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felinity's review against another edition
4.0
Here we have the character-building and gentle romance of Karen Kingsbury combined with the relationship savvy of Gary Smalley to show us a marriage ripped apart by infidelity, the addictiveness of a new relationship, the hormonal rush and created high it brings, and the devastation that follows in its wake.
It also shows that as there are two people in a marriage, each contributing to it - for better or for worse - there are also two sides to any breakup. Kari's forced introspection helps her to understand her part in Tim's distance, and after all she has her own temptation to resist.
They're not afraid to question God (Why did this happen? How could this happen?) and the answer seems to be that we must remember God views things from a different perspective, seeing the complete Monet rather than the brush strokes viewable up close.
The impending crisis from Dirk felt very artificial, but otherwise this was a great read, one which reiterates and demonstrates one of Gary Smalley's key points: that love is a decision, not a feeling, and that marriage is something both parties need to work at.
It also shows that as there are two people in a marriage, each contributing to it - for better or for worse - there are also two sides to any breakup. Kari's forced introspection helps her to understand her part in Tim's distance, and after all she has her own temptation to resist.
They're not afraid to question God (Why did this happen? How could this happen?) and the answer seems to be that we must remember God views things from a different perspective, seeing the complete Monet rather than the brush strokes viewable up close.
The impending crisis from Dirk felt very artificial, but otherwise this was a great read, one which reiterates and demonstrates one of Gary Smalley's key points: that love is a decision, not a feeling, and that marriage is something both parties need to work at.
mtaylor414's review against another edition
3.0
This was a book loaned to me by my mother-in-law. It was really good but extremely depressing. The series is about the Baxter family drama so I'm not sure if I will read the others or not. I have the second one at home, but I think I need a break from the sadness. I need something uplifting or funny to read now. :) All in all though, it was a good story.
mechapman80's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.5
stacyculler's review against another edition
4.0
I read several books in this series and really like Karen Kingsbury as a Christian author.
thatisagreatread's review against another edition
4.0
I had my doubts in the beginning, but was pleasantly surprised at how much I actually enjoyed this first book. Then again, I loved reading the Twilight Series and these books are similar....with a Christian spin to them. The character development was excellent and the books are a quick read (again, similar to Twilight). Just like Twilight, the first 150 pages are spent introducing you to each of the characters, but once you get past all the "introductions" and get into the story, the story is actually quite intriguing....making you want to quickly get to the end and pick up the next book in the series. The story, while sometimes somewhat predictable, still sucked me in and I found myself crying through several chapters.
I will say this: these books are not for those who are skeptical or critical about Christianity. If you are like this, or just a literature snob in general, don't even bother reading them. You will be disappointed.
I will say this: these books are not for those who are skeptical or critical about Christianity. If you are like this, or just a literature snob in general, don't even bother reading them. You will be disappointed.
mcbaas's review against another edition
4.0
This book got me hooked on Karen Kingsbury. I loved Kari's character.
abigailkayharris's review against another edition
4.0
This is my least favorite book by Kingsbury . . . But it isn’t her fault, I just didn’t love the themes of the plot. It was a good story of redemption though I feel that that it ended too easily with the murder just because one of the characters was in love with another person – their high school crush even. sighs I didn’t like it but otherwise, it was pretty good through better for 17/19 up and I’m only giving 2 and 1/2 stars. Not a favorite but it was all right, I guess.
stepgg's review against another edition
I was quite disappointed by this book. it wasn't a bad book persay but after reading Karen's Oceans Apart, I had high expectations of this book. I found it to be lacking a good story, and could have used some more. maybe part of the problem was I just got angry withthe characters n thought they were being dumb. I did not care for tims character. I also find it hard to agree with taking someone back after an affair so maybe that was part of my problem. I shall try the next one and hope it is better
cadie_quick's review against another edition
5.0
This book!!!!!!! AAHHHHHH! I can’t even form proper sentences. I fell in love with these characters. I didn’t want it to end.
mswrightwright's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful read with a great lesson on listening to God and forgiveness.