Kate Donovan takes a three month leave of absence from her job to go with her grandmother to Redbud, Pennsylvania and restore the grand old house she grew up in years ago. Kate enjoys her grandmother and her friends even though Kate is the only young person in the group. In between the high teas and hard work Kate also gets to know the local celebrity, Matt Jarreau, a former hockey player with a tragic past. As they grow to become friends, Kate wonders if there could ever be something more between them.
I thought the story line of this book sounded really good and was thrilled with the beginning as I saw the wonderfully funny descriptions the author used in Kates interaction with the seniors in her life. Her vivid descriptions, along with the absolutely hilarious antics of the characters, had me rolling as I eagerly delved into the book, anxious to see how it all turned out.
But alas, once again I came face to face with the realization that every book sold as Christian fiction does not necessarily bear fruit in that genre. This book had so much going for it in the beginning, but I quickly grew tired of several aspects that I could not overlook.
While I must give the author credit and say that the story did not in any way cross any boundaries in the relationship of Kate and Matt (no sex scenes), I was still offended that I had to read about a Christian girl having the hots for a man. Scattered throughout the book, there were several inappropriate phrases (in my opinion) that did not need to be in a Christians vocabulary and did nothing to honor God. I also was disappointed to see her date a man who drank. Yes, there was talk of God and letting him rule your life, there were scripture references and heartfelt prayers. But these did not help to cancel out the worldly and shallow behaviors of the characters who were supposed to have a genuine relationship with Him.
The sad thing about this book is that it is so well written and SO FUNNY without taking the next step to also being spiritually uplifting. I really wanted to like it but could not because of that very thing. I cannot begin to express how very, very tired I am of picking up a Christian fiction book only to find that it does nothing to glorify God but rather leaves me feeling that I have wasted my time. This was one of those books.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
I thought the story line of this book sounded really good and was thrilled with the beginning as I saw the wonderfully funny descriptions the author used in Kates interaction with the seniors in her life. Her vivid descriptions, along with the absolutely hilarious antics of the characters, had me rolling as I eagerly delved into the book, anxious to see how it all turned out.
But alas, once again I came face to face with the realization that every book sold as Christian fiction does not necessarily bear fruit in that genre. This book had so much going for it in the beginning, but I quickly grew tired of several aspects that I could not overlook.
While I must give the author credit and say that the story did not in any way cross any boundaries in the relationship of Kate and Matt (no sex scenes), I was still offended that I had to read about a Christian girl having the hots for a man. Scattered throughout the book, there were several inappropriate phrases (in my opinion) that did not need to be in a Christians vocabulary and did nothing to honor God. I also was disappointed to see her date a man who drank. Yes, there was talk of God and letting him rule your life, there were scripture references and heartfelt prayers. But these did not help to cancel out the worldly and shallow behaviors of the characters who were supposed to have a genuine relationship with Him.
The sad thing about this book is that it is so well written and SO FUNNY without taking the next step to also being spiritually uplifting. I really wanted to like it but could not because of that very thing. I cannot begin to express how very, very tired I am of picking up a Christian fiction book only to find that it does nothing to glorify God but rather leaves me feeling that I have wasted my time. This was one of those books.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
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