I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Bloggers 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 Baker Publishing Group on November 7th, 2017
Source: Bethany House Bloggers
Genres: 20th Century, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Religious, Romance
Pages: 336
Judd Markley is a hardworking coal miner who rarely thinks much past tomorrow until he loses his brother--and nearly his own life--in a mine cave-in. Vowing never to enter the darkness of a mine again, he leaves all he knows in West Virginia to escape to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It's 1954, the seaside community is thriving, and Judd soon hires on with a timber company.
Larkin Heyward's life in Myrtle Beach is uncomplicated, mostly doing volunteer work and dancing at the Pavilion. But she dreams of one day doing more--maybe moving to the hollers of Kentucky to help the poor children of Appalachia. But she's never even met someone who's lived there--until she encounters Judd, the newest employee at her father's timber company.
Drawn together in the wake of a devastating hurricane, Judd and Larkin each seek answers to what tomorrow will bring. As opposition rises against following their divergent dreams, they realize that it may take a miracle for them to be together.
Note: Kristin reads and reviews both Christian and secular fiction on A Simply Enchanted Life. Out of respect for my readers, I am including a content review. This content review will help you decide whether this book is suitable for you.
Content Review:
Christian or Secular: Christian
Profanity: None
Sex: None
Violence: None
Trigger Warnings: None.
Disclosure: This book has very little faith content. Additionally, there are many mentions of drinking alcohol that some Christians may feel is questionable. For myself, I would consider this more of a “clean read” rather than overtly Christian.
I finished this book over a week ago and it’s taken me this long to write the review. In all honesty, it’s because I was bored. I didn’t quite know how to express my boredom in any tangible way and I still don’t.
When you dislike a book, there’s usually a little list of things you disliked. I don’t have that. There’s nothing there that I can point at and say that I disliked.
I was just bored. The characters lacked authenticity to me and I felt that there was an awful lot of telling me about this story but not much showing.
I suppose now that I think about it, there were a few things I disliked. Larkin was a spoiled brat who had absolutely no business getting married. Even by the end, I just couldn’t believe that she had matured enough to be someone’s bride.
Judd was likable enough. Although I have to admit that I kept reading his name as Judd Malarkey instead of Judd Markley. That’s totally not even important to mention but I felt like it. So, there’s that.
Then Judd really wanted to see the ocean because he hadn’t ever been off the mountain. But… he flew over one when he went to war. Umm, okay. Sure, he told us that he wasn’t paying attention but it fell flat for me.
Anyway, my bestie loved this book and I really thought I would too. I’ve been to the Pavilion where this book takes place. I love the era and I love a good historical romance. This one just didn’t do it for me and I feel like total malarkey because I can’t think up a good reason as to why.
About Sarah Loudin Thomas
Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Her first novel, Miracle in a Dry Season, released August 2014 through Bethany House. Book #2, Until the Harvest, released May 2015. Sarah is represented by Wendy Lawton of Books & Such Literary Agency.
A graduate of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC, Sarah once dreamed of being a marine scientist. But her love for words won out and she has spent much of her career in public relations and marketing. She currently oversees fundraising and communications for a Christian children’s home in Black Mountain, NC.
Sarah and her husband Jim live in the mountains of Western North Carolina with Thistle–the canine equivalent to a personal trainer pushing them to hike, run, and throw sticks. Sarah is active in her local church and enjoys cooking and–you guessed it–reading.
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