Book Review

There is much to like about this book. If you enjoy reading
about charming small towns, Wiseman describes Smithville, TX with an
old-fashioned postcard picture feeling. Smithville is a lovely town, complete
with architecturally beautiful historic buildings. It is a place where children
can walk places alone and where excellent restaurant meals can be had at a café
that is not a chain. If you like rehabbing and restoring a beautiful old house
this story will resonate with you. As someone who has been involved in several
housing projects, the disappointment in having a paint color that looked great
on a paint chip look absolutely awful when translated to a wall struck a chord
with me. Who knew that purple could look that dark and foreboding? Then there
was the disaster of discovering that the old roof leaked like a sieve during a
hurricane. But it all is worthwhile when you feel the thrill that comes with
bringing a rundown historic home to its former beauty, refitted for
contemporary living.
Several story lines play out in this book, giving the plot a
complexity, knit together in a beautiful, complete whole. The book takes the
time to “fill out” the characters with descriptive passages that bring them to
life. This is the love story of the protagonist, a young widow and an
embittered divorced man, Booke and Owen. Brooke comes into the novel with no
thought of marriage in her mind and Owen just wants to rehab his house to spite
his ex-wife. It is also the story of Brooke’s parents whom after years of
separation, discovered love just in time. Through historical information
revealed on Owen’s rehabbing project he discovered a tragic love story of the
couple that built the house back in the World War I era. They were parted
forever by the war. This is juxtaposed along with the contemporary love story
and brings the old renovated house to life.
Other secondary story lines flesh out the book with an added
richness. This is a story of love and redemption for the town’s “bad boy” who
finds family and completeness. Also, about
a bachelor in his 70’s who finally fulfills his ultimate bucket list in
Smithville. Plus it is a story of a newborn girl who wins everyone’s
heart. And finally, most importantly, a
message that God’s love continues through even times of great difficulty. That
is a lot of love.
So besides enjoying reading of small town life and the
descriptions of a beautiful renovated house, I was touched by the redeeming
message of what genuine caring did for a teenage boy who had never had an adult
love and care for him. The ability of a tiny, newborn baby to draw a disparate
collection of people together was pretty neat. And the reconciliation in
Brooke’s family was satisfying. And I loved being reminded of God’s faithful,
unconditional love.
Different threads with different characters have storylines
in this book but the diverse strands are all drawn together through love, a
common theme. I definitely recommend this book. I received this book from the
publisher in return for a review. All opinions are my own.
Brooke has only loved one man, her late husband. Owen's
rebuilding after a painful divorce. Can a mysterious house bring them together
for a second chance at love?
About the Book

Owen Saunders bought the Hadley place to spite his cheating
ex-wife. She'd always wanted to restore an old house in Smithville. Now he's
going to do it without her. But if anything needs restoration, it is Owen's
heart. Then he meets Brooke and her kids and finds himself tempted by love. Can
he bring himself to trust a woman again?
Throw an eccentric uncle into the mix, along with the town's
teenage troublemaker, and even a finicky cat-and one thing becomes clear: God
is bringing them all together for a reason.
About the Author

She lives with her
husband, two dogs, two cats, two pot
bellied pigs, two chickens and a pygmy goat. Her two grown sons also live in
Texas. Beth has been writing in some capacity for most of her life. She's a
former award-winning journalist with eleven honors, including 'First Place News
Writing' for The Texas Press Association. However, writing love stories with a
spiritual message is where her heart is. When Beth isn't writing (which is
seldom these days) she enjoys traveling, cooking, fishing, reading, or just
settling in for a good movie. Her best times are spent with family and friends!
Learn more about Beth at: BethWiseman.com
1 comment:
Very good review. I just asked my wife if she would like some books from this genre for reading ... gives me birthday and Christmas gift ideas. Thanks.
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