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christygsp's review against another edition
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Mixed feelings.
The second half was definitely the best half. I don’t ordinarily like the “misunderstanding” trope, so that probably contributed to the plot not hitting as many marks as I had hoped.
Bethany’s writing is always great though, and her incredible humour shone through more so in the second half.
I liked the handling of the serious relationship topics with a Christian perspective. I think she did a great job.
Overall, I think the first half could have been shorter, last half longer or more explored. But it was still a nice little read.
Content warning: closed door romance.
The second half was definitely the best half. I don’t ordinarily like the “misunderstanding” trope, so that probably contributed to the plot not hitting as many marks as I had hoped.
Bethany’s writing is always great though, and her incredible humour shone through more so in the second half.
I liked the handling of the serious relationship topics with a Christian perspective. I think she did a great job.
Overall, I think the first half could have been shorter, last half longer or more explored. But it was still a nice little read.
Content warning: closed door romance.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content
imlaurenshelton's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Deliberating over the 🌟 rating to give is the hardest part of this review - I’m truly appreciative of Christian Fiction writers, so I want to automatically give 5🌟 BUT, this book missed some opportunities to really address some things brought up and instead leaves it kind of open. It’s also incredibly cheesy, but who would expect anything less from a romance novel?
Spoilers below:
As someone saving herself for marriage, I appreciate the nod towards doing so (I’ve yet to see someone write a character that actually makes it to marriage, which is a little frustrating but I digress).The couple in this book engages in premarital sex which becomes a point of contention for them, totally understandable. However, everything is explained away by the characters asking God to forgive them and receiving forgiveness - which is completely accurate, God is gracious and forgiving. However, it kind of puts a “sex is bad” idea in its framework, I believe unintentionally and misses the opportunity to address the mishandling of purity within the Christian community. It would have been nice to see an explanation as to why remaining pure is important instead of “it’s just what you’re supposed to do”. There’s a brief discussion between Cadie and her mom about the “sex fiasco” but it’s brushed aside to discuss the proposal issue, never addressing what Cadie is actually feeling and never really letting readers know that shame is not from God and He loves them no matter what. I just feel like it really missed an opportunity here to pour into young women’s lives and let them know their value isn’t tied to their ability to save sex for marriage or not.
Spoilers below:
As someone saving herself for marriage, I appreciate the nod towards doing so (I’ve yet to see someone write a character that actually makes it to marriage, which is a little frustrating but I digress).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Pregnancy
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