Review: The Sound of Rain by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: November 1, 2017
326 pages

About the Book:

In the Dark of the Mine, In the Face of Rising Water,
In the Shadows of the Hills, Faith Will See Them Through

Judd Markley knew he could never set foot underground again. The mine collapse that nearly killed him and claimed his brother's life meant leaving West Virginia forever. Although that hard Appalachian world was all he knew, he put it behind him and headed for the open sky of the thriving town of 1954 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Larkin Heyward's life in the beach town is uncomplicated, mostly volunteer work and dancing at the Pavilion. But she dreams of one day doing more and being more--maybe moving to the hills and hollers of Kentucky to help the poor children of Appalachia. But she's never even met someone who's lived there--until she encounters Judd, the newest employee at her father's timber company.

Drawn together in the wake of a hurricane that changes Myrtle Beach forever, Judd's and Larkin's dreams pull them in divergent directions. It will take a significant sacrifice to keep them together--or maybe, it will take a miracle.  

My Rating & Thoughts:    ⭐⭐⭐

While I like the main characters and was intrigued to find out what was going to happen, I struggled with some aspects of the story. It moved slowly at times, and towards the end some actions of particular characters felt uncharacteristic for them. Judd was an honest hardworking man, who has been through a tragedy at and is trying to build a new life for himself. Larkin is the privileged daughter or a timber company owner. Can these two overcome their very different pasts and find a future together where neither has to give up their dreams? Faith is mentioned and discussed throughout the book, but I still feel unsure of what the characters actually believed. The end scene ruined the book for me, I was left asking why this was included.

Favourite Quote: 

“I'm beginning to think you can do God's work anywhere. All you have to do is look for someone who's hurting and see if you can ease the pain.”

(I was gifted this book by my mom; opinions expressed 

in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)

Jane Reviews: The Christmas Heirloom Collection

Genre: Historical & Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: Oct. 2, 2018
384 pages

About the Book:

In Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station.

In Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love.

In Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance.

In Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

Goodreads / Amazon / Christianbook

 

My Rating & Thoughts:  🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟   (4 stars)

This is a collection of four novellas from four different authors but all tied together by following the legacy of a brooch handed through generations. While each story was set in different time periods and unique to the author’s style they all flowed together wonderfully.

Legacy of Love by Kristi Ann Hunter

This story hooked me right from the beginning with the matchmaking grandmother. I had to laugh at her antics and the way that Randall and Sarah tried to avoid them. I quickly came to care for each character.

Gift of the Heart by Karen Witemeyer

This was such a sweet story. Ruth is determined to provide for her daughter and will give whatever needed to do this. Bo agrees to the plan she has presented but wants to stay in the background. I absolutely loved the way that Ruth befriends Bo and helps him learn to become more comfortable around others. The interactions between Bo and Ruth’s daughter, Naomi, were delightful.

A Shot at Love by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Fleeta was a girl with a set plan in place and that plan does not include allowing a guy into her life. However when Hank and Fleeta meet there is instant attraction, neither can stop thinking about the other. Fleeta fights the attraction and tries to move ahead with her plans, but when things take a turn for the worse Hank comes to her rescue and her opinion of allowing him in her life changes. I loved how supportive Fleeta’s family was of her dreams.

Because of You by Becky Wade

This was my favourite story. I loved that this story tied in with Becky Wade’s series, the Bradford sisters. Maddie works with Britt and has feelings for Leo but feels like she can let them known. When these two are teamed up together for a Christmas project they end up spending quite a bit of time together and Leo begins to see Maddie differently. Their story is story of healing and moving forward and contained so much depth I was not expecting in a novella. I loved these two and it was easy to root for them to come together.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my honest opinion and completely my own.)