Anna Schmidt (1)

The second book in a series but this reads just fine as a stand-alone.

Religion plays a big role in this one so keep that in mind when determining whether this will be the right fit for you. While I’m not religious person, reading about other people’s faith can be interesting especially in a case like this one where following the unexpected death of her fiance, Bethany’s at a crossroads over whether or not to continue believing.

Where the religious aspect of this became a bit problematic for me and really made it difficult for me to entirely like the “hero,” were moments when it seemed almost like Cody was forcing religion on Bethany. I’m sure there are plenty of readers who will see his actions differently, but for me, it felt uncomfortable, I just feel like religion is a very personal choice not something a person should feel pressured into no matter how well-intentioned that pressure is.

I felt similarly about Cody and Bethany’s friends and family’s seeming impatience with Bethany’s grieving process. I totally understand that they were concerned and they meant well but again, grief is such a personal thing and to expect someone to adhere to what you think their timetable for grief should be, everyone deserves to experience it at their own pace without so much prodding.

While I didn’t always feel like the other characters gave Bethany the space to set her own pace for moving forward, I still thought she had a decently constructed arc and she did push back against Cody just enough that I was mostly okay with their relationship by the end. Also I appreciated that this wasn’t one of those whirlwind romances where you’re supposed to buy into happily ever after when they’ve only known each other for three days, I liked that this story unfolded over a believable timespan.… (more)

"On the heels of a horrific hurricane, Hester Detlef, field director for the Mennonite Disaster Service, blows into the life of self-made, shunned Amish man John Hafner."

Hester is trying her best to help her neighbors and friends prepare for a hurricane that's coming, but she really doesn't have the time or patience to deal with John Hafner, who is getting preferential treatment because his aunt is a Congresswoman. John is as stubborn as Hester, so the sparks fly right away between these two. In fact, their stubbornness is exactly why I had a bit of trouble getting into this story, but once I did, it was a quick read. I think I liked the side characters more, which is a good thing given that this is the first book in a trilogy. I just wanted to shake the crap out of both Hester and John because they got into their own way all the time, but you find yourself rooting for them by the end,

Recommended - 4/5 stars.… (more)