Summary: To the outside world, Darlene's life looks picturesque. Her husband should make partner at a law firm in Houston, the family just moved to a small town, her son is doing better now that they are away from the city, and Darlene has even started working with special needs kids. What lies behind the facade of perfectness may destroy Darlene's life.
My Thoughts: This is the first book I've read by Beth Wiseman. I found the beginning to be pretty slow and a little unfocused....too many story lines started. Chad has a no-good girlfriend who is tempting him to return to his old ways, Grace is dealing with her problems in an unhealthy way, the neighbor is a celebrity, a student's dad is hitting on Darlene. It seemed too many plots with too little time for development.
However, a third of the way through, the story focuses on Grace's problem and Darlene's marriage and the pace increases. I became more engaged in the story, especially since I Grace was my favorite character in the book. Because the pace was slow in the beginning, the ending seemed rush.
I know that sounds kind of negative, but I enjoyed the book.
I loved Grace and her struggle. I think it's a topic that should be explored, especially in the Christian market, where many feel they have to appear perfectly to others.
The minor characters really made this book shine, and I would love to hear more about them.
I noticed Beth writes Amish fiction, and while I don't read much Amish fiction, I will check out any other contemporary books she writes as I enjoyed the tough topics and the quirky minor characters.
I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
The publisher gave me a second copy of the book to giveaway! I am always eager to share books with others, but it's nice when I can keep a copy to read and give away one as well. :)
To enter to win, leave a comment about the book, the author, or whatever.
To get a second entry, follow the blog and leave a comment that you follow.
Please leave your email address.
I can only ship to the US.
I'll pick a winner next Tuesday.
6 comments:
Hey Laura!! I've been wanting to read this book, as it would be my first book by Beth that's not Amish. I saw the beginning was free or 99¢, but I didn't get it because it would drive me insane to only read half the book and then have to wait to either borrow from the library or to have enough money to splurge and buy it. So, I would LOVE to win a copy!! And I am following your blog too. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!! Blessings!!
Hey, MoJo, thanks for the comment and for following. I don't know if you will see this response, but I hope you do. Leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win. :)
I would like to win this for my mom -thanks for the giveaway! :)
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Hi Laura, enjoyed reading your comments on the book, I have read some of this author before but this one seems quite different. I would like to read it also, thanks for sharing today.
I will join your site also today
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
I have read one of her Amish books. I believe it was the first one, I can't remember the title though. Would love to read this one. I am a follower.
mchapman (at) windstream (dot) net
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