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.
Filled with delightful characters and the romance of summer, "The Ride of Her Life" is another supremely entertaining story from the witty Lorna Seilstad. Readers will laugh out loud and sigh contentedly as they spend the summer of 1906 in Lake Manawa.
Filled with delightful characters and the romance of summer, "The Ride of Her Life" is another supremely entertaining story from the witty Lorna Seilstad. Readers will laugh out loud and sigh contentedly as they spend the summer of 1906 in Lake Manawa.
381 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
49 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Seilstad
20 books243 followersFor as long as I can remember, I loved writing. I even dreamed in plots. I also grew up attending antique auctions nearly every weekend, so history was as much a part of my life as chores on our farm in Iowa, reading books, and playing with Barbies.
So, writing historical romances fit perfectly. Times may change, the style of clothes, the way we speak, but the common threads that unite us remain the same. Couples fall in love. Injustices
happen. We fight for what we believe in. We struggle. We endure. We grow.
After graduating from York College in York, Nebraska with an A.A. and then receiving a B.S.Ed. from Lubbock Christian University, I met and married the love of my life, David. God had
written our love story, and I knew from the moment we met that he was the one. It was not love at first sight by any means, but I was so sure he was "it" that I wrote that I'd met the man I would marry in my diary. We pledged our hearts to one another two and half years later.
I taught high school English until my oldest child was born. After that I began my career as a professional wiper. I wiped noses, counter tops, tiny tushes, tears, and scraped knees.
Deciding that my children were now older and less in need of my constant supervision, I started pursuing my first love again --writing. After joining American Christian Fiction Writers, I found a wonderful critique group and began studying the craft of writing.
David and I have three children ages 18, 16, and 11. We also work in youth ministry and teach youth and adult Bible classes.
Thank you so much for stopping by, friend!
So, writing historical romances fit perfectly. Times may change, the style of clothes, the way we speak, but the common threads that unite us remain the same. Couples fall in love. Injustices
happen. We fight for what we believe in. We struggle. We endure. We grow.
After graduating from York College in York, Nebraska with an A.A. and then receiving a B.S.Ed. from Lubbock Christian University, I met and married the love of my life, David. God had
written our love story, and I knew from the moment we met that he was the one. It was not love at first sight by any means, but I was so sure he was "it" that I wrote that I'd met the man I would marry in my diary. We pledged our hearts to one another two and half years later.
I taught high school English until my oldest child was born. After that I began my career as a professional wiper. I wiped noses, counter tops, tiny tushes, tears, and scraped knees.
Deciding that my children were now older and less in need of my constant supervision, I started pursuing my first love again --writing. After joining American Christian Fiction Writers, I found a wonderful critique group and began studying the craft of writing.
David and I have three children ages 18, 16, and 11. We also work in youth ministry and teach youth and adult Bible classes.
Thank you so much for stopping by, friend!
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July 18, 2017
So, um, okay, I'm not too sure about this one. I've been hesitating between 2 or 3 stars for ages, so I think I'll set it at 2.5 rounded up to 3, considering it wasn't really any more or less good than the previous book, A Great Catch, to which I gave a generous 3 stars.
I loved the first book of the Lake Manawa series, Making Waves, with the spunky heroine and witty dialogue and sailing adventures. But since then, while books 2 and 3 have been fun and pretty entertaining still, they've fallen into the formulaic Christian fiction category, and I found myself equal parts bored and annoyed.
I did really like the general gist of the book though, and there were many things about this book that I actually really loved:
- Levi was adorably cute, and one of my favourite kids-in-adult-books ever. I liked him better than the H/h or any other character. What a darling <3
- Although not exactly a pet or insect lover myself, all the bits with bugs and animals were usually pretty good and funny.
- ALL. THE. FOOD. Ohhhh this book made me hungry!! Since I read most of it while on lunch break at work it was okay, but yeah, I definitely recommend having something to eat nearby if you read this because FOOD. Lilly worked as the cook for a lunch counter, and there were so many mentions of pies and stews and bacon and eggs and just hmmmmmmm!!
- I love the Lake Manawa setting of this whole series, and the fun and summery feels. It's breezy and relaxing and perfect for a summer time read.
- Some romantic scenes were pretty good. Like yeah, pretty good. And if I remember correctly the first kiss scene was quite good.
- Overall it was enjoyable enough that I did not DNF. Which must be a good thing since I've been known to DNF a lot lately :P
BUT NOW FOR MY COMPLAINTS. RANT TIME.
- Lilly. Sorry, but UGH, LILLY. I knew from the first chapter that I wouldn't like her, and I was right. She was stubborner than fifteen mules and a nutcracker, impossibly down-to-earth and practical, and endlessly overprotective, anxious, and fearful of everything. SHE DROVE ME INSANE, AND SHE WAS ANNOYING. Sorry.
-Every time Levi disappeared for five seconds, the world ended. OH GOODNESS GRACIOUS WHERE IS LEVI I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT HIM WHERE IS HE IS HE OKAY OMG OMG OMG. Ugghhhhh. Shut up and get over it, he probably went to feed his snake or look for spiders.
- Lilly's obsessive fear of trains and roller-coasters and refusal to let Levi do anything fun because it's-dangerous-and-he-might-get-hurt. Again, shut up and get over it, ARGH!
- While I thought it kinda cool that the hero was a roller-coaster builder, I was NOT interested in the mechanics and functioning of said roller-coasters. #boring
- Pretty much every character was one-dimensional, underdeveloped, annoying, in the way, or boring. Even the hero. #sorry
- I am starting to really dislike Christian fiction where the characters' personal struggles gets resolved by finding an old abandoned Bible, opening it at random, finding exactly the passage they need and feeling at once "the peace they had been looking for all their lives, and hearing Jesus speak to them and telling them with certainty to trust Him, etc, etc" type of thing and then everything is suddenly all rainbows and sunshine. #canyoupleasemakeitmorebeliveable
- Which brings me to point out that this is the kind of book that would be more enjoyable if it was NOT Christian fiction. I hate just being bombarded with Bible quotes and shallow faith. GIVE ME REAL CHRISTIAN FAITH, OR JUST MAKE IT A SECULAR BOOK!!
- Conclusion was very inconclusive. I foresee a divorce.
Seriously, for all the relaxation and fun this book brought me by times, it also made me roll my eyes so much I feared they would become permanently stuck behind my head.
#notoverlyrecommended
I loved the first book of the Lake Manawa series, Making Waves, with the spunky heroine and witty dialogue and sailing adventures. But since then, while books 2 and 3 have been fun and pretty entertaining still, they've fallen into the formulaic Christian fiction category, and I found myself equal parts bored and annoyed.
I did really like the general gist of the book though, and there were many things about this book that I actually really loved:
- Levi was adorably cute, and one of my favourite kids-in-adult-books ever. I liked him better than the H/h or any other character. What a darling <3
- Although not exactly a pet or insect lover myself, all the bits with bugs and animals were usually pretty good and funny.
- ALL. THE. FOOD. Ohhhh this book made me hungry!! Since I read most of it while on lunch break at work it was okay, but yeah, I definitely recommend having something to eat nearby if you read this because FOOD. Lilly worked as the cook for a lunch counter, and there were so many mentions of pies and stews and bacon and eggs and just hmmmmmmm!!
- I love the Lake Manawa setting of this whole series, and the fun and summery feels. It's breezy and relaxing and perfect for a summer time read.
- Some romantic scenes were pretty good. Like yeah, pretty good. And if I remember correctly the first kiss scene was quite good.
- Overall it was enjoyable enough that I did not DNF. Which must be a good thing since I've been known to DNF a lot lately :P
BUT NOW FOR MY COMPLAINTS. RANT TIME.
- Lilly. Sorry, but UGH, LILLY. I knew from the first chapter that I wouldn't like her, and I was right. She was stubborner than fifteen mules and a nutcracker, impossibly down-to-earth and practical, and endlessly overprotective, anxious, and fearful of everything. SHE DROVE ME INSANE, AND SHE WAS ANNOYING. Sorry.
-Every time Levi disappeared for five seconds, the world ended. OH GOODNESS GRACIOUS WHERE IS LEVI I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT HIM WHERE IS HE IS HE OKAY OMG OMG OMG. Ugghhhhh. Shut up and get over it, he probably went to feed his snake or look for spiders.
- Lilly's obsessive fear of trains and roller-coasters and refusal to let Levi do anything fun because it's-dangerous-and-he-might-get-hurt. Again, shut up and get over it, ARGH!
- While I thought it kinda cool that the hero was a roller-coaster builder, I was NOT interested in the mechanics and functioning of said roller-coasters. #boring
- Pretty much every character was one-dimensional, underdeveloped, annoying, in the way, or boring. Even the hero. #sorry
- I am starting to really dislike Christian fiction where the characters' personal struggles gets resolved by finding an old abandoned Bible, opening it at random, finding exactly the passage they need and feeling at once "the peace they had been looking for all their lives, and hearing Jesus speak to them and telling them with certainty to trust Him, etc, etc" type of thing and then everything is suddenly all rainbows and sunshine. #canyoupleasemakeitmorebeliveable
- Which brings me to point out that this is the kind of book that would be more enjoyable if it was NOT Christian fiction. I hate just being bombarded with Bible quotes and shallow faith. GIVE ME REAL CHRISTIAN FAITH, OR JUST MAKE IT A SECULAR BOOK!!
- Conclusion was very inconclusive. I foresee a divorce.
Seriously, for all the relaxation and fun this book brought me by times, it also made me roll my eyes so much I feared they would become permanently stuck behind my head.
#notoverlyrecommended
July 13, 2017
This was a fun series that I have had a wonderful time reading. This novel seemed to have a slower pace than the first two, at least for me, but it was still enjoyable. It was interesting learning about the first roller-coasters and the events that took place at Lake Manawa. My one complaint, which is probably nit-picky, but the heroines son, Levi, was six years old, yet he acted and spoke like a three year old. Anyway, I appreciated how this book answered some unfinished questions I had from the first book, about Marguerite's family, the Westings. It was also fun having the first two heroines, Marguerite and Emily, very present in this third book now that they were married and had families of their own. I am glad I read this series this summer. It was definitely an enjoyable, lighthearted, summery read. I think this series would actually make a cute movie:)
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April 29, 2012What fun to visit Lake Manawa! The Ride of Your Life has a dash of suspense and a delicious romance set against the history of this streetcar resort, early roller coasters, and a squirrel-cage jail.
Lilly Hart is one busy woman. She's raising a lively six-year-old, Levi, on her wages from running the diner. She's trying to keep her in-laws from taking Levi. She's preoccupied with finding reasons not to like the handsome roller-coaster designer who's working at the resort this summer.
I thoroughly enjoyed returning to Lake Manawa and the delightful characters from the first two books. I only wish the series wasn't ending!
Lilly Hart is one busy woman. She's raising a lively six-year-old, Levi, on her wages from running the diner. She's trying to keep her in-laws from taking Levi. She's preoccupied with finding reasons not to like the handsome roller-coaster designer who's working at the resort this summer.
I thoroughly enjoyed returning to Lake Manawa and the delightful characters from the first two books. I only wish the series wasn't ending!
July 8, 2017
I have enjoyed the historical facts of this fun series. After reading the Author's Note at the end of this book, I was excited to realize that a roller coaster with a very similar construction as Lake Manawa's Velvet Coaster is at a park not TOO far away. I was mentally planning a book "field trip," just to realize that the park is under construction. Closed until next summer...
May 30, 2012
First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.
Once again, I have completely enjoyed Lorna Seilstad's writing! It's hard to believe she is done with these characters—this series! I really enjoyed getting to know Marguerite, Emily, and Lilly throughout the Manawa Summers series. And I’m pretty sure I’ve never had so much fun and laughs while reading a book (especially with the second book, A Great Catch!) Can't wait to see what else this talented (and fun!) author has in store next.
In The Ride of Her Life we go alongside Lilly (who has been in the background of the previous two books) and her young, adorable son, Levi. I really enjoyed getting to know her throughout this book. She seemed like such a complex, quiet character—especially alongside bubbling Marguerite and clumsy Emily! I loved reading about her hard-working, selfless character that makes her willing to work herself to exhaustion to protect and provide for those she loves—namely, Levi.
There weren’t as many laughs in this book, which surprised me a bit. Don’t get me wrong, though—there were several humorous events. Especially when a certain young lady comes to “help” Lilly cook! But even though the “rolling on the flour, laughing out loud” humor wasn’t there as much as in previous books, this book still made for a 5-star read for me!
The Manawa Summers series is a set of books I know I will be revisiting in the near future for a reread. True, it was bittersweet to see this series come to an end, but The Ride of Her Life just made the perfect way to leave these endearing characters. If you want a book that’s filled with laughs, fun-in-the-sun, and romance…this series must be first on your list!
Once again, I have completely enjoyed Lorna Seilstad's writing! It's hard to believe she is done with these characters—this series! I really enjoyed getting to know Marguerite, Emily, and Lilly throughout the Manawa Summers series. And I’m pretty sure I’ve never had so much fun and laughs while reading a book (especially with the second book, A Great Catch!) Can't wait to see what else this talented (and fun!) author has in store next.
In The Ride of Her Life we go alongside Lilly (who has been in the background of the previous two books) and her young, adorable son, Levi. I really enjoyed getting to know her throughout this book. She seemed like such a complex, quiet character—especially alongside bubbling Marguerite and clumsy Emily! I loved reading about her hard-working, selfless character that makes her willing to work herself to exhaustion to protect and provide for those she loves—namely, Levi.
There weren’t as many laughs in this book, which surprised me a bit. Don’t get me wrong, though—there were several humorous events. Especially when a certain young lady comes to “help” Lilly cook! But even though the “rolling on the flour, laughing out loud” humor wasn’t there as much as in previous books, this book still made for a 5-star read for me!
The Manawa Summers series is a set of books I know I will be revisiting in the near future for a reread. True, it was bittersweet to see this series come to an end, but The Ride of Her Life just made the perfect way to leave these endearing characters. If you want a book that’s filled with laughs, fun-in-the-sun, and romance…this series must be first on your list!
March 7, 2024
3.5 stars
It was a good story, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first two books in the series. It was nice to get Lilly's story, and the roller coaster sounded like a lot of fun!
It was a good story, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first two books in the series. It was nice to get Lilly's story, and the roller coaster sounded like a lot of fun!
June 2, 2012
This was the first book I've read by this author, but now I've got to go back and read the first two books in this series ASAP! The book had everything that I'm looking for in a historical romance, great characters, a fun and unique setting, and so much romance!
The story had a lot of romance, which is something you really don't see that often in historical romances. It's almost like the romances are thrown in at the last minute sometimes. But this story really is a romance, the bulk of the tale focuses on Lilly and Nick. They spend so much time together getting to know each other, I loved all of their scenes together. I really did understand why Lilly had such a hard time handling a new romance since her husband had passed away, on the other hand it was so frustrating watching her push away someone as great as Nick when he wanted to help her so much.
The supporting characters in the book were fantastic as well. It was fun to see the pitfalls that Lilly and her kitchen assistant at work would fall into, since the poor assistant was just so accident prone. Lilly's son, Levi, is adorable and his scenes never feel forced or used just to be cute. He had a lot of funny lines, but they all seemed very realistic. Even the somewhat bad characters (no spoilers, you'll find out!) were so well written, representing both the bad and good sides of their characters.
The main reason I wanted to read this book was because of the roller coaster and the theme park setting, and it did not disappoint. It was such an interesting and unique setting, and the author really makes the reader feel like she/he is there. I admit that in some ways the cover does look a little silly (even though I love it at the same time), so I was pleasantly surprised that the book isn't silly at all. It is a light read for the most part, but there is a lot of heart. All in all it's a perfect heartwarming, romantic summer read.
I can't wait to read the first two books in this series. My only complaint is that this series is over now!
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
The story had a lot of romance, which is something you really don't see that often in historical romances. It's almost like the romances are thrown in at the last minute sometimes. But this story really is a romance, the bulk of the tale focuses on Lilly and Nick. They spend so much time together getting to know each other, I loved all of their scenes together. I really did understand why Lilly had such a hard time handling a new romance since her husband had passed away, on the other hand it was so frustrating watching her push away someone as great as Nick when he wanted to help her so much.
The supporting characters in the book were fantastic as well. It was fun to see the pitfalls that Lilly and her kitchen assistant at work would fall into, since the poor assistant was just so accident prone. Lilly's son, Levi, is adorable and his scenes never feel forced or used just to be cute. He had a lot of funny lines, but they all seemed very realistic. Even the somewhat bad characters (no spoilers, you'll find out!) were so well written, representing both the bad and good sides of their characters.
The main reason I wanted to read this book was because of the roller coaster and the theme park setting, and it did not disappoint. It was such an interesting and unique setting, and the author really makes the reader feel like she/he is there. I admit that in some ways the cover does look a little silly (even though I love it at the same time), so I was pleasantly surprised that the book isn't silly at all. It is a light read for the most part, but there is a lot of heart. All in all it's a perfect heartwarming, romantic summer read.
I can't wait to read the first two books in this series. My only complaint is that this series is over now!
book sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
June 2, 2012
After reading the first two books in this series,
Making Waves
and
A Great Catch
, I was really looking forward to reading The Ride of Her Life - I was so sure I was going to love it! However, I was very disappointed in it. I think my expectations might have been too high for this book, because the first book was excellent and the second book was very good. I hate being in the minority with an opinion on a book, but that seems to be the case with this one. Every review I have seen so far for this book has been extolling it, but it just didn't do it for me.
I loved Lilly in Making Waves, but in this book she just came across as very annoying, negative and paranoid. I couldn't connect with her like I did with Marguerite and Emily. I tried so hard to find something, but came up empty. The other characters in the story were great: Nick was fun and charismatic, Eugenia made me laugh, and Lilly's son, Levi, was SO adorable you can't help but love the little guy!
If you have read the first two books, you will probably still want to read this one. But if you are thinking of getting this book to read by itself, I don't think I would recommend it. I would however recommend this series as a whole - the first two are great!
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
“Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
I loved Lilly in Making Waves, but in this book she just came across as very annoying, negative and paranoid. I couldn't connect with her like I did with Marguerite and Emily. I tried so hard to find something, but came up empty. The other characters in the story were great: Nick was fun and charismatic, Eugenia made me laugh, and Lilly's son, Levi, was SO adorable you can't help but love the little guy!
If you have read the first two books, you will probably still want to read this one. But if you are thinking of getting this book to read by itself, I don't think I would recommend it. I would however recommend this series as a whole - the first two are great!
***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***
“Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
May 21, 2012
I’m just a bit sad as I write this review. Why? Because book three in the “Manawa Summers” series has come to an end. A very satisfying end, but an end none the less, thus the part of me that is sad.
Once you’ve traveled to Lake Manawa, Iowa, you will never want to leave. Having spent three books there, felt the sand between my toes, the sea breeze on my face and made friends with Marguerite, Emily and Lilly, I promise you I will be visiting again and again and again…
Lilly is the star of “The Ride of Her Life” and the poor woman definitely has a ride – and it’s not all roller coaster thrills. A budding romance that might require more daring than she’s willing to chance, in-laws that should (I’m sorry) be hung by the toes for the torture they put their former daughter in law through and the cutest little boy you will read about in today’s Christian fiction.
The novel is darling. I love the characters. The romance. The little boy (yes, I know I already mentioned him, read the book and you’ll know why). The setting is truly escape-worthy. Tension abounds, along with the scent of flame-torched fried chicken. Nick is a stand-out hero, one I really wanted to see get his happily-ever-after. Perfect.
A hidden escape that becomes an intimate gathering of all that makes a good novel so incredibly enjoyable. Escape to Manawa Island, you’ll be so glad you did!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
**Available May 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker publishing.**
Once you’ve traveled to Lake Manawa, Iowa, you will never want to leave. Having spent three books there, felt the sand between my toes, the sea breeze on my face and made friends with Marguerite, Emily and Lilly, I promise you I will be visiting again and again and again…
Lilly is the star of “The Ride of Her Life” and the poor woman definitely has a ride – and it’s not all roller coaster thrills. A budding romance that might require more daring than she’s willing to chance, in-laws that should (I’m sorry) be hung by the toes for the torture they put their former daughter in law through and the cutest little boy you will read about in today’s Christian fiction.
The novel is darling. I love the characters. The romance. The little boy (yes, I know I already mentioned him, read the book and you’ll know why). The setting is truly escape-worthy. Tension abounds, along with the scent of flame-torched fried chicken. Nick is a stand-out hero, one I really wanted to see get his happily-ever-after. Perfect.
A hidden escape that becomes an intimate gathering of all that makes a good novel so incredibly enjoyable. Escape to Manawa Island, you’ll be so glad you did!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
**Available May 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker publishing.**
February 17, 2014
Lilly Hart has taken her six-year-old son, Levi, and left her in-laws home. In the three years since her husband has been gone she has gotten fed up with their intrusiveness and trying to send Levi off to a boarding school, which his dad had hated and did not plan on doing with Levi.
Lilly takes a job as cook in a Midway diner in Lake Manawa, she is hired before the season starts so she can feed the workers that are building the Red Velvet Roller Coaster. Levi makes friends with Nick, the designer of the coaster and can hardly wait to ride it when it's finished. Lilly tries to avoid becoming friends with Nick and refuses to ride the coaster or let Levi get his hopes of for a ride.
Claude Hart, a prominent attorney in town, Levi's grandpa, wants to cause problems for Lilly and Nick, since he is a good friend of Levi's. He will do anything to get Levi taken away from Lilly, even cause someone to die, if that's what it takes.
I just can't say enough about this series, I found it totally entertaining! Of course it helps that I am familiar with the area and have driven through the Omaha/Council Bluffs/Lake Manawa area countless times and have stopped in Lake Manawa many, many times. Yes, it is completely different now but I enjoy reading about areas I know. Another thing who doesn't like reading about summer vacations, spending a whole summer on the lake with an amusement park? I would suggest this book to anyone that likes a fun read with a little twist.
Lilly takes a job as cook in a Midway diner in Lake Manawa, she is hired before the season starts so she can feed the workers that are building the Red Velvet Roller Coaster. Levi makes friends with Nick, the designer of the coaster and can hardly wait to ride it when it's finished. Lilly tries to avoid becoming friends with Nick and refuses to ride the coaster or let Levi get his hopes of for a ride.
Claude Hart, a prominent attorney in town, Levi's grandpa, wants to cause problems for Lilly and Nick, since he is a good friend of Levi's. He will do anything to get Levi taken away from Lilly, even cause someone to die, if that's what it takes.
I just can't say enough about this series, I found it totally entertaining! Of course it helps that I am familiar with the area and have driven through the Omaha/Council Bluffs/Lake Manawa area countless times and have stopped in Lake Manawa many, many times. Yes, it is completely different now but I enjoy reading about areas I know. Another thing who doesn't like reading about summer vacations, spending a whole summer on the lake with an amusement park? I would suggest this book to anyone that likes a fun read with a little twist.
May 31, 2012
More like 4.5 stars.
As someone else mentioned, I'm a bit sad to see this series end. I've enjoyed each novel and experiencing the romantic conflicts therein. This story was especially sweet because of the little boy, Levi. He had so many cute phrases and his excitement over everything was quite contagious. I found Nick's affection for the child quite precious, and if I were a single mom, that relationship alone would melt my heart. Oh, and the hero, Nick, with the "lethal" blue eyes held my heart early on. I enjoyed the emotional ups and downs with this story and watching Lilly grow over time. She was a real stinker at first because she was stubborn and fearful over everything, but she did learn to let go of trying to control all aspects of her life and always protecting her heart. She was rewarded for learning to trust God with her circumstances and trusting Nick with her heart. It was a beautiful thing to behold when she finally allowed herself to let Nick into her heart to stay. Those yummy kisses were breath-stealing, too. The author really knows how to write a fun and enjoyable romantic beach read. I enjoyed spending time at Lake Manawa and experiencing love with each of these characters. I highly recommend this series.
As someone else mentioned, I'm a bit sad to see this series end. I've enjoyed each novel and experiencing the romantic conflicts therein. This story was especially sweet because of the little boy, Levi. He had so many cute phrases and his excitement over everything was quite contagious. I found Nick's affection for the child quite precious, and if I were a single mom, that relationship alone would melt my heart. Oh, and the hero, Nick, with the "lethal" blue eyes held my heart early on. I enjoyed the emotional ups and downs with this story and watching Lilly grow over time. She was a real stinker at first because she was stubborn and fearful over everything, but she did learn to let go of trying to control all aspects of her life and always protecting her heart. She was rewarded for learning to trust God with her circumstances and trusting Nick with her heart. It was a beautiful thing to behold when she finally allowed herself to let Nick into her heart to stay. Those yummy kisses were breath-stealing, too. The author really knows how to write a fun and enjoyable romantic beach read. I enjoyed spending time at Lake Manawa and experiencing love with each of these characters. I highly recommend this series.
May 26, 2012
What an absolutely fun read! I have read all of the Lake Manawa books and I have to say that The Ride of Her Life is my absolute favorite! Lilly is a young widow with a young son to care for, and let me say he is just darling! You will fall in love with him, and all of the critters he captures!
Lilly moved out of her in-laws home to provide for young Levi, but they don't like how she's doing it and they not only make it hard for her, they start making it hard for Nick, the roller coaster designer who has taken a liking to young Levi and Lilly.
The sweet romance that develops between Nick and Lilly is slow and full of fun. You will feel the breeze on your face and the sand between your toes. Lilly will have the ride of her life and so will you as you read this wonderful book by Lorna! Grab this read and head to your favorite reading spot for a fun and inspirational read!
Lilly moved out of her in-laws home to provide for young Levi, but they don't like how she's doing it and they not only make it hard for her, they start making it hard for Nick, the roller coaster designer who has taken a liking to young Levi and Lilly.
The sweet romance that develops between Nick and Lilly is slow and full of fun. You will feel the breeze on your face and the sand between your toes. Lilly will have the ride of her life and so will you as you read this wonderful book by Lorna! Grab this read and head to your favorite reading spot for a fun and inspirational read!
May 14, 2013
A good book! such fun to think about the original roller coasters and what people would have thought about them! Also--a crazy time to be a widowed mother. There weren't many jobs available for you--especially if you had no connections. And it's crazy to think how people with money could easily take your children away from you if they wanted. That undertone of the story really kept me interested and gave me some food for though. There were several funny parts and the writing was so visual I felt like I could see many of the things.
June 13, 2013
This was my favorite book in the series. The plots of all three books were rather similar, but I still enjoyed each one. I was so excited to hear Lilly's story, and was sad to say goodbye to these beloved characters! Great read!
November 3, 2021
Having recently become enamored with the Gilded and Progressive Eras, I was delighted to find The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad. The author does a great job of using description and dialogue to evoke the time and place. I was able to imagine the sights, smells, and sounds of the Lake Manawa resort area. I had to remember life was different for women one hundred years ago, especially among the classes, so Lilly was constrained in a lot of ways, so I loved Lilly’s friends who often said what I was thinking in response to her stubbornness and anxiety. I appreciated her desire to do whatever was necessary to raise her son. Lilly’s former in-laws are bullies, and it was tough to watch their machinations in her life. I loved Nick – a swoon-worthy hero, and especially enjoyed his interaction with Lilly’s son Levi. Having him be a roller coaster engineer/builder was fascinating, and I enjoyed the bits and pieces of technical information that was sprinkled throughout. A thoroughly delightful book.
November 30, 2023
I really love roller coasters and theme parks, so I've only read this final book. It's great as a stand alone.
It's awesome to see an early trolley park and the building of a really old school coaster. I'm really lucky to have ridden Leap the Dips in real life. It's the last remaining example of these figure 8s from around 1900. The book's descriptions of the actual coaster, building practices of the time, and safety measures are spot on. Nick and his crew are great. So is Levi's fascination watching the new coaster being built. Yes, I was nerding out over the coaster.
The characters and the whole lakeside town and park are fleshed out and fun. Lily, Nick, Levi, and the rest are fun people. The romance is believable and enjoyable.
It's awesome to see an early trolley park and the building of a really old school coaster. I'm really lucky to have ridden Leap the Dips in real life. It's the last remaining example of these figure 8s from around 1900. The book's descriptions of the actual coaster, building practices of the time, and safety measures are spot on. Nick and his crew are great. So is Levi's fascination watching the new coaster being built. Yes, I was nerding out over the coaster.
The characters and the whole lakeside town and park are fleshed out and fun. Lily, Nick, Levi, and the rest are fun people. The romance is believable and enjoyable.
November 21, 2025
Has it really only been a year since I started this series?!? It seems like it was so long ago. This series follows three spunky girls at the Lake Manawa resort duriing the early 1900s. The series started with Marguerite in Making Waves, then went to Emily in A Great Catch and we have now finished with Lilly here in The Ride of Her Life. I'm sad to see this series end, but I have fallen in love with the author and plan to find more books written by her.
March 25, 2019
Superb Enjoyment
Ms. Seilstadt again did an amazing job of combining fun,love,excitement and suspense into light literature, while also showing that even tho we go through storms here in earth, we can get through them with God's help
Ms. Seilstadt again did an amazing job of combining fun,love,excitement and suspense into light literature, while also showing that even tho we go through storms here in earth, we can get through them with God's help
October 1, 2021
This is a Christian romance set in a lakeside summer community in Iowa. The main character is a young widow with a small child. This is one of the better Christian romances I have read. I really rooted for the characters. A bit of it was too predictable. But a nice read overall.
September 21, 2024
Actually thought I was getting a different book with the same title but I went ahead and finished it. This was a sweet romance book that was rather predictable but I loved how it was Christian based.
February 17, 2020
There were a lot of eye rolls while reading this. The main character, Lilly, was way too stubborn, over-protective and just plain annoying to make this a credible story.
March 9, 2020
A light hearted Christian romance story set in early 1900's in Iowa---fun and historical facts woven together.
February 15, 2021
This was my favorite in the series. I really enjoyed the characters and the story line. I liked how the author added some history at the end of the book.
Read
January 27, 2022Didn't like.
March 24, 2022
A fun story of learning to trust—both God and others.
June 25, 2022
3.5 stars. Not the book I thought I was reading. Another book with same title is what I would like to read soon.
September 11, 2022
A very predictable plot. There is no depth to the characters.
March 31, 2023
Amazing! Loved this book as much as the other two. Highly recommend!
August 27, 2023
Too formulaic for me. I figured out almost everything near the beginning of the book.
July 26, 2012
The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad
Review by Kara Grant
Minor Spoilers
My Review
I had a short visit with my pastor today and he asked me if I would be blogging. I responded, not for today. Pastor Jose, you were right, today is a day for another posting :) This is my first book by Seilstad and the cover/title alone are enough to pull you in! This story takes place in 1906 and the roller coaster described was the first of its kind. It was fascinating to read the historical value of this book while enjoying the characters in Lilly’s story!
Lilly is a widow, but she’s also a former lady’s maid and struggles to become truly independent for the first time. She has the determination and heart, but she has difficulties trusting others, even those closest to her. That initially made the story tough for me to enjoy because Lilly is so blessed with friends and family that love her, but after learning of her background I started to understanding why she is so fierce in not trusting anyone. What she must deal with in this story: a precocious 6 year old son who LOVES to play with insects and critters, two best friends who like to meddle in a loving way, rich in-laws who meddle in a negative way, a clueless yet sweet employee who needs constant patience in the kitchen, and Nick Perrin who instantly connects with Lilly yet must learn to win her heart over while trusting God to be in control.
Even though the romance in this story is sweet and even comical, my favorite scenes were with Lilly and her two best friends. They get one another, they support each other in everything, they pray for one another, and they are real with each other. It’s rare to have such close friends who are more like sisters than friends and I deeply enjoyed the girl time they share.
I was surprised by the betrayal and sabotage in this book, but it made for quite the page turner! Lilly’s former in-laws are determined to get custody of her son and send him to a boarding school for a proper education so that he can one day take over the family business, a law firm. Lilly refuses to give up her son and this causes more trouble than she realizes. Lilly also believes that she needs to act more proper, but it makes for a cuter story. How many of us girls have believed that we’re not enough and need to act more ladylike, more refined? However, I quite enjoyed the tomboy in Lilly as much as I enjoyed her way of creating wonderful meals at the diner. There’s one scene where Lilly and Nick ride a camel together. Lilly decides to ride side saddle, not quite the best way to handle such a ride, and the results are very humorous!
There’s also a pleasant scene with a red-tailed boa snake, an alligator, Levi (Lilly’s son) plays with worms, small spiders, a small snake, ants, a toad, and a salamander (I think), and there’s a funny scene with a skunk. So even though this is such an enjoyable read, there are many insects and critters as well. The only detailed scenes however were with the red-tailed boa, the camel, and some ants that get away :) Most of the scenes are with Lilly in the diner and how Nick deals with the roller coaster. There are also several roller coaster rides in the story that bring both excitement and adventure to this great story! Lilly must deal with releasing Ben (her late husband) so that she can have the freedom to enjoy Nick’s company and both main characters have to learn to trust God more with their romance/future. There are also a few scenes in church, but it doesn’t feel overbearing or preachy :) There’s one reference to Susan B. Anthony and the cause of Women’s Suffrage, which was such a treat for this reader to witness!
This book was a much lighter read that I needed and I won it from Kav’s Blog, http://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/, but decided to review it because of how enjoyable it was for me (thanks again Kav). I highly, highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a great ride with flawed and funny characters that will both surprise you and warm your heart. Here’s part of what Lorna wrote in the acknowledgements section:
“Saying goodbye to Marguerite, Emily, Lilly, and Lake Manawa has been harder than I expected, but I am excited about the new characters already filling up pages on my computer. Thank you, dear reader, for sharing in these women’s stories and joining me on this journey. Your letters and notes have brought me so much encouragement. Please know that I’m praying for all of you.”
Add this book to your TBR shelf today and be prepared for nonstop enjoyment, a great roller coaster, romance, faith and a side of meddling that makes this book unconventionally entertaining and sweet. Don’t miss upcoming books from Lorna Seilstad, check out her website http://lornaseilstad.com/
Review by Kara Grant
Minor Spoilers
My Review
I had a short visit with my pastor today and he asked me if I would be blogging. I responded, not for today. Pastor Jose, you were right, today is a day for another posting :) This is my first book by Seilstad and the cover/title alone are enough to pull you in! This story takes place in 1906 and the roller coaster described was the first of its kind. It was fascinating to read the historical value of this book while enjoying the characters in Lilly’s story!
Lilly is a widow, but she’s also a former lady’s maid and struggles to become truly independent for the first time. She has the determination and heart, but she has difficulties trusting others, even those closest to her. That initially made the story tough for me to enjoy because Lilly is so blessed with friends and family that love her, but after learning of her background I started to understanding why she is so fierce in not trusting anyone. What she must deal with in this story: a precocious 6 year old son who LOVES to play with insects and critters, two best friends who like to meddle in a loving way, rich in-laws who meddle in a negative way, a clueless yet sweet employee who needs constant patience in the kitchen, and Nick Perrin who instantly connects with Lilly yet must learn to win her heart over while trusting God to be in control.
Even though the romance in this story is sweet and even comical, my favorite scenes were with Lilly and her two best friends. They get one another, they support each other in everything, they pray for one another, and they are real with each other. It’s rare to have such close friends who are more like sisters than friends and I deeply enjoyed the girl time they share.
I was surprised by the betrayal and sabotage in this book, but it made for quite the page turner! Lilly’s former in-laws are determined to get custody of her son and send him to a boarding school for a proper education so that he can one day take over the family business, a law firm. Lilly refuses to give up her son and this causes more trouble than she realizes. Lilly also believes that she needs to act more proper, but it makes for a cuter story. How many of us girls have believed that we’re not enough and need to act more ladylike, more refined? However, I quite enjoyed the tomboy in Lilly as much as I enjoyed her way of creating wonderful meals at the diner. There’s one scene where Lilly and Nick ride a camel together. Lilly decides to ride side saddle, not quite the best way to handle such a ride, and the results are very humorous!
There’s also a pleasant scene with a red-tailed boa snake, an alligator, Levi (Lilly’s son) plays with worms, small spiders, a small snake, ants, a toad, and a salamander (I think), and there’s a funny scene with a skunk. So even though this is such an enjoyable read, there are many insects and critters as well. The only detailed scenes however were with the red-tailed boa, the camel, and some ants that get away :) Most of the scenes are with Lilly in the diner and how Nick deals with the roller coaster. There are also several roller coaster rides in the story that bring both excitement and adventure to this great story! Lilly must deal with releasing Ben (her late husband) so that she can have the freedom to enjoy Nick’s company and both main characters have to learn to trust God more with their romance/future. There are also a few scenes in church, but it doesn’t feel overbearing or preachy :) There’s one reference to Susan B. Anthony and the cause of Women’s Suffrage, which was such a treat for this reader to witness!
This book was a much lighter read that I needed and I won it from Kav’s Blog, http://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/, but decided to review it because of how enjoyable it was for me (thanks again Kav). I highly, highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a great ride with flawed and funny characters that will both surprise you and warm your heart. Here’s part of what Lorna wrote in the acknowledgements section:
“Saying goodbye to Marguerite, Emily, Lilly, and Lake Manawa has been harder than I expected, but I am excited about the new characters already filling up pages on my computer. Thank you, dear reader, for sharing in these women’s stories and joining me on this journey. Your letters and notes have brought me so much encouragement. Please know that I’m praying for all of you.”
Add this book to your TBR shelf today and be prepared for nonstop enjoyment, a great roller coaster, romance, faith and a side of meddling that makes this book unconventionally entertaining and sweet. Don’t miss upcoming books from Lorna Seilstad, check out her website http://lornaseilstad.com/
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews