There's so much to like in Hometown Hope by Laurel Blount! Sometimes a Love Inspired story is exactly what I'm looking for, and Hometown Hope is a gem in this line of books. Setting, characters and romance all blend together in a thoroughly enjoyable read.
First of all, setting adds a special touch because the author vividly conveys Pine Valley, a small town located in middle Georgia, probably not far from where I live. The main characters feel real, like people I could meet every day, and I cared about them from the very beginning. The story also engaged my emotions, keeping me eager to turn the pages. There's some predictability, which didn't hinder my enjoyment, and also a little of the unexpected.
While most book covers feature one or both of the lead characters, I love that Hometown Hope reflects two important themes â a young girl with selective mutism, and books! Anna and Hoyt's current uncomfortable relationship is interesting because it's the result of a high school relationship that didn't end well. Lack of communication and sensitivity were a big part of the problem, and Hoyt's words to Anna were so insightful ⦠âI'm afraid you've always read books far better than you read people.â Both share the bond of loss in their lives and I loved the chemistry between them, as well as watching their feelings and understanding grow.
Then there's sweet Jess who's the heart of the story, Hoyt's daughter who hasn't spoken since her mother died three years earlier. I found aspects of selective mutism informative, such as how, once Jess began speaking, it was only to her dad. And all of us who love books will be fascinated by how Anna's bookstore, in danger of closing, was the key to Jess beginning to open up.
Spiritual nuggets are gently woven throughout, such as forgiveness and letting go of the past. I also loved the spiritual insight in these words spoken by Anna's former teacher, Mrs. Abercrombie ⦠âWe teachers plant seeds, you know. Hundreds of them. Some take longer to germinate than others, that's all. But it's never too late to learn something new.â
Previous characters from Pine Valley books make appearances, but Hometown Hope stands alone. I enjoyed this feel-good story very much and am eager to read all that Laurel Blount writes.
Recommended. Within the Love Inspired line, 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
First of all, setting adds a special touch because the author vividly conveys Pine Valley, a small town located in middle Georgia, probably not far from where I live. The main characters feel real, like people I could meet every day, and I cared about them from the very beginning. The story also engaged my emotions, keeping me eager to turn the pages. There's some predictability, which didn't hinder my enjoyment, and also a little of the unexpected.
While most book covers feature one or both of the lead characters, I love that Hometown Hope reflects two important themes â a young girl with selective mutism, and books! Anna and Hoyt's current uncomfortable relationship is interesting because it's the result of a high school relationship that didn't end well. Lack of communication and sensitivity were a big part of the problem, and Hoyt's words to Anna were so insightful ⦠âI'm afraid you've always read books far better than you read people.â Both share the bond of loss in their lives and I loved the chemistry between them, as well as watching their feelings and understanding grow.
Then there's sweet Jess who's the heart of the story, Hoyt's daughter who hasn't spoken since her mother died three years earlier. I found aspects of selective mutism informative, such as how, once Jess began speaking, it was only to her dad. And all of us who love books will be fascinated by how Anna's bookstore, in danger of closing, was the key to Jess beginning to open up.
Spiritual nuggets are gently woven throughout, such as forgiveness and letting go of the past. I also loved the spiritual insight in these words spoken by Anna's former teacher, Mrs. Abercrombie ⦠âWe teachers plant seeds, you know. Hundreds of them. Some take longer to germinate than others, that's all. But it's never too late to learn something new.â
Previous characters from Pine Valley books make appearances, but Hometown Hope stands alone. I enjoyed this feel-good story very much and am eager to read all that Laurel Blount writes.
Recommended. Within the Love Inspired line, 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
