I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Published by Crown Publishing Group on February 16th 2016
Source: Waterbrook Multnomah
Genres: Fiction, Christian, Historical, Romance, General
Pages: 352
In a desperate time, can Neva find forgiveness for a grievous wrong—and make room for hope?
Neva Shilling has a heavy load of responsibility while her husband travels to neighboring communities and sells items from his wagon. In his absence, she faithfully runs the Shilling Mercantile, working to keep their business strong as the Depression takes its toll, and caring for their twins.
When a wagon pulls up after supper, Neva and her children rush out—and into the presence of the deputy driving a wagon carrying three young children. The deputy shocks her with the news that Warren and his wife have died, insisting it was their last request that the three children go live with “Aunt Neva.”
Neva’s heart is shattered as she realizes that Warren’s month-long travels were excuses for visits with his secret family. She wants nothing more than to forget Warren, but can she abandon these innocent children to an orphanage? Yet if she takes them in, will she ever be able to see them as more than evidence of her husband’s betrayal and love them the way God does?
I really loved this book and I actually was torn on whether I should give this a 4 or a 5 star rating so I went with 4.5 stars. I loved all the characters in this book and honestly, I was very torn on who Neva should romance. It is my indecisiveness that makes me give this a 4.5.
Should she get with Jesse? He seems a little young for Neva in terms of maturity I guess…not a bad guy but I almost wanted him to get with a younger more naive girl than Neva so that they could grow together as a couple.
Then there was Arthur. I liked him too but for some reason I read him as older than Neva and he was grumpy. I know people can change but typically a person still has certain character traits and so then that left me swinging back to Jesse.
At the end of the story I still couldn’t make up my mind. I’m glad the author chose for me but then I questioned if that was who I really wanted her with. See how crazy this made me? Not in a bad way at all…I love a book that makes me think!
Overall this story was fantastic. Things really moved along at a smooth pace and it seems like all the story lines are tied up pretty well. Although I would love to know whether a future book maybe covers what happens to umm…the one Neva didn’t choose. Thought I would spill it, didn’t you? Nope, you’ll just have to read to find out who Neva chose and then let me know in the comments below who YOU would be the perfect match for Neva!
I hope you all enjoy reading this book as I did. There is just something about a good scandal to make for an enjoyable read and this one had so many scandals and plot twists that I could scarcely put it down!
About Kim Vogel Sawyer
Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of fifteen novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women’s fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. She invites you to visit her Web site at www.kimvogelsawyer.com for more information.”
This looks really interesting…..and I do have a love hate thing going on when it comes to books that give you 2 great guys you can’t decide between
I just can’t make up my mind!
Oooh, sounds intriguing! I can tell you really enjoyed this and got right into it :) I love books that draw me in like that.
It was very interesting! It was juicy!!!