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[ The Widow of Saunders Creek [ THE WIDOW OF SAUNDERS CREEK BY Bateman, Tracey ( Author ) May-08-2012[ THE WIDOW OF SAUNDERS CREEK [ THE WIDOW OF SAUNDERS CREEK BY BATEMAN, TRACEY ( AUTHOR ) MAY-08-2012 ] By Bateman, Tracey ( Author )May-08-2012 Paperback
A grief that knows no boundary. A love without any limit. A need that doesn’t end at death. Corrie Saunders grew up in a life of privilege. But she gave it all up for Jarrod, her Army husband, a man she knew was a hero when she vowed to spend her life with him. She just didn’t expect her hero to sacrifice his life taking on an Iraqi suicide bomber. Six months after Jarrod’s death, Corrie retreats to the family home her husband inherited deep in the Missouri Ozarks. She doesn’t know how to live without Jarrod—she doesn’t want to. By moving to Saunders Creek and living in a house beloved by him, she hopes that somehow her Jarrod will come back to her. Something about the house suggests maybe he has. Corrie begins to wonder if she can feel Jarrod’s presence. Jarrod’s cousin Eli is helping Corrie with the house’s restoration and he knows that his dead cousin is not what Corrie senses. Eli, as a believing man and at odds with his mystically-oriented family members, thinks friendly visits from beyond are hogwash. But he takes spirits with dark intentions seriously. Can he convince Corrie that letting go of Jarrod will lead to finding her footing again— and to the One she can truly put her faith into?
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First published January 1, 2012
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About the author
Tracey Bateman
59 books155 followersTracey Bateman is also published as Tracey Cross, is the Christy award-winning author of more than thirty titles and has nearly a million books in print. She lives in Missouri's Ozarks with her husband and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 5, 2012
Well this is a favorite for me this year. I didn't want to do anything but read this book. The love story was tender and the mystery of the house was downright creepy. The thing I liked about this story were the spiritual elements because there was truth in what the characters said. You can't dabble with spirits. There are no such things as good spirits, but only demons cloaked in whatever you want them to be so they can get close. That gave me the shivers. Anyway, there were a lot of good nuggets in the spiritual thread of the book.
I also appreciated the theme of grief and loss and all of the points the author brought out in the process of showing it. I loved how you were in the heroine's head and coping as if you were the person grieving. There were a number of times when I got teary myself. Like when she visited her deceased husband's parents, and when she painted the surprise at the camp. The emotion expressed in the story was deep and believable.
Of course, my favorite character was the hero, though the heroine was very likable as well. The hero cared about others to the point where he'd set his own needs aside at times. I loved how he sometimes felt selfish himself because of his feelings for the heroine. I also loved how honest he was in his thoughts regarding his attraction to her. But the best part about him was that he loved deeply and that he was so tenderhearted. The fact that he was handsome, yet imperfect, was the icing on the cake.
The bottom line is that I loved this book and I think it's Tracey's best contemporary novel to date. I was enthralled with the plot and the characters. This book had all the tension of a Dekker novel, but with a deeply romantic and emotional thread that only a woman can write in a way that women understand best. Fantastic story! It's making my best fiction list for 2012.
I also appreciated the theme of grief and loss and all of the points the author brought out in the process of showing it. I loved how you were in the heroine's head and coping as if you were the person grieving. There were a number of times when I got teary myself. Like when she visited her deceased husband's parents, and when she painted the surprise at the camp. The emotion expressed in the story was deep and believable.
Of course, my favorite character was the hero, though the heroine was very likable as well. The hero cared about others to the point where he'd set his own needs aside at times. I loved how he sometimes felt selfish himself because of his feelings for the heroine. I also loved how honest he was in his thoughts regarding his attraction to her. But the best part about him was that he loved deeply and that he was so tenderhearted. The fact that he was handsome, yet imperfect, was the icing on the cake.
The bottom line is that I loved this book and I think it's Tracey's best contemporary novel to date. I was enthralled with the plot and the characters. This book had all the tension of a Dekker novel, but with a deeply romantic and emotional thread that only a woman can write in a way that women understand best. Fantastic story! It's making my best fiction list for 2012.
June 14, 2019
A little slow-moving but an interesting read.
February 7, 2013
I wasn't expecting a ghost story.
I make a practice of not reading back cover copy because I hate spoilers. And more than once, I've had the entire story given away on a back cover...so I'm cautious.
So when I saw this book, I thought, ok it's a Christian romance. Maybe historical. Looks interesting. I like the moody cover.
This was NOT at all what I was expecting.
Corrie's husband is killed in action and so she goes to his childhood home to start over and find herself again. Or to maybe...find HIM again?
I never knew there was such a thing as a Christian paranormal romance, but this one certainly fits the bill. It's at times spooky, romantic, funny, poignant, and just overall a very enjoyable read. I had to stop a couple of times but that's my issue, not anything to do with the book. Having lived in a rather haunted house at one point in my life (and really having gone through all the questions Corrie went through here in regards to that strange activity) I sometimes had difficulty in dealing with the issues raised. At the same time I'm so GLAD to see that I'm not crazy, that the things I went through, and some of the people I met in that time period were not necessarily so unique even if they were unusual (the Christian Wiccan comes to mind...)
And finding a way to move on with her life, and to get PAST all this strangeness....really inspired me. I wish I'd read this book years ago.
..ok, maybe not.
Still, it's wonderful and was a more than satisfying book. If you like spiritual warfare mixed in with your romance, this is certainly the book for you.
Great job, Tracey!
{I won a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. That in no way influenced my review.]
I make a practice of not reading back cover copy because I hate spoilers. And more than once, I've had the entire story given away on a back cover...so I'm cautious.
So when I saw this book, I thought, ok it's a Christian romance. Maybe historical. Looks interesting. I like the moody cover.
This was NOT at all what I was expecting.
Corrie's husband is killed in action and so she goes to his childhood home to start over and find herself again. Or to maybe...find HIM again?
I never knew there was such a thing as a Christian paranormal romance, but this one certainly fits the bill. It's at times spooky, romantic, funny, poignant, and just overall a very enjoyable read. I had to stop a couple of times but that's my issue, not anything to do with the book. Having lived in a rather haunted house at one point in my life (and really having gone through all the questions Corrie went through here in regards to that strange activity) I sometimes had difficulty in dealing with the issues raised. At the same time I'm so GLAD to see that I'm not crazy, that the things I went through, and some of the people I met in that time period were not necessarily so unique even if they were unusual (the Christian Wiccan comes to mind...)
And finding a way to move on with her life, and to get PAST all this strangeness....really inspired me. I wish I'd read this book years ago.
..ok, maybe not.
Still, it's wonderful and was a more than satisfying book. If you like spiritual warfare mixed in with your romance, this is certainly the book for you.
Great job, Tracey!
{I won a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. That in no way influenced my review.]
April 25, 2012
The Widow of Saunders Creek is a very dear book. It made me cry and smile all in the same book while keeping me on the edge. You meet Corrie Saunders and she is a young widow. Her husband of seven years, Jarrod was in the Army and died while serving his country. Some may say he died a hero but she looks at it as reckless sometimes during her grief and wished that she could have him back. Corrie travels back to the town where Jarrod was buried and grew up after dreams of living there. She moves in to a farm house that was left to them by his grandmother. The house is in need of repair and that is where we meet Eli. The town of Saunders Creek is nestled in the state of Missouri among the Ozarks and is a far cry away from Dallas where Corrie tried to stay after Jarrod’s passing, but she felt she could not breathe or grieve for that matter with her mother and her family around. Tears and grief were a weakness and yet she needed that. The farm house was in need of a little attention and repair (to say the least) but it was here that Corrie wanted to try to grieve maybe learn more about the man she loved and missed. The things that she missed learning about because of the Army’s keeping them away from family and better yet maybe feel his presence in this town or house. She meets the town folks and thanks to Eli (Jarrod’s cousin) and finds a painting that will change her. What she finds is a whole lot more and Eli who is helping her fix up the house is worried for her. I really want to tell you more but I want you to get to enjoy this book as much as I did.
July 15, 2012
The Widow of Saunders Creek
Tracy has done a phenomenal job of taking a controversial subject and dealing with it realistically, and nonjudgemental in this heart warming novel of a woman who lost her husband to the war too soon. Are ghosts real? Do they talk to the living? Can we really communicate with our loved ones who have died? The story is told from two points of view, both in the first person, but it draws in the reader and you feel as if Corrie and Eli are in the room telling you what has happened in the last month. Only it becomes more intimate because you don't need to stop and say I said, she said, he said or did. And by giving the name at the beginning of section, the reader is not confused as to whose mind we are inside. The characters are all well developed, and we see the carpentergrowth in them, both Corrie and Eli to the secondary characters of Lola (Corrie's sister) and Joe (carpenter) as well as others in the community. From deep mourning and dispair in Corrie's case to reaching out to others, and in Eli's situation from envy to acceptance. I would recommend this to my friends.
I received this ebook free from Waterbrook Press through their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to give a positive review, just an honest one which I have done. The opinions stated are my own.
Tracy has done a phenomenal job of taking a controversial subject and dealing with it realistically, and nonjudgemental in this heart warming novel of a woman who lost her husband to the war too soon. Are ghosts real? Do they talk to the living? Can we really communicate with our loved ones who have died? The story is told from two points of view, both in the first person, but it draws in the reader and you feel as if Corrie and Eli are in the room telling you what has happened in the last month. Only it becomes more intimate because you don't need to stop and say I said, she said, he said or did. And by giving the name at the beginning of section, the reader is not confused as to whose mind we are inside. The characters are all well developed, and we see the carpentergrowth in them, both Corrie and Eli to the secondary characters of Lola (Corrie's sister) and Joe (carpenter) as well as others in the community. From deep mourning and dispair in Corrie's case to reaching out to others, and in Eli's situation from envy to acceptance. I would recommend this to my friends.
I received this ebook free from Waterbrook Press through their Blogging for Books program. I was not required to give a positive review, just an honest one which I have done. The opinions stated are my own.
October 6, 2012
I cannot give a good assessment of this book because, frankly, it just wasn't for me. I was very uncomfortable with the book as a whole, not just in parts. As anyone can see by my reading list, it's not that it deals with paranormal stuff, nor Christian beliefs, not even that it's a romance book of sorts.
What got to me was the tone of the book. I felt like I was prising into someone's life. The characters seemed to have a "for or against" mentality when it came to the spiritual world, and I felt like I was rooting for the "wrong" team of folk-religion simply because they seemed to be the pushed around and bullied underdog.
Really, I tried. I got to chapter 12 of the ebook before I threw in the towel. I wasn't enjoying the story, the characters, or anything about the book. Which is a shame, really, as what made me pick up the book in the first place was that it was supposed to be about a widow of a military guy getting back on her feet. As I served, I was interested to know how others portrayed the other side of things and moving on when their loved ones died. It wasn't about that. It was about saving someone's soul from the folk-religion/devil worshipping/witchcraft/paganism.
**Disclaimer**
I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah publishing, and I am under no obligation to give this a good review, just an honest one.
What got to me was the tone of the book. I felt like I was prising into someone's life. The characters seemed to have a "for or against" mentality when it came to the spiritual world, and I felt like I was rooting for the "wrong" team of folk-religion simply because they seemed to be the pushed around and bullied underdog.
Really, I tried. I got to chapter 12 of the ebook before I threw in the towel. I wasn't enjoying the story, the characters, or anything about the book. Which is a shame, really, as what made me pick up the book in the first place was that it was supposed to be about a widow of a military guy getting back on her feet. As I served, I was interested to know how others portrayed the other side of things and moving on when their loved ones died. It wasn't about that. It was about saving someone's soul from the folk-religion/devil worshipping/witchcraft/paganism.
**Disclaimer**
I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah publishing, and I am under no obligation to give this a good review, just an honest one.
May 8, 2012
I really loved this book and was so happy to read it it really touched on some close to home issues about paranormal activity and how Christians can deal with it. I also really loved the atmosphere and romance it was very well done and I look forward to reading a lot more books by Tracey Bateman.
The Widow of Saunders Creek touched on a lot of issues current to today, as the main character in the story lost her military husband and is grieving the loss so much so she is tempted to contact him beyond the grave. This is an awesome book to gift to anyone who is thinking about dabbling in the paranormal. Or anyone who is a military wife
The Widow of Saunders Creek touched on a lot of issues current to today, as the main character in the story lost her military husband and is grieving the loss so much so she is tempted to contact him beyond the grave. This is an awesome book to gift to anyone who is thinking about dabbling in the paranormal. Or anyone who is a military wife
August 17, 2012
Grief can make you do crazy, unexplainable things. This story tells us about Corrie Saunders after the death of her husband. We see her journey to acceptance of Jarrod's forever absence, and back to the One who loves her no matter what.
I found the "ghosts" to be a little creepy, but completely realistic. Tracey Bateman handled a touchy subject with a lot of grace and well-written words.
I highly recommend The Widow of Saunders Creek if you like suspense with a touch of romance.
***I received this book free for review. The above is my honest opinion.***
I found the "ghosts" to be a little creepy, but completely realistic. Tracey Bateman handled a touchy subject with a lot of grace and well-written words.
I highly recommend The Widow of Saunders Creek if you like suspense with a touch of romance.
***I received this book free for review. The above is my honest opinion.***
March 25, 2020
3 stars for language and style
3 stars for narrative
3 stars overall though - it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Well, huh. This book is a head-scratcher for me. It had been on my to-read list for a couple years, and in the end it was not at all what I expected. I didn't get more than a couple chapters into it before I had to re-examine its synopsis on Goodreads and Amazon. It's a Christian Romance Ghost Story... maybe the technical term is Christian paranormal romance? I'm not really sure.
I was expecting a story about a young widow who returns to her late husband's family home in the Ozarks, to take possession of the farm he had inherited prior to his death; the place where they had intended to build a life together and raise their future family. And while yes, that is technically the premise of the book, it takes an unexpected, bizarre turn.
Despite that, The Widow of Saunders Creek isn't baldy written, and I think the author had an interesting idea; it was creative and out-of-the-box, though perhaps a little too out-of-the-box for me.
There were, however, a few style elements not to my liking.
I felt like the author did a little more telling instead of showing - but that's solely the opinion of this reader. Also, some of the chatacters' dialogue, and some of the language used to tell the story seemed uninspired. For example, the part where Corrie, the main character, drinks to excess... I suppose a 30 year old woman who went to art school and then married a soldier could be a teetotaler, but the way it was portrayed in the book, it didn't come across as very realistic. Her hangover seemed pretty accurate, but the actual drinking of the liquor, and the way she handled it afterward seemed a bit self-righteous. Again, that's just my opinion.
On that note though, I feel like flat language and unrealistic dialogue are often the result of the author and/or editor trying to keep the content clean for a Christian audience. While I prefer clean content in the books I read, I do expect a much higher standard from Christian publishers; however, the language used to tell the story should always be realistic and believable.
And finally - this was the biggest thing for me - the deceased husband came across as a jerk. Yes, he died heroically, but I could never quite figure out how or why the main character fell in love with him... Was it the uniform? I mean, we've all been there... But even by her own admission she wanted to "kill him" most of the time. I love my husband. He irks me sometimes (and vice versa I'm sure), but I've never wanted to kill him! The dude - Jarrod - didn't even seem to support, encourage or nurture his wife in any meaningful way. It was always about him. Gah!
And then there's the whole paranormal bit.
But other than that - all that! - the content isn't objectionable. If one is a fan of this very specific genre, it's probably a pretty good book. It just wasn't my cup of tea. And that's okay, that's how we learn.
3 stars for narrative
3 stars overall though - it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Well, huh. This book is a head-scratcher for me. It had been on my to-read list for a couple years, and in the end it was not at all what I expected. I didn't get more than a couple chapters into it before I had to re-examine its synopsis on Goodreads and Amazon. It's a Christian Romance Ghost Story... maybe the technical term is Christian paranormal romance? I'm not really sure.
I was expecting a story about a young widow who returns to her late husband's family home in the Ozarks, to take possession of the farm he had inherited prior to his death; the place where they had intended to build a life together and raise their future family. And while yes, that is technically the premise of the book, it takes an unexpected, bizarre turn.
Despite that, The Widow of Saunders Creek isn't baldy written, and I think the author had an interesting idea; it was creative and out-of-the-box, though perhaps a little too out-of-the-box for me.
There were, however, a few style elements not to my liking.
I felt like the author did a little more telling instead of showing - but that's solely the opinion of this reader. Also, some of the chatacters' dialogue, and some of the language used to tell the story seemed uninspired. For example, the part where Corrie, the main character, drinks to excess... I suppose a 30 year old woman who went to art school and then married a soldier could be a teetotaler, but the way it was portrayed in the book, it didn't come across as very realistic. Her hangover seemed pretty accurate, but the actual drinking of the liquor, and the way she handled it afterward seemed a bit self-righteous. Again, that's just my opinion.
On that note though, I feel like flat language and unrealistic dialogue are often the result of the author and/or editor trying to keep the content clean for a Christian audience. While I prefer clean content in the books I read, I do expect a much higher standard from Christian publishers; however, the language used to tell the story should always be realistic and believable.
And finally - this was the biggest thing for me - the deceased husband came across as a jerk. Yes, he died heroically, but I could never quite figure out how or why the main character fell in love with him... Was it the uniform? I mean, we've all been there... But even by her own admission she wanted to "kill him" most of the time. I love my husband. He irks me sometimes (and vice versa I'm sure), but I've never wanted to kill him! The dude - Jarrod - didn't even seem to support, encourage or nurture his wife in any meaningful way. It was always about him. Gah!
And then there's the whole paranormal bit.
But other than that - all that! - the content isn't objectionable. If one is a fan of this very specific genre, it's probably a pretty good book. It just wasn't my cup of tea. And that's okay, that's how we learn.
October 17, 2019
Couldn't put it down!
The content was a little different, dealing with a demonic presence in the house. It was handle gently, not scary and of course at the name of Jesus the demon fled. A great love story was also woven in. It was a quick read and I was wishing for more. Hoping there is a sequel.
The content was a little different, dealing with a demonic presence in the house. It was handle gently, not scary and of course at the name of Jesus the demon fled. A great love story was also woven in. It was a quick read and I was wishing for more. Hoping there is a sequel.
September 15, 2019
I loved all aspects of this book. The working through grief, light romance, and spiritual battle.
I laughed and cried, even had some scary spots.
Thank you Tracey Bateman for another fantastic read!
I laughed and cried, even had some scary spots.
Thank you Tracey Bateman for another fantastic read!
April 29, 2025
Loved it 😊
March 3, 2017
Corrie Saunders young widow her husband of seven yrs Jarrod was in Army . He got killed by suicide bomber. Corrie goes back to the town where Jarrod was buried and grew up. This is a book of mixed emotions , romance and ghost stories.
July 20, 2012
Tracey Bateman novel "The Widow of Saunders Creek"
I liked this story from the very beginning where Corrie is driving from Dallas Texas to Ozark country. She has plenty of time to think and think she does of the husband she has lost after such a short time of being married. She gave up her life and lived solely for Jarrod.
Jarrod was a larger then life type of guy and everyone loved him. He joined the army and went to Iraq and it was there that he lost his life being the Hero-He picked up a young child with bomb on him and moved far from the Tigris river settlement so others wouln't be hurt, but lost his life as they both blew up. A terrible way to die and a sight that a young bride should not have to keep remembering as she mourns his loss.
She wants to go back to the house she inherited from her husband -an old two story house sitting back a winding road in the Ozarks, she knew it needed refurbishing as it has sat vacant for many years, so she has contacted Jarrod's cousin Eli to help her restore it. Jarrod and Eli were close growing up together in Saunders Creek community-maybe closer then brothers.
Jarrods parents live at Saunders creek along with an aunt that knows she has a calling and can see and speak to spirits, she tells Corrie that Jarrod has came back to the house and wants to be close to her. The aunt wishes to help Corrie communicate with the spirit and is thrilled when Corrie agrees to have her come to the house and connect them, a spirit is there but Corrie recieves vibes of fear and not the love she had wanted to feel from Jarrod and she panics and must leave the room. Do you believe in spirits from another world in our midst, this is something I have not thought much about.
Eli grew up in the area along with Jarrod and he knows there have been evil spirits in the house from way back but he has hard time convincing Corrie of this fact as she wants to believe that Jarrod would want to contact her even after death because they had such a great love and passion and she is lost without him.
As Eli and Corrie both work at the house they become closer and she is drawn to his goodness and purity. Eli is a preacher of a small country church and he has a camp for children of deployed military members in the summers. Eli's Mom runs a health food store in the community and knows a thing or two about spirits and loves Eli's aunt even though she doesnt agree with how she views the occult.
Much happens in this story and Tracey has wove it together in a way that you find out much about the spirit world along with family members in the area and the end will surprise you as it did me.
I was given this book by WaterBrook Mulinomah Publishing grp for an honest review, thank you .
I liked this story from the very beginning where Corrie is driving from Dallas Texas to Ozark country. She has plenty of time to think and think she does of the husband she has lost after such a short time of being married. She gave up her life and lived solely for Jarrod.
Jarrod was a larger then life type of guy and everyone loved him. He joined the army and went to Iraq and it was there that he lost his life being the Hero-He picked up a young child with bomb on him and moved far from the Tigris river settlement so others wouln't be hurt, but lost his life as they both blew up. A terrible way to die and a sight that a young bride should not have to keep remembering as she mourns his loss.
She wants to go back to the house she inherited from her husband -an old two story house sitting back a winding road in the Ozarks, she knew it needed refurbishing as it has sat vacant for many years, so she has contacted Jarrod's cousin Eli to help her restore it. Jarrod and Eli were close growing up together in Saunders Creek community-maybe closer then brothers.
Jarrods parents live at Saunders creek along with an aunt that knows she has a calling and can see and speak to spirits, she tells Corrie that Jarrod has came back to the house and wants to be close to her. The aunt wishes to help Corrie communicate with the spirit and is thrilled when Corrie agrees to have her come to the house and connect them, a spirit is there but Corrie recieves vibes of fear and not the love she had wanted to feel from Jarrod and she panics and must leave the room. Do you believe in spirits from another world in our midst, this is something I have not thought much about.
Eli grew up in the area along with Jarrod and he knows there have been evil spirits in the house from way back but he has hard time convincing Corrie of this fact as she wants to believe that Jarrod would want to contact her even after death because they had such a great love and passion and she is lost without him.
As Eli and Corrie both work at the house they become closer and she is drawn to his goodness and purity. Eli is a preacher of a small country church and he has a camp for children of deployed military members in the summers. Eli's Mom runs a health food store in the community and knows a thing or two about spirits and loves Eli's aunt even though she doesnt agree with how she views the occult.
Much happens in this story and Tracey has wove it together in a way that you find out much about the spirit world along with family members in the area and the end will surprise you as it did me.
I was given this book by WaterBrook Mulinomah Publishing grp for an honest review, thank you .
October 15, 2013
In this book, Corrie loses her husband, Jarrod – a soldier – to a suicide bomber in Iraq. He dies a hero, but she is angry that he threw his life away so impulsively and left her behind to grieve. She stays with her wealthy mother – in Texas – for as long as she can stand it until she feels drawn to Jarrod's childhood home in Missouri. Jarrod was supposed to return home soon, and Corrie and he planned to live there and raise a family. Jarrod left the house to Corrie and this causes a stir among some of his family members.
Jarrod's cousin Eli is doing the remodeling. There is a history between Jarrod and Eli that nobody is aware of which feeds Eli's long time jealousy. Eli is a religious man. He preaches at the small town church and runs a camp for kids who have deployed parents. He feels an attraction to Corrie but doesn't want to push too quickly. He knows she isn't over the loss of her husband yet, and he has to work out his own issues of envying Jarrod.
Corrie moves into the house and slowly builds a bond with Eli. They become friends. She is overcome with grief, and feels the loss of Jarrod all over again. She believes she can sense his presence, and that her husband returned to the house when he died. Eli disagrees. He feels the house has been haunted for many years because parts of his family dabble in witchcraft and invited these things into the home. Corrie has to sort out her beliefs and what this supernatural presence really is. She has a budding affection for Eli. He supports and encourages her to move forward, to regain her talent as an artist, and to be a member of her new community. She feels guilty about it, and she has to work through all her doubts and misgivings to figure out if she can have a relationship with Eli.
I thought this was a very entertaining, well written story. I liked the characters. The range and depth of feelings Corrie went through were powerful. It is understandable that she would want to believe her husband was still there, that she wanted to hold on to him some how. I enjoyed Lola's part. She blows into town and sets her sights on the handyman – and Lola usually get what she wants – but he is no pushover. The presence in the house was spooky. If you believe in that sort of thing – which I do – it will hit a nerve. I happen to agree with Eli. Don't invite those things into your home. The way the story came together at the end with Eli in the barn will show you just what happens when you become friendly with an unholy entity.
I did receive this book for free in exchange for an honest review. If you are not averse to paying the kindle edition price, I would recommend reading it.
Jarrod's cousin Eli is doing the remodeling. There is a history between Jarrod and Eli that nobody is aware of which feeds Eli's long time jealousy. Eli is a religious man. He preaches at the small town church and runs a camp for kids who have deployed parents. He feels an attraction to Corrie but doesn't want to push too quickly. He knows she isn't over the loss of her husband yet, and he has to work out his own issues of envying Jarrod.
Corrie moves into the house and slowly builds a bond with Eli. They become friends. She is overcome with grief, and feels the loss of Jarrod all over again. She believes she can sense his presence, and that her husband returned to the house when he died. Eli disagrees. He feels the house has been haunted for many years because parts of his family dabble in witchcraft and invited these things into the home. Corrie has to sort out her beliefs and what this supernatural presence really is. She has a budding affection for Eli. He supports and encourages her to move forward, to regain her talent as an artist, and to be a member of her new community. She feels guilty about it, and she has to work through all her doubts and misgivings to figure out if she can have a relationship with Eli.
I thought this was a very entertaining, well written story. I liked the characters. The range and depth of feelings Corrie went through were powerful. It is understandable that she would want to believe her husband was still there, that she wanted to hold on to him some how. I enjoyed Lola's part. She blows into town and sets her sights on the handyman – and Lola usually get what she wants – but he is no pushover. The presence in the house was spooky. If you believe in that sort of thing – which I do – it will hit a nerve. I happen to agree with Eli. Don't invite those things into your home. The way the story came together at the end with Eli in the barn will show you just what happens when you become friendly with an unholy entity.
I did receive this book for free in exchange for an honest review. If you are not averse to paying the kindle edition price, I would recommend reading it.
August 21, 2012
I almost didn’t pick The Widow of Saunders Creek out to review, because I thought from the title that it was going to be historical fiction. But it is contemporary Christian fiction, with a bit of romance and a bit of suspense, and I thought it was well worth reading.
Corrie Saunders was widowed six months ago, when Jarrod, her army husband, died a hero in the Middle East, leaving her with a flag and the family home in the small Ozark town of Saunders Creek. Corrie has returned to restore the old house they had planned on raising their family in. Eli is the friend, cousin and contractor undertaking the renovations. He is also Jarrod's cousin and childhood friend, and was left with a a permanent limp and an army discharge after a riding accident with Jarrod.
Strange things are happening in the house. Doors slam. Objects move of their own accord. Corrie thinks someone is lying in her bed, but when she turns around, no one is there. Several of the women of the family dabble in magic, and believe that Jarrod’s spirit has come back to care for his widow. Eli, a seminary graduate and part-time preacher, believes the source is demonic, but knows that Corrie has to make her own choice.
The story is told in the first person, alternating between Corrie and Eli. For this to work, the author has to be able to create two characters that readers both like and could relate to. Tracey Bateman has certainly succeeded in this. Corrie still loves her husband, and while she is slowly getting over the grief, the idea that he may be present in the house is very seductive. Eli is falling for Corrie, despite knowing she still loves Jarrod and that she might be tempted by the very real spirit world.
Some readers might find this almost paranormal aspect of The Widow of Saunders Creek offputting. I was a bit hesitant – some of Bateman’s previous books have skated very close to the line. But this is more in the lines of the early Frank Peretti novels, This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness, in that it makes no apologies for the fact that there is a spiritual realm, and that the name of Jesus is the answer. A touching story of a developing relationship. Recommended.
Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah and Bloggingfor Books for providing a free book for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
Corrie Saunders was widowed six months ago, when Jarrod, her army husband, died a hero in the Middle East, leaving her with a flag and the family home in the small Ozark town of Saunders Creek. Corrie has returned to restore the old house they had planned on raising their family in. Eli is the friend, cousin and contractor undertaking the renovations. He is also Jarrod's cousin and childhood friend, and was left with a a permanent limp and an army discharge after a riding accident with Jarrod.
Strange things are happening in the house. Doors slam. Objects move of their own accord. Corrie thinks someone is lying in her bed, but when she turns around, no one is there. Several of the women of the family dabble in magic, and believe that Jarrod’s spirit has come back to care for his widow. Eli, a seminary graduate and part-time preacher, believes the source is demonic, but knows that Corrie has to make her own choice.
The story is told in the first person, alternating between Corrie and Eli. For this to work, the author has to be able to create two characters that readers both like and could relate to. Tracey Bateman has certainly succeeded in this. Corrie still loves her husband, and while she is slowly getting over the grief, the idea that he may be present in the house is very seductive. Eli is falling for Corrie, despite knowing she still loves Jarrod and that she might be tempted by the very real spirit world.
Some readers might find this almost paranormal aspect of The Widow of Saunders Creek offputting. I was a bit hesitant – some of Bateman’s previous books have skated very close to the line. But this is more in the lines of the early Frank Peretti novels, This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness, in that it makes no apologies for the fact that there is a spiritual realm, and that the name of Jesus is the answer. A touching story of a developing relationship. Recommended.
Thanks to Waterbrook Multnomah and Bloggingfor Books for providing a free book for review.
This review also appears on my blog, www.christianreads.blogspot.com.
August 30, 2012
I love it when I find something that I swear I'm going to hate and it turns out to be a real gem. The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman didn't sound all that appealing to me at first. I hear widow and I start thinking about sappy romances and God's true calling, etc., etc. Thankfully, this story had a lot of depth and added witches, seances, spirits, and demons to the plot.
The story follows Corrie, a widow of six months (her husband died a heroic death in the military) as she moves out into the country to live in the house that was her dead husband's grandparents. After his untimely death he left it to her, stirring resentment in the family because they wished it had been given back into the family, not given to a widow who had no kids and no further ties with the family. Despite some negative vibes she decides to move in hoping it will somehow make her closer to Jarrod's (her husbands) spirit. Little did she know she would be getting just that wish.
Doors slam close, paintings get re-arranged, sounds are heard and Corrie quickly becomes convinced that her husband is indeed in the house with her. It doesn't help that Jarrod's eccentric family all agree with her. Crazy Aunt Trudy (a witch whose talents were given to her by God, hardy har har) convinces her to hold a seance to find out what Jarrod wants. The only one who doesn't believe there is a spirit in the house is handyman, Eli, Jarrod's cousin. He is hired by Corrie to fix the house so they start to see each other on a regular basis. Feelings start to develop between the two but Corrie gets mad when Eli tries telling her it's a demon inside of the house and not Jarrod. Tensions rise, the house gets spookier, and Corrie and Eli are confused how to proceed. Is Corrie ever ready to love again? Can she forsake her husband in death for his cousin?!
If that at all sounded interesting please read. Just a quick note for all my avid readers, this IS a christian romance although it isn't preachy (thank goodness) or too in your face. All in all I thought it combined a few different genres and did a pretty darn good job of conveying a spooky, uplifting, and moving story.
I received this book for free from Waterbrook Press in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
The story follows Corrie, a widow of six months (her husband died a heroic death in the military) as she moves out into the country to live in the house that was her dead husband's grandparents. After his untimely death he left it to her, stirring resentment in the family because they wished it had been given back into the family, not given to a widow who had no kids and no further ties with the family. Despite some negative vibes she decides to move in hoping it will somehow make her closer to Jarrod's (her husbands) spirit. Little did she know she would be getting just that wish.
Doors slam close, paintings get re-arranged, sounds are heard and Corrie quickly becomes convinced that her husband is indeed in the house with her. It doesn't help that Jarrod's eccentric family all agree with her. Crazy Aunt Trudy (a witch whose talents were given to her by God, hardy har har) convinces her to hold a seance to find out what Jarrod wants. The only one who doesn't believe there is a spirit in the house is handyman, Eli, Jarrod's cousin. He is hired by Corrie to fix the house so they start to see each other on a regular basis. Feelings start to develop between the two but Corrie gets mad when Eli tries telling her it's a demon inside of the house and not Jarrod. Tensions rise, the house gets spookier, and Corrie and Eli are confused how to proceed. Is Corrie ever ready to love again? Can she forsake her husband in death for his cousin?!
If that at all sounded interesting please read. Just a quick note for all my avid readers, this IS a christian romance although it isn't preachy (thank goodness) or too in your face. All in all I thought it combined a few different genres and did a pretty darn good job of conveying a spooky, uplifting, and moving story.
I received this book for free from Waterbrook Press in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.
August 2, 2012
Most Christian fiction, especially romantic, novels shy away from the topic of ghosts, but in The Widow of Saunders Creek, Bateman explores the supernatural that just can’t be explained. Hoping to connect to her husband’s past, widow Corrie moves back to her husband’s family farm in the Ozarks where she finds she is not alone in the house. Rumors of ghosts and strange occurrences in the house leave Corrie wondering if her war hero husband has come back to her. Will she find the answers she desperately needs or will she find herself involved in something she can’t control?
I loved Corrie from the first page. Her grief was honest and heart-wrenching. Bateman did a fantastic job portraying a woman who loved her husband so much she’s desperate to reconnect with him, even if it’s just with his ghost. The unique small town cast of characters added depth to the plot and growth to Corrie. Eli was a perfect balance for her with his deep and steadfast faith.
I didn’t know how I would like the ghost/demon aspect of the story. I thought it might be a little corny…like someone was pulling pranks or something. I was pleasantly surprised at how realistic it was. As a Christian, I believe there are spirits out there, and Bateman handled it in what I believe to be a biblically sound way while still keeping the story entertaining. I loved how she brought in the superstitious culture of the Ozarks and the family’s past into the ghost story, which gave more credibility to Corrie’s experiences.
The only thing I didn’t like was how soon the story takes place after Jarrod’s death. I think it had to be that soon because Corrie needed to be in despair over her loss, but the book could have spanned a longer time to make it more realistic that this woman who loved so deeply would be ready to move on.
Fans of Christian fiction will love this book. Its unique spin on a romance novel makes it one I will want to reread.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved Corrie from the first page. Her grief was honest and heart-wrenching. Bateman did a fantastic job portraying a woman who loved her husband so much she’s desperate to reconnect with him, even if it’s just with his ghost. The unique small town cast of characters added depth to the plot and growth to Corrie. Eli was a perfect balance for her with his deep and steadfast faith.
I didn’t know how I would like the ghost/demon aspect of the story. I thought it might be a little corny…like someone was pulling pranks or something. I was pleasantly surprised at how realistic it was. As a Christian, I believe there are spirits out there, and Bateman handled it in what I believe to be a biblically sound way while still keeping the story entertaining. I loved how she brought in the superstitious culture of the Ozarks and the family’s past into the ghost story, which gave more credibility to Corrie’s experiences.
The only thing I didn’t like was how soon the story takes place after Jarrod’s death. I think it had to be that soon because Corrie needed to be in despair over her loss, but the book could have spanned a longer time to make it more realistic that this woman who loved so deeply would be ready to move on.
Fans of Christian fiction will love this book. Its unique spin on a romance novel makes it one I will want to reread.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 2, 2013
I was intrigued by the description I read of this book when it became available for review, and had actually planned to buy it at some point to read if I was never given the chance to review it for free! Well, it came available again in ebook form so I snatched up the chance and was so glad I did!
Tracy Bateman's book, "The Widow of Saunders Creek," is described by the publisher, "A grief that knows no boundary, a love without any limit, a need that doesn't end at death." The protagonist, Corrie, has lost her husband of seven years in the contemporary Iraqi war. It's been seven months since his unexpected death, and she has decided to move back to the Missouri Ozarks and live in the 150 year old farmhouse that she inherited through her deceased husband, who inherited it from his family.
Corrie believes that moving into the farmhouse where her husband spent his summers and much of his childhood will somehow draw her closer to the man she loved . . . . but all is not as it seems, and very soon Corrie finds herself facing what she believes could be a ghost, but what her husband's preacher cousin firmly states is anything but.
Apparently this is considered something of a "paranormal romance" genre of Christian fiction. Let me say that the paranormal is dealt with well without being overboard, and appropriately from a Christian standpoint as well, I felt. This book makes for a great read, it was just riveting enough to keep the pages turning but was also not shallow. The characters are deep enough to be well appreciated!
I would give this book 5/5 stars! That's how much I enjoyed it. I read half of it in just a couple hours!
If you would care to rate this review of mine, please visit this link. I would greatly appreciate your ratings! They help me as a blogger with Blogging for Books.
Thanks to Blogging for Books for the complimentary ebook copy of "The Widow of Saunders Creek" in exchange for my review. Please note that all opinions expressed are my own.
Tracy Bateman's book, "The Widow of Saunders Creek," is described by the publisher, "A grief that knows no boundary, a love without any limit, a need that doesn't end at death." The protagonist, Corrie, has lost her husband of seven years in the contemporary Iraqi war. It's been seven months since his unexpected death, and she has decided to move back to the Missouri Ozarks and live in the 150 year old farmhouse that she inherited through her deceased husband, who inherited it from his family.
Corrie believes that moving into the farmhouse where her husband spent his summers and much of his childhood will somehow draw her closer to the man she loved . . . . but all is not as it seems, and very soon Corrie finds herself facing what she believes could be a ghost, but what her husband's preacher cousin firmly states is anything but.
Apparently this is considered something of a "paranormal romance" genre of Christian fiction. Let me say that the paranormal is dealt with well without being overboard, and appropriately from a Christian standpoint as well, I felt. This book makes for a great read, it was just riveting enough to keep the pages turning but was also not shallow. The characters are deep enough to be well appreciated!
I would give this book 5/5 stars! That's how much I enjoyed it. I read half of it in just a couple hours!
If you would care to rate this review of mine, please visit this link. I would greatly appreciate your ratings! They help me as a blogger with Blogging for Books.
Thanks to Blogging for Books for the complimentary ebook copy of "The Widow of Saunders Creek" in exchange for my review. Please note that all opinions expressed are my own.
November 18, 2012
The Widow of Sunders Creek is an EXCELLENT book. It is so full of love, hurt, pain, and healing. The War in Iraq took so many of our men from us. Fathers, brothers, husbands, best friends, wives and so on that it is a war no one will forget. When you lose someone so special to you and the way they died in Iraq it can haunt you and the persons family for a long time. This story is about a women who loses her husband in Iraq and has to comes to terms with his death. Easier said then done and what happens to her as she comes to terms with his death is nothing short of a miracle.
Corrie Saunders loves her husband Jarrod. She misses him and can't wait for him to come home from Iraq. But one day she gets the visit every Military family dreads. She is told that Jarrod was killed in Iraq. She is left feeling numb because she has no one and all she wants is for her husband Jarrod to come home. When he came home this time they were going to move back to his home town of Saunders Creek where they were going to live in his childhood home.
As Corrie comes to terms with losing Jarrod she moves to his hometown to be closer to him. She knows once the house is renovated she will be able to feel him and love him even though he is dead. So Corrie keeps up the facade of being happy and having Jarrod's cousin Eli help her with the renovations. As Eli and Corrie get close Eli helps Corrie comes to terms with the lose of Jarrod. But Corrie tells Eli she can feel Jarrod in the house and Eli tells her she is not feeling Jarrod because he is in a better place. As time goes on Eli convinces Corrie that the spirits haunting her are bad.
Corrie has to let go of Jarrod in order to move on and get rid of those bad spirits.It's hard for Corrie but with Eli by her side she can do anything. What will Corrie chose in the end? Will she and Eli be able to over come the loss of Jarrod? Will the bad spirits leave and never come back? This is such a heart warming story. It is a story of strength and courage to face the pain and the hurt and move on.
Corrie Saunders loves her husband Jarrod. She misses him and can't wait for him to come home from Iraq. But one day she gets the visit every Military family dreads. She is told that Jarrod was killed in Iraq. She is left feeling numb because she has no one and all she wants is for her husband Jarrod to come home. When he came home this time they were going to move back to his home town of Saunders Creek where they were going to live in his childhood home.
As Corrie comes to terms with losing Jarrod she moves to his hometown to be closer to him. She knows once the house is renovated she will be able to feel him and love him even though he is dead. So Corrie keeps up the facade of being happy and having Jarrod's cousin Eli help her with the renovations. As Eli and Corrie get close Eli helps Corrie comes to terms with the lose of Jarrod. But Corrie tells Eli she can feel Jarrod in the house and Eli tells her she is not feeling Jarrod because he is in a better place. As time goes on Eli convinces Corrie that the spirits haunting her are bad.
Corrie has to let go of Jarrod in order to move on and get rid of those bad spirits.It's hard for Corrie but with Eli by her side she can do anything. What will Corrie chose in the end? Will she and Eli be able to over come the loss of Jarrod? Will the bad spirits leave and never come back? This is such a heart warming story. It is a story of strength and courage to face the pain and the hurt and move on.
September 3, 2012
“The Widow of Saunders Creek” by Tracey Bateman is the story of Corrie, the young widow of a soldier who was killed in Iraq. She comes home to the house left to her husband Jarrod by his grandmother. It needs a lot of remodeling, so she hires Jarrod’s cousin Eli to do the repairs. Eli and Jarrod had a close relationship, but Jarrod was always trying to best Eli in everything they did. When Corrie moves into the house strange things keep happening. Corrie thinks it’s her husband coming back to her as a spirit. Eli, however, is convinced that it’s the dark side. Eli’s and Jarrod’s families are descendants of Appalachian people who had the “gift”. The longer Eli works on the house, the more strange things happen. Because Corrie is angry at Jarrod for getting himself killed, she is afraid that Jarrod is angry with her. She has lost her faith. Eli, who is also a pastor, tries to make Corrie see that God is always with her and if she calls for him, she can overcome the spirit of darkness that has pervaded her home.
I never like reading about spirits and hauntings, but this book was different. I really liked the way Ms. Bateman treated the characters in the novel, bringing them to real life almost. I usually get goosebumps reading stories like this, but the characters of Corrie and Eli weren’t afraid, but were determined to rid the home of spirits. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens.
The author, Tracey Bateman, lives in the Missouri Ozarks with her husband and family. With more than thirty novels in print, including Thirsty and Tandem, Tracey spends all her time telling tales, creating characters, and dreaming of other worlds. You can read more about Tracey Bateman on her website: http://www.traceybateman.com/
I received a free Kindle copy of this book for my honest review from the publisher. The opinions expressed here are my own.
You can find this review on my blog:
http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com/...
I never like reading about spirits and hauntings, but this book was different. I really liked the way Ms. Bateman treated the characters in the novel, bringing them to real life almost. I usually get goosebumps reading stories like this, but the characters of Corrie and Eli weren’t afraid, but were determined to rid the home of spirits. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens.
The author, Tracey Bateman, lives in the Missouri Ozarks with her husband and family. With more than thirty novels in print, including Thirsty and Tandem, Tracey spends all her time telling tales, creating characters, and dreaming of other worlds. You can read more about Tracey Bateman on her website: http://www.traceybateman.com/
I received a free Kindle copy of this book for my honest review from the publisher. The opinions expressed here are my own.
You can find this review on my blog:
http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com/...
January 19, 2013
Tracey Bateman’s work isn’t new to me. ‘Tandem’ was the first work that I had read from her. Generally her work, though considered Christian fiction, has a dark, supernatural side to it. In ‘The Widow of Saunders Creek’, she touches on hauntings & witches. I won’t shy away from saying that it made me a bit uncomfortable.
Corrie moves to Saunders Creek to live in a home that has belonged to her husband’s family for generations. Jarrod is deceased, having died while serving in Iraq. Both had decided to live there when his service was up. Members of Jarrod’s family would have preferred it stayed with them. Eli, Jarrod’s cousin, serves as her handyman & confidant. As he renovates the old house, he tries to minister to her heart as well.
Having been to seminary, Eli also serves as a spiritual advisor of sorts. She’ll need it. Shortly after moving in, strange occurrences begin inside the house. Doors slam. Unmanned porch swings swing. Not to mention there are numerous family members who practice the dark arts. Aunt Trudy for one is creepy & fancies herself the family witch. Immediately upon meeting Corrie, she decides Corrie shares similarities with the practicing family members.
Eli tries to serves as a buffer, but they want Corrie to participate in their practices. Corrie wants no part of their deeds & protests. Is Eli protecting her as a pastor or as a man in love? Will Corrie be safe in Saunders Creek?
Our author makes memorable characters in memorable circumstances. After reading it, you won’t soon forget it. Ms. Bateman is very talented. However, there’s a very fine line between Christian & secular fiction. Here, the lines were thinner than I cared for them to be, Surely, there will be fans of this novel & its style. For that I award it 4 of 5 stars.
I received 1 eBook copy to write the review without further compensation. All opinions are mine. More info on this & other works are available through the publisher’s website www.waterbrookmultnomah.com
May 17, 2012
First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.
What does a young, newly-widowed woman do when she thinks her husband is trying to contact her from the afterlife? That’s the (creepy!) question Corrie Saunders must figure out as she returns to her husband’s childhood home in The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman. There are several spine-chilling scenes with the spirit/demon that “haunts” the house, thus making this a book that will grip your attention.
Corrie isn’t your average heroine, as is shown in the first few chapters when she drinks herself and deals with a full-blown hangover the next morning. This made her first meeting with Eli rather interesting and humorous! The romance between Corrie and Eli was very sweet—and a bit different than the normal, which I liked very much! It wasn’t focused, so much, on the physical attraction (though it was there!) as much as the way they bonded while working together, and their battle against the dark spirits within the house. Very memorable relationship!
The writing was well done, sharp, and brings the story to life. Reading The Widow of Saunders Creek reminded me of the Christy movies and her adventures among the mountain folk with their superstitions and traditions. Just like Christy, Corrie had to adjust to like, get to know the town folk, and meet a few interesting characters.
I've never read a book that dealt with ghosts, mediums, séances, and the like from a Christian perspective. I ended up really appreciating Bateman at tackling this subject. I loved the way she handled it—showing how, when some people think their relatives might be back from the dead with "unfinished business", it’s really a devil in disguise. Very eye-opening for those interested. I definitely plan to read more by Bateman in the future.
What does a young, newly-widowed woman do when she thinks her husband is trying to contact her from the afterlife? That’s the (creepy!) question Corrie Saunders must figure out as she returns to her husband’s childhood home in The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman. There are several spine-chilling scenes with the spirit/demon that “haunts” the house, thus making this a book that will grip your attention.
Corrie isn’t your average heroine, as is shown in the first few chapters when she drinks herself and deals with a full-blown hangover the next morning. This made her first meeting with Eli rather interesting and humorous! The romance between Corrie and Eli was very sweet—and a bit different than the normal, which I liked very much! It wasn’t focused, so much, on the physical attraction (though it was there!) as much as the way they bonded while working together, and their battle against the dark spirits within the house. Very memorable relationship!
The writing was well done, sharp, and brings the story to life. Reading The Widow of Saunders Creek reminded me of the Christy movies and her adventures among the mountain folk with their superstitions and traditions. Just like Christy, Corrie had to adjust to like, get to know the town folk, and meet a few interesting characters.
I've never read a book that dealt with ghosts, mediums, séances, and the like from a Christian perspective. I ended up really appreciating Bateman at tackling this subject. I loved the way she handled it—showing how, when some people think their relatives might be back from the dead with "unfinished business", it’s really a devil in disguise. Very eye-opening for those interested. I definitely plan to read more by Bateman in the future.
August 23, 2012
*E-Book provided by Multnomah Publishing House for review
Haven’t we all wondered what happens after we die? When Corrie’s husband is killed by a suicide bomber, she is so overtaken with grief that she returns to the one place she feels her dead husband wants her – the home he grew up in as a child in the Ozarks. There, she feels his spirit close to her, in more ways than one.
For me, The Widow of Saunders Creek was a great read. The characters had depth and we well-fleshed out. Even some of the more minor characters like Lola and Corrie’s dead husband, Jerrod, even though he never even has a scene in the book. The romance between Eli and Corrie was well portrayed, even with addition of drama from Eva, Lola and various other characters.
The book was well researched and, when I began reading it, I wondered how the author would be able to combine a ghost story, grief of lost love and a romance. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it was accomplished. The “ghost” scenes were extremely well written and thought out, to every last detail, and the spiritual arguments made are scriptural. Even the characters who weren’t believers or practiced folklore magic are portrayed in a very respectful light. I was excited to see a book that would tackle a difficult subject for many to grasp and give a simple, yet Biblical explanation, without leaving the reader feeling as if the characters (or the reader) are foolish for believing the way they had.
***Spoiler Alert!!! The only “flaw” I found in this story, and I hate to even point it out because it’s minor, is that Corrie moves from being sure the spirit is Jarrod to fear at the spirit’s presence to casting the “spirit” away too quickly.
I enjoyed this book and was sad to see the end come. I have already added several of this author’s other books onto my “to-read” list as I found I enjoyed her descriptive, fast moving style.
Haven’t we all wondered what happens after we die? When Corrie’s husband is killed by a suicide bomber, she is so overtaken with grief that she returns to the one place she feels her dead husband wants her – the home he grew up in as a child in the Ozarks. There, she feels his spirit close to her, in more ways than one.
For me, The Widow of Saunders Creek was a great read. The characters had depth and we well-fleshed out. Even some of the more minor characters like Lola and Corrie’s dead husband, Jerrod, even though he never even has a scene in the book. The romance between Eli and Corrie was well portrayed, even with addition of drama from Eva, Lola and various other characters.
The book was well researched and, when I began reading it, I wondered how the author would be able to combine a ghost story, grief of lost love and a romance. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it was accomplished. The “ghost” scenes were extremely well written and thought out, to every last detail, and the spiritual arguments made are scriptural. Even the characters who weren’t believers or practiced folklore magic are portrayed in a very respectful light. I was excited to see a book that would tackle a difficult subject for many to grasp and give a simple, yet Biblical explanation, without leaving the reader feeling as if the characters (or the reader) are foolish for believing the way they had.
***Spoiler Alert!!! The only “flaw” I found in this story, and I hate to even point it out because it’s minor, is that Corrie moves from being sure the spirit is Jarrod to fear at the spirit’s presence to casting the “spirit” away too quickly.
I enjoyed this book and was sad to see the end come. I have already added several of this author’s other books onto my “to-read” list as I found I enjoyed her descriptive, fast moving style.
February 7, 2013
Riveted! The word riveted means to hold someone or something so fast, that it is incapable of movement. The Widow of Saunders Creek is such a novel, for the reader and for the characters.
Corrie becomes a widow when her army husband, Jarrod, dies in action. She returns to Saunders Creek to the family house of Jarrod’s family. Eli, Jarrod’s cousin was previously employed to renovate the house into Corrie and Jarrod’s dream home. Corrie asks Eli, to finish the renovations. They become great friends.
In the beginning of the novel I thought the story was about ghosts and witches, I was not too thrilled. Great was my surprise when I continued reading.
Corrie grieves and she does not want to let go of Jarrod. Is she imagining things or is there more after death? There are family members that support her in this quest. It is up to Corrie, to make the decision what she believes. Will she follow the advice of Eli, a Christian man who lives his faith on a daily basis, or is she going to listen to his aunt?
The book explains in a beautiful storyline how our choices have results. The Widow of Saunders answers the question about life after death. Where does a person draw the line?
The way Psalm 23 is used in the Widow of Saunders Creek is what stood out for me the most. Each part of the book begins with relevant verses from Psalm 23 –God’s peace surpasses all understanding.
Tracy Bateman knows how to keep a reader spellbound (excuse the pun). She has a way with words, allowing a reader to read pages after pages, not wanting to miss a single word. The story itself keeps the reader also glued to the pages.
The Widow of Saunders Creek presents us with suspense, a love story, God’s grace and His power.
I highly recommend this book.
I received this eBook for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Corrie becomes a widow when her army husband, Jarrod, dies in action. She returns to Saunders Creek to the family house of Jarrod’s family. Eli, Jarrod’s cousin was previously employed to renovate the house into Corrie and Jarrod’s dream home. Corrie asks Eli, to finish the renovations. They become great friends.
In the beginning of the novel I thought the story was about ghosts and witches, I was not too thrilled. Great was my surprise when I continued reading.
Corrie grieves and she does not want to let go of Jarrod. Is she imagining things or is there more after death? There are family members that support her in this quest. It is up to Corrie, to make the decision what she believes. Will she follow the advice of Eli, a Christian man who lives his faith on a daily basis, or is she going to listen to his aunt?
The book explains in a beautiful storyline how our choices have results. The Widow of Saunders answers the question about life after death. Where does a person draw the line?
The way Psalm 23 is used in the Widow of Saunders Creek is what stood out for me the most. Each part of the book begins with relevant verses from Psalm 23 –God’s peace surpasses all understanding.
Tracy Bateman knows how to keep a reader spellbound (excuse the pun). She has a way with words, allowing a reader to read pages after pages, not wanting to miss a single word. The story itself keeps the reader also glued to the pages.
The Widow of Saunders Creek presents us with suspense, a love story, God’s grace and His power.
I highly recommend this book.
I received this eBook for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
April 27, 2013
The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman is a mixed bag of romance and ghost story; a story of loss and love; of demons and witches.
Corrie married dynamic Jarrod Saunders. He joined the military and went off to Iraq. Corrie and Jarrod were childless. After Jarrod died saving at least fifty lives, Corrie submerged into her grief as a war widow until Saunders Creek called her home. Her mother and her never got along–both have different agendas. Her mother is always trying to force her agenda on her daughter. Eli, Jarrod’s cousin and the contractor for the family home in which Corrie will be living, encounters Corrie drunk on the front porch having drunk an entire bottle of liquor. Thus, begins a long and complicated friendship.
Corrie’s life gets spooky. The house seems to have a life of its own and to Corrie’s mind, it feels like Jarrod’s ghost lingers in the house. Eli and his mother try to explain that ghosts don’t exist. It’s a demon that has been haunting the house since even his grandparent’s time. Eli’s Aunt Trudy, a woman involved in covens and Wicca, sees Corrie as a chance to draft another witch. Corrie is attracted to Aunt Trudy’s mystery and wants to believe that Jarrod is in the house, not a demon as Eli and his mother try to explain.
The story is well-written and mesmerizing. It was a page-turner. What a difficult situation for Eli to experience–falling in love with his cousin’s widow just six months after Jarrod died. His mother warns Eli to go easy as Corrie is still grieving. The blossoming romance and the heightening suspense made this novel five stars. It’s a classic ghost story and before I even read the author’s note, I knew Kristine McGuire’s research was in the novel as I had reviewed her book on the occult in the past.
*Book given by the publisher to review.
Corrie married dynamic Jarrod Saunders. He joined the military and went off to Iraq. Corrie and Jarrod were childless. After Jarrod died saving at least fifty lives, Corrie submerged into her grief as a war widow until Saunders Creek called her home. Her mother and her never got along–both have different agendas. Her mother is always trying to force her agenda on her daughter. Eli, Jarrod’s cousin and the contractor for the family home in which Corrie will be living, encounters Corrie drunk on the front porch having drunk an entire bottle of liquor. Thus, begins a long and complicated friendship.
Corrie’s life gets spooky. The house seems to have a life of its own and to Corrie’s mind, it feels like Jarrod’s ghost lingers in the house. Eli and his mother try to explain that ghosts don’t exist. It’s a demon that has been haunting the house since even his grandparent’s time. Eli’s Aunt Trudy, a woman involved in covens and Wicca, sees Corrie as a chance to draft another witch. Corrie is attracted to Aunt Trudy’s mystery and wants to believe that Jarrod is in the house, not a demon as Eli and his mother try to explain.
The story is well-written and mesmerizing. It was a page-turner. What a difficult situation for Eli to experience–falling in love with his cousin’s widow just six months after Jarrod died. His mother warns Eli to go easy as Corrie is still grieving. The blossoming romance and the heightening suspense made this novel five stars. It’s a classic ghost story and before I even read the author’s note, I knew Kristine McGuire’s research was in the novel as I had reviewed her book on the occult in the past.
*Book given by the publisher to review.
March 26, 2012
After a devastating loss is it possible to have the promise of new hope?
Jarrod, who gave his life in military service left behind unforgetable memories and insatiable loneliness for his widow, Corrie. Six months after his death she traveled back to the familiar surroundings of Saunders Creek Missouri (a town that has a few secrets of its own), back to the fragrant lilac bushes, back to the home left to them by Jarrod's Grandmother.
Jarrod's cousin Eli, a talented contractor, lends a hand in fixing up the Jarrod's Grandmothers home, a place in much need of repair. But the home harbors it's own darkness and in Corrie's grief she is convinced that Jarrod has not left her. Is it possible to break the hold that is placed on her? Can faith be enough to save her from what lies within the spaces of the old home and bring with it the promise of new hope?
Five stars!!! If I could give this book more I would. Ms. Bateman has always spun creative and original stories and this one is no exception! She has a way of writing that will quickly draw the reader into the story and into the well developed characters lives and seem as if you have known them for a long time. This book would make a powerful movie. Suspenseful, frightening and romantic dialogue with twists and turns will hold your attention and keep you reading until the book is finished, as it is very very hard to put down. The storyline flowed smoothly with no dull parts, along with realistic scenery and easy dialogue kept me entertained and challenged my faith. The book cover seems to capture the novel. I would highly recommend this book to others!!! Very well written!! I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
Jarrod, who gave his life in military service left behind unforgetable memories and insatiable loneliness for his widow, Corrie. Six months after his death she traveled back to the familiar surroundings of Saunders Creek Missouri (a town that has a few secrets of its own), back to the fragrant lilac bushes, back to the home left to them by Jarrod's Grandmother.
Jarrod's cousin Eli, a talented contractor, lends a hand in fixing up the Jarrod's Grandmothers home, a place in much need of repair. But the home harbors it's own darkness and in Corrie's grief she is convinced that Jarrod has not left her. Is it possible to break the hold that is placed on her? Can faith be enough to save her from what lies within the spaces of the old home and bring with it the promise of new hope?
Five stars!!! If I could give this book more I would. Ms. Bateman has always spun creative and original stories and this one is no exception! She has a way of writing that will quickly draw the reader into the story and into the well developed characters lives and seem as if you have known them for a long time. This book would make a powerful movie. Suspenseful, frightening and romantic dialogue with twists and turns will hold your attention and keep you reading until the book is finished, as it is very very hard to put down. The storyline flowed smoothly with no dull parts, along with realistic scenery and easy dialogue kept me entertained and challenged my faith. The book cover seems to capture the novel. I would highly recommend this book to others!!! Very well written!! I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
August 2, 2012
God’s Grace is Sufficient
God’s Grace Is Sufficient
The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman
The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman is extremely well written. I found it to be a fascinating read. There are many issues that the author has dealt with throughout the story. From Grief to God’s Grace, the characters face issues that they have to decide how to handle them and I was captivated by the process.
The story takes place on the old homestead for the Saunders family. Corrie Saunders inherited the land upon the onset of her husband, Jarrod Saunders’ passing. Jarrod’s passing was a casualty of the War in Iraq.
Corrie struggles with the loss of her husband. She deals with the process of grieving. She goes through the many cycles of grieving which include denial. She also struggles with the loss by continually wanting to be able to communicate with her late husband.
When Corrie first arrives at the home, which once belonged to Jarrod’s grandparents, she thinks she feels Jarrod’s presence close by her side. While trying to cope with the loss she proceeds to renovate the home using the help of Jarrod’s cousin, Eli Murdock.
Can Corrie get over the loss of her husband? Are there spirits in the old home? Will Corrie ever be able to find love again? Will Corrie be able to trust God to help her overcome the pain and the loss? Will she come to realize that God’s Grace is sufficent?
To find out the answers to these questions and to see how Corrie and Eli interact with each other, I wholeheartedly recommend you read “The Widow of Saunders Creek” by Tracey Bateman.
www.waterbrookpress.com
www.waterbrookpress/author.traceybateman
Christian Fiction
http://www.traceybateman.com
http://www.facebook.com/tracey.bateman
God’s Grace Is Sufficient
The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman
The Widow of Saunders Creek by Tracey Bateman is extremely well written. I found it to be a fascinating read. There are many issues that the author has dealt with throughout the story. From Grief to God’s Grace, the characters face issues that they have to decide how to handle them and I was captivated by the process.
The story takes place on the old homestead for the Saunders family. Corrie Saunders inherited the land upon the onset of her husband, Jarrod Saunders’ passing. Jarrod’s passing was a casualty of the War in Iraq.
Corrie struggles with the loss of her husband. She deals with the process of grieving. She goes through the many cycles of grieving which include denial. She also struggles with the loss by continually wanting to be able to communicate with her late husband.
When Corrie first arrives at the home, which once belonged to Jarrod’s grandparents, she thinks she feels Jarrod’s presence close by her side. While trying to cope with the loss she proceeds to renovate the home using the help of Jarrod’s cousin, Eli Murdock.
Can Corrie get over the loss of her husband? Are there spirits in the old home? Will Corrie ever be able to find love again? Will Corrie be able to trust God to help her overcome the pain and the loss? Will she come to realize that God’s Grace is sufficent?
To find out the answers to these questions and to see how Corrie and Eli interact with each other, I wholeheartedly recommend you read “The Widow of Saunders Creek” by Tracey Bateman.
www.waterbrookpress.com
www.waterbrookpress/author.traceybateman
Christian Fiction
http://www.traceybateman.com
http://www.facebook.com/tracey.bateman
September 2, 2012
I absolutely adored this book. Adored it.
I found out about this book through another favorite blogger/author of mine: Kristine McGuire. Kristine has answered many questions I've had about Christianity and ghost hunting. This book was recommended by her and I am so glad I read it.
I could NOT put this book down. It is very rare that I will finish 80% of a book in one sitting. I read it for several hours and could not stop.
As a Christian, who unfortunately has done authentic ghost hunting/paranormal activities in the past, this book hit the nail on the head. It held a very valuable lesson with a very sweet love story. It was balanced out superbly.
Demonic spirts can and DO mimic human behavior and I kept wanting to shout at Corrie, "Don't continue down this path looking for your husband!" Tracey definitely illustrated a great point: one would NOT experience a paralyzing fear while communicating with an actual departed loved one. (From experience, this is 100% accurate.) The departed would also not mention something to embarrass you, such as drinking to drown out your grief weeks before.
Eli was such a strong, Christian character that helped guide her down the right path. He was also such a joy to read and get to know.
I found myself crying several times throughout this book (the painting on the wall that Corrie worked on for Eli, to name one scene); which has not happened to me in a long time.
Thank you for writing such a wonderful, heartfelt book that addressed the real dangers of ghosts and what they really are.
I found out about this book through another favorite blogger/author of mine: Kristine McGuire. Kristine has answered many questions I've had about Christianity and ghost hunting. This book was recommended by her and I am so glad I read it.
I could NOT put this book down. It is very rare that I will finish 80% of a book in one sitting. I read it for several hours and could not stop.
As a Christian, who unfortunately has done authentic ghost hunting/paranormal activities in the past, this book hit the nail on the head. It held a very valuable lesson with a very sweet love story. It was balanced out superbly.
Demonic spirts can and DO mimic human behavior and I kept wanting to shout at Corrie, "Don't continue down this path looking for your husband!" Tracey definitely illustrated a great point: one would NOT experience a paralyzing fear while communicating with an actual departed loved one. (From experience, this is 100% accurate.) The departed would also not mention something to embarrass you, such as drinking to drown out your grief weeks before.
Eli was such a strong, Christian character that helped guide her down the right path. He was also such a joy to read and get to know.
I found myself crying several times throughout this book (the painting on the wall that Corrie worked on for Eli, to name one scene); which has not happened to me in a long time.
Thank you for writing such a wonderful, heartfelt book that addressed the real dangers of ghosts and what they really are.
September 3, 2012
Corrie and Jerrod were two young people full of life and love until the day Jerrod jumped on someone loaded down with explosives. The life they had planned was not to be and Corrie was alone. But, she needed to feel connected to Jerrod. She couldn't go on without him, so she moved back to his home town, to the home that they would have shared together. Could this move help Corrie move on with her life or would it bring more pain?
Jerrod's death dealt a blow to Corrie that she couldn't snap out of. She turned from the God she loved believing that He had left her. Now, back in the town Jerrod loved, Corrie notices odd things happening - doors slamming, the swing feeling pushed, feeling she wasn't alone in the house. Eli, Jerrod's cousin, is helping renovate the house while trying to help Corrie see that God still loves her. But, Corrie also discovers that some members of the family practice witchcraft. Will Corrie delve into that world? What is causing the strange happenings in the house? Will Jerrod be able to help Corrie discover her happiness again? In this well-written novel, you will find the answers to these questions and many more.
I really enjoyed this novel. Tracey Bateman has turned out another hit, and this one seems to come from events around us today. The characters and situations are realistic, and the story draws you in completely. I recommend it to readers who love a mysterious love story, and think that book groups will enjoy discussing it. I received my free review copy from the Blogging for Books program for an honest review.
Jerrod's death dealt a blow to Corrie that she couldn't snap out of. She turned from the God she loved believing that He had left her. Now, back in the town Jerrod loved, Corrie notices odd things happening - doors slamming, the swing feeling pushed, feeling she wasn't alone in the house. Eli, Jerrod's cousin, is helping renovate the house while trying to help Corrie see that God still loves her. But, Corrie also discovers that some members of the family practice witchcraft. Will Corrie delve into that world? What is causing the strange happenings in the house? Will Jerrod be able to help Corrie discover her happiness again? In this well-written novel, you will find the answers to these questions and many more.
I really enjoyed this novel. Tracey Bateman has turned out another hit, and this one seems to come from events around us today. The characters and situations are realistic, and the story draws you in completely. I recommend it to readers who love a mysterious love story, and think that book groups will enjoy discussing it. I received my free review copy from the Blogging for Books program for an honest review.
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