Book Review: Tomorrow's Garden

I agree with Thomas Jefferson when he said, "I cannot live without books." Some of my earliest memories are of my parents reading books to me or -- in the case of my father -- telling stories he made up. And even when they weren't reading to me, my parents could often be found, book in hand. Is it any wonder I decided to teach myself to read? Once I did learn, it was hard to find me without a book. My husband will tell you that that's still the case.

At least in my mind, it's only a small step from being an avid reader to wanting to be an author. From the time I was seven, I was convinced I should be a writer. The type of writing varied with the seasons. For a few months I fancied myself a playwright. Fortunately the teachers in my elementary school indulged me, and my class produced my two plays: "All About Thermometers" and "Hawaii." Neither, I am happy to report, made its way to Broadway.

There was a brief time when I aspired to be a newspaper reporter, but that was soon eclipsed by my determination to be a novelist. All the while, though, I knew that writing was not the easiest way to earn a living, and so it was always going to be a second career. That's why I went to college and majored in French, fully intending to teach at the university level. When I graduated, I took a "temporary" job as a computer programmer. Although it hadn't been part of my plan, that turned into a permanent career in Information Technology.

Along the way, I've had a chance to do a lot of writing, including four technical books and what I describe as "enough technical articles to cure insomnia in a medium-sized city." (My budgets were also considered to be works of fiction.) Now, though, I'm able to write full time, and for the first time, all I'm writing is fiction.

No doubt about it, I've been blessed. I had parents who nurtured my love of reading and a husband who's not just my best friend but who also hasn't lost his sense of humor, even when dinner is late because I have "just one more scene" to write.

When people ask why I write, the answer is simple: it's part of who I am and who I was meant to be. I truly believe this is God's plan for me, and that's why it is my fervent prayer that my books will touch my readers' hearts and strengthen their faith in Him.

If you're looking for more information about me, you may enjoy this TV interview on a Denver-area cable network. My portion starts around minute 12. 

(Back Cover)
Harriet Kirk is certain that becoming Ladreville's schoolteacher is just what she needs--a chance to put the past behind her and give her younger siblings a brighter tomorrow. What she didn't count on was the presence of handsome former Texas Ranger Lawrence Wood--or the way he slowly but surely claims her fragile heart. But can Harriet and Lawrence ever truly put the past behind them in order to find happiness?

MY THOUGHTS:
Harriet is a woman with a lot on her mind, taking care of her siblings keeps her on her toes and I really enjoyed reading this book.  This is a book that shows a woman who uses her strength and wit to overcome some pretty rough situations and I loved how she just kept on going despite her hardships and never stopped loving because of the circumstances surrounding her.

This book has left me wanting to read the first two in the series and wondering what Amanda will write next!  Go on out and get yourself a copy!  A great summer, lazy day read.




*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.