Rate this book

The Ride Of Her Life (2012)

by Lorna Seilstad(Favorite Author)

4.07 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0800734475 (ISBN13: 9780800734473)

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Fleming H. Revell Company

series

Lake Manawa Summers

review 1: This is the 3rd and the last book of the Lake Manawa Summers series. The story is set in 1906, and Lilly Hart, Marguerite's former maid and best friend (Marguerite's story is told in book 1, Making Waves) has been widowed for 2 years, and is trying to make a life for herself and her 6 year old son Levi. She takes a job as a cook at Lake Manawa for the summer, hoping to save enough to finally buy a house to call her own.However, her wealthy in-laws find that living in a tent for the summer is utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and try to take Levi away from her, when a handsome stranger, who is building a new roller coaster for the resorts, intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, but as the back of the book jacket says, little d... moreoes she know she about to begin "the ride of her life."I enjoyed this story, even if the romance part was predictable. What saved this book from being "sappy" was the humor in it; the childhood antics of Levi, and the well meaning but inept young girl that is hired to be Lilly's assistant in the diner. I also liked how the story focused on Lilly's friendship with Marguerite, and Emily (her story is told in book 2, A Great Catch), I admired how they stood by Lilly and supported her.It was also interesting reading a bit about the early history of the roller coasters; even though they did not go upside down at that time, or as fast as they do now, those first people to try out the very first coasters had to be some very brave souls!Even though this book is part of a series, it also works as a stand alone story.
review 2: Sigh... does this wonderful Lake Mawana Summers Series really have to end? Seilstad did such a fantastic job of researching and including period and locale details that I'm actually sad I can't go see the little Iowa resort spot the way it looked in its heyday. Her ability to bring in real historical details without it feeling like a research paper is a gem.In this last volume of the series, we revisit Lily, Marguerite's former maid who had married well-to-do lawyer Ben Hart. Tragedy struck and took him from her and their young son Levi far too soon. Never truly accepting her as a member of the family, Lily's in-laws stand by and do nothing as she falls on hard times, badgering her to give them control of their grandson. Lily stands strong and is determined to let nothing come between her and her son, especially a handsome roller-coaster designer who will likely move on to greener pastures as soon as he can. Unfortunately for Lily, Levi latches on to Nick quickly as he seeks a male figure in his young life. Not long after, Lily's own heart is in jeopardy. Fear takes root and Lily is at a loss. Is she ready to take the ride of her life? less

Download links for: The Ride of Her Life

Advertising