Candace West

"Truth comes when we are broken, if we will listen."

What do you do when trials are overwhelming and happiness seems elusive? Dogwood Winter is the heartwarming tale of two people who discover that any storm can be weathered if you have someone who believes in you, and you fully trust The One who can hold you up! In this stirring story that tugs at your emotions, Ellen Steen is crippled physically, and George Curtis suffers from the crippling effects of guilt and disillusionment.

Author Candace West has created a poignant tale centered around Ella and George's friendship and romance, and she shares a powerful faith message of forgiveness and redemption. Dogwood Winter is an emotional story that will tug at your heartstrings, and lift you up with its references to hope, love, and faith.

This is the third book in the Valley Creek Redemption series and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.

I received a copy of this book from the author. There were no expectations for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.… (más)

This historical work of fiction will pull at your heartstrings. Ella Steen struggles to learn to walk again after an illness paralyzes her legs. Meanwhile, Dr. George Curtis attempts to walk away from his calling as a doctor. Having corresponded with each other, Dr. Curtis finds himself surprised when Ella breaks off the correspondence. Having lost everything including his reputation and home, he sets out for Ella’s town. The two struggle to learn to trust each other and to move forward.

They travel to the town where one of Ella’s brothers along with his family lives. Both find new beginnings – him as a doctor and her walking again. The faith, courage, and determination demonstrated by the characters in this book help bring the story to life. Having read the other books in this series, including the story of Lane and that of her father Earl – Ella’s brother, I looked forward to reading this book and it lived up to my expectations.

I must say the title intrigued me, and I enjoyed finding out what a dogwood winter actually was. The author created an excellent series of books that flow together beautifully. So check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.… (más)

It is hard to describe how I feel right now after reading this story but here goes. The characters gave me hope, purpose and renewed my faith. From the minute I started reading, I knew this story was just what I needed. I have been struggling with my faith lately. Everything seems to be going wrong and I didn’t feel joy anymore. I needed something to shake me up, to show me that miracles still happen and that God is in control.

George is who I related to the most. He is lost, beaten down and feels like he has no purpose. As a doctor, he does everything he can to help his patients. I kept thinking about how God is in control as I cried over the tragedy that George faced. It is easy to blame yourself when sonething goes wrong, but then you are reminded in some way that God is in control of everything. Watching George so beaten and without hope, I sensed his desire to give up.

Ella is a sweet nurturing woman who is handicapped but still finds joy in everything around her. I loved reading the letters between her and George. In the pages are encouragement and hope for a future. She has no idea that George is facing ridicule among people who use to be his friend. I think when he decides to come see Ella, a glimmer of God’s plan was taking place. I admired Ella for never giving up and supporting George as he slowly confesses his past to her. The author illustrated how pride can separate us from others and draw us away from God.

The story is a journey of letting go of the past, healing and most of all finding your way back to God. George must decide if he will stay or move on and run from the pain that has caused him to doubt himself. The people in the town are not always open to strangers but something happens that will stir up the deep faith they have and join together to believe for a miracle.

I am thankful for this story at this moment to remind me that I’m not alone. There is peace, joy and unconditional love surrounding me just as George found when he let go of his pride. The author has written a story that is emotional with flawed characters that blossom as they each surrender their heart to Him.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (más)