Book Review: "Sunflower Serenade" by Tricia Goyer

A small-town summer...

The days are long and lazy, the corn is high, the sunflowers are in bloom, and everyone in Bedford is gearing up for the biggest event of the summer: the annual county fair. But when a Nashville music producer approaches Bob about using Heather Creek Farm to film a country star's new music video, he and Charlotte are faced with a dilemma. Will they allow the glamour and enticements of big-city life to encroach upon their peaceful home? Will the excitement of celebrity drown out the simple joys of summer?

As you've probably seen on this blog, I'm a huge fan of the Home to Heather Creek series. Why is that? It's because of it's down to earth, good natured, comfort style reading. When I read one of these books, I'm able to escape to a simple life, down on the farm, with folks that love each other even while they're still getting in all sorts of scrapes and bangs. I also really enjoy how even though this series is written by several different authors, who normally have completely different writing styles, the stories all manage to blend and flow seamlessly. The authors have upheld the general personality and traits of each character and yet still manage to add their own brand of storytelling in each book.

Tricia's books are some of my favorite of the series. This is mainly due to the fact that since she has lots of experience with working with teens in real life, she is able to capture them accurately and brilliantly in her stories. Sam is worried about his old friend from California thinking Nebraska is just a bunch of hicks. Emily has taken up a new hobby with photography but finds herself at the brunt of the attacks from the mean pastor's daughter. Both teens are easy to relate to and you can totally accept why they feel what they feel.

I'm not a country music fan myself, but I could share in the family's excitement of having a country star making a music video at the farmhouse. That would be a totally awesome experience and something to talk about for years. I did appreciate how everything was shown as not being so glamorous and rosy. Even small details such as having a lawyer look over the contract to make sure everything is in order is included. Also of enjoyment to read was the country fair. I've never been to one myself so it's always fun to read about the joy that comes from going to one.

Once again, this was a really enjoyable book to read and it's a great addition to the series. I was telling Tricia that I thought for sure I knew what was going to happen in the ending and was a bit disappointed but she said not to worry, another book will have that ending. So until then, I say goodbye to Heather Creek but it's been another fun trip and I can't wait to come back!

Sunflower Serenade by Tricia Goyer is published by Guideposts (2009)

If you just want to order Sunflower Serenade you must call the Guideposts customer service number (1-800-431-2344).

CONTEST - Playing on one element of the book - big city entertainers vs. old county fair – the contest for this blog tour is City Girl Goes Country! Share your funniest story (about you or someone you know) about a time when you as the “city girl” goes to the country or “country girl” goes to the city. Enter the contest here: http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/88-sunflower-serenade-blog-tour

To see other stops on the tour click here: http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2009/08/sunflower-serenade-blog-tour.html