Jaquelyn S
This book was so unique. Young love hits us like no other, and when it’s ripped away from us, it can effect the rest of our lives. Brenna and Nate were once in love, and although innocent, events of one night changed the course of both of their families lives. Nate’s father was accused of murdering Brenna’s father, who also happened to be the town preacher. Nate’s dad always proclaimed his innocence, but it was hard for his sons to believe that their drunk of a father wasn’t guilty. When he gets released, old wounds are opened and the past comes back to haunt them all. Brenna had no choice but to move on after losing the love of her life, Nate. Feeling like they never had closure wasn’t an easy thing to live with, but now she has kids and they are the light of her life. Fighting for custody was not part of her plans. Her ex husband not only has a new and younger wife, but also has his eye on public office. With money and powerful people on his side, does Brenna have a chance at all? Seeing Nate again has reminded her that she was once happy, and that someone used to love her for herself. Can they work together to find out the truth? Or will everything come to light just a little too late? I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful mystery. The characters were very unique and had things that they constantly struggled with. Brenna was a very unique character in that she was an alcoholic, but only when her kids weren’t around. Being away from them made her feel scared, alone, and hopeless. It was interesting getting a glimpse into a lifestyle that so many are forced to cope with. It was easy to like Nate and I enjoyed seeing a man who was a hero, but also humble about it. I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what Hannon does next. I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Jeanie Dannheim
I have long enjoyed this bestselling author and this is no exception. Characters are defined well through conversations, prayers, and actions, and most are engaging and likable. I became invested in the primary characters and appreciated reading their alternating points of view. It seemed (in my opinion) to start slow, then it picked up until I didn’t want to put it down. I was able to solve the mysteries almost completely, yet the novel was still of great interest, including how family challenges resolve. Nate and Brenna were each other’s teenage first love until the night that changed everything. Brenna’s father, Preacher Strickland, was murdered. Nate’s father, Roy, was convicted of killing Brenna’s father. Now, fourteen years later, Roy is pardoned and released from prison. Brenna is divorced, and ex-husband Jack announces his candidacy for mayor. Jack’s father William is still calling the shots, demanding that Jack take the children to campaign functions and file for full custody. His father wants Jack to show himself as a devoted family man despite leaving Brenna for a younger woman. It wasn’t enough to lose her husband and home, work for barely enough to pay the bills, and not see her children on any weekends. As Brenna’s stress and heartache rise, she becomes the kind of person she never wanted to. Her late father would be horrified if he knew his daughter drank even a little sip of alcohol. Now she drinks much of the time the children are away from her. She wants to be numb, to survive the long hours until they are back home and she has value to someone again. Her ex-father-in-law is wealthy enough to buy off any judge in the state, and she is terrified of losing the children. Nate is lead Hotshot on his firefighting team, doing what he always wanted to and loving it. Injured in a major fire while rescuing a family from their woodland retreat, he has to take time off work, and goes to visit his family. His brother Drew lives across the street from Brenna, and now owns the bar where the dispute began that ended the preacher’s life. Nate hasn’t seen Brenna since shortly after the murder. He goes to visit her; they are so different in some ways! He believes in the Lord now. He no longer drinks. Brenna believes God is punishing her, and drinks on weekends. Then Jack’s lawyer sees them out having dinner when Jack has the children and Brenna is very drunk. Nate is accused of setting a fire outside town, and Noah, her young son, is struggling to breath due to asthma and Jack’s inability to give proper breathing treatments. Brenna’s feelings are portrayed well, especially as she drinks and worries about her children. Nate is transparent, especially when it comes to his feelings about his father and Brenna. The demonstration of his faith, his witnessing to Brenna in a role reversal, and their painfully honest faith discussions are memorable. Alcoholism is discussed with sensitivity and dignity. Grace and forgiveness are major topics for both families. The pages flew as I became invested in Nate, Brenna, and her children. While some of the outcomes were not a surprise, some were stunning. I highly recommend this novel to fans of this bestselling author and those who appreciate well-written Christian fiction, mystery, and drama. From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from CelebrateLit, a review was not required.
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