Rhonda McKnight

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“Not sure what to say about this book, but I'll do my best to express my thoughts and opinion. It was definitely interesting for the most part, but there were a few places I skimmed because the content was a bit blah. The story had some touching scenes, especially around the death of Ruthy's...”

“Not sure what to say about this book, but I'll do my best to express my thoughts and opinion. It was definitely interesting for the most part, but there were a few places I skimmed because the content was a bit blah. The story had some touching scenes, especially around the death of Ruthy's mother. At the same time, there were realistic doubts and conflicts between characters. I found that refreshing and honest. Everything wasn't painted as rosy and perfect. That's not real life.

There was some harsh language, but it tended to be mainly in the thoughts of the one pastor's wife who didn't believe in God, so she wouldn't filter her thoughts or clean them up anyway. It was hard to tell if the author of this book sees the church as a do-good charity type organization where people had good intentions - well, at least some of them - because at the same time she portrayed some of the characters as solidly religious, almost like they were crafty, narrow minded, or stupid - like blind sheep who followed power hungry people. Some of them just plain scared me because they were so controlling and hateful.

Even the Bible verses quoted by characters were in King James English. I don't know anyone who reads that version anymore because it's too hard to understand. Plus, usually when the verses were quoted, it was to make a point or to control someone through religious guilt. The fact that the core church in the book was a bit weird with the rock band, smoke machines, and dancing in the aisles, not to mention the ministry focused on "all religions leading to the same God," was a bit off-putting. Most churches are not in favor of a "one world religion" and are not filled with con artists. Then again, maybe I've just attended good ones where the focus is on growing closer to each other as a community, serving others, and loving the same Jesus.

Anyway, all that to say I wouldn't recommend this book. I never really connected with the characters. They felt shallow to me. I wanted to feel their pain and to connect with them. I understood their desire to run away at times and how they often felt abandoned by their husbands, but I never really "felt" a true connection with them. I wanted to relate to them like real people who could be my friends, but I just wasn't feeling it.
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“i loved this book had me enthralled all the way to the end”

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MichelleSutton reviewed a book.

“I really enjoyed the historical aspects of this story and the pictures the author included. The emotional bonding that took place between characters over various incidents that occurred at the fair was well done. I appreciated the insight the author had into a number of issues. One had to do with...”

“I really enjoyed the historical aspects of this story and the pictures the author included. The emotional bonding that took place between characters over various incidents that occurred at the fair was well done. I appreciated the insight the author had into a number of issues. One had to do with how the belief in someone's abilities and admiration of them as a person will increase their feelings for each other. Especially men. They want the woman they are attracted to also believe in them as a person and what they can do, not just the length of time they had known each other. That makes for a stronger kind of love; one that leads to a passionate marriage rather than just a comfortable one.

The hero, Cullen, was very likable, but also quite manly. The description of his physique was quite hot, actually. I enjoyed how the author used the need for him to learn how to lip read as a way to meet the woman he became attracted to and make it difficult for him to learn from her by putting them in a number of private situations. That was great when it came to developing tension between them. His fierce protectiveness of her made me love him more. He was a good guy and cared deeply about a number of things, including loyalty. One of his most intense issues was his need to put out fires to save lives. He got to the point where he had to rely on God to see him through some tough issues. I loved that he grieved along with Della during a tragic time at the fair. It helped bond them even more. That was very well done.

The heroine, Della, was a sweetheart as well. The way her feelings slowly developed for the hero was touching. The scene with the little girl in her class was a tear-jerker, but it really made Della think about what the kids experienced from being separated from their parents. Della had her own frailties, but she was a tough lady. Her response to seeing the hero's buff physique made me smile. I felt like I was touching those ripped muscles. And that first kiss... whew! Great romantic tension. She got a bit skittish at times when she felt like she couldn't trust him, but she came around and that made me admire her more. Very enjoyable story.”

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