"The Way Of Life" is something that concerns us all

[Annette]

"I'm not going to use you for my pleasure."
 To Josie, this sentence proves more than anything that this man is unlike any other she ever met. Fleeing from a troublesome past and a law career outlined for her by her ambitious parents, the young painter leaves New York to find out who she really is. She ends up working in a diner in Northwestern Oklahoma where she meets Jim, a handsome but shy cowboy.
The two of them instantly connect.
Crossing a chasm of cultural and personal background, their love grows gradually deeper - despite Jim's relentless Christian convictions and the shadow of trauma that Josie strives to keep secret.
Will they find a way through the jungle of their differences to make their love last?
 
Enjoy this unique love story set in the midst of everyday life with a colorful cast of characters, rich in detail and true to the heart.

[Larry]

I like stories that involve the man and woman with obstacles that keep them apart. That's what I write too. Larry

[Annette]

Larry wrote: "I like stories that involve the man and woman with obstacles that keep them apart. That's what I write too. Larry"

Yes, there's a lot of tension in this story. I'd love to know what you think! So far only women have read it...

[Annette]

I have received the following review from Rebecca:

"The book's greatest strength lies in its characters. Annette does a beautiful job uncovering these figures--their stories, their pasts, and their hopes. The characters are honest and raw, and the redemptive elements of the story feel real. Sometimes the book made me cry--the changes that happen to Josie and Jim are believable.

The book deals with important life themes--stale religion, true faith, childhood hurt, and ugly pasts. Josie arrives in an Oklahoma small town from the heights of NYC, and we watch her struggle to come to terms with her past and figure out what really matters in life. We watch Jim's quiet presence change her. In the dust and open roads of a small town, something happens to Josie. What the book ultimately leaves the reader with, in an understated way, is a simple quality that changes everything--love. It's a story about the power of simple acts of kindness.

The book is long, and sometimes it loses itself in the details. Sometimes it is too descriptive and tries too hard to take the reader into the minds of its characters. Yet overall it is a story worth reading, and it will challenge you to examine your beliefs and not shy away from life's important questions."

[Annette]

Here's some more feedback on "The Way Of Life" by a recent reader:

Even the longest book is finished at some point and here is the promised feedback:
I liked the story, it's thrilling to read because what happens is neither too heavy nor too light to read for relaxing. I deeply enjoyed to spend some time in the outback. I could very well relate to the small problems between the characters inside a church or between a Christian and a non-Christian - since I was raised in such a church!
I really had the feeling to have landed in that small town in Oklahoma.
I believe that the book is controversial - for some Christians it is certainly too hardcore and probably too honest with regard to Lisa's character. For non-Christians it might be too religious in some parts.
Anyhow, I really liked the mixture and I'm glad the author didn't try to adapt the book to anyone. In that sense - thanks a lot for lovely reading hours!

[Annette]

I'm very happy about my first Goodreads review by Katrin giving me 4 stars. Check it out!

[Annette]

Here's a review from Amazon.com
I was slightly intimidated by the length of this book. I'm not usually one to be committed to something for such a long time, but I really thought it sounded interesting. I think the author did a great job at developing interesting and deep characters. The detail is extraordinarily crafted. The story of Josie is so beautiful and Jim is such a great supporting character. I grew up in a small country town, riding our horses down the back roads. It brought back some great memories and really touched my heart.

I would probably recommend this book to my friends, as long as they didn't have commitment issues because of the length.

[Annette]

And another one from Amazon UK
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is completely different to other novels out there.
Unique and thought-provoking.
With an abundance of detail and strong characters. I enjoyed how Christian beliefs are upheld and the message how God loves everyone, regardless of their background.
I like the way the characters have developed along the way.
I also enjoyed the 'horsey' and painting parts.
A one of a kind romance where tradition meets a modern way of life. There is also a community feel to it.
I would advise a reader to set aside a good amount of time to read this

Highly Recommended

[Annette]

Trisha just posted this review with a five star rating:

Captivating...

I have never read such a long book before but once I started I could not stop. There is something underlying in this story that rings true to me. I have experienced many things in my lifetime, including doing things that I am not proud of. On the other hand I have also done very many good things in my life as well. I am not a churchgoer, but I am a believer, which I hope is enough. This book is provocative in its thought process and indeed one of the best stories I have ever read. I think we are all meant to read it, so do just that!

[Annette]

Here's a review by the talented Helen Pryke, author of "Walls of Silence", which I highly recommend:

Wow, this is a long book, but well worth the read! The author uses descriptive narrative incredibly well, so that the reader lives each character's experiences with them and becomes deeply involved in their lives.
Josie has had a traumatic experience in her past, which still has an effect on her now but, despite this, she has a wonderfully bubbly personality and gets on well with people. She also has a deep empathy towards others who are suffering, which she uses subconsciously to help them.
Jim is a shy man who has always had problems connecting with people, his religious beliefs have kept him holding back until he finds the right woman. When he meets Josie, the two of them form a deep bond that goes beyond love. But Josie must overcome the traumatic events of her past in order to be able to form a future with Jim.
I loved this book, Annette Spratte has a wonderful way of writing that is easy to read, but at the same time pulls you into the story until you feel as if you are a part of the book yourself. It is a romance with Christian tones but don't let that put you off as the story is so much more, it is a story of courage and hope that many women will be able to identify with.

[Annette]

Did you know there is a prequel to "The Way of Life" now? It's a short story that deals with Josie's time in boarding school.
Most recent review:
"Survivor" and "The Way of Life" do not disappoint, and together make a moving and authentic narrative that will impact its readers and leave them pondering life's deeper questions.

Here's your chance to grab an e-copy of both books for an incredible 0.99 €! Offer valid September 16+17!!!

http://mybook.to/WayofLife
http://mybook.to/SurvivorAnnetteSpratte