The heart of a champion may surprise you.When an injury sidelines college swimmer Anna Callaway, her dreams are crushed. She pours herself into her sports marketing practicum, helping a local special needs organization promote their athletic event. What she doesn’t expect is a swim team ripe for the Special Olympics—and their handsome but stubborn coach.Craig Holt has dealt with eager and … with eager and ignorant volunteers before. No matter how determined or persuasive uptight Anna might be about coaching his team to the Special Olympics, he has no intention of allowing her to raise the hopes of his swimmers, his sister, or his guarded heart.
Then Anna herself gets a second chance at becoming a champion. Will she pursue her lifelong goals or make room for a new dream?
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As a parent of a child with autism, I am passionate about celebrating the awesomeness of those with disabilities. With delicate strokes, Denise Weimer paints a beautifully accurate portrait of the special needs community, honoring the courage, intelligence, and resilience of these brilliant souls. Add in vibrant characters and a tender romance, and Spring Splash equals a charming novel worthy of recommendation.
I enjoyed this unique story. It was unlike any other book that I have read before. Spring Splash weaves together a love story, a special needs sports program, as well as the personal sports and career aspirations of the main character, Anna. I thought the author did a very good job of presenting all three of these story lines cohesively and in a realistic way.
I felt like I really got to know the special needs swimmers in this tale, finding out what made them nervous and what motivated each of them to be part of the program. I enjoyed learning a lot about Craig’s sister, Margo, and seeing how things progressed in the book for her.
I enjoyed the love story between Craig and Anna, although Craig frustrated me at times, as he had a lot of worry that he carried around with him. When certain events would go wrong, he didn’t always handle things well with Anna, leading to hurt feelings or misunderstandings. However, he did grow a lot emotionally by the end of the book. I would have loved to have had an epilogue at the end of Spring Splash to see how things were going for everyone a year or so in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The author had me at the cover and book blurb.
Dealing with special needs individuals can be tasking as well as rewarding and the author wrote a lovely tale of that with a wonderful dose of romance.
The beautiful romance between Anna and Craig was so beautiful. Their work together to prepare the team for the competition was so admirable. It was wonderful hoe Anna threw herself into helping others instead of wallowing in self pity and wasting her talent. Her determination was a very admirable character. Craig did have a lot to learn from Anna’s disposition. It was beautiful how the walls around his heart crumbles to love.
Beautiful tale of love, determination, and courage to triumph.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Anna Callaway was swimming at her best as a part of her college swim team until an injury forces her out of the pool. While she is trying to rehabilitate, she moves forward on her practicum. Craig Holt might need help with running his swim team for special needs swimmers, but he is not convinced that Anna can take direction enough to really help. Will the two of them learn to trust each other? Will Anna get a second chance to swim?
I am not sure if I have read a book about a swimmer before. What I liked about this topic is the author tackled swimming for multiple directions – an athlete, coach, director and those who could finally freedom from their “disabilities” in the water. Getting to “know” these special athletes added such depth to the book. Plus the author did a great job of explaining certain terminology about what it is like to be a Special Olympics athlete and how sometimes people can say things that are insensitive.
In the author’s notes, she mentions that her kids spent a lot of time on swim teams. Her expertise is evident in how she presents the swimming. She had a way to convey pool terms to those who may not be as familiar.
The romance was paced well. I think the two main characters struggled a bit in knowing how to be in a relationship. That rang true to life for me.
This is the second book that I have read by this author, and I have enjoyed them both. I would definitely read more of her titles.
Spring Splash, is not a debut in regards to writing for this Historical/Christian fiction author, but is a debut for her in the Christian Contemporary fiction genre, however, you would never know it. As you read this heartfelt story one would think that Denise has been writing contemporary stories for years.
Denise’s attention to detail, and character development was superb, and I found myself rooting for the ESPiranhas throughout the story. Emotionally Denise wrote an outstanding story filled with sadness and frustration, joy and laughter, but most importantly she made us care.
It was impressive to watch the ESP kid’s story unfold as they fought to prove that they were just as good as everyone else and deserved to compete just like everyone else. The determination of the ESP swimmers to overcome every obstacle thrown in their path as they worked to compete in the Spring Splash was amazing to be a part of. I actually forgot that I was reading fiction as this could very well have been a true story.
Thank you so much Denise for allowing me to be a part of your beta team, and for sharing this wonderful story. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
** spoiler alert ** I loved reading this book! I could hardly make myself put it down and finished it in one day. While reading this book, I learned so much about people with special needs and swimming. I loved all of the characters and their unique, individual selves. Anna learns that life isn’t a competition and to relax and enjoy all that life and God can offer her. Craig learns that his sister’s special needs will not always restrict him in ways that he thought and to trust others more. I also loved that the story took place near where I live, so I can more accurately picture parts of the story. Overall, another great story from author Denise Weimer!
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
This story was different for me because I’ve never read as story about competitive swimmers. And though I know a couple of kids with autism, I have read only a couple of books about this disease. Getting to know these characters and follow their everyday life as they lived with their disability. It is amazing what these people could do. I like that author Denise Weimer does such a great job of making sure each character was their own person, and despite their disability, they did have a purpose in life.
This is a well written story, the characters wonderfully created, the plot flows well, and the story can help others dealing with their own disabilities. I think this would be a great book for anyone, especially younger people that are dealing with any type of disability, regardless of what it is.
I would like to thank the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are totally mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
A sweet contemporary romance that takes the reader into the world of competitive swimming and special needs teenagers. She navigates the intricacies of both these topics very well and educates the reader without being harsh and condemning. The romance between Anna and Craig was very sweet and I love how they encouraged and cared for each other. Looking forward to reading more from this author!
Denise Weimer has given us another heartwarming story about determination, love, compassion and much much more!
I loved this story for various reasons and I learned quite a bit about autism that I never knew about.
I also loved the characters Craig and Anna as they work together for the Spring Splash. Working with someone isn’t always easy. You’re bound to have a few squabbles here and there.
I found myself laughing and crying right along with the characters in this book.
Louis’s story especially. Her story, in my opinion is the most touching followed by Craig’s.
I think I have the most compassion for Craig.
He sure has gone through a lot and is still struggling with letting God having control over his life. But then again, don’t we all?
I know I do. Do you?
These characters will always have a special place in my heart because of what obstacles they have come through to come out on top.
I spent half the night reading this touching story because it was so good! You won’t want to put it down until it is finished and believe me when I say that you’ll be thinking about these amazing characters g after the book is finished. I know I am!!
My thanks to Just Reads and the author for a complimentary copy of this book.
NO compensations were received and I was NOT required to write a positive review for this book. All Opinions are my own.
Spring Splash by Denise Weimer is a wonderful contemporary Christian novel that surrounds two of my passions – swimming and special needs teens. It is a powerful read about pursuing your dreams, trying your best and celebrating successes.
I have worked with special needs children aged 11- 18 years in the local high school for thirteen years and it has been a joy and a pleasure. I totally connected with Spring Splash and ‘felt’ the love and had empathy with the young swimmers and their passion for sport. “No one is too broken in the water. No one is too heavy. No one is too clumsy. We’re all the same.” Swimming is a great leveller. It improves health, releases endorphins and enables all to glide through the water.
There were other sports in the novel. I loved the quote from a young runner. “When I run, I’m like everyone else.”
The novel shows the importance of trying our best. “So what if their best looks different from one person to another.” Everyone’s ‘best’ is unique and tailored to them. My ‘best’ is not the same as someone else’s. I must never compare myself to anyone else. We must only compare ourselves to the person we used to be.
When working with special needs teens it is important to be guided by their abilities and needs. We must have empathy and work at their pace.
The love that those with special needs give shines brightly in the novel. Bonds that they make will not be broken or tarnished.
We need to feel good about the skin we are in. “I’ve had to let God chisel away at my nasty side. Still a work in progress.” We may make our plans but the best plan to follow for our lives will always be God’s plan. When we follow His leading, no matter what our circumstances, we will receive a peace.
Prayer is important. “My truck is my prayer closet.” The important thing is to pray without ceasing. It does not matter where we pray, so long as we pray.
Denise Weimer has created a wonderful set of characters. I could ‘see’ them and ‘feel’ their unique personalities.
Spring Splash is an absolutely marvellous read. I love all Denise Weimer’s books but I think that Spring Splash is my favourite so far.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Wow! What a wonderful and unique story! From the first few chapters I was completely hooked! I loved every facet of this story, but I have to say that Margo completely stole my heart! Margo is one of the main special needs swimmers, and she just shines! I am blessed to have several special needs individuals in my life and, like Margo and others in the book, they are such amazing people with hearts bigger than you can imagine, and fiercely loyal, which Margo portrays beautifully. The main characters also face their own struggles of self discovery, letting go of things they can’t control, and embracing the beauty of the moment, even if it’s not where they thought they’d be.
Writing characters that are different than the “normal” was very brave, and I thought the author did an incredible job of showing the many challenges that a lot of us face with our special needs children. There is a moment in the book where one of the main characters is interviewing one of the mothers that has a son with Down Syndrome on the team, and what she said in her interview actually brought tears to my eyes. Though my son doesn’t have the same prognosis as some of the characters in the book he does have Aspergers, and we face our own unique struggles that many others with special needs face, and I could see a lot of our story in this novel, which was refreshing and very moving.
Admirably written, Spring Splash will take you on a rare journey with fantastic characters, superb writing, and imaginative scenery, placing you right there in the natatorium, in that pool, cheering these incredible individuals on. Hands down a must read!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
This book is so much more than a romance. This is a well written story that deals with the special needs community and shows how much courage these people have. This book was a very heartwarming read. I highly recommend this book. I received an ARC copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Denise Weimer takes readers into the world of competitive swimming as well as the volunteers, families, and people who live every day with disabilities. Spring Splash is so much more than a sweet romance (though it is that too).
The people Anna meets during her practicum each captured my heart in one way or another. Weimer gives them each their own personality while educating readers on the autism spectrum and the challenges represented in each of these people’s lives. Yet, the message rings clear that each person is fearfully and wonderfully made.
As Anna and Craig work together (not without a few fireworks), they come to admire each other and friendship blossoms into more. Anna uses her determination to fight for the people she’s come to love. Those who possess determination, courage, and an outlook on life greater than many of us have.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.