Please note that NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I received no monetary compensation, and the following review is completely honest and entirely my opinion.
Could I first just say what everyone is thinking: What a gorgeous cover! I mean, it’s stunning! Big kudos to the designer.
Secondly, I hopped on NetGalley to try to review this because the author was talking about it in a Facebook group I’m in. The premise sounded so intriguing! I really didn’t think I’d get the NetGalley, so I was bouncing off the walls in excitement when I was accepted. And once I started reading, I almost couldn’t stop. I mean, I had to stop to drive and sleep and take care of the kids, but honestly, I didn’t stop much until the end.
There are some books that I can’t force myself to get through no matter what. I used to feel guilty about that, but with so many books out there waiting for me, I no longer feel guilty when I put a book down unfinished.
There are books that I plow through, just to get through them. I feel like I’ve invested the time so I need to finish. These are books that I like the characters or plot, but not the writing style, or books that I like the writing style, but not the characters or plot.
This is one of the rare books that has wonderful writing, amazing and realistic characters, and a unique and interesting plot. It’s what we call a PAGE TURNER!
Kendra is a fabulous writer. I can sometimes say that, but then admit that the editor didn’t do his or her job well. In this book, I didn’t see many mistakes at all. The dialogue was so believable, wonderful, and REAL. The situations were also very realistic. A certain part, dear to my heart, was so well written that Kendra must have gone through it herself. I felt it all over again as Leona experienced it.
The story was unique, the characters well developed, the pacing perfect, and the writing flawless. The book is not in a Christian category, and that was a disappointment. There was a great opportunity to share the love of Christ, and how He can help us get through great pain and move forward. I honestly felt like that was the only thing missing from the book: Jesus.
I will definitely read more books from Kendra–she’s so talented–but I truly hope to find her faith in a bigger role in the future.
4 1/2 stars
About Jenn: I’m a Christian wife to an amazing man (since 1998) and a stay-at-home-teaching mom to four special & incredible boys (born in 2004, 2005, 2007, & 2009). I’m messy and cluttered, but working on that (really, I am!). I’m a discouraged perfectionist and a classic procrastinator who probably has both ADD & Autism, so I tend to jump from topic to topic (and activity to activity) without notice. My Love Languages are Words of Affirmation and Physical Touch. I’m an INFP who enjoys friends but loves to be alone. I love getting and giving hugs, and encouragement is a Spiritual gift of mine that can too-easily be turned into the weapon of discouragement, if I’m not careful. I enjoy writing, singing, words, drawing, photography, digital creations, and reading. Oh, and pizza, tacos, and steak. Now I’m hungry. That reminds me; I eat gluten free and try to eat organic and avoid white sugar and GMOs as much as possible. I’ve very recently returned to the workforce (after 22 years!) as a teacher in a Christian childcare because I love Jesus and love little ones! I love it!
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