by Amanda Wen
Publisher: Kregel
Series: Sedgwick County Chronicles
ISBN: 9780825447693
I loved book one in this story, not realizing it was part of a series! The author's debut novel, Roots of Wood and Stone was exceptional so there was NO way I was passing up book two for review. This book was sent to me from the publisher.
Summary:
After a devastating tailspin in her late teens, Lauren Anderson's life is finally back on track. Then a chance meeting with Carter Douglas, her first love and the man who broke her heart, threatens to throw her well-balanced world out of control.
Now a TV meteorologist, Carter is determined to make amends with Lauren. After all, she still owns his heart. But his old demons are forcing him toward the same decision he faced in the past. Is he courageous enough to make a different choice this time around?
When Lauren's elderly grandmother, Rosie, begins having nightmares about a man named Ephraim--a name her family has never heard before--a fascinating and forbidden past love comes to light. As Lauren and Carter work to uncover the untold stories of Rosie's past in 1950s Wichita, they embark on a journey of forgiveness and second chances that will change their lives--and Rosie's--forever. Along the way they'll learn that God wastes nothing, his timing is perfect, and nothing is beyond his grace and redemption.
Now a TV meteorologist, Carter is determined to make amends with Lauren. After all, she still owns his heart. But his old demons are forcing him toward the same decision he faced in the past. Is he courageous enough to make a different choice this time around?
When Lauren's elderly grandmother, Rosie, begins having nightmares about a man named Ephraim--a name her family has never heard before--a fascinating and forbidden past love comes to light. As Lauren and Carter work to uncover the untold stories of Rosie's past in 1950s Wichita, they embark on a journey of forgiveness and second chances that will change their lives--and Rosie's--forever. Along the way they'll learn that God wastes nothing, his timing is perfect, and nothing is beyond his grace and redemption.
My Review:
What an incredible story! I wasn't sure if the author could come close to her debut novel (the first book in the series), but she sure did!
This book was actually a quick read, but because of my traveling I didn't have the spare time I'd hoped for so don't let the dates fool you.
I was so unexpectedly drawn into the story of the past and loving it more than I could've possibly imagined. Actually the present day story takes up a good part of the beginning of the book. When the past begins to slide in, it's incredible how it unfolds.
Getting to know Lauren better in this story was wonderful. I didn't realize she was going to get her own story after the first book. Now I want to go back and see if I can notice certain things about her in that book in comparison to this one. Her storyline, as well as Carter's (her old flame), are powerful in speaking to addictions.
I loved that God is shown as the One who heals, if a person will allow it. That whole part of the story for them was just beautiful - and honestly difficult, messy, and confusing. Because that's how life can be sometimes.
And then there's Rosie's story. I'm actually not going to say too much about this storyline because even a little bit will give too much away. Let me just say, it made me cry. The first book made me cry and I truly didn't think it was going to happen again, but this part of the story knit its way into my heart. As I got to the end and thought I was safe from tears, the author built it up so much that how it unfolded let the dam unleash. It was touching and poignant. Needless to say, I love how the author writes in the past.
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the "present" characters, but just like book one, the "past" couple is the one who stole my heart and made me an emotional mess! I absolutely loved it!
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About the Author:
Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. She has placed first in multiple contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity Contest, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler Contest, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions Contest. She was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest finalist. Wen currently lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband and three children. This is her first book. To find her blog and short stories, visit www.amandawen.com. Readers can also follower her on Facebook (@AuthorAmandaWen), Twitter (@AuthorAmandaWen), and Instagram (@authoramandawen).
