Lily Winter’s wings are folded so tightly around her daughter that when empty nest arrives, she feels she can no longer fly. But Lily’s lonely, widowed life changes in a heartbeat when she goes to visit a woman who is almost a stranger to her-a woman who also happens to be her mother. During their fiery reunion, her mother reveals a dark family secret that she’d been hiding for decades-Lily has an identical twin sister who was put up for adoption when they were just babies.
Without looking back, Lily-with her fear of flying-boards a jumbo jet and embarks on a quest to find her sister which leads half way around the world to Melbourne, Australia. Befriended by imprudent Ausie, he might prove to be the key to finding her sister. But her journey becomes a circle that leads her back home to attempt a family reunion and to find the one dream she no longer imagined possible-the chance to fall in love again.
Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over thirty books published (several co-authored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.
Winter in Full Bloom by Anita Higman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am not one for contemporary romances. However, on occasion I read one that truly takes me by surprise. I was absolutely mesmerized by this book from page one, and I can only hope that this is not the last I will read of these amazing characters! Anita Higman is a masterful storyteller, and she fearlessly goes where many Christian authors may fear to tread. She deals with atheism, loss of faith, and dysfunctional families. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have lived almost half of your life and discover that you had an identical twin? Read her book, and discover the mystery! This book never seems to be preachy. God and faith are naturally woven into the fabric of the tale. I believe that although this is a “typical” romance, you can rest assured that the situations that are encountered within the story seem realistic. I believe that everyone can identify with doubt and fear. In fact, I believe that each reader will probably see himself or herself within one of the characters. I probably most identify with Lily since I am a single parent who is nearly forty. Surely, my story is different–vastly different–but there are elements of her life that truly resonate. And, the fact that the main characters seem to identify with music and writing, I feel like I am right at home. Although I never found myself in true tears, it does not mean that my emotions were not steered. The ending is gorgeous and bittersweet, and I found myself tingling all over more than once throughout the story. I was never bored, and I believe that this book will be on my mind for some time. I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
