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Fairlawn #2
She Always Wore Red
Jennifer Graham—mother, student, and embalmer’s apprentice—could use a friend. She finds one in McLane Larson, a newcomer to Mt. Dora. While McLane’s soldier-husband serves overseas, Jen promises to support McLane, then learns that her tie to this woman goes far deeper than friendship. When a difference of opinion threatens their relationship, Jennifer discovers weaknesses in her own character . . . and a faith far stronger than she had imagined.
A Romantic Times Top Pick! “Be prepared to shed a few tears in Hunt’s emotionally gripping tale, the second in the Fairlawn series. With themes of family, friendship, and trusting God, the plot is enhanced by realistic and engaging characters. Jennifer’s growth as a character is evident, and the supporting cast enhances the story in a significant way. “ –Melissa Parcels, Romantic Times reviewer
A Romantic Times Top Pick! “Be prepared to shed a few tears in Hunt’s emotionally gripping tale, the second in the Fairlawn series. With themes of family, friendship, and trusting God, the plot is enhanced by realistic and engaging characters. Jennifer’s growth as a character is evident, and the supporting cast enhances the story in a significant way. “ –Melissa Parcels, Romantic Times reviewer
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2008
71 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Angela Elwell Hunt
334 books2,003 followersChristy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
February 13, 2022
Wow! Did I like this book better than the first in the series! Great book as a stand-alone since the story itself was complete, but also the author does a fine job acquainting the reader with past events and characters from book one.
The issues dealt within this story are real life, and done well. Prejudice, abortion, family difficulties, teen angst, unfaithfulness, single parenting and God's will, to name just a few. This booked was packed with points to ponder, yet not all of it was serious. There were lighthearted moments and relational blessings.
Good book I can heartily recommend.
The issues dealt within this story are real life, and done well. Prejudice, abortion, family difficulties, teen angst, unfaithfulness, single parenting and God's will, to name just a few. This booked was packed with points to ponder, yet not all of it was serious. There were lighthearted moments and relational blessings.
Good book I can heartily recommend.
March 17, 2016
She Always Wore Red by Angela Hunt is the second book in the Fairlawn trilogy but can be read as a stand-alone. I however enjoyed meeting up with familiar characters and some new ones too. It is a contemporary Christian novel set in and around Fairlawn funeral home.
She Always Wore Red is a compulsive read. It made me laugh and it made me cry. And along with the characters, it strengthened my faith.
A major theme in the novel is that of prayer. Prayer is powerful as it connects us to God. But what happens when we pray and God says no? "She taught me how to thank God for unanswered prayers... because when God says no, I have to trust that His ways are perfect." Prayer has to be tied in to trust in God. We have to trust even when we do not understand. And we have to realise that God is God and we are not.
Tied in to prayer and trust is that of faith. Faith in a God who loves us. Faith that even when life is tough, we know that God is with us. Faith plus prayer plus trust is an excellent recipe for life. "I have learned that prayer changes us... faith conquers fear." Keeping one's eyes fixed on God is necessary to dispel fear.
The novel deals with racism and prejudice. It is horrifying to see that in the twenty first century there are still people who cannot see beyond the colour of someone's skin. We need to look into a person's eyes and heart and see them as God sees them. There are no divisions in God's world. We are all created equal. Characters within the novel try to build bridges and open the eyes of others but for some racism is deeply engrained in their hearts. It blinds them to all else and it cuts them off from loving relationships.
Angela Hunt tackles the difficult and heart wrenching areas of abortion, premature babies and disabilities. God does not make mistakes and every life is precious to Him. The baby in the womb is loved by God and has a right to life. All life is sacred. It is not ours to throw away.
Within the novel is love which covers all. Love is an action and the most important action that we can do. "You don't have to support her decision, you only have to love her." We may not always agree with actions of lifestyle choices of others but our job is not to judge. Our job is to love.
Forgiveness is another theme within the novel. Sometimes the sins of the past are revealed in the present. Sometimes the perpetrator of the sin is dead. Whatever the situation forgiveness needs to happen in one's heart.
Tied in to this theme is the sins of the fathers. Children cannot be blamed for their fathers poor choices. Children are innocent victims and need to be loved as such.
The novel shows that blood is thicker than water. Our blood ties will bind us together strengthening relationships. We need to focus on our similarities and not our differences and be bound together by love. "Love speaks louder than words."
As with book one, the characters are all very likeable and well drawn. Their personalities become even more developed in this second book, and the reader gets to know them better. The reader also learns rather more about the process after death as Jen, the owner of Fairlawn is doing an embalming course!
I am really enjoying this Fairlawn trilogy and cannot wait to read the final book. Angela Hunt is an entertaining writer who both educates the reader and creates a bond between the reader and the characters.
Give yourself a treat and buy the Fairlawn trilogy, escape for a few hours and make some new friends along the way.
She Always Wore Red is a compulsive read. It made me laugh and it made me cry. And along with the characters, it strengthened my faith.
A major theme in the novel is that of prayer. Prayer is powerful as it connects us to God. But what happens when we pray and God says no? "She taught me how to thank God for unanswered prayers... because when God says no, I have to trust that His ways are perfect." Prayer has to be tied in to trust in God. We have to trust even when we do not understand. And we have to realise that God is God and we are not.
Tied in to prayer and trust is that of faith. Faith in a God who loves us. Faith that even when life is tough, we know that God is with us. Faith plus prayer plus trust is an excellent recipe for life. "I have learned that prayer changes us... faith conquers fear." Keeping one's eyes fixed on God is necessary to dispel fear.
The novel deals with racism and prejudice. It is horrifying to see that in the twenty first century there are still people who cannot see beyond the colour of someone's skin. We need to look into a person's eyes and heart and see them as God sees them. There are no divisions in God's world. We are all created equal. Characters within the novel try to build bridges and open the eyes of others but for some racism is deeply engrained in their hearts. It blinds them to all else and it cuts them off from loving relationships.
Angela Hunt tackles the difficult and heart wrenching areas of abortion, premature babies and disabilities. God does not make mistakes and every life is precious to Him. The baby in the womb is loved by God and has a right to life. All life is sacred. It is not ours to throw away.
Within the novel is love which covers all. Love is an action and the most important action that we can do. "You don't have to support her decision, you only have to love her." We may not always agree with actions of lifestyle choices of others but our job is not to judge. Our job is to love.
Forgiveness is another theme within the novel. Sometimes the sins of the past are revealed in the present. Sometimes the perpetrator of the sin is dead. Whatever the situation forgiveness needs to happen in one's heart.
Tied in to this theme is the sins of the fathers. Children cannot be blamed for their fathers poor choices. Children are innocent victims and need to be loved as such.
The novel shows that blood is thicker than water. Our blood ties will bind us together strengthening relationships. We need to focus on our similarities and not our differences and be bound together by love. "Love speaks louder than words."
As with book one, the characters are all very likeable and well drawn. Their personalities become even more developed in this second book, and the reader gets to know them better. The reader also learns rather more about the process after death as Jen, the owner of Fairlawn is doing an embalming course!
I am really enjoying this Fairlawn trilogy and cannot wait to read the final book. Angela Hunt is an entertaining writer who both educates the reader and creates a bond between the reader and the characters.
Give yourself a treat and buy the Fairlawn trilogy, escape for a few hours and make some new friends along the way.
April 17, 2012
This novel by Angela Elwell Hunt is very thought provoking. Jennifer Graham befriends a newcomer to small town Mt Dora and finds more than she bargained for in her relationship with McLane Larson. Jennifer finds herself having to examine her thoughts on race relations, abortion, and family relationships all on which she has strong faith based beliefs.
I really liked the way the characters were developed in this story and how each of them including Jennifer's two sons grew and developed in their faith through the events that happen within their lives.
This book is actually a continuation of Doesn't She Look Natural but was quite easy to read as a stand-alone.
I really liked the way the characters were developed in this story and how each of them including Jennifer's two sons grew and developed in their faith through the events that happen within their lives.
This book is actually a continuation of Doesn't She Look Natural but was quite easy to read as a stand-alone.
May 29, 2017
what a great read...I loved this story
September 8, 2013
I'm kind of going back and forth with the four and five star rating. I really love Angela Hunt's books and this one is really good. Love that this series is different than other books. I like reading about life in a funeral home and how they prepare the body after death. These series are sometimes funny and it also has serious issues. I like the fact she is a Christian writer but it's not in your face. If you read this book #2 in the series, I laughed when I came to the dog part toward the middle of the book. That guy loved his dog. Just goes to show you the powerful the mind can be. I don't want to give it away, but they play "How much is that doggie in the window" at a funeral. Read the book to find out more. This book also pops up with new characters to look forward to. Anyway, onto book #3 of the Fairlawn Series.
October 27, 2020
Angela Hunt is an amazing author. This book read by Carol Monda is a favorite. Angela combines humor with real life issues of a single parent raising children: a teenager and younger sibling, her mother, all as she is shuffling schooling to learn the mortuary business. And then the sanctity of life and mixed marriages as she discovers a half sister. All these topics handled in a fun and real way by the author. You will learn things you thought you never wanted to know about the care of our loved ones when deceased. An enjoyable book you won't want to put down.
March 4, 2008
2nd in series. Really touching story about family and loss.
August 15, 2025
My blood pressure always spikes when people can't get along.
But, at the end of the day, when you love Jesus, you accept that you can't change people - all you can do is speak the truth and love them.
A message I always need to hear🫶
But, at the end of the day, when you love Jesus, you accept that you can't change people - all you can do is speak the truth and love them.
A message I always need to hear🫶
March 20, 2009
A sequel to Doesn't She Look Natural, the story picks up several months later. Jennifer Graham is now taking courses to become a mortician. She seems to have settled into the Mt. Dora community and her boys are making friends. Gerald still works at the funeral home and surprise, surprise, Jennifer's unknown half-sister arrives, bringing her own drama.
For the coverage of such serious issues as racism and abortion, the story is still very light and trite, with little depth or character development. McLane seems to be a good addition, but her father is a stereotyped caricature rather than a developed character.
Predictably, the story wraps up neatly, although it's not a completely happy ending. Christian lessons are learned along the way.
My big complaint with this story is the same one I had with the first book: the narration. Jen's story is told in first-person, which I rarely like. The chapters then alternate between Jen and the other characters like her sister, Gerald, and her son. These supporting characters aren't written as first-person, but are an awkward present-tense third-person narrative. It was very annoying and quite distracting. The story would have been much stronger had the author maintained the same style throughout it.
Like the first one, I'd give it 2.5 stars if I could. Good, not great.
For the coverage of such serious issues as racism and abortion, the story is still very light and trite, with little depth or character development. McLane seems to be a good addition, but her father is a stereotyped caricature rather than a developed character.
Predictably, the story wraps up neatly, although it's not a completely happy ending. Christian lessons are learned along the way.
My big complaint with this story is the same one I had with the first book: the narration. Jen's story is told in first-person, which I rarely like. The chapters then alternate between Jen and the other characters like her sister, Gerald, and her son. These supporting characters aren't written as first-person, but are an awkward present-tense third-person narrative. It was very annoying and quite distracting. The story would have been much stronger had the author maintained the same style throughout it.
Like the first one, I'd give it 2.5 stars if I could. Good, not great.
November 1, 2010
**I've listened to this 2nd book in the Fairlawn series twice.
______________________________________________________
AUDIO - With the same great narration as the first.
______________________________________________________
AUDIO - With the same great narration as the first.
I LOVE these books!
Unsettling news abounds.
In this, the sequel to "Doesn't She Look Natural," we learn some about anatomy and the embalming process. Don't you just love science? Jen is becoming more and more at ease in the process of preparing the remains of the deceased for viewing. She attends school now in order to become an embalmer. At present, she is under the tutelage of Gerald as his assistant. She discovers some more unwelcoming news and wonders how she's going to break this to her sons and mom. Especially her mom.
Clay may be headed for trouble with youngsters he's been hanging around with. He goes along with them in their search for catacombs. He begins to wonder whether they like him for him or for what he can provide for them. Well, if he doesn't wonder it, I sure do.
A man is looking for his own twenty something-year old daughter and somehow thinks she's going to go willingly back home with him. By the time he becomes aware of her location, he discovers she is now married and with child although her husband is currently deployed in the Mideast.
December 18, 2015
She Always Wore Red is books 2 in the Fairlawn Series by Angela Hunt. Jennifer inherited a funeral home at a time in her life when she needed a home and job. She moved to the funeral home with her 2 sons and is now taking mortuary classes and assisting Gerald in the mortuary business. She took a night off from studying and went to a book club at her friend's home where she met McLane. McLane is a young military wife and mom to be. Her mom recently past away and her step-father is not accepting of her new life.
There are events that happen in the story that challenge them. They look to God for answers to these troubles. The story also shows us how members in a small community come together in times of tragedy. The story is good at teaching us to be more understanding and supportive to others in their time of need, regardless of our beliefs.
When I originally read the book, I did not realize it was part of a series. It was just as fun to read the second time as the first.
There are events that happen in the story that challenge them. They look to God for answers to these troubles. The story also shows us how members in a small community come together in times of tragedy. The story is good at teaching us to be more understanding and supportive to others in their time of need, regardless of our beliefs.
When I originally read the book, I did not realize it was part of a series. It was just as fun to read the second time as the first.
April 16, 2019
This one was a tough one, lots of topics that have hit close to home for me. It was a little hard at times having been through this with a dear friend and the outcomes being the same. I probably cried more at this one than I might have, but it was so worth it.
The relationship Jen builds with this new person in her life is sweet, open and vulnerable, but she is present. Joella's response was so natural to the situation and Gerald as always, wonderful.
Reading the growing pains of Clay and his friends and the results of their adventures were bittersweet.
The race discussion will sadly always be a part of this life, as a white woman married to a man of color I have seen and experienced some of the same devastation experienced in this one. I guess this one was written just for me.
The relationship Jen builds with this new person in her life is sweet, open and vulnerable, but she is present. Joella's response was so natural to the situation and Gerald as always, wonderful.
Reading the growing pains of Clay and his friends and the results of their adventures were bittersweet.
The race discussion will sadly always be a part of this life, as a white woman married to a man of color I have seen and experienced some of the same devastation experienced in this one. I guess this one was written just for me.
December 31, 2021
A truly excellent book. Angela Hunt always surprises me, and this book was no different.
June 27, 2017
After reading the first book in this series I just had to read this 2nd one and am so glad I did!! Angela Hung
(sorry -typo!) Angela Hunt has created characters in this series that seem so real I couldn't help but get caught up in their lives and situations! I laughed, cried and cheered for them all. This book made me look at myself and question myself in some areas. I found myself asking the Lord to change some of my thoughts and feelings about some things, to create an unconditional love, better understanding and non-judgemental heart in me - that I will show the true love of Jesus to every one He brings across the path of my life! Really looking forward to reading the next book in this series..
(sorry -typo!) Angela Hunt has created characters in this series that seem so real I couldn't help but get caught up in their lives and situations! I laughed, cried and cheered for them all. This book made me look at myself and question myself in some areas. I found myself asking the Lord to change some of my thoughts and feelings about some things, to create an unconditional love, better understanding and non-judgemental heart in me - that I will show the true love of Jesus to every one He brings across the path of my life! Really looking forward to reading the next book in this series..
August 30, 2008
For someone who reads for entertainment and prefers light fare to heavy, I found She Always Wore Red to be very enjoyable. Why is that surprising? It is the story of a woman who has recently inherited and is learning to run a funeral home. We read about many people, including children, who die. She tackles the issues of abortion of handicapped fetuses, racism and interracial marriage and yet mananges to do so in a story that is basically upbeat and not preachy. It is Christian fiction and against abortion and yet a good character struggles with it. The characters are real, they sin and they go on. It is the second book in a trilogy and I'll be looking for the other two.
April 27, 2015
I love it when I don't feel like I have to rush to the end of a book. A book where I can just relax into the story, where I never want to get to the end, where I just want to live in that setting for as long as the book will last. Angela Hunt does such an incredible job creating characters that grow, that struggle with real stuff, that interact and weave together just like real people. Angela deals with difficult subjects and challenges our misconceptions of faith, life, and pain. I hope to get my hands on the final book in the series soon.
April 21, 2010
This second book in the Fairlawn series shows Jennifer Graham studying to get her morturary license and struggling at returning to school at her age. She makes a new friend in newcomer, McLane Larson and discovers that they have a common bond in each other. Her oldest son Clay makes new friends at school and has to deal with peer pressure for the first time. Overall this is a good book to read for light reading.
scrapped
May 2, 2012It's rare to find Christian fiction that contains a main character who is an embalmer, let alone general fiction! I was ready to like this book, I just could not make it through. Complete lack of interest, you see. There were good issues being addressed, mind you; but when I realized, "Oh yeah! I don't have to read this if I don't feel like it!" it was a great load off my mind. (It's sad I have to remind myself that, but there you go.)
April 11, 2013
Book two of The Fairlawn Series. Loved the story line, love the characters. All three books are excellent.
Jennifer, single mom, raising two boys with Gerald, elderly mentor in the funeral home (inheritated in book 1).
In Book 2 Jennifer finds out about a sister she didn't know about.
I miss the characters in these books. I read all three books in this series in one week but the characters still come to mind often.
Jennifer, single mom, raising two boys with Gerald, elderly mentor in the funeral home (inheritated in book 1).
In Book 2 Jennifer finds out about a sister she didn't know about.
I miss the characters in these books. I read all three books in this series in one week but the characters still come to mind often.
December 7, 2016
Angela Ewell Hunt has a way of telling a story where it is full of surprises. She Always Wore Red is no exception. The story depicts strong believable characters, who often reflect someone you know, even if that strange character is you.
The book challenges race relations with the strong power of love and forgiveness. A must read, especially if you are fond of the writing of Angela Ewell Hunt. I enjoyed the book so much, I hurriedly jumped into the third and final book of the trilogy.
The book challenges race relations with the strong power of love and forgiveness. A must read, especially if you are fond of the writing of Angela Ewell Hunt. I enjoyed the book so much, I hurriedly jumped into the third and final book of the trilogy.
September 30, 2017
What a wonderful story!
Not always a happy ending for some of the characters in book 2 of this series, but it is set in a funeral home so that will play a part in the storyline somehow. The sadness is always tempered with wisdom and many lessons about Gods love for us and our love for each other. I highly recommend this series to any Christian who is not perfect. It contains some wonderful insights about love.
Not always a happy ending for some of the characters in book 2 of this series, but it is set in a funeral home so that will play a part in the storyline somehow. The sadness is always tempered with wisdom and many lessons about Gods love for us and our love for each other. I highly recommend this series to any Christian who is not perfect. It contains some wonderful insights about love.
March 8, 2012
I learned that even with a whole community praying for a certain miracle. That God may not let you have what you pray for, But in his perfect wisdom he will always give us what we need. Even the death of the smallest ones can bring us together and to HIM. I love this series of books I wish there were more.
August 13, 2019
Love This Book
The Author's style of writing keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Just when a plot is revealing a circumstance within the family, she switches the plot to another family or circumstance that sweeps you away to a different path. Keeps you on your toes but still waiting for the position of the last problem. I have loved the twists, turns and surprises!
The Author's style of writing keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Just when a plot is revealing a circumstance within the family, she switches the plot to another family or circumstance that sweeps you away to a different path. Keeps you on your toes but still waiting for the position of the last problem. I have loved the twists, turns and surprises!
October 22, 2019
I never imagined that I would enjoy a series of books about a funeral home, but this series totally hooked me! They are highly entertaining and insightful into the death business. I love the original concept! The characters are likeable and the humor is enjoyable. Angela Elwell Hunt is a talented author.
January 12, 2017
Folks learning priceless life lessons sometimes in the most painful ways. Unfortunately, this is true in life too frequently. Some mistakes can't be changed no matter what. Thankfully, some mistakes and poor choices can be salvaged, reworked and made into something else that is good.
June 3, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed!
Great characters and story lines. I would recommend the book and author highly. The characters faith is encouraging. I live near the area of the book and thought it'd be interesting.
Great characters and story lines. I would recommend the book and author highly. The characters faith is encouraging. I live near the area of the book and thought it'd be interesting.
September 3, 2018
A good story.
I know that's a simple statement, this book was so surprising and thought provoking. The story was complicated and sweet. I look forward to reading more of Angela Hunt's books.
I know that's a simple statement, this book was so surprising and thought provoking. The story was complicated and sweet. I look forward to reading more of Angela Hunt's books.
January 26, 2019
I love this book. I started this series because I wanted something light and funny. It is humorous throughout but I don’t really consider it to be light. There are issues to be thought through and even though I wanted something light, I am really glad that I am reading this series.
January 30, 2021
I love this author! I've read several of her books and this one was fantastic too. I laughed and I cried as I read this book. I recommend this and the first book of the series. I can't wait to read the final book!
April 2, 2021
Loved this!
Very sweet story. Couldn’t put this book down. Cried buckets along with Jen. Truly a captivating story and interesting characters. This series grabs ahold of your heart.
Very sweet story. Couldn’t put this book down. Cried buckets along with Jen. Truly a captivating story and interesting characters. This series grabs ahold of your heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews