Rating: 
Summary: I didn't even finish reading it
Review: I figured it would only be fair to give this book one star since I didn't even finish reading half of it. I was so bored with the story and the stubborness of most of the characters that I just gave up. However, I went to the end of the book and read what happened (bad habit)...I was relieved I didn't waste my time finishing the novel b/c it didn't even end in the way I had hoped. I recommend any other of Ms. Rivers novels except for this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Continually Delighted
Review: I have always been a big fan of Francine Rivers, all of her books have been poignantly dramatic and inspirational. This novel is no exception. I am always amazed how she can display everyday scenarios and turn them into fascinating soul food. To anyone craving spiritual nourishment, read this book!
Rating:
Summary: Leota's Garden
Review: I have read a handful of Francine Rivers' books, but this one is by far my favorite. The story has many depths. Several of the characters have their own story. Together they share one story. There are a few twists and definately one (big) turn at the end. I had wished that it didn't end.
Rating:
Summary: A masterful weaving of characters sharing common issues
Review: I have read many of Francine Rivers' books and this one was excellent as well. I love that she really brings out the human condition and allows us to get to know the characters as if they're our own family. I couldn't put it down once I've started, and now I've passed it along to my mom to read.
Rating:
Summary: Simply beautiful story.
Review: I haven't read a story this compelling in years. The young granddaughter that hasn't seen much of her aging grandmother due to an unfortunate communication problem, finds the joy and love she has missed from her own mother. Add some interesting friends and other family members, Leota (the grandmother) soon has more company than she bargained for; and is thoroughly enjoying herself, much to her mother's disdain! Annie hangs in there with Leota, defying her mother's "orders" and finds her own balance with God in her life. I read this book in two evenings. Very hard to put it down. "Thanks Mom for giving me this book to read, and for all the happiness I experienced in my childhood".
Rating:
Summary: another GREAT book by a gifted christian author
Review: I just love Francine Rivers and her work. This was by far a different type of book but also moved by it just as I have been by all of the others that I read. Please take the time to get past the first part .... it took me a month or so to actually get into the book but once I did I coudn't put it down. Wonderfully touching story about a family and the misunderstandings that can put walls up when open communication is not present. Buy it today and enjoy!
Rating: 
Summary: Another good one!
Review: I liked Leota's Garden, however, it wasn't my favorite by Franicne Rivers. There was a great story line to it. There were a lot of minor details that I wish were answered and would have better developed the characters for me. There were a lot of issues going on and a few untied strings were left. I do recommend reading it though. I couldn't put it down the closer I got to the end.
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't force myself to read another page. Zzzzzzzz...
Review: I loved River's book The Last Sin Eater so much that I wanted to try another book by her, and man, was this DISAPPOINTING. Talk about beating a dead horse. We GET that the mothers and daughters don't get along. And we GET that Leota and the young man college student don't get along. We don't need 4 millions examples of this. Just move the story along. I got about 100 pages into it (to the Thanksgiving dinner) and could not take it anymore. I was bored out of my mind!What I loved about The Last Sin Eater was that it taught me a lesson about faith without being so preachy about it. Leota's Garden tries too hard. Annie's sugary sweetness and her mother's overboard evilness were just too much. Totally unbelievable and uninteresting. BORING!
Rating: 
Summary: Should be re-classified
Review: I must admit I didn't make it all the way through this book merely because it became increasingly clear that it is quite religious in content. At the risk of being labeled a heretic, let me say, that I haven't anything against God or Christianity but they are not subjects I choose for my pleasure reading. Rivers is a gifted writer and the book clips along at a fast pace, but I kept expecting the daughter's fundamentalist Christian leanings to be called to question or justified in some manner rather than having her be, apparantly, the only character (at the point when I put the book down) with the luck to have learned, "the good news about Jesus Christ." Again, to each her own. Religion is welcome in my home but not under the guise of entertainment. I wish it had been more clear to me that this was the case. I dare not risk hate mail so I'd best remain anonymous.
Rating:
Summary: Leota's Garden
Review: I read this book aloud to my 88 year old mother-in-law. We disciplined ourselves to read only one chapter a day. (That was hard!!) We were absorbed in the story and learned much about human relationships versus human error. In the end we both cried at Leota's "untimely" death and the family's uncaring attitude. BUT she won her case...."though dead she spoke loud and clear"!! Thanks Francine Rivers for another delightful story to aide in growing faith, hope and love for our Lord Jesus Christ in our lives.
| 
