This
novel is a straight forward Christian romance. It is an easy read
with no confusing plot twists nor thought provoking social issues.
Penn
is a twenty six year old high school teacher living in Mars,
Pennsylvania. (Yes, there really is the town north of Pittsburgh.)
She is studying hard to pass the CPA exam with thoughts of getting a
career boosting job in the city. That's until John shows up riding
his motorcycle.
There
are some good themes running through this novel. One is that tragedy
does not have to define our life. Penn was severely scarred
psychologically by the untimely and tragic death of her parents and
brother nearly twenty years ago. She has let that tragedy define her
all these years. She would have continued that way except John helps her
face her biggest fear when circumstances force her to do so.
Another
theme is correcting childhood impressions that might be defining us.
Penn reconnects with a childhood friend who helps her work through
some wrong perceptions and insecurities from around the time of her
family's death.
The
characters in this novel did not grab me. Penn had lost her parents
and brother nearly twenty years ago and had been raised by two aunts.
(They are great-aunts, I think, since Penn's grandfather is brother
to the women.) I did not find Penn to be a strong character. She is
plagued with fears, many originating in her family's untimely and
tragic death. Penn seems to be immature for her age. At one point in
the novel she “pouts.” It is not until forced to do so that she
actually confronts her major fear. Her aunts, though elderly, seem to
be almost childish. They giggle and do little dances. I can see why
Penn did not develop into a mature and strong woman. My favorite
character was John. He is compassionate and patient beyond
expectations.
The
development of the plot is straightforward. I was a little
disappointed in the initial setting up of the characters and plot. I
was a little unsure that Penn was actually a high school teacher
until well into the book. I never did find out what she taught. Penn
and John do small town things like go to a parade, fireworks, and a
professional baseball game. There were some interesting events in the
book, such as making a paper bag floor. (I had to look that up and
people really do that.)
I
appreciated the creative use of language by the author. There is also
a strong Christian message. Penn relies on her faith when forced to
face her fears.
I
recommend this novel to those who are looking for an uncomplicated
Christian romance. It would also help to like an emphasis on the
ruminations of the characters rather than action. Don't miss the
great recipes at the end of the book.
I
am taking part in a blog tour of this book and you can read other
reviews here.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Hope
Toler Dougherty has a Master's degree in English and taught at East
Carolina University as well as York Technical College. Before writing
novels, she published nonfiction articles and topics ranging from
gardening to writing apprehensions. She and her husband live in North
Carolina. You can find out more at http://hopetolerdougherty.com/.
Pelican
Book Group, 344 pages.
I
received a complimentary egalley of this book through Litfuse for the
purpose of an independent and honest review.
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