Reader Reviews & Testimonials
Your book was a pleasure to read. I loved all the transformations; the physical make overs, the home decorating, and best of all, the total heart conversions. All are made possible by an unassuming young Mennonite woman who trusts God to lead her and work through her.
There aren't many books written about the Mennonite way of life; particularly having them associating with other faiths, and sharing their faith.
I like that Ruthe has her faults too, that she deals with them, and grows through her problems.
I did not like Ross. He seemed a caricature of a spoiled little boy. Next thing, he was pushed into being a father and a husband.
The emotional response this story stirred up in me is the thought that anyone can be useful to God if they are willing to let Him lead them. I will try to be open to opportunities. It also helped me see how God keeps you in a certain situation only as long as He wants you there. Then He provides the opportunity to move on.
Impressions & Reactions of Connie, the Proof-reader;
I love it! I really can't wait to see the next chapter. Your characters are very believable, and I'm already getting attached to some of them. Hope you're not going to kill anyone off? Other than Muriel's mom, and a miracle cure for her would make my day, LOL.
Your style of writing is excellent, especially the way you build interest and keep me wanting to read faster and faster.
What a wonderful story :-)
I've decided that you must be a rare orchid. Much as I love roses, I can't think of a superlative enough one for you. ;-)
Thoughts and Review of Sharon in Scotland;
The book was a surprise to me in that when I first started the book, and so many things happened to Ruth at such a fast pace, I did have trouble getting my head around the 'reality' of it all. However, once I got into it I was soon intrigued by the events that happened. After all - so many other secular fictional stories expect us to believe the impossible - why should a Christian book not do the same, and possibly inspire us since we believe in the God of the impossible?! What surprised me is how I was soon able to keep pace with the events that happened to Ruthe, though I had to think a moment or two 'who was who' from time to time.
I liked reading about the characters developing new skills in their new-found lives with God, or developing skills they already had for His glory. I also liked seeing their lives being blessed and transformed with help from 'the girlies.' I identified with Ruthe in that I too have felt an incredibly desperate desire to help others find Christ. This can be a lonely feeling if no-one around you at the time shares your concern! It can provoke you to action and readiness however.
There have been times of spiritual highs and lows in my life, like Ruthe. I too wrestled with singleness and the marriage question and wanted God's best for me, which he answered in His own good way and time.
A variety of emotions bubbled up during the course of reading this book. These included surprise, cynicism, happiness, suspense, intrigue, interest, touched in poignant moments and amused with many a turn of phrase that Ruth has used that 'hit the nail on the head.' Many more emotions wove themselves together, forming the overall impression.
That impression is condensed into that fact that in my opinion the book is a timely reminder that no-one is to be dismissed as a no-hope case. Salvation can surely come to those we pray for and to those who seem to be the most disinterested and objectionable towards the Gospel of Christ, as well as those who look as though they have all they could want for in life. God specializes in changing lives. We are told that 'the harvest is ready', and Ruth has harvested a whole range to be included in her book for our encouragement, inspiration and challenge.
Reaction of Rose, Internet Friend from Eastern Canada
Wow! This little lady gets around doesn't she! The style is unique, not your typical bookstore novel. I like the "stream of consciousness" effect as we see into her thoughts and she talks to her Companion about everything. All in all, a very interesting, action-packed chapter. Judging from this, the book should be a huge success!
Email from a New Internet Friend, Kathy Overman
I was touched by the way Ruthe was able to bring so many people to trust Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, and was able to be in so in touch with her family.
I know that Ruth help so many people like the first family, the O'Briens, and their grandmother. Ruthe got the grandmother to accept the Lord as her Saviour before she died, and then they found out how much the grandmother thought of her.
Then she was able to help Darlin Bonnie to open the shop in the city, and that turned her life around, along with the other women that they came in contact with her. As well, as the guys that came to know the Lord of their lives too.
And then the motorbike gang - I didn't care too much for their language but I understand why that was in there. At least you found a way to get the message across without saying the words.
I think Ruthe's grandmother was so wise to help her out; to take that couple in from the city.
So in closing, I'd like to say I'll tell all my friends to get the book, and read it for themselves.
Kathy Overman
See a copy of a review in eBook Review Weekly by Wilma Clarke of http://www.bewrite.net
Super Book! - Where next?
This is a story of a young girl who is very innocent of the hard facts of life. She learns the hard facts of life through helping others in her innocent ways!! She learns truth, faith, to be humble, and to listen to her own words of wisdom though God and helping others in his name!!
Super book... I can't wait for the next one to see where her life with take her next now that she has overcome her own problems at home!!
Characters, Dialogue, and Adventures
"I loved the interesting characters and the way you brought them to life with dialogue and adventure. Your book challenged me to look for opportunities to show and tell about God's love to others in my life. I did think Ruthe was quite a wonder woman in all that she accomplished."
Ruthe reached out to the unsaved, and the motorcycle gang!
I loved the way Ruthe reached out to the unsaved, and the way in which each one turned their life over to living GOD's way. That was the highlight, and many times when I was reading where one got saved, and then another, and another, it made me really think how shallow my outreach is. I must do better.
I loved the way she witnessed to the motorcycle gang. I liked also that even tho' she was a real witness for the Lord, she wasn't beyond having faults also.
My only problem is, it ended so soon. I could have read one again that big, the whole thing was such a pleasure. I will certainly buy another if you ever decide to do another one!
Another Novelist analyzes Ruthe . . . .
Any book that even mentions God more than once -- and not as an exclamation -- is different. A reader might, at first, have trouble believing God always answers prayer with Yes. Sometimes, even a Heavenly Father has to say No to his children. But, this isn't real life, it's a story, and stories can go any way the author's fancy takes her/him.
Frankly, if God had said 'No' to Ruthe, there couldn't have been this story. There'd be one, no doubt, just not this one. Because all the yeses combine to put Ruthe in a predicament. Her Garden of Roses has bloomed so much that she's having trouble keeping them secret from her family, who wouldn't understand her involvement with them.
Dashing in to build her family a new home while they're away doesn't alleviate strained tensions at home, either. Now they're afraid she's becoming materialistic. Where'd all this money come from, after all? What's going on in that city, and what's really going on with Ruthe?
Afraid of losing her freedom to run back and forth from her little prairie town to the city of Saskatoon, she evades the questions that rise up.
Poor Ruthe seems to be blinded to the fact that she ought to be taking a good dose of her own advice. For while she has the knack of helping others in dire need, and can build a brilliant case on behalf her Savior, she can't see that He'd help her through her own troubles if she'd just give Him the chance.
I loved the characters of Granny O'Brien, Grosz' Mama, Prince Charming, Linnett, and Jon. Oh, and Scottie. Strangely enough, Linnett reminds me a little of one of my own characters in one of my novels. Lyndsay. Someone you can trust to tend to details, and always there when you need them.
I liked the way these young people were willing to learn the skills to take care of themselves when they had to. I envy those who know their way around a sewing machine!
Now, I wasn't happy that little Prince Charming wasn't found so that we were left hanging as to what had happened to him. All other loose ends were tied it seems, but his.
Anyway, I hope you'll consider bringing back Prince Charming in a sequel. I'd also like to know what happens to Lisa and Jon. Okay, okay, really, I want to know what happens to almost everyone, but if I had to chose only one, it'd be Prince Charming.
DreamWindWhispers.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 Ruth Marlene Friesen The Responsible One |
|
Author Card
Privacy Promises ~~
Sitemap
Ruthe's Secret Roses (official site)
©2001-2022 Ruth Marlene Friesen
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada