There are some books that I find myself dreaming about the characters. They become my friends, my family, my environment. I feel so wrapped up in emotions and the storyline that my heart breaks when bad stuff happens, I laugh out loud when something funny happens, and I talk to my coworkers about the characters as if they are real people. Laugh all you want – you know you talk to your friends and coworkers too. This was one of those books for me. I talked about John and Nora as if they were my best friends. Well, maybe I talked about John like I had a crush on him too, but anyways…… 😉 I loved this book. I hope you’ll like it too!
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About the Book
After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.
Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he’s diagnosed with an inherited condition, he’s forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother.
The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John’s already dating someone and Nora’s not sure she’s ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they’re seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another.
My Perspective
Nora is probably my favorite female character of the year. She is this “ordinary” woman stuck between two “beautiful and talented” sisters. But here’s the thing – Nora is beautiful and talented too. She kind of reminds me of the song “You Don’t Know You’re Beautiful”. She was lost in this fantasy world of tv and romance, and just needed someone to come in and show her that romance can be in the real world too. Someone who could make her feel talented, beautiful, and special.
Enter John. I liked him from the very beginning, but he had this deep dark secret that I couldn’t put my finger on until the author revealed it later in the book. My favorite scenes with John actually came in the last third of the book. He learns something that really rocks his world and his relationship, and I was a little nervous to see his reaction. Not to fear, Ms. Wade does a marvelous job at showing his emotions, his struggles, and a realistic reaction from him. During these few chapters his character shows great development and growth, and I found myself being so proud of him for figuring it all out.
On top of great characters, this book offers romance. Not in your face, but rather little subtle glimpses here and there, that build up throughout the book and almost leave you begging for something to happen. The relationship between John and Nora is sweet, endearing, and such a joy to read about. On top of that, the book’s theme really struck a chord with me. More than once you see the characters mention and learn that God is enough. Even when times are tough, God is even. When you don’t get the relationship you are looking for, God is enough. This is such a great message for readers of all ages!
I am impatiently waiting for the next book in this series to be released. And if you’re given the opportunity, I highly recommend you read the novella titled Then Came You! It gives a great foundation to this story! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
Reblogged this on ajk11's Blog and commented:
What a great review!! I will definitely be checking out this novel very soon.
You’ll have to let me know if you like it!