Carolyne Aarsen

I found this a deeply moving book, full of heart.

The characters are well drawn, ‘real’ people with all the complexities of real people. At the root of the story is a fractured family - father, son, and step-daughter - each of whom failed to understand the others, misinterpreting their actions and motivations. The step-daughter, Sheryl, feeling abandoned and unwanted especially after the death of her mother, eloped with the local ‘bad boy’ and cut herself off.

The book begins when a show more connection of the family, Mark, tracks her down to give her the news that her step-father, Ed, is seriously ill and wants to see her. Sheryl reluctantly returns, though she feels nothing but hostility towards Ed.

This is a Christian novel, and the faith of Mark, in particular, helps to drive it forward. It does not offer a quick and easy solution, choosing to explore the crippling effects of bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness, and how hard it can be to let go of the past. The emotional content of the story is very sensitively handled, having me in tears several times. The final resolution builds naturally and was very satisfying.

Highly recommended. show less

A friend sent me this book in a box of Love Inspired books. The Subseries sounds familiar but I'm not sure if I've read any of the other books in it. I am pretty sure I've read this author before though.

This one gets 3 stars for the parts about broken, hurting people being able to return to the church and to God/Jesus and that the brokenness/hurt doesn't have to define them. Otherwise, the plot is pretty standard (and recycled) for Love Inspired line.

Ladies, learn from what Erin went through show more with Sam. Don't give in just because a guy guilts you into it or to try to save a relationship or for any other reason. I admire that Erin is willing to take on single motherhood--but honestly, she shouldn't have had to.

Guys, if you truly don't want kids (like Sam doesn't), then either don't have sex or get a vasectomy so you can't become a father. Or at the very least tell your girlfriend prior to getting engaged or making wedding plans etc. Don't be like Sam and sleep with women only to dump them when they get pregnant or assume they'll go have an abortion just because you say so. If you're willing to do the deed that gets the woman pregnant, be man enough to be a father to that child (whether or not you marry the mother of that child).

The Pluses:
*Erin and Dean knew each other in the past, so it's more a rekindling of a friendship (since they were never romantically involved in the past though Dean wanted them to be).

*Physical Therapy--knowing that sometimes it's baby steps to get to where you want to be. Sometimes there has to be pain before you get there. Good life lesson for both physical therapy and other aspects of life.

The Minuses:
*Since there wasn't a romantic relationship between Dean and Erin in the past, their relationship does seem a bit rushed. show less

Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over

This is a sweet story of recovery from tragedy and finding yourself in the aftermath. A quick read, I was surprised to find it includes some major issues and the consequences of living through them, but they’re well handled.

Ella lost touch with her artistic self when her child died and her marriage as well. She’s trying to reclaim that part of herself and has a golden opportunity to both teach and display her art if only she can create a new show more portfolio. To facilitate this, she rents an out-of-the-way cabin to regain her focus, only to discover it’s in the middle of just what she’s trying to escape.

Cord had the most perfect wife a man could have, kids, and the life he wanted, when his wife died unexpectedly. Now he’s struggling to live up to her memory while being a good father, and it’s all too much to handle. He’s certainly not interested in a new relationship, but his kids and his own feelings haven’t gotten the message.

They are both suffering crises of faith and life that they can’t seem to get beyond. Ella can’t move on until she gives herself the right to be happy while Cord needs to stop trying to live up to an impossible dream, something he can’t help but fail at. This is an inspirational romance so there is both a break with God in the past and recovering that connection. I found this thread subtle and smooth within the story rather than preachy.

The children are adorable and feel very realistic. How Ella finds her way back from losing her son is well crafted and plausible. The same with Cord learning to accept his future rather than letting guilt over his relationship with his dead wife cost both him and his children their childhood.

Come into the light from darkness is a major theme that resonates in both their paths. Cord’s love for his family is shown in the little things and small ways that make it feel real even, or especially, when the kids are acting up. Ella’s artistic journey is another powerful thread while I adore the resolution of her relationship with her mother, especially considering the very serious realizations her mother has to take in. I was worried there for a moment considering what we knew of her.

The actual ending scene read a little flat to me in the wording, especially when compared to how much I enjoyed the rest, but it’s a minor quibble in a story strong with redemption, family, and love. I’m happy to have spent time in their company.

P.S. I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review. show less

Another book in the Grace Chapel series, featuring the three sisters Louise, Alice, and Jane. When a production team arrives to scout for filming location, most members of the Acorn Hill community have stars in their eyes. However, will there be some hidden costs to the small town? If you have read others in this series, then the characters are familiar to you. This is a cozy, nice book, with characters who seem like neighbors and friends. No violence, no sex--just fun. A little preachy at show more the end, but the plot and characters still hang together. Very character driven. show less