The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad - REVIEWED

About the Book: (from Revell Publishing)
She's planted firmly on solid ground.

He's ready to sweep her off her feet.

The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six-year-old. Widowed for three years, Lilly has decided to leave the home of her intrusive in-laws to stand on her own. However, her in-laws find her new life as a cook at Lake Manawa utterly unsuitable for their grandson. When an argument ensues, a handsome stranger--who designs roller coasters, of all things--intercedes on her behalf. But Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.

Filled with the sweet romance of summer, The Ride of Her Life will have you laughing out loud and sighing contentedly as you spend the summer of 1906 at Lake Manawa.

My Thoughts:
“I was asking if you’re ready for the ride of your life.” (p. 377)

Lorna Seilstad’s latest novel is indeed a thrill ride! The Ride of Her Life is the third book in the author’s Lake Manawa Summers series, and it is precious in so many ways! I have enjoyed each of the books in this fine series, but this one…well, it is particularly special.

Lilly Hart’s life was tragically changed when death claimed the life of her husband. Like the main characters of the other books in this series, Seilstad created Lilly with a strong faith and a fierce determination to follow God as she cared for her son Levi. Choosing to leave the comfort of her former in-law’s home and lifestyle, Lilly takes a job managing the kitchen the serves the folks of Lake Manawa, particularly the crew of Nick Perrin who is designing and building Lake Manawa’s roller coaster. She is a hard worker, frugal, and is striving to provide a real home for her son – whatever the cost. Her heart and her faith weren’t prepared for the ride that God had planned for her life, and it takes the reader’s breath away time and time again!

I was totally impressed with this novel! The characters were well developed and realistically flawed. The faith that led them out of their messes was strong and true, and like real-life trials, each character in the novel grows and changes through their trials – either positively or negatively – and the end result is completely satisfying! Like the roller coaster of life, the novel contains twists and turns that are both unexpected and thrilling, and it keeps the pages turning in a virtual whirlwind!

If you are looking for good summer reading, look no further than Lorna Seilstad’s Lake Manawa Summers series! You can’t read just one! I promise!

About the Author:
A history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer, Lorna Seilstad is the author of Making Waves and A Great Catch. She draws her setting from her home state of Iowa. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing awards and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.