When Holly Holton is willed a house by a great uncle she met only one time, she’s confused but happy. As guardian to her fifteen-year-old half-sister, with whom she doesn’t get along, she hopes that moving will be a catalyst for change in their relationship. The young women fall in love with their new home, but unfortunately, are unaware of a condition of home ownership that may destroy their newfound happiness. Much is at stake, particularly for Holly and handsome neighbor Ryan McGraw. The two develop feelings for one another—but will a series of obstacles prevent the two from finding happiness together? Or will God assure a happy ending for all?
Rosemarie Naramore's fondest desire has always been to write fiction. She was delighted when her first romance novel, "Just in Time," was published by Avalon Books. She went on to write three other lighthearted romances for Avalon--"Armed and Disarming," "The Detour," and "Lacey's Homecoming," as well as a mystery entitled "The Listing Agent." When Amazon acquired Avalon in 2012, her second mystery/police procedural, "Deputy Down," was published under the Thomas & Mercer imprint. She is pleased that her romance novels have been released by Amazon under their Montlake imprint.
When you let God in and have a relationship with him he looks after you. I enjoyed reading about Holly Holton a simple kind hearted women who puts others before herself. I enjoyed reading about her half sister Brianna how their relationship growed and developed into a beautiful friendship. Holly inherits her great uncle’s house out of state and they pack up and leave their old life behind in hopes of a new start and new life to settle and be happy and they receive even more than that. Holly never expected to fall in love with a handsome cowboy but his hiding a big secret. This story is about putting your trust in God in everything you do and following God’s will which can lead to happiness. A lovely Christian romance story that all will enjoy!
I loved this sweet story of faith, family and love. I really liked Holly, Brianna, Annabelle and Ryan. Holly has had a rough life, but it hasn't dampened her faith in God. She takes in her half-sister after their dad and Brianna's mom die in a car crash and is slowly paying off the bills that accumulated due to her own mother's final illness. There were moments that were sweet and funny as well as serious moments.
Enjoyed the story and the characters. I appreciate how Christ-centered the story was, and admired the faith the main character, Holly, demonstrates. Holly hasn't had an idyllic childhood (made her easy to relate to, because mine was similar) but Holly credits The Lord for drawing close to her and helping her to stay positive and count her blessings, rather than focus on what is missing or the many things that have gone wrong for her. Her faith is truly remarkable. Even aside from her faith, Holly has other great qualities. She has an extraordinarily strong work ethic, agape love for the little sister she was never allowed to get to know, devotion to her family (going so far as to agree to take responsibility for thousands of dollars worth of medical bills so a relative can get treatment that only prolonged her life another six months), she seems to be book-smart and have good common sense, she sticks to her guns, she's humble, noble and kind. She listens before she speaks, believes the best about everyone and never loses her temper. She really is a "cream of the crop" altruistic character. I wish I were more like her.
The one criticism I have is that she (Holly) seemed a little old-fashioned/stale in the words and phrases she used. It could be a personality quirk or simply a regional thing, but it came across as if the book had been written several decades ago or that Holly was much older than she should have been. Some of the phrases and words she used I've only heard out of my grandmother's mouth. It took away from the story a little, because I'd pause every time she said something odd. She's supposed to be young (younger than me) with only two years of community college under her belt, but it kept tripping me up that she'd say some of the things that she did. (Ex: "with..my propensity for finding people's castoff furniture on the sides of local roadways," "your logic is sound," "on the contrary" and other old-fashioned words you just don't hear anymore.) Annabelle and Ryan, too. (Ex: "Out for your Sunday constitutional?" "he sensed her discomfiture," and "did you just insinuate we're simpletons?") But the younger sister, Brianna, spoke like a current, typical (normal) teenager.
She also "gave herself a shake," quite often. I have no idea if this is a physical shaking of her body or mental u-turn kind of thing? Strange wording.
Overall, I enjoyed the characters and felt it was a good story. But not one of my favorites.
I enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and I could relate to them. However some of the conversation was a little forced and the ending was very abrupt.
I felt the storyline was plausible. Holly struggled to make a home for her half sister even though her sister wasn't receptive. Holly felt a new start in a new location might be the answer. So they drove with their belongings to a house that was willed to her by a great uncle she had only met once. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good storyline.
This was an ok book. It was very predictable but sweet. I'm a Christian and knew this was a Christian book but I don't agree with some of the Christian principles in this novel, but this is neither the time nor place to discuss doctrinal differences. Overall a quick, clean read with the expected "Happily Ever After" ending.
It was a decent book but has some grammatical errors. At one point the author wrote Holly when it should have been Brianna. It was also a tad predictable but overall okay.
This story makes you wrap your mind around all the things you take into consideration in your day to day activities, and how you respond to different situations that arise.
This novel was a real page turner. I loved the characters and the whole plot. It was one of the best contemporary Christian romances I have read, and I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good Christian romance.