I finished Reclaimed by Jennifer Rodewald yesterday and since then, I have been trying to figure out how to write this review. If I had to pick a word or two, I’d say heartbreakingly beautiful! But y’all know I can’t just leave it at that!
First, for the easy stuff! Paul - what a wonderful character! He is kind, loving, giving, and loves God with all his heart. He always tries to do the right thing even at his own expense.
Lest you think he might be too perfect, he is not. He had a bit of a rough past, but he has learned from his mistakes.
Suzanna
was a harder character to warm up to. And if you have been reading my
reviews, you guys know I am super picky about heroines. I do not like
“prickly” heroines and that is exactly how I would describe Suzanna.
But, somehow, Jennifer writes her in a way that you feel for her and you
empathize with her. Her growth throughout the story was well done and
believable.
The
faith message was wonderful! The story shows God’s love, mercy, and
forgiveness. I love how Jennifer really focuses on having a personal
relationship with God though. It’s more than reading the Bible, knowing
the stories, and going to church, it’s making Him number one in our
lives and really knowing Him.
Jennifer’s writing is always deep and she doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff. Wonderful!
BackCover Blurb:
Land of her own and the love of a good man, and yet she can't let go of the past.
God takes broken things and makes them beautiful again. He reclaims our desolate places.
Suzanna Wilton has had a heavy share of heartache in her twenty-seven years. Left wounded by a marriage cut short, she leaves city life to take up residency in a tiny Nebraska town. Her introduction to her neighbor Paul Rustin is a disaster. Assuming he’s as underhanded as the other local cowboys she’s already met, Suzanna greets him with sharp hostility.
Though Paul is offended by Suzanna’s unfriendliness, he can’t stop thinking about her, which unsettles his peaceful life. Intrigued by the woman who lives down the road and propelled by a sense that she carries a painful burden, he frequently drops by to offer help as she adjusts to rural living.
Just as Paul’s kindness begins to melt Suzanna’s frozen heart, a conflict regarding her land escalates in town. Even in the warmth of Paul’s love, resentment keeps a cold grip on her fragile heart.
BackCover Blurb:
Land of her own and the love of a good man, and yet she can't let go of the past.
God takes broken things and makes them beautiful again. He reclaims our desolate places.
Suzanna Wilton has had a heavy share of heartache in her twenty-seven years. Left wounded by a marriage cut short, she leaves city life to take up residency in a tiny Nebraska town. Her introduction to her neighbor Paul Rustin is a disaster. Assuming he’s as underhanded as the other local cowboys she’s already met, Suzanna greets him with sharp hostility.
Though Paul is offended by Suzanna’s unfriendliness, he can’t stop thinking about her, which unsettles his peaceful life. Intrigued by the woman who lives down the road and propelled by a sense that she carries a painful burden, he frequently drops by to offer help as she adjusts to rural living.
Just as Paul’s kindness begins to melt Suzanna’s frozen heart, a conflict regarding her land escalates in town. Even in the warmth of Paul’s love, resentment keeps a cold grip on her fragile heart.
When romance isn't enough, will Suzanna ever find peace?
Available in paperback, digital ebook and audiobook:
Thanks so much, Kim. You made me think about prickly heroines, and I might just prefer them. There's always a reason they're prickly, and finding that out really draws me. Contemporary romance is not my top choice for a read but you've really made me think I'd love this story.
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