The Ride of Her Life

Title: THE RIDE OF HER LIFE
Author: Lorna Seilstad
Publisher: Revell
May 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8007-3447-3
Genre: Inspirational/historical fiction

She’s planted firmly on solid ground. He’s ready to sweep her off her feet.

Lilly Hart and her six-year-old son, Levi, are managing after the death of Lilly’s husband, Ben. Lilly’s is working as cook and waitress at Lake Manawa, and living in a tent in the campgrounds. But Ben’s parents are on the warpath, demanding that Lilly and Levi return to live in their home and send Levi off to boarding school in the East. When Lilly refuses, her in-laws return with the sheriff in tow, claiming their grandson is neglected and abused.

Nick Perrin is roller coaster designer and he and his crew are building a roller coaster for the wealthy folk who summer at Lake Manawa. He rescues Lilly from a snake her son brings into the restaurant, and is present when her in-laws come threatening. Nick is quick to step up, defend Lilly and offer to befriend her boy, but Lilly is equally quick to refuse his overturns of friendship—at least until her boss threatens her job.

As Nick gets to know Levi and interact with Lilly, they begin to develop a tentative friendship, but Ben’s parents aren’t about to let Lilly win. They intend to take Levi from her, whatever it takes. Will Lilly be able to keep her son? What will it take for Nick to sweep her off her feet?

THE RIDE OF HER LIFE is the third book in the Lake Manawa Summers series, but it easily stands alone. Characters from previous books do make appearances in this book, but it isn’t necessary to have read them first before reading THE RIDE OF HER LIFE. I do recommend reading A Great Catch and Making Waves though as they are great reads!

Lilly is a very strong, capable woman, handed lemons, but determined to make the best of her situation. Nick also has risen from not ideal circumstances, and he’s determined to fight for the underdog. Other than the appearances of nasty slithering creatures like snakes and spiders (and bad in-laws) THE RIDE OF HER LIFE was a great read. If you pack one book for your summer vacation, this has to be the one. $14.99. 379 pages.