One of the first things that grabbed my attention while reading Debra Ullrick’s book, Déjà vu Bride, was the main character, Erik Cole’s, focus on God, especially when he was distracted by a beautiful woman. I really liked how he is portrayed as morally responsible and God fearing, focused on living an upright Christian life. Here is a line from the book that describes him to a T: “He was not the type of man to think outside the box of marriage. His morals ran too deep for that.” What a refreshing change from other books I’ve read. Easy-going and affable, Erik is a gentleman and treats everyone that way – not just Olivia, the woman to whom he is attracted.
An easy book to be drawn into, Déjà vu Bride is a sweet romance with a colorful cast of characters, from Aunt Adell Preston to Olivia Roseman, Olivia’s friend Audra, and Erik Cole, along with his employees and family members. Debra describes Olivia’s plight so well I felt sorry for her, knowing she had no money and finding myself actually wanting to leave a bag of groceries on her doorstep so she wouldn’t go hungry. From the first time she meets Erik and his family, Olivia is overwhelmed by the welcome she receives, their kindness and generosity and love she experiences.
Debra described the scenes in the book in enough detail that I could visualize exactly what was happening – in the workshop, at Olivia’s living quarters, during the church service, on the racetrack – making the book come to life in a way that caused me to want to participate in what was happening. In addition, I learned more about monster trucks as well as detailing them and racing them than I ever knew existed!
I liked Erik and Olivia’s easygoing teasing and the moments of humor which lightened up the sadder parts of the story where we get a glimpse of Olivia’s hurtful past. Not knowing exactly how to respond to Olivia’s emotional rollercoaster and the hurt and unforgiveness she holds in her heart, Erik handles her with care and treads lightly while pursuing a romantic relationship with her, not pushing her in any way, but relying on God’s guidance and wisdom to show him what to do. He is sensitive to God’s promptings, while at the same time, Olivia is trying to avoid God and deny His divine intervention in her life.
The reader is treated to a close-up view of Olivia’s transformation, and I thought that God speaking to her so clearly through the preacher’s sermon was a great touch. This really helped Olivia sees how God was working in her life all along, and that He had not abandoned nor punished her for the things she has said and done like she thought He had been doing.
This is an entertaining story, one I enjoyed reading and think you will too.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive one, and the opinions expressed here are my own.