Sacred Spring

Florida Springs Trilogy #1

by DiVoran Lites

Elaine Donovan’s forebears have owned the Sacred Spring campground in Central Florida for generations, and Elaine has become an environmentalist because of her love of nature and of the property. Duty weighs heavily on the twenty-three year old Elaine, as she now finds herself responsible not only for the decrepit campground, but for her young brother, and aging Grandfather as well. When she meets developer, Hank Schaefer, she senses he may have answers for her, but discovers that his scheming female partner, Reva North, has other plans for the property. Elaine, then, is compelled then, to find her own inspiration that will preserve and fulfill her hopes and dreams.

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 12

About the author

DiVoran Lites is the author of the Florida Spring Trilogy, a series of stand alone books that are linked by community. They are categorized as Romantic Fiction, with an inspirational flavor, and rated, by DiVoran, as PG13. DiVoran Lites is also the author of children’s nature poetry with a humorous twist and an accomplished watercolorist who paints her own book covers.

Reviews

[Paula Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first page, the descriptive passages of Sacred Spring, written by DiVoran Lites, brought this story to life. I enjoyed reading about the campground setting and how the author described the springs, the forest, and the plants and animals living there. The author knows a lot about the native wildlife in the setting she chose and weaves this throughout the story to educate the reader.

What I liked best was how descriptive her writing is. The little details she included added a lot of immediacy to the story and helped me visualize the Florida setting. The characters were written in a way that caused me to like the good guys and dislike the bad guys. Laney’s love of nature and animals shines throughout the entire book, and so does her passion to preserve nature and keep her family’s campground from becoming a commercialized piece of property. I also liked the way the author wrote from Hank’s point of view and how she let the reader know his thoughts and motivations. Rags, the little dog, is one of the best characters in the book. He certainly keeps everyone entertained.
What I found refreshing was Hank’s love for God and how open and unashamed he is about that, and Laney discovers a God who loves her. From a distance, I watched her metamorphosis as she broadens her horizons and her thought process changes and matures when she allows God to expand her dreams.

This story has its ups and downs and surprises and kept me on my toes, wondering what was going to happen next. The author included one surprise after another, which kept me interested in the story and waiting to find out how everything was going to be resolved. With this book, the reader needs to expect the unexpected.

Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Valerie Caraotta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though a fictional work, and not meaning to be super spiritual in insight, I nevertheless couldn't help but gather how our heavenly Father sends circumstances our way that eventually leads to His purpose in our lives. Though the theme of this book is centered around the preservation of the Sacred Spring campground, woven throughout is a higher destiny that involves the lives of two special individuals.

Elaine Donavan, owner of Sacred Spring, would cross paths with Hank Schaefer that desired to purchase and renovate the property that could not be sustained financially by Elaine and her grandfather Ira. Elaine's quest to preserve the spring and habitat for wildlife would be challenging emotionally and her encounter with Hank bitter-sweet.

Independent and strong willed, Elaine would eventually come to the end of herself and revelation would shine the brightest. With God you will find, not only is it never too late, but He desires, as we put our life in His hands to prove Himself strong on our behalf. Elaine would discover that through Him Forgiveness, relationships, and destiny can be forged.

Talented author DiVoran Lites will take you into the heart of the characters and allow you to get a panoramic feel for the emotions that run deep. Avail yourself to seasons in life that change, both outwardly and inwardly, and allow this book to lead you to a happy, restful ending.

[Trinity Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sacred Spring by DiVoran Lites is book one in the Florida Spring Trilogy series. I have the other two books that I will read soon. I really did enjoy this first book.
Elaine, Ira, Scotty and Hank are such likable, loveable characters. The authors really created beautiful people, but also some people that you don’t like. The scenes described are so beautiful that you can imagine yourself there and even feel the warmth of the day.
Elaine loves wildlife and all of nature. She tries to save and keep things as they were intended to be. Not spoiled by so called progress. Elaine takes care of her ailing grandfather, little brother while trying to keep the failing campground she owns from having to be sold.
This is such a sweet book that you want to help Elaine out of her troubles, but also you want her to see Hank for what he is.
A book worth reading. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading the next two books.


Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Onisha Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sacred Spring by DiVoran Lites is a well crafted story that well illustrates the delicate balance of nature and development. Elaine Donovon has spent almost her entire life with her grandfather and younger brother at the Sacred Spring campground located an hour north of Orlando,Florida. After a government grant to repair the water system is revoked, Elaine is forced to consider selling the campground. To complicate her situation she finds herself romantically attracted to the handsome construction chief, Hank Schaefer. Gently woven throughout the story is the sweet message of God's love for each of us. While this may be a "debut" novel, the beauty of the language and excellent story line far exceeded my expectations.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book free through a Goodreads giveaway.

As I am a native Floridian and went to college for Wildlife Conservation I thought this book was going to be right up my alley. Unfortunately, it was not really my cup tea and it is more of a christian romance novel without the romance. Without getting into terrible detail I liked the overall plot idea but I felt like the character relationships were rather forced, uncomfortable, and unrealistic.

[Abigail Sands · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of the book left me uncertain about this story being a good read however the story improved; I'm not starting to read the second in the series.