LORI WICK

|| Sean Donovan || Donovan's Daughter || Wings Of The Morning || The Long Road Home || A Song For Silas
|| Whispers of Moonlight || Where the Wild Rose Blooms || Whatever Tomorrow Brings || A Place Called Home || Sophie's Heart ||

Last review(s) added 9/25/98

Rated 4.5
ISBN# 1-56507-129-8
Copyright 1994
Reviewed 9/25/98 by Pam

Inspirational Romance

"Donovan's Daughter" is the story of Marcail Donovan, sister to Katie and Sean, and part of "The Californians" series. I found it to be quite a sensational story.

Marcail is all grown up now and has achieved a teaching degree. She received the position in a small town, not far from her sister Katie. Being such a small town, Marcail discovers there are many stipulations to keeping the teaching position. Dressing in an extremely proper fashion - plain colored clothing and her hair is to be pulled back at all times. Needing the teaching position, Marcail agrees to these "rules" and more.

Marcail is an innocent and whenever she gets around a certain, Dr. Alexander Montgomery, her insides turn to mush. He is a man - a handsome one and the second strike against him is his occupation - he's a doctor. Marcail remember's the day a doctor told them her mother was going to die and has never felt comfortable around doctors since.

Dr. Montgomery is a kind and gentle man and doesn't understand why Marcail gets so uncomfortable around him. His first wife had passed away several years before and he is just coming to a fork in the road - he wants to find himself a new wife, someone to share his life with. But, the majority of the women in their town are non-believers. Yes, they attend church, but the preacher is not one who, how shall I say this, preaches the word of God directly from the bible. He is highly influenced by one of the town's leaders, an embittered old woman, Cordelia Duckworth. She also happens to be the one who gives such strict rules for the teachers to follow.... so, Alex just can't see himself spending his life with a non-believer. His is thrilled to learn that Marcail is a believer and wonders just what chance they may have together.

False accusations which lead to scandal throw Alex and Marcail into a relationship neither is quite ready for.

Take the journey with Marcail as she falls in love with Alex and he with her.

Rated 3.5
ISBN# 1-56507-177-8
Copyright 1994
Reviewed 2/23/98

The summary on the back cover of this book intrigued me to read it. A woman as the Captain of a ship. Definitely appealing. The story itself held my interest for the first 2/3's of the book. Then it lost something. I'm not sure I can explain it, but it seemed to drag on as the "bad guy" seemed to win for quite a while.

Smokey, Victoria Simmons, was raised on the Aramis. At her father's death she becomes Captain. The Aramis is known as the most notorious ship on the waters. Keeping is a secret that it is owned by a female seems to be the best thing. Smokey isn't certain she would have the respect deserving to her if those she does business with know that she is a woman. When she finally does reveal her identity, everyone is awestruck that such a fine ship is Captained by a woman.

Dallas Knight doesn't see much interesting about his sisters new friend, Victoria Simmons. She seems pretty clumsy while he's around and frankly he doesn't have the time nor the interest to give her a second glance.

Smokey thinks that Dallas is the most handsome man she's ever seen. And she just can't seem to keep her nerves about her when ever he is around. She is already aware of her downfalls as far as the proper way to hold a tea-cup, etc. She feels her dear friend, Jennifer Pemberton, Dallas' sister, just puts her to shame. Of course, Jenny doesn't feel that way. She thinks the world of Victoria from almost the very beginning.

The story quickly picks up speed when the characters start to discover that Victoria is actually Smokey, the Captain of the Aramis. Dallas asks to sail with them to gain some experience, never expecting that Smokey actually does the work deserving of Captain. He figures she hold the title while her men all do the work. It isn't long before he realizes how wrong he is and that there's more to Smokey that he first thought.

They fall in love, but this is the type of story where things just keep getting in the way. The "bad guy" keeps winning and I didn't think they would ever overtake him and let Smokey and Dallas be together.

We can't forget the spiritual aspect. Smokey prays constantly for guidance. Her father didn't know much about the bible, but what he did know he shared with her in earnest. The Lord guides her in everything she does.

Not one of my favorite Lori Wick novels, but still worth reading.

ISBN# 0-89081-885-1
Rated 4.0
Copyright 1990
Reviewed 2/23/98

What an inspiring story! Definitely worth reading.

Paul Cameron, preacher and brother to Silas from the story - "A Song for Silas" and Luke in "A Place Called Home" is in a bad way. His wife has died and he is suffering heavily over the loss. Leaving his church and family, Paul heads off into logging country.

Abigail Finlayson is a nurse and loved her husband, Ian, dearly until his untimely death. Her father-in-law blames her for Ian's death. Realizing he isn't going to relent, her mother-in-law thinks it's best for her to leave their home. So Abigail heads off to Baxter to visit with her Aunt Maggie (who happens to work for Mark and Suzanne Cameron - Luke, Paul, and Silas' brother.) Before long Abigail is living with Emily Cameron, the grandmother to the Cameron men.

When a letter arrives declaring that Paul has been seriously injured, Emily asks Abigail to take her nursing talents to Paul and attend to his injuries. Abigail isn't sure what to do and then through prayer decides that this must be God's will.

Of course, Paul doesn't want a thing to do with her and insists on calling her Red, for the color of her hair. They spar at every turn, but Abigail usually wins. Her main concern is seeing him get well again.

It is a "long road home" for Paul and Abigail as they fight their attraction for each other as well as deal with the death of their spouses. As usual, a growth of spirituality is sure to be achieved after reading this inspiring story.

ISBN# 1-56865-551-7
Copyright 1990
Reviewed 2/2/98 by Pam

"A Song For Silas" is another piece in the Cameron Family puzzle. What a wonderful tale of love, romance, and of course, a spiritual growth to be shared with reader and characters alike.

Becky Grant has been taking care of her father for four years since her mother passed away. Her father suffers and injury and Silas Cameron comes to assist them. This isn't his first trip to the Grant home. He had spent some time there helping out soon after Mrs. Grant passed away. During that time, he and little Becky became very good friends.

Very soon after returning to the Grant home, it becomes quite obvious to Silas that Becky is no longer the little 14 year old he befriended on his previous trip. Silas finds himself falling in love with the lovely Becky.

Becky has been left behind once before when her fiance decided to marry another woman. She feels the best thing in life for her is to continue to care for her father and stay there at their farm.

Silas is a sweet and loving man. He doesn't pressure Becky, but depends solely on his faith in the Lord and prayer. If it is meant to be, Becky will love him as he does her.

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Whispers of Moonlight

Rated 4.5
ISBN# 1-56507-483-1
Copyright 1996
Reviewed 9/17/97 by Pam

Inspiring yet romantic -- two words to describe Whispers of Moonlight by Lori Wick. Usually, I get so deeply enthralled in a Wick novel that I can't put it down and I want more, more, more. But, I have to admit that I had feelings of frustration with this heroine. Therefore, I docked the book one half a point for that. Everything else, including all other characters were wonderful, fun, and mostly spiritually fulfilling.

When Rebecca Wagner is only eight years old her father, Andrew, makes a very difficult decision to leave her with his sister to go off to the Colorado Territory and make a name and new life for himself. He has every intention to bring little Rebecca to him in six months time. Many things get in the way of these plans and six months turns into almost eleven years.

Travis Buchanan has been a ranch hand all his life. Coming upon the job at the Double Star Ranch was good for him right now. Mr. Wagner, the owner, takes to Travis immediately. In the foreman's absence, Travis is asked to fill in and take over the duties. This is something Travis does well.

Andrew misses his daughter terribly. He writes to her asking her once again to come see him. To his surprise, a letter arrives telling him that she is on her way. Andrew imposes on Travis to check the stage coach each day and watch for Rebecca's arrival.

After Rebecca's arrival, it becomes quick obvious to all that she and Travis are quite taken with each other. Sharing walks after dinner becomes a daily occurrence for the two young people. Not long after her arrival though, Travis is asked to go search out the old foreman who never returned from his trip. Travis is gone a long time due to circumstances beyond his control and Rebecca spends each day worrying about him. As his time away gets longer and longer, Rebecca starts to spend time with one of the ranch hands. She doesn't believe Travis is coming back at all. Upon Travis's return, many misconceptions are made by both young people.

Now the story takes a few strange turns and I certainly don't want to ruin any part of it for you, so I'll stop right here. I do want to tell you that Rebecca decides to make a new life for herself, gain some long awaited independence after years of obeying her aunt and then doing as her father requested of her. I could understand this need, but didn't like the way she went about it.

Travis begins to see that a life without Jesus Christ is no life at all. His spiritual growth was one that I could relate to and understand tremendously. He uses prayer to get over the loss of Rebecca and I believe that was the hardest thing of all for him to understand -- "why God would allow something like that to happen."

Read it for yourself. I read it in two evenings, very late ones at that, but definitely one for the keeper shelf.

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Quite inspiring, Where the Wild Roses Bloom, is a sensational story. A collage of emotions will wrap around your heart throughout this story.

Morgan and Addy are the parents of five daughters. There is a little bit about the romance between Eddie, Edwina, and Robert, but the main romance here is between Jackie and Clayton Taggert.

Morgan and Addy move to Georgtown so that Morgan can assist his brother Mitch with his store. Clayton and Jackie get off to a poor start when Jackie trips and Clayton laughs at her. Jackie doesn't make friends well and she is very embarrassed at her clumsiness. Clayton can resist teasing Jackie at every opportunity.

The sparks are there, but Jackie is only 15 years old, so, much growing up will need to be done before anything romantic can take place. Jackie has yet to be saved and Clayton will not allow himself to be with a non-believer.

There are hardships to endure before Clayton and Jackie find true love at last. The roller coaster ride will leave you breathless and satisfied.

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Rated 4.5
ISBN# 0-89081-969-6
Copyright 1992
Reviewed 5/21/97 by Pam T.

"Whatever Tomorrow Brings" is another inspiring story by Lori Wick. Characters with a deep faith in the Lord, a catchy plot, and definitely a romance for all times.

At the age of twenty, Kaitlin Donovan is the eldest daughter of Patrick and Theresa Donovan. Her brother Sean is fourteen and sister Marcail is a very small nine year old. They are a happy family living in Hawaii. Patrick speaks the word of the Lord in the Missions while Theresa and Kaitlin are teachers in the schools.

Theresa and Patrick decide for Kaitlin's birthday they will take a trip to San Francisco to visit Patrick's sister, Aunt Maureen. It is soon known by the children that an ulterior motive was in place when plans for the trip were made. Theresa is ill and a doctor is need to identify the cause of her illness.

Tragedy strikes and the children are left with Aunt Maureen for a while. At the unwanted intentions of cousin Percy, Maureen's son, the children decide to leave San Francisco. Kaitlin applies for a teaching position in Santa Rosa. With the Lord on her side, she is accepted and so their new life begins.

Many new friends become a part of the Donovan children's lives. The Taylors, May, Bill and their children Gil, Nate, Jeff, and Marshall, are extra special people who fit into their lives perfectly. One of them will find themselves wanting to be closer to Kaitlin and you'll have to find out who by reading this wonderful story yourself.

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Rated 5.0
ISBN# - 0-89081-780-4
Reviewed 5/2/97 by Pam T.

A warm enjoyable story about a young woman finding love in the way of God, in addition to a loving, Christian husband.

Christine Bennett is saddened by the death of her grandfather. A greedy man, Mr. Vetter, is out to kill her to gain her grandfathers wealth. He has already rigged the will, so all that is left is to kill her and everything will be his.

By the encouragement of a friend, Christine escapes in the night dressed a s a boy. The person who was supposed to assist her has also turned up dead. Scared and unsure of where to turn, Christine gets off the train at the next stop and finds herself in a small town. Only too soon she is in need of the town doctor.

Mark Cameron, the doctor, is shocked to find that the injured young man is not a young man after all, but a woman. The Cameron family, Luke, Mark, Paul, Silas, Julia, Susanne, and Grandma Em all open their hearts to Christine. With Grandma Em's assistance Christine finds a life filled with the Lord.

Luke Cameron lives together with his brother Silas. It takes him a while, but he discovers a beautiful, loving Christian inside of Christine and they fall in love. He, along with the entire Cameron family, help Christine through the rough time she has ahead.

Heart-warming, a word used many times, but the first that comes to mind in describing this story. Lori Wick is a wonderful writer and "A Place Called Home" is another great story by her.

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"Sophie's Heart" by Lori Wick will take you on a spiritual ride you will probably never forget. I do not consider myself a holy roller when it comes to being faithful to my religion, but Sophie assisted me in seeing another way that my life can be lived.

Alec Riley is a widower and father of three lovely children, Rita, Craig, and Tory. They are all in morning for Vanessa Riley who died in a car wreck less than a year earlier. Alec spends as much time as possible away from home. Rita is a very strong teenager who is doing her best to keep up in school and do all the household jobs that were previously her mothers. Craig is a very heartbroken young man who is having a difficult time dealing with his mother's death. Tory is an equally heartbroken young girl who misses her mother terribly.

On the other side of the world in Prague, Czechoslovakia, Sophia "Sophie" Velikonja has just received word that her name has come up on the list and she is now eligible to leave her homeland and move to America. Her grandmother, who has been ill with cancer, did not put her name on the list. Sophie does not wish to leave her behind, but at her grandmother's insistence, Sophie makes the very difficult decision to leave Czechoslovakia without her and go to America. Giving up her job as a translator for the Embassy, Sophie moves to Chicago and obtains her first job at a restaurant busing tables.

One day Sophie enters a bible study group catching only the very end of the meeting. She meets the leader, Janet Ring (Alec's sister.) They quickly become friends. Eventually Janet introduces Sophie to Alec hoping that he will hire her as his housekeeper, something he desperately needs since his wife's death. In addition to Alec needing a housekeeper, Sophie needs a better job and place to live. Janet drives her the three 1/2 hour drive to Middleton, Wisconsin for an interview with Alec.

The story rolls on from there with Alec recovering from shock after hearing Sophie's accent. Ultimately he hires her, giving her the apartment over the garage to live in. Sophie takes her job as housekeeper very seriously. She does it well and soon none of them could imagine their life without Sophie in it.

It takes Alec awhile, but one day he begins to see Sophie in a different light. His discovery that she is a beautiful woman - inside and out, and not just the lady who does his laundry is an overwhelming one. He seeks guidance from God to do the right thing and then blessings from his children before deciding to court Sophie. He has a few rocky turns ahead of him as his children adjust to the idea of Sophie being a permanent part of their lives as their stepmother.

There is a touch of prayer that comes from each character. Not too much of it to be overwhelming to the reader, but enough to open your heart to how a life can feel complete when filled more with Christ. Sophie, especially, brings out the good in everything, even the children's mean grandmother who takes an instant dislike to Sophie -- she is sad with the loss of her daughter. Instead of being angry when she has to clean the bathroom Sophie thanks God for indoor plumbing.

Wick writes with a keen sense of humor, an abundance of spirituality, and above all her characters are filled with high morals and values. You will chuckle many times when reading phrases spoken by Sophie. Her lack of use when it comes to prepositions and, of course, her attempts at repeating cliche's are cute and enjoyable.

Alec and his children are survivors. After all they've been through they continue with their prayers to God that He guide them in their lives and make them better people.

Not only did I enjoy "Sophie's Heart," for it's humor and romantic quality but the closure of the covers left me feeling spiritually fulfilled. Take my advice and seek this one out at your local library or Christian Bookstore. It will be well worth the time spent reading the 425 pages.

Kudos to Lori Wick for her first contemporary romance.

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