The Heart's Journey

Stitches in Time #2

by Barbara Cameron

Naomi knows she should be excited about her upcoming wedding but she remains unmoved. Not only are her feelings for her fiance lackluster but she believes he may see her more as a servant than a partner. And he's so controlling. Is it too late to back out of the marriage? While praying for God's guidance, Naomi takes a break from her duties as a quilter and travels with her grandmother to Pinecraft, Florida. Along the way Naomi finds herself becoming attracted to Nick, their Englisch driver and friend, and the two begin to fall in love. The journey soon becomes one in which Naomi explores her most secret dream for love. But can she veer off the "safe" path she'd envisioned for her life to marry Nick?

Genres: Amish, Christian Fiction, Romance, Amish Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Contemporary

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2012

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

CBD, CBA, and ECPA bestselling author of 24 books (including new series upcoming for Abingdon Press in 2011/2012) including fiction and non-fiction books for Abingdon Press, Thomas Nelson, Harlequin, and other publishers.

I sold three films to HBO/Cinemax and am the first winner of the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award.

My two novellas won the 2nd and 3rd place in the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest from the Faith, Love, and Hope chapter of RWA. Both were finalists for the novella category of the Carol Award of the American Christian Writers Award (ACFW).

Reviews

[Kate McMurray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book club read. On the one hand, I am glad I finally read an Amish romance. This one might have worked for me if the characters had any depth at all, but alas, it's a simple story with simple characters, and the hero in particular doesn't really graduate past idealized cardboard (by which I mean, he's basically perfect and thus kind of bland). The heroine gets a little more nuance, at least, and the book isn't too preachy, which I was worried about. It made for an interesting discussion at book club, I can say that much. (The book isn't terrible, just lacking in complexity that would have made it more interesting.)

[Breath of Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Barbara Cameron has done it again. This is the second book in the series: Stitches in Time. I read and reviewed the first book in the series a few years ago called, Her Restless Heart. Which I absolutely loved! In my own christian walk, this book for me had more things to ponder.

I have often used the quote of "Don't judge until you have walked in their shoes." So with in the pages of Naomi's life makes you question wither or not you are making or have made some:

To read the rest of my review: https://breathoflifebookreviews.blogs...

[Mellissa Saucedo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this as a work of fiction, however I am skeptical of its accuracy in the portrayal of Amish culture. I also found several typos and editing mistakes that made it very difficult to really get caught into the story. The character introductions in the first chapter were not very smooth flowing either. Overall the writing style was not my favorite, but the story was good enough that I will probably read the rest of the series. I appreciated it as a more “clean” romance, but as a parent would not recommend offering it to a teen to read if courtship is what is being encouraged (in contrast to dating) as the kissing scenes were a little heated, especially at the end.

[Emily Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tend to find Barbara Cameron's novels on the more serious sides of things, but the drama can certainly be worth a read. This is one that delves into the world of abusive relationships, but the more subtle ones that can leave one confused. The romance is strong, sweet, and star-crossed enough to have me wondering just how it all would work out. The pacing was great, a little faster than the first book in the series, and I loved how deftly the topics were handled.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just like the first book in this series, there is not much of a plot - slow moving story. And I don't like Amish stories where one of the English characters turns Amish - I just don't think that happens. I won't read the third in the series.

[NJ Horton]

This was a very interesting book. Like how Naomi listened to her family and friends about her boyfriend, John, was hurting her. So glad that when Naomi broke off their engagement, John left her alone and returned back to his home town. Very good ending that Nick and Naomi will get married.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this second book in the series! It dealt with obstacles, growth, struggles and learning to be brave enough to know what you need to do. So glad I could pick up the three books in this series and read them in order from my library. That doesn’t always happen!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Good read. Nice story line with good characters. Not too many inaccuracies with the Amish faith. Really liked this book.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. This is number 2 in the series.

[Lisa Mcbryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easily simple book with sweet story line. It is a great option for an audio books because it is very predictable. If you missed something while listening you are not lost.

[Flo Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara Cameron did it again. Amazing. Just recommend to please read the books in this series in order for the maximum character development.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book

[Judy Ruud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

This was a story about an Amish girl and a regular guy who drove them places. It’s a love story!

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Stitches in Time Series book 2

The Heart's Journey is the second book of the series. It is also the second one that I have read but I started with book 3 Heart in Hand. Even though I have read the books out of order I have enjoyed reading Stitches in Time. I have a feeling some of the characters in this book have been introduced in their own book. But I would like to read more of Barbara's novels in the future.

Naomi is engaged to be married to John but her choice is not the best. He is controlling where she is and what she does. He even hurt her some. Naomi is hiding how she feels from everyone.

Naomi makes quilts in the craft store that her Grandma Leah and her two cousins own with her. It is winter and Leah is thinking of going to visit her friend in Florida. Before she can bring it up she has a fall and sprains her foot badly.

Leah still wants to go even if she is on crutches. Nick is their english driver who gives them rides to and back from work says he will drive her to Florida and take a vacation too. Naomi says she will go with her grandmother too to help her.

Naomi fiance says she can't go but Naomi plans to go anyway.
Nick has had a crush on Naomi for awhile but he has not let her know it. He really likes Leah and is a good friend to her. Nick and Naomi spend a lot of time together and their friendship continues to grow. Nick even kisses her and she kisses him back.

Naomi fiance shows up in Florida to spy on her. This is the weak part of the story I felt that their was parts missed or cut out of how long was he actually in florida and the break up was too easy.

I like the characters and enjoyed reading about Naomi and Nick. Their joy at the simple things.( I like things simple but love electricity and microwave,cars ect.) I was drawn to their story.

I was given this ebook to read and in return give honest review of it by Netgalley.
Published October 1st 2012 by Abingdon Press 283 pages ISBN:1426714335

Description below taken off of Netgalley.com

Naomi knows she should be excited about her upcoming wedding but she remains unmoved. Not only are her feelings for her fiance lackluster but she believes he may see her more as a servant than a partner. And he's so controlling. Is it too late to back out of the marriage?

While praying for God's guidance, Naomi takes a break from her duties as a quilter and travels with her grandmother to Pinecraft, Florida. Along the way Naomi finds herself becoming attracted to Nick, their Englisch driver and friend, and the two begin to fall in love. The journey soon becomes one in which Naomi explores her most secret dream for love. But can she veer off the "safe" path she'd envisioned for her life to marry Nick?

[Eustacia Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure if it's just me, but I've been seeing (and reading) a lot more Amish stories recently. It looks like where's there's a paranormal fiction wave, an Amish fiction wave is happening simulateneously (maybe it's because they're such opposites?) But I'm not complaining since I prefer Amish fiction to paranormal fiction (aka paranormal romance).

The Heart's Journey is, at it's core, about domestic abuse. Naomi and John should be happy together, after all, they're engaged to be married. But John has changed to be a suspicious person, and well, Naomi is confused. So, she jumps at the chance to go to Florida with her grandmother and their driver Nick.

Nick, on the other hand, has a crush on Naomi. But, he knows that it's impossible between them, since he's "English" and she's Amish. But still, on the trip to Florida, sparks fly.

So while there is a romance story, there's an underlying story of abuse. It feels like the author did a lot of research, to make things believable. And while the abuse was still in the begining stages, it's easy to picture what might have happened if Naomi and John continue their relationship.

John would have continued using physical and emotional weapons to gain dominence over Naomi.

Noami's self-worth would have sank lower and lower.

And since marriages are forever, there can't be a happy ending.

The author also stresses that abuse is not a uniquely Amish or English problem. It's a problem that happens everywhere. The abuser's can be any kind of person, although you can be sure they're not real Christians. They're people who like power. And the best way to protect yourself is to recognise when things aren't your fault and walk away.

Weaved in with this heavy message is the sweet love story about Naomi and Nick. Nick, in particular, seems almost too good to be true. Throughout the whole novel, he always puts Naomi's feelings first, and he knows how to act within the Amish community. He respects them and their traditions.

There are a host of other supporting characters, and all are well thought out. This book is part of a series, so I didn't have enough background to recognise some characters. And I suspect that's why Anna (one of the supporting characters of this book), felt annoying to me, because I didn't know her backstory.

Another well-written novel.

Disclaimer: I got this book free from NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.

First posted at Inside the mind if a Bibliophile

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heart's Journey from Barbara Cameron is the second book in the Stitches in Time Series, and one that everyone can relate to and a true delight if you're a fan of Amish fiction. In this one, the reader is once again transported to the charm of a delightful store, Stitches in Time operated by Leah and her grand-daughters whom we have met in her first book. This time the story deals with her granddaughter, Naomi who is wondering if her upcoming marriage to John is truly what God had in mind. It seems that John is taking his authority of being the man of the house to heart and tries to ensure that Naomi will obey him at all costs, even if it means man-handling her at times. No matter how hard Naomi tries to put on her best smile, however, her grandmother Leah can see right through it.

When she confronts Naomi about the relationship, she finally tells her the truth and that John is more than controlling. In fact, he has already hurt her physically but believes he can change, especially after how sorry he felt. Leah reminds Naomi that in the Amish world, once you marry the only way you can get out of a bad marriage is for one of you to die. That hits too close for home for Naomi and she agrees with Leah that perhaps they should break up. When Leah takes a nasty fall just outside of her shop, their Englisch driver, Nick comes to take her to the doctor. It is then that Naomi realizes that not all men can be as controlling as John and sees the true heart that lies within Nick.

Opportunity presents itself to head to Pinecraft, Florida with her grandmother to help her pass the time recovering from her fall where the climate is warm and oranges are as close as an arm's reach. Naomi is more than delighted when Nick offers to drive them from Paradise, Pennsylvania to Florida for a mini vacation and both Naomi and Nick discover that something is brewing beneath the surface for them both. However will they be able to find common ground with living in two different worlds or will John find Naomi and bring her back to her senses in more ways than one?

I received The Heart's Journey compliments of Abingdon Press and Pump Up Your Book Tours for my honest review and love the blending of the two worlds in the Amish fiction. Barbara Cameron takes the issue of abuse to a new level introducing it to her Amish character and then inviting the reader along for the ride to see how the Amish might deal with such an issue in their private world. I rate this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion and can't wait for the third book in this series!!!

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do enjoy my Amish fiction and this one takes on two topics unique within this genre - at least as far as the numerous books I have read - abuse within the Amish community and an outsider falling in love with a member of the Amish and trying to decide whether a relationship can exist.

Naomi is engaged to be married to a young man who caught her eye at first but is now becoming more and more controlling of her time, activities and friendships. He has even started getting violent with her, He is, of course always very sorry and he finds a way to place the blame on Naomi. Her grandmother is worried about her and finds a way for the two of them to go on a vacation to an Amish/Mennonite community in Florida. What Naomi's grandmother doesn't fully realize is that their driver, Nick has very strong feelings for Naomi.

While on vacation Naomi works through her feelings for her fiance and comes to a decision. A decision he doesn't like. Naomi also finds support through a local group of abused women. This is where, I think the book fell down some. This could have been a moving and useful way to educate and explore this kind of psychological abuse by Ms Cameron barely brushes the surface. I appreciate that this is a light, romantic read but it could have been dealt with in a less throw away manner.

Naomi is a smart girl and she comes around to expressing that strength in an incredibly fast turnaround. She goes from mouse to lion in about 4 pages and this was not realistic and it made the ending feel rushed.

I did enjoy getting to know these women as they worked at their quilt shop - I'm sure the first book built some foundation and perhaps the next one with add even more to the development of the house of Naomi, her cousins and grandmother. I will look forward to it to find out.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naomi works in the Stitches in Time quilt shop with her grandmother Leah and two cousins. She and her steady beau, John,have plans to be married so it should be one of the happiest times in her life but it isn't . Instead when her grandmother notices Naomi favoring her wrist and questions her about it, she admits that John scares her. He is possessive, and has hurt her on a few occasions, the latest act was hurting her wrist. When her grandmother injures her ankle and can't work she decides she will take a trip to Florida, and Naomi decides to go help take care of her. While trying to figure out how to travel their Englisher driver Nick offers to take them. While Nick has always been one of Naomi's favorite drivers,on the trip to Florida something more begins to develop. Can it ever be though, after all Naomi is promised to John, and even if she wasn't Nick is an Englisher. How will the story play out, what choice will Naomi make, will she follow her heart, or will she stick to her commitment to John?

The author creates characters in this story that seem very realistic. Naomi's character was dealing with the issue of domestic violence a topic that isn't often discussed in Amish fiction. She writes it in such a way that it seems very plausible. I thought the author allowed Naomi to grow and change as the story progressed, she had a great role model in her grandmother Leah. A few twists and turns had me hoping that Naomi would make the right decision in regards to her future.Overall romance, a fast moving plot that never lags and down to earth characters made this a great read for me.While this was the second book in the Stitches in Time Series it can easily be read as a stand alone work, but anyone who enjoys Amish fiction will want to read both books. I am certainly looking forward to the next book in the series titled "Heart in Hand" due out Feb. 2013.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naomi is planning to marry John but he has started to scare her and she is not sure if they should marry. When her grandma decides to head to Florida for a vacation Naomi jumps at the chance to go along to help her grandma as well as figure out what to do with her relationship. Their faithful driver Nick offers to drive them to Florida and Naomi soon finds herself with confusing feelings for the driver. Even if Naomi ends her relationship with John a relationship with an outsider is forbidden. Can Naomi find love with out losing everything and everyone she holds dear?

This is book two in the series about three cousins. Over all I really enjoyed this book but there where things about it that seemed a bit far fetched.

What I liked: This book was a easy read and enjoyable. It also touched on some issues(spousal abuse) that people may not think the Amish deal with but very likely do. It was interesting to see how a person dealing with something like that would possibly think though and deal with it. I enjoyed the way Nick and Naomi interacted and how he helped her to respect herself.

What I did not like: Quite a few Amish fiction books that I have read in the last few months has dealt with a none Amish person coming into the faith. Even if a person was a simple person I think it would be very hard to give all modern things up and live Amish. I am just not sure it would be as easy as it can come across in books.

Over all I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the 3rd and final book in this series. This is a very well written series. I really like the characters and the story-lines are quite interesting.

http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2012/1...

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

The Heart’s Journey by Barbara Cameron

The Heart’s Journey continues with Leah and her family in their little shop, Stitches in Time. This book focuses on Leah’s granddaughter Naomi. Naomi plans to marry John, but she is just not satisfied with the way he is acting. He is so controlling he even walks by the store every day to make sure Naomi is where she is suppose to be. So just imagine John’s surprise when he finds out that Naomi is going with her grandmother to the little community of Pinecraft. Flordia for a vacation. John is definitely not happy with Naomi, and it thrilled me when she wouldn’t even tell him good-by! He deserved that!

Barbara Cameron continues to give her readers Amish lifestyle at its best. In this book, she gives the real issues Amish people deal with from day to day. The spousal abuse with how John treated Naomi is an example of how Barbara’s books are so realistic, because these things happen, even in the Amish communities. She just gives Amish stories a little twist that is different! And I love her books.

The Heart’s Journey is a wonderful heartwarming read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys Christian fiction and especially Amish stories. And I can’t forget to mention, I appreciate the way Barbara incorporates how we should live our lives for the Lord, and always put Him first in our lives.

The Publisher, Abingdon Press provided a copy of this book through PUYB for me to . I was not required or expected to write a review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do we think that just because the Amish people live in close knit communities, living a life vastly different than we do having said no to electricity, telephones and yes to a strict dress and behavour code that they somehow are immune to the temptations and trials and troubles that we encounter?
Barbara Cameron, in this second novel of her Stitches in Time series puts these thoughts to rest. Not only do they have the same problems we do, for the most part, but maybe more as we are usually more free to be individuals, nor are we as able to 'hide' behind our parents and siblings. Certainly, some of their difficulties are different than ours, but underneath all of that, there is a common thread. We want to be loved and accepted. As we travel with Leah and Noami we see the growth in Noami as she strives to become a wise woman like her grandmother.
Barbara has an affinity with the Amish, and this comes out in her delightful stories. Together with her we see behind the story, the things thought in secret.. I enjoyed taking the 'min' vacation to Florida with Leah and Noami and though I feel I have been there now that I read this book, felt the white sand between my toes, learnt to know others at Sarasota.
Although this is the second novel in the series it is a stand alone book. However, I am sure you will enjoy both titles, and together with me wait for the next one. Barbara Cameron kindly sent me both this book and the first on in this series, and I was thrilled to read it and give her a review of 5 out of 5 stars. Thanks, Barbara.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Heart"s Journey" by Barbara Cameron gets 5 stars from Me. It is the 2nd book in the Stitches In Time Series. This book can also be a stand alone and if this is the first book of the series you read first, you will find recipes and chapter 1 of Her Restless Heart and chapter 1 of Heart in Hand at the end of the book.
This story is about a subject that I haven't read in an Amish story before. Naomi is engaged to John, but is not really happy about it because John is an abuser. In the first chapter Anna,(Naomi's cousin ) gets upsets and storms out of the Stiches in Time shop and Leah (the three cousins's grandmother) goes after her and falls and strains her ankle. Leah is depressed and decides she is going to go to Pinecraft Florida for a vacation and Naomi is determined her go also to get away from John and sort out her feelings. Their English driver Nick decides he needs a vacation too and decides to stay in Florida also. The three had a great time. Naomi and Nick try to fight they're growing feelings for each other but find it impossible. Their was one part in the book that I laughed out loud, I won't give out the reason but will say it was while they were traveling to Florida and the car on the road had a teenage boy. Oh the things the English do to make fun of the Amish. I think you would love Naomi and Nick's love story and their adventures on the beach at Florida, and how they make their love work for both!

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE HEART'S JOURNEY by Barbara Cameron is a wonderful inspirational Amish romance. Set in Pinecraft, Florida. What an inspiration the heart wants what the heart wants. Book 2 in "Stitches In Time" series,but can be read as a stand alone. See,"Her Restless Heart". Filled with faith,hope,healing,forgiveness,the community,friendship,controlling, and love. Follow Naomi and Nick on a journey through life as they navigate through their hearts,life,their faith and love. Nick an Englisch driver and friend to Naomi soon finds more than friendship,his heart is engaged also.Leaving a fiance who is controlling,to travel with her grandmother to Florida,Naomi,finds her heart engaged to another,who is not of her faith. Naomi has always dreamt of a marriage of love in "The Heart's Journey" with hope,and faith,dreams may come true. Another hit for Ms. Cameron. If you enjoy Amish romance,you will not be disappointed in this title. Fast paced and emotional! I enjoy this author's titles,she draws her readers into t he story with her engaging characters,realistic plots and love of Amish. A must read! Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at the author's website,Abingdon Press, and My Book Addiction and More.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This meeting with the Cousins Naomi, Anna, and Mary Katherine along with their Grandmother Leah, brings to light a dark subject of Abuse. Whether it is physical or verbal, it shouldn't happen, but does.
Naomi is now experiencing this from the man she gave her heart to, and is engaged to marry...John.
When Leah takes a tumble and hurts her ankle, Nick their driver is immediately there to take her to the hospital, and wait and help. He learns that she, Leah, has been feeling a bit down and wants to go and visit the Amish Community in Pinecraft, Florida, he decides to take a vacation and take her.
Naomi decides that this is a way to take a break from John, even if he has forbidden her to go. Will this finally give her the chance to examine her feelings, and maybe get away from this bad relationship?
What Naomi doesn't expect is finding feelings for Nick...that can't be possible. He is English and she Amish.
This is a really sweet story, that you feel a sense of danger lurking in the background. Will Naomi come to realize that John's abuse is not love? Enjoy this winter visit to Florida...experience Naomi's first glimpse of the ocean! Pick you morning breakfast off your Orange tree...yum! Think I'll pack my bags!! Enjoy!

I received this book from Pump Your Book Virtual Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.

[TAMMY CUEVAS]

Naomi has mixed feelings regarding her upcoming marriage to John. His controlling ways have her backing away from the relationship. When her grandmother needs a traveling companion to Florida, Naomi volunteers to go along, but she never planned on a mutual attraction developing between her and their Englisch driver.

Barbara Cameron has written an Amish fiction novel with a new twist: domestic abuse. As much as we would like to believe that they live in an idyllic paradise, they have problems just as everyone else does. This is a topic that needs to be addressed in general Christian fiction more often, so finding it in this genre was definitely a breath of fresh air. It was handled sensitively, giving the reader real information in a fictional format. Very nicely done. I will be looking for Ms. Cameron's novels at my local bookstore.

5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Pump Up Your Book book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming story about Naomi, an Amish girl who runs a shop with her two cousins and grandmother. She quilts, and the others knit, weave, and make crafts. She's soon to be married, but she's started having doubts because John seems more and more controlling. She jumps at the chance to go with her grandmother to Pinecraft, Florida for a vacation. Nick, their English driver and friend, offers to drive them down there; he also has a secret crush on Naomi even though he knows nothing can come of it. Will Naomi return his love or stay with her Amish fiance? What kind of future could they have?

I found the story line about John intriguing. How do the Amish view controlling men? I love road trips and enjoyed traveling along with Naomi on her first one! The community of Pinecraft is a real place a lot of Amish and Mennonite visit and I liked the unique setting for this Amish story. I wished there was a little more explanation of what the characters were physically doing sometimes; a character would be there one minute and gone the next with no mention of them leaving. There were also some contradictions in what a character thought or said. The romance is cute and I...see the rest here: http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/201...

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heart's Journey is the second book in the Stitches in Time series. I read Her Restless Heart, book one, earlier this year and have to say that I enjoyed The Heart's Journey so much more than that one. I'm not quite sure if the reason was that I felt that Naomi was a more relatable character or if I liked the whole plot better, but whatever the reason I was really delighted with it.

I think The Heart's Journey could easily be read as stand alone, as each book in the series focuses more on a different cousin, and unlike other series I don't think much would be spoiled if you did this. Obviously you would know who ended up with whom, if anyone, but besides that I think it's pretty spoiler-free.

I am looking forward to reading the third book, Heart in Hand, when it comes out next year. If you are a fan of Amish fiction, I think you will love this novel.

4 1/2 stars

***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***

[Maryann Skaritka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touches on the subject of domestic abuse within the Amish community. Naomi questions her relationship with John the young Amish man she is engaged to. He turns out to be controlling and verbally and physically abusive.

I love the relationship of Naomi with her Grandmother Leah and her cousins Mary Katherine and Anna. They have a wonderful business that sells their crafts. They also give lessons to others in the community.

Nick is their ever present hired driver. He is quiet yet always ready to give others a helping hand and loves spending time with Grandma Leah. She reminds him of his own grandmother.

A road trip to Pinecraft Florida is full of adventure and surprises.

It was good seeing how Naomi stood up for herself.

I loved the elements of faith, trust and what someone would do for love in this book.

[C Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful series with an underlying theme of abuse.
In this book Naomi is engaged to John. He is very controlling, he hurts her and then says he is sorry, and is simple not a good choice as a marriage partner. Naomi is not sure what to do. She thinks she loves John but doesn't know what to do. Will he change after marriage? Is she causing the problem with John? Leah, her grandmother decides a trip to Pinecraft, Fl for a week long winter break is in order and asks Naomi to come with her to put some space between her and John. Nick, their English driver is attracted to Naomi but he is aware of the consequences to both of them if he pursues Naomi and he would never want to hurt Naomi or take her from family. Can Naomi sort through her emotions about John while in Florida with her grandmother and Nick? Does God have a different plan for Naomi and Nick?

[DJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been perhaps the saddest book I’ve read so far by Barbara Cameron! We have family members who have been involved in abusive relationships, so the abuse that Naomi encountered really hit home.

Thankfully Barbara handled this situation with more respect many other authors did. She didn’t downplay it, yet she didn’t try to make her story scarier by pushing the abuse factor.

I have so much more respect for Barbara because of this, and I will continue to buy… and review… her books. I am happy to encourage others to read her stories!

This is a story that needs to be read, especially by those who have friends or family who might be in an abusive situation.