After a failed engagement, Captain Andrew Lee James has focused on building a career in the Army he loves. That commitment includes helping a feisty, out-of-work ballerina whose devotion to her grandmother’s dying wish immediately grabs his heart. She’s the one, but will he be able to win the heart of a woman who has vowed to never be involved with a soldier?College graduate Clara Malone swore to … Malone swore to never love anyone in the military again but when her dying grandmother asks her to deliver a love letter to the general who broke her heart decades ago, she agrees and finds herself escorted by a handsome Army captain whose kindness challenges her beliefs. Surrounded by desert willows that shower her path with pretty pink flowers and sing with the buzzing of hummingbirds, Clara enjoys the wild beauty of El Paso—and her time with Andrew—more than expected.
Can she deliver her grandmother’s last love letter without losing her heart to a man who represents everything she fears?
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Desert Willow by Patricia Beal is an experience. This is the type of novel that begins slowly but builds solidly over time. I found the plot engaging and quite unique. I absolutely love the dance moments and appreciate Clara’s passion, energy, and talent for ballet. Beal’s detailed dancing scenes are exquisite. I felt like I was with Clara and Andrew as they enjoyed a live presentation of Giselle and as they were learning how to do the Waltz. I found the relationship between Clara and Andrew, while seriously quick to ignite, rather relatable and realistic. What I appreciate the most about this story though is Clara’s growth as both a woman and a Christian. I actually found this component of the story to be superbly written. Overall, Desert Willow is a Contemporary Romance I heartily recommend.
To me, Clara is a very relatable character. Instead of appreciating the moment she is in, Clara is often stuck worrying about her next move. She has recently graduated from college and has applied for numerous jobs but has not been successful. Also, her beloved grandmother is very sick and is on Death’s door so to speak. Grandma has tasked Clara with an important and incredibly meaningful job. Instead of seeing the joy in helping her dying grandmother, Clara is only able to see what she doesn’t have — more time with grandma, a job, a life purpose, a home of her own, money, etc. It isn’t until Clara’s mother scolds her that Clara wakes up. Clara’s mom states, Be happy right now. You always have your eyes set on the next thing — the next station. You never seem to enjoy the ride. Open the windows. Enjoy the view. Talk to the other passengers. After her wise mother’s scolding, Clara realizes that she has been letting what could be some of her best moments in life pass her by. Clara understands that she needs to be more tuned in and appreciative of the moments God has placed her in.
This message spoke volumes to me. I’m a lot like Clara. I often look at the BIG picture and see all the many holes in my story. Then I work myself into a frenzy trying to fill those holes with all the stereotypical “meaningful” things that I believe life should be filled with. Along the way, I steamroll over all the little, seemingly insignificant moments in my life. How many of God’s bountiful blessings have I potentially missed along my life’s journey because I couldn’t be content in the moment? This question definitely has me thinking and reevaluating myself, and I realize that I now want to be a bit more like Clara — more intentional in the moments God has me in.
Desert Willow is a novel I will not soon forget. With an engaging plot, uniquely relatable characters, and very timely themes, Desert Willow is most definitely a contemporary romance I highly recommend.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author via Celebrate Lit. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“It’s daring to dream dreams so big that only God can get you there.”
Patricia Beal has such a charming and unique voice that speaks through pain, broken dreams, sin, and suffering to bring forth redemption, forgiveness and restoration. Seen from third person perspectives of Clara and Andrew, the reader gets the opportunity to travel through time and space as the heartbreaks of three generations of women in Clara’s family unfold. Both Clara and Andrew are quite likable and their struggles real. Sent on a journey to deliver a letter for her ill grandmother, Clara finds herself in El Paso, Texas with only her love for her grandmother and degree in dance to see her through the mission. There she finds Andrew, a dedicated Army captain who is nothing like any man she’s ever known before. Their relationship is riddled with past hurts and uncertainty but God uses even these difficult circumstances to bring them closer to Himself. Clara’s redemption is heartfelt and amazing to behold. Though a mature Christian, Andrew does struggle with temptation and forgiveness and he’s not painted as a two-dimensional perfect believer, which was refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed the world of ballet that makes up Clara’s world and the world of service and everything Army that makes up Andrew’s world.
If you enjoy uplifting contemporary romance, you will enjoy this book. I received a copy of the book from LPC Books via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
The characters were great and I felt drawn to them. This was a book that draws the reader in and keeps the pages turning. The story keeps your mind spinning with questions into all the relationships. I relished in the fact that Andrew doesn’t believe in intimacy before marriage and walks in a relationship with God. His desire for Clara to know God and to show her how it makes a difference in marriage. Forgiveness and secrets revealed have the readers emotions so entwined with the characters. Gods goodness and forgiveness changes lives forever and the author does a fantastic job of showing this. What a most excellent read!
Was given a complimentary audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed listening to Desert Willow. The narrator had a pleasant voice that worked well for the story and made me want to keep listening.
The story itself was very heartfelt and touching. Clara and Andrew were very likable characters. They both had heartache from their childhoods and from their adult years. Different stories and different pain, yet all of these experiences impacted them and made them into the people they were.
I loved listening as their relationship developed into a romance and hoped that they would be able to work through the issues that arose from Clara’s past. I thought that Clara’s faith walk was very realistic, as was the way she had lived her life prior to understanding more about God’s love.
The story line involving Clara’s grandmother’s romance from the past was definitely intriguing! I loved learning more and more as the book progressed. This story made me feel like I was right there in El Paso, Texas, experiencing the desert and the military base, as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this audio book. All opinions are my own.
Desert Willow by Patricia Beal is an emotional book.
Some parts of the book made me almost teary. I had different bouts of emotions running through my heart while reading this book.
I love the description of the military.
The plot is heavy on forgiveness and love.
I love the two characters ,Andrew and Clara. I was happy to discover them through this book.
I love the scenes where cooking was described. I love cooking and I really paid attention to these new recipes.
This is a good book with themes of love, forgiveness, second chances,redemption and many more themes I would love you to find out in this book.
The relationship between Clara and her mother is something worth admiring. I wish every girl can make her mother her best friend.
I love the way the author described Ballet. I felt like a ballerina in this book. A ballerina somewhere far in El Paso.
I was glad over Clara when she found second chance with God. Nobody is beyond redemption. There is no sin so great that God can’t forgive. That’s why he is a forgiving God.
I love the ending! So emotional and beautiful. All I could say was “Hurray“.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are honest and completely my own.
Desert Willow is an engaging romantic contemporary. It is a quite emotional story and touches on some deep issues including family secrets, forgiveness of others, and forgiving oneself. I also have to say that it’s a very unique story. I found several aspects engaging. There is a bit of family history, a mysterious letter, and a handsome military man. Although at first I was not sure how to feel about the romance, Andrew’s tender chivalry won me over easily, though I understood Clara’s reluctance due to life circumstances beyond her control, as well as some mistakes that she made in her past. However, even his limits are tested when he finds out some things about Clara, and I loved that Beal brings to life the battle between true forgiveness versus lip service to the idea of it. Clara makes some bold choices in her newly formed faith, and I loved seeing those precious seeds take root and begin to grow. I appreciated how both characters have very realistic reactions – Clara to the idea of God and her family secrets, and Andrew to the idea that maybe his standards as a Christian are more exacting than he realizes.
There is also a strong sense of place. The story is set in El Paso, and the author paints a beautiful picture for the reader. The details of ballet are exquisite as well, and Clara’s love for dance is palpable. It’s where she feels the most at home and alive, and I enjoyed that about her. I appreciate that Beal handles delicate topics with a deft hand; it is refreshing for Christian fiction to talk about sex before marriage, what it means to truly forgive, as well as struggling to feel like you’re living a life of purpose.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author; I was not required to post a positive review, and this review is my honest opinion.
My Thoughts on Desert Willow:
I loved this book. Sometimes it’s hard to read and follow books that have two timelines going but this one didn’t prove difficult. It proved absolutely a delightful read though!
This is an author I have read before and she has a wonderful style of writing that draws you in and keeps you reading. The characters take on lives of their own and I’m watching their stories unfold in my mind while knowing that all too soon I’ll have to say goodbye to them. And I don’t want to! They become friends who I want to stick around.
You’re going to love this story! I couldn’t get enough of Clara and Andrew though I think my favorite generational story was of the grandma. Probably just because I love a good history piece.
Highly recommend this book! Get a copy or two and give it a read. Then give that copy to someone else to read. This is one of those books that lots of people are going to enjoy even if they “only” read fiction or “only” read romances. It’s one that can bridge the different genres in my opinion.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Patricia Beal’s newest release, Desert Willow, is a beautifully written story. It is one of those stories that toyed with my emotions that often tugged at my heart. One minute I was feeling like I was having to grab my box of tissues and then the next minute I was laughing at the humorous moments. The characters go through a bit that many readers could relate to, including feeling broken, lost, or needing hope and faith. I loved Clara and Andrew. Their interactions were so sweet and their chemistry was undeniable. I had the whole book written in one sitting and enjoyed every single page.
I am giving Desert Willow four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy a story that is clean and full of inspiration, with the lessons of forgiveness and redemption. It is most definitely not one story to be missed. I loved it.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Patricia Beal brings the desert heat and beauty to those of us trapped at home. I could feel the heat waves and see the desert willow trees with their delicate visitors.
Desert Willow is both a story of beauty and ugliness. We see young, first loves, a beautiful ballet dancer, and military men. We feel the striking allure of the desert and hearts that waltz closer and closer to love.
But before the final chord is played, dissonance rears its ugly head. Jealousy, hatred, unforgiveness, immaturity, selfishness, and judgment all rise to the surface.
Will the baser natures win, or will Christ and His love be allowed to shine forth and dissipate the darkness?
I loved Alice and her family and how they treated both Andrew and Clara. I thought Alice was a hero the way she decided to love her dad through thick and thin. I was a little disappointed with the continual emphasis on the battle of the physical attraction- yes, it’s real, but is that what I want to fill my mind with?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. This in no way affects my opinions, for which I am solely responsible.
Maybe because my husband is in the Army Reserves full-time or maybe because we spent time in Texas, I wanted to read this book. I have to say it did not disappoint. Clara Malone and Captain Andrew Lee James have been burned by relationships in the past. However, a strange request by Clara’s grandmother to deliver a letter to a man she knew years ago brings the two together.
I love the fact this story also contains ballet, perhaps that is because our daughter took ballet lessons in the past. I wanted these two to overcome their pasts and their present to find a future together. However, I will let you read this book to see how things turn out.
I fell in love with the characters including the ones at the ballet company and Andrew’s friends. This book contained some surprises for Clara that did not necessarily come as a surprise to me.
So check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
I really liked the setting of El Paso for this book. My brother was stationed there years ago and I remember flying down there to visit him. The author describes it perfectly with the majestic mountains and the base where my brother lived. The story was a great look at army life and the dedication it involves.
Clara is an accomplished ballerina and I loved reading about the movements and hard work it took her to be a great dancer. She has come to El Paso to deliver a letter to a special person her grandmother knew. I became interested in what that letter contained. Clara isn’t very keen on service men as she has seen family members hurt by them with painful relationships. It was easy for her to guard her heart and stay detached from service men since other women in her family found their heart broken by them.
Andrew is of course in the Army and right away Clara has her heart clamped shut. He seems to be honest and wanting to get to know her, but he will have to work hard to convince her he won’t hurt her. I realized that some members of Clara’s family doesn’t forgive easily. I did like the part where Clara turns to someone to help her through something that happened in her past. I felt the emotions and the honesty as she confessed her sin. I think all of us think when we sin that God won’t forgive us. It’s a road we must travel as we find our way back to God.
There was quite a bit of talk about sex before marriage in the book which I felt the author handled well. It is important to the story because several characters deal with the issue and it shows how easy the enemy can convince you that it is okay to do. The ending is beautifully orchestrated with emotions and a deep sense of faith.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Desert Willow is a journey that you will want to come along on. A journey of Faith, forgiveness, redemption, second chances, and self forgiveness. The characters are flawed and real and you will need tissues as you read Clara’s story. I loved the mystery of what her grandmother’s letter contains that Clara has been asked to deliver. I won’t elaborate as I don’t want to contain spoilers but her grandmother’s story is expertly woven into Clara’s story. Andrew is a wonderful character that is strong in his faith and is not afraid to pray and share it. I was caught up in the emotional pain of Clara as she learns how to forgive herself and put past sins in the past and move toward the future that God has planned for her. The redemptive power of Christ is shown as He makes beauty out of the ashes. An enjoyable read that you won’t want to put down. I stayed up way to late reading.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
What would happen if a young woman, who has vowed never to become involved with a military man, suddenly finds herself working with a man dedicated to his Army career? Could that soldier, who is also a caring and devoted Christian, convince her to change her mind?
I love it when an author can entertain and inspire at the same time and author Patricia Beal has accomplished this in her story. Desert Willow centers on two people who are brought together in their efforts to help a dying woman and even though their attraction is strong, it appears that there are too many obstacles standing in their way. Clara Malone is determined to avoid any involvement with a military man and she has also drifted away from any personal relationship with God. As she observes Captain Andrew James and his very deep commitment to God, she begins to believe that she can also experience this until… her confession of past mistakes threaten any hopes for a happy future. As she watches Andrew’s reaction, Clara tells him “The first night we went out you said that sometimes Christians are the only Bible most people will ever read…..You’re not being a very good Bible right now. You are not representing Christ well. And I don’t want to be like you.”
Beal successfully portrays Clara’s faltering steps toward redemption and Andrew’s initial struggle to accept Clara’s past. Desert Willow is a powerful reminder that God’s Grace is available to each of us. If you enjoy contemporary romance with a strong faith element, you will certainly enjoy Desert Willow.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
This is a Christian contemporary romance that tackles some deep issues. It’s a realistic look at how adultery and divorce can affect families, with negative effects as far-reaching as through two generations. It also shows how a Christian believer can contemplate and rationalize sexual sin. But there’s also a strong theme of how God’s love and forgiveness can change a life and begin to redeem harm that’s been done to others through selfish behavior.
The main character of this book, Clara, clearly showed her love for her family. But she also came across as quite immature at times, and that immaturity affected her decisions. Although she and Andrew are immediately drawn to each other, they have some issues that need to be resolved of forgiving others and each other. I liked the ending of this book, and it even had a twist that I did not see coming. I’d give this book a rating of 3.75 stars.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Clara Malone has only ever had one dream—to dance onstage with a prominent ballet company. Now she has a single mission—to deliver a letter from her dying Grandmother to an Army General.
Captain Andrew James is finally free of the woman who jilted him at the altar, and has his life and career on track.
When Clara and Andrew’s lives cross, it changes both their futures.
I appreciated the way Andrew gently eased into Clara’s life, taking care with her broken heart. What he didn’t know was the guilt she carried. A common human failing. Ms. Beal handled Clara’s burden skillfully, easing her to the point she could forgive herself.
The dialogue seemed to run on a lot, and for this reviewer, the “church speak” and religious talk was heavy handed, even though I am a Christian.
But I enjoyed the dance bits, especially the [SPOILER] class. And especially enjoyed the bits of Portuguese, and the challenge to translate it.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
THREE FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Desert Willow, Patricia Beal, Celebrate Lit Publicity
“Dating a soldier always sounded like a good idea, but it was never a good idea.”
Ordinarily, I shy away from contemporary romance. Romance in general is not high on my list of favorite genres, although historical romance often lands on my review list due to the ubiquity of the category in Christian fiction. However, I took a chance with this author’s debut, “A Season to Dance”, and I was impressed, so of course I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to read and review her next book. As it turns out, I enjoyed this one more! This speaks to the author’s skill in writing an engaging story, and particularly to her Christian perspective, because honestly the military aspect, desert setting, and complicated romances that make up this story would all normally be turn-offs for me.
A standalone novel about the power of the past and its influences and reverberations, Patricia Beal’s “Desert Willow” captures readers’ hearts from the very first chapter. What begins with instant attraction goes on to play out with intentionality and the vagaries of romance between people with complicated histories. As Lysander so aptly remarks in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The course of true love never did run smooth.” There is Renata Lambert and Mario Madeiros, whose paths disastrously diverged decades ago, and Army Captain Andrew James and ballerina Clara Malone, who face their own challenges in building a relationship in the present. Andrew and Clara should repel one another as opposites, yet somehow they continue to grow more fond of each another. However, pieces of their past return and threaten to destroy what they have built, a recurring theme in the characters’ lives.
Beal creates credible backstories for her characters in this evocative novel without overwhelming readers with info dumps, and she also balances the emotions in the story so that the more serious scenes have moments of laughter or lightness afterward. Although unequally yoked because Andrew is a Christian, he and Clara enjoy spending time together, and I always appreciate when an author keeps things clean. In an increasingly immoral world, people like Andrew are becoming more difficult to find, and his positive influence and sweet demeanor endear him all the more. He remains confident in the Lord, certain that “One day dream and reality would occupy the same space.” The path may not be smooth, and the journey may not be easy, but when we trust and follow the Lord’s guidance, we will always find ourselves right where we should be.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
A sweet story of second chances
I loved Clara and Andrew! They came from such different, yet similar worlds, with brokenness and sin. His hurts had driven him to the Lord. Hers had convinced her that God didn’t care.
Andrew’s persistence to convince Clara to give him a chance was so sweet! His commitment to the Lord and purity was strong and yet he still experienced temptation. Despite this, he had a plank in his eye in the form of unforgiveness and judgement that kept him quite human.
I loved all the sweet things that Andrew did for Clara and how much it meant to him to be able to do them. And I loved the way she accepted his kindnesses and allowed him the privilege of caring for her in even the simple act of opening her door.
When Clara heard the truth taught in church about sin and realized how it applied to her, she struggled with being able to forgive herself for what she had done. Her shame was great and yet she learned that the Lord’s love is greater.
Patricia Beal did such a great job with carrying themes throughout the story, even the detail about Andrew’s goldfish! In fact, I loved how they came back into play at the end of the story !
With plenty of tension, conflict, and temptation, the story remained clean. Though it is written for adults, it would not be too much for a teenager to read and could help encourage sexual purity.
If you enjoy romance where the gospel is front and center without being preachy, I can highly recommend Desert Willow.
Read my review of Desert Willow by Patricia Beal at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Desert Willow is an entertaining and emotional story, enriched by character depth, a blending of past and present, and a strong spiritual theme. Drawing from personal experience, Patricia Beal writes a heartwarming story straight from the heart. The narrative flows at a steady pace, holding my attention throughout.
Andrew and Clara are brought together by a story from the past involving Clara’s grandmother and a general. Clara travels to El Paso, Texas on a mission from her dying grandmother, that of delivering a letter to a general who had broken her young heart. In the process, she meets Andrew, a friend of the general’s family. There’s a vivid sense of place and I was drawn to El Paso as I was introduced to its sights and culture through Clara’s eyes. The author’s personal experience in both the military and this town made the story rich in detail.
Clara and Andrew are appealing characters, easy to connect with. Andrew, nicknamed “Ginger” by Clara (picture a Prince Harry without the British accent), is a kind and caring man, with a strong faith that he unashamedly shares. Clara has just graduated from college with a degree in dance, emphasis on ballet, and is trying to figure out exactly what can be done with that degree. Clara has pulled away from God over the years and in her family, “relationships never lasted long, and forever was a pipe dream.” Although attracted to Andrew, family history has convinced her that relationships with military men are destined to fail.
Desert Willow is an emotional story of family relationships and forgiveness, including self-forgiveness. Past events cast a long shadow, which many readers can identify with. Themes include serious topics, such as infidelity and the struggle to remain pure until marriage. I loved the strong faith message skillfully woven throughout, applicable to our daily walk. I also enjoy how the author brings in the beauty of music and dance.
I enjoyed Desert Willow very much and look forward to many more stories by Patricia Beal.
Recommended.
I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
DESERT WILLOW is an inspiring journey of love, forgiveness, and family. The beauty of music and dance pulls together this engaging story of overcoming preconceived notions and the mistakes of the past. Patricia Beal has woven an enchanting story that will draw you into Clara Malone’s world, yearning with her to learn the contents of the letter that has pulled her far away from her home, and yet much closer to her past and her future.
I liked the chemistry between Andrew and Clara even though to me it happened fast.
I understood Clara’s reservations because of past experiences, that was relatable but I loved how Andrew took His time to make her see things the right way.
The most admirable trait of Andrew’s was his faith and his eagerness to search it and care for others around him.
I admired Clara for her willingness to deliver a letter on behalf of her grandmother.
Thrown together by a story not their’s Clara and Andrew create their own unique story.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.