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Seasons of Marigold Manor #1
Winter Trees
Meet the residents and staff of Marigold Manor Assisted Living: Ginny, the grieving Activities Director; Chester, the facility’s friendly chef with a secret; Edith, the practical farmer’s widow; and Frank, the retired Navy Admiral.
Ginny struggles to make the holidays joyful for the residents, while still mourning the death of her fiancé. Edith and Frank decide it’s time for an intervention. The two conspire to play matchmaker between Ginny and Chester. The task isn’t an easy one. Ginny must find a way to let go of her grief and Chester’s past may stop any romance from growing.
But the two matchmakers are nothing if not persistent. They’ve lived too long, and learned too much, to give up hope. They know that barren winter trees bloom again in the spring and everyone deserves a second chance at love.
Semi-finalist Christian Writers Guild’s Operation First Novel Contest 2010
Ginny struggles to make the holidays joyful for the residents, while still mourning the death of her fiancé. Edith and Frank decide it’s time for an intervention. The two conspire to play matchmaker between Ginny and Chester. The task isn’t an easy one. Ginny must find a way to let go of her grief and Chester’s past may stop any romance from growing.
But the two matchmakers are nothing if not persistent. They’ve lived too long, and learned too much, to give up hope. They know that barren winter trees bloom again in the spring and everyone deserves a second chance at love.
Semi-finalist Christian Writers Guild’s Operation First Novel Contest 2010
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2014
259 people are currently reading
646 people want to read
About the author
Kim Stokely
10 books59 followersBorn and raised in Connecticut, Kim has found herself transplanted to the geographic center of the country, Nebraska. She still wonders how it happened.
She's worked at everything from Microfiche photographer (look it up, it was before computers) to Assisted Living Recreation Assistant. She's grateful to be working from home now and writing!
Her favorite color is green and she loves all things chocolate (except for chocolate covered garlic peanut butter cups. Some things should never be mixed.)
She's worked at everything from Microfiche photographer (look it up, it was before computers) to Assisted Living Recreation Assistant. She's grateful to be working from home now and writing!
Her favorite color is green and she loves all things chocolate (except for chocolate covered garlic peanut butter cups. Some things should never be mixed.)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 13, 2014
It's so refreshing to read a Christian fiction novel where the characters and story are believable. Ginny's journey throughout the book doesn't feel contrived or forced as so many contemporary Christian books I've read do. And it's great to have faith interjected rather than forced on me as I'm reading. Overall, a wonderful, entertaining, light read. Can't wait to see what happens to Ginny next!
March 25, 2016
Christmas is in the air at Marigold Manor!I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I won it here on goodreads. I wasn't really in the mood to read another contemporary love story. (I prefer historical) But I started reading and I couldn't put it down! The story line flows beautifully. Jinny is the main character written in first person. I really enjoyed her story. I loved all the characters, especially Edith and Frank but I'm glad the story didn't focus on them too much. I was taken back by Chester's confession right there at the end. I don't know how I would have handled that. I know he mentioned a sinful past but I didn't expect THAT. Another fun thing about this book was the Christmas season. The author defiantly knows how to set the mood! I really enjoyed this one and I look forward to reading more by Kim Stokely!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2014
Having received an Advanced Reader Copy, I immediately dove into this wonderful story of love, loss, and hope. The characters are real, the feelings identifiable, the overall message of trusting in God's plan for us--it was a breath of fresh air. Truly heartwarming. I'd recommend this novel to anyone.
December 1, 2018
Bravo! A must read!
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Wow, such a great book. The characters are so memorable and real. The dialogue is natural and consistent. The heartbreak will make you cry and the love will make you sigh with happiness. I am very impressed with the author's insight & grace in dealing with all the subjects touched upon. The holidays can be very tough on many, but God will see us through tough and blessed times!
Growing older, forgetting our pasts, and watching our family and friends fade away is not easy to write about. Divorce, re-marriage, and new relationships are tough subjects to write about in a graceful way. Kim Stokely has managed to convey the feelings of sadness and joy in life in a way that brings the reader directly into the story. You are the one feeling unloved & lonely. You are the one lost in the confusion of forgetfulness. You are the one afraid to open their heart to new love. It is rare to find a book that manages to bring every sense to life while reading. This gem of a book does it all!
Highly recommended.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Wow, such a great book. The characters are so memorable and real. The dialogue is natural and consistent. The heartbreak will make you cry and the love will make you sigh with happiness. I am very impressed with the author's insight & grace in dealing with all the subjects touched upon. The holidays can be very tough on many, but God will see us through tough and blessed times!
Growing older, forgetting our pasts, and watching our family and friends fade away is not easy to write about. Divorce, re-marriage, and new relationships are tough subjects to write about in a graceful way. Kim Stokely has managed to convey the feelings of sadness and joy in life in a way that brings the reader directly into the story. You are the one feeling unloved & lonely. You are the one lost in the confusion of forgetfulness. You are the one afraid to open their heart to new love. It is rare to find a book that manages to bring every sense to life while reading. This gem of a book does it all!
Highly recommended.
February 15, 2020
It’s not the worst book I’ve ever read, but also not the best. Some parts were just too ‘perfect.’ I describe this book as a soap opera. It does get religious, but not too badly. (Im not a religious person.) It does have some good characters. The older residents at the retirement home were my favorite. I really enjoyed Frank and Edith’s story.
I’m born, raised, and living in Nebraska and so is the author. I really enjoyed picking out the NE references Kim Stokely included in the novel.
I met the author a year ago and she signed my copy. I may order the next book in this series from her website. Haven’t fully decided yet.
It’s a cute, very easy read. You don’t have to think at all. I recommend it if you like Hallmark movies. Especially Christmas movies. Hell, Hallmark should turn this book into a Christmas movie! They’d probably love it. How do I contact Hallmark....
I’m born, raised, and living in Nebraska and so is the author. I really enjoyed picking out the NE references Kim Stokely included in the novel.
I met the author a year ago and she signed my copy. I may order the next book in this series from her website. Haven’t fully decided yet.
It’s a cute, very easy read. You don’t have to think at all. I recommend it if you like Hallmark movies. Especially Christmas movies. Hell, Hallmark should turn this book into a Christmas movie! They’d probably love it. How do I contact Hallmark....
August 23, 2024
A sweet romance that had very believable characters and situations, I enjoyed it and gave it 4 stars.
Ginny, a grieving woman, is trying to find her way after her fiance is killed in a car accident. She throws herself into her work at an assisted living facility where her grandma resides. The book takes us through life with Ginny trying to maneuver possibly getting into a new relationship and the feelings that go along with letting go of the past.
My one question is why the title Winter Trees and the grey bleary cover picture? I know that the pastor in the story told Ginny her life was like a tree and she would grow, there was hope for a beautiful future. The story takes place in the winter....but maybe I'm missing a big key as to why the author chose Winter Trees and this particular pic for the cover.
Ginny, a grieving woman, is trying to find her way after her fiance is killed in a car accident. She throws herself into her work at an assisted living facility where her grandma resides. The book takes us through life with Ginny trying to maneuver possibly getting into a new relationship and the feelings that go along with letting go of the past.
My one question is why the title Winter Trees and the grey bleary cover picture? I know that the pastor in the story told Ginny her life was like a tree and she would grow, there was hope for a beautiful future. The story takes place in the winter....but maybe I'm missing a big key as to why the author chose Winter Trees and this particular pic for the cover.
February 14, 2020
Three and half stars. This was a very sweet story about one woman's struggle with grief and moving forward after losing her fiance in a car accident. I really liked it and the love story was sweet. There were things that were way too predictable and the parents were rather one dimensional. There was also an extraordinary amount of God's purpose, having faith, praying etc., that I found annoying. Not because I'm against it but because it seemed overdone. After reading The Portals of Ayden trilogy by this author I wasn't expecting this to be Christian Lit.
February 21, 2019
Wonderful love story
I really enjoy love stories. This one is full of love between a woman and her grandmother. The location/setting of this story is Nebraska, namely Bellevue. Having visited the area often, and having seen all of Nebraska's seasons, this story took me there to revisit the winter trees. I recommend this love story because it is so relatable. Good dialogue, real situations, clean reading, likeable characters; all make for a good Christian romance.
I really enjoy love stories. This one is full of love between a woman and her grandmother. The location/setting of this story is Nebraska, namely Bellevue. Having visited the area often, and having seen all of Nebraska's seasons, this story took me there to revisit the winter trees. I recommend this love story because it is so relatable. Good dialogue, real situations, clean reading, likeable characters; all make for a good Christian romance.
January 29, 2020
A wonderful read
This author is a true hero. Not afraid to jump the fences of conventual writing she made this good story an excellent book. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well written romance that has more depth than the usual Christian romance that throws morality to the wind in order to get readers. The author made her story interesting enough so that it doesn't need a lot of information that is best to keep private to make people want to read. It.
This author is a true hero. Not afraid to jump the fences of conventual writing she made this good story an excellent book. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well written romance that has more depth than the usual Christian romance that throws morality to the wind in order to get readers. The author made her story interesting enough so that it doesn't need a lot of information that is best to keep private to make people want to read. It.
February 28, 2020
Winter Trees
I really enjoyed reading this book. I could relate to Ginny when it came to Mark. I was voting for Chester from the beginning, held my breath when she was lady with Brad and cheered for Ginny when she took care of things. I recommend this book to anyone who likes books that can be true to life. The only thing I didn’t like was as the end. I still wanted to read more.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I could relate to Ginny when it came to Mark. I was voting for Chester from the beginning, held my breath when she was lady with Brad and cheered for Ginny when she took care of things. I recommend this book to anyone who likes books that can be true to life. The only thing I didn’t like was as the end. I still wanted to read more.
September 16, 2017
Great Reading
What a refreshing story! I have a friend in a nursing home. This story is what I wish all nursing homes were like. I like the author and look forward to reading more of her books.
What a refreshing story! I have a friend in a nursing home. This story is what I wish all nursing homes were like. I like the author and look forward to reading more of her books.
February 20, 2018
Beautiful love story wrapped in faith
Stokley pens a beautiful love story steeped in faith. The characters are real and the story is woven wonderfully alongside a strong belief. I would definitely recommend this author!
Stokley pens a beautiful love story steeped in faith. The characters are real and the story is woven wonderfully alongside a strong belief. I would definitely recommend this author!
February 21, 2018
Meet the residents and staff of Marigold Manor Assisted Living: Ginny, the grieving Activities Director; Chester, the facility’s friendly chef with a secret; Edith, the practical farmer’s widow; and Frank, the retired Navy Admiral.
December 5, 2018
Very good read!
Very good story about coming to terms with loss, finding yourself after being away from God without being pushy, in your face preaching. Looking forward to reading more of Kim's work.
Very good story about coming to terms with loss, finding yourself after being away from God without being pushy, in your face preaching. Looking forward to reading more of Kim's work.
January 12, 2019
Great story
I loved this book, I loved the characters and I loved how they interacted with each other. I loved that it rotated around an assisted living facility. Truly a great read.
I loved this book, I loved the characters and I loved how they interacted with each other. I loved that it rotated around an assisted living facility. Truly a great read.
February 17, 2020
3+. I really liked this book and the character arcs. Although it was clearly a Christian romance, the religious stuff was lovely and not in your face till the last few pages when it got a bit forced for me.
February 19, 2020
Enjoyable
A very well written story set around an Assisted Living facility. Life is seen by several generations as well as different cultures. The main characters have Christianity as a strong part of their lives.
A very well written story set around an Assisted Living facility. Life is seen by several generations as well as different cultures. The main characters have Christianity as a strong part of their lives.
May 19, 2020
Cute book. Meet the residents and staff of Marigold Manor Assisted Living: Ginny, the grieving Activities Director; Chester, the facilitys friendly chef with a secret; Edith, the practical farmers widow; and Frank, the retired Navy Admiral. Now on to #2 book
July 1, 2020
Just like family affair.....
Not what I expected, a lot of extra baggage in this storyline that didn't need to be there. I didn't like the cliffhanger ending, not sure if I will read the next book.
Not what I expected, a lot of extra baggage in this storyline that didn't need to be there. I didn't like the cliffhanger ending, not sure if I will read the next book.
Read
March 7, 2022Terrific ! Great story.
Enjoyable story, that touches the true essence of life . I love the romance or friendship that developed in the assisted living home. The loving care shown by everyone at elderly care and their families.
Enjoyable story, that touches the true essence of life . I love the romance or friendship that developed in the assisted living home. The loving care shown by everyone at elderly care and their families.
Read
June 2, 2023A lovely down to earth clean romance
Although about a retirement home, it is not just about the retirees, but the people who work there and there own lives and problems, and how they choose to let God walk them through them. I am looking forward to book 2!
Although about a retirement home, it is not just about the retirees, but the people who work there and there own lives and problems, and how they choose to let God walk them through them. I am looking forward to book 2!
August 19, 2018
Good
I really liked this book. Story moved along and kept me hooked and anxious to finish! Liked the array of characters!
I really liked this book. Story moved along and kept me hooked and anxious to finish! Liked the array of characters!
October 11, 2017
Loved it
The characters were real, mixed up and human. It made you see below the surface of people around us. Book of hope!
The characters were real, mixed up and human. It made you see below the surface of people around us. Book of hope!
March 14, 2018
Good book
This was a good book. It was easy to read and moved along well. There were lots of great characters in it.
This was a good book. It was easy to read and moved along well. There were lots of great characters in it.
December 9, 2018
Intrigued by the title; loved the book.
I couldn't put this book down. I was moved to laughter and tears, and look forward to reading the next one in this series.
I couldn't put this book down. I was moved to laughter and tears, and look forward to reading the next one in this series.
January 17, 2019
Truly enjoyable book
This is a lovely story, tightly written, about people who seem real and likeable. I look forward to reading more by this author.
This is a lovely story, tightly written, about people who seem real and likeable. I look forward to reading more by this author.
June 14, 2019
I liked it
It was a very good read,it kept you interested i especially liked the ending where God showed them the way
It was a very good read,it kept you interested i especially liked the ending where God showed them the way
January 21, 2020
Review of Winter Trees
I have been a nurse for over 50 years and always enjoyed my elderly pts. the most. This was a wonderful "feel good" book.
I have been a nurse for over 50 years and always enjoyed my elderly pts. the most. This was a wonderful "feel good" book.
February 21, 2020
This was a delightful read.
I couldnt go to bed till i finished it. and ordered the sequel immediately. I will definetly follow this author.
There was no vulgarity or sexual nonsense.
I couldnt go to bed till i finished it. and ordered the sequel immediately. I will definetly follow this author.
There was no vulgarity or sexual nonsense.
April 4, 2020
Sweet
A sweet romance that gives weight to grief, family drama, and last mistakes without being depressing. Just what I needed this weekend.
A sweet romance that gives weight to grief, family drama, and last mistakes without being depressing. Just what I needed this weekend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews