While I have been writing for what feels like my whole life, I began seriously studying the craft in 2000. Since then I have completed five novels, had several pieces published in local periodicals, attended six writing conferences and managed to final in ACFW’s Genesis contest in 2006, 2008, and 2009. My first historical novel, Wings of a Dream, will be released in September 2011, with another historical novel to follow in 2012. But writing is only a piece of my life.
I am mostly just a woman trying to live her life in a manner pleasing to the Lord. That involves being a wife to Jeff and a mother to my three teenagers–neither role coming easily but both roles stretching me, requiring me to press in closer to Jesus. And because of this, Jesus has taken an insecure, fearful, sometimes angry girl and is turning her into a more trusting, peaceful, grace-filled woman. At least some of the time. There is still such a long way to go!
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Rebekah Hendricks dreams of a life far beyond her family’s farm in Oklahoma, and when dashing aviator Arthur Samson promised adventure in the big city, she is quick to believe he’s the man she’s meant to marry. While she waits for the Great War to end and Arthur to return to her so they can pursue all their plans, her mother’s sister falls ill. Rebekah seizes the opportunity to travel to Texas to care for Aunt Adabelle, seeing this chance to be closer to Arthur’s training camp as God’s approval of her plans.
But the Spanish flue epidemic changes everything. Faced with her aunt’s death, Arthur’s indecisiveness, and four children who have no one else to care for them, Rebekah is torn between the desire to escape the type of life she’s always led and the unexpected love that just might change the dream of her heart.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Wings of A Dream, go HERE.
Learn more about Anne and her books on her Website.
MY REVIEW:
Wings of A Dream was an enjoyable historical romance that I breezed through in a day. Ann Mateer’s writing style flows so naturally that it is easy to lose oneself in the story. Her characters are fully developed with many that I loved and others that I really, really disliked.
I thought the author’s portrayal of Rebekah was excellent. Her attitude varied from one chapter to the next which is so common for a young woman of her age. Although her original motive in going to help her aunt was mostly selfish, Rebekah passed the test when difficulties arose. Her love and dedication to the motherless children revealed her true heart and the way she naturally took charge of the household and farm showed a maturity beyond her years. Even so, there were times when Rebekah fell back into her old habit of thinking only of herself. I liked the fact that each time that happened, Rebekah learned from it and grew up a little more. And in the end, she realized that even though true love and God’s plan for her life were not exactly what she had planned for herself, it was the perfect plan.
Rebekah’s story resonated with me because of similarities to my own life. I grew up in a small town/rural area and all I could think of was moving to the city once I was old enough. I never dreamed I would marry a farmer and move even further out in the country. Now I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
I really enjoyed Wings of A Dream and recommend it to anyone who loves a sweet historical romance with a few unexpected surprises.
