It's one of those left-home-for big-city-dreams-only-to-get that-dream-shattered-and-have-to-move-back-home kind of stories...However, for the characters of Marisa St. George and Blake Kendall, this isn't a run of the mill "coming home" novel.
Located in Texas Hill Country, Marisa St. George comes back home to Dupree, Texas after her job in Atlanta has ended. Dismayed, she returns, but soon finds interest in Blake Kendall, friend and guest of her new employers. But, Blake and Marisa have skeletons in their closet...Can Marisa learn to forgive and forget and can Blake learn to share himself with the world?
This is the third novel by Amanda Cabot that I've read. It is
the first contemporary Christian fiction book of hers that I've read, and I
must say. I was very impressed! Ms. Cabot has developed characters that are like onions: they have
many layers, provide some reading flavor and can even make you cry.
The lead characters are not perfect--as
none of us are, which in turn makes them believable--even tho Blake has
an interesting profession (and that's all I can say...) Even the
secondary characters have those onion layers as well.
In Firefly Valley is the second in Ms. Cabot's "Texas Crossroads" series. I have not read the first one, but this one can be read out of sequence and it still make sense to the reader.
I would not consider this a light read, as there is excellent character development and some plot twists, as well as recognition given to some serious struggles with effects of alcoholism. Much thought was also given to how we can lose track of our journey with God and we witness that restoration in this book. We also witness characters with a strong faith already.
Overall, it was a very good book. My only complaint (and I've observed this in some of Ms. Cabot's other books) is her use of throwing two helping verbs together, like "Blake had had a good time." (that is totally an example and not a line from the book). I know what she is saying, but to read it, I stumble over it. Maybe just eliminate one of the "had"'s? I'm not a grammar aficionado by any means, but one "had" I think would still be correct and give the same past tense thought. Other than that, an excellent book. I would say 4.75 stars (out of 5)!!!
(I was given this book for free by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
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Roscoe
A good walking buddy and awesome frisbee catcher! Life cut short by a brain tumor.
Tuffy
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Ever wonder why it's called "Life On CT Farm"? The horse you see in the pictures is Cranky Thomas, a registered quarter horse gelding. He was born May 5, 1980 in Galion, Alabama and passed away August 3, 2004 on CT Farm--his farm. He originally belonged to my husband, but I adopted him and I think he adopted me. We competed together in contest classes at local horse shows. But, an old injury finally slowed him down and I retired him in 2000. He was a loving and patient being that I completely trusted and admired. There will never be another like him, never. He meant so much to me that I named our farm after him as well as my company, Cranky T. LLC. He's gone now, but is still with me and now you.
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