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erincataldi's review against another edition
2.0
This was a cute, heart wrenching, and mildly predictable but still enjoyable christian romance. Country singer, Sara Evans, and Rachel Hauck team up to write this sappy, endearing novel about redemption, heart break, and true love. Jade has an ugly past. Her parents all but abandoned her and her brother and sister and let their grandmother raise them while she was off living vicariously from man to man. When Jade turns sixteen she secretly marries her high school sweetheart only to have her heart broken. Now in her thirties and engaged, Jade begins to have doubts. Can she ever leave the past in the past? Confide in her fiance? Forgive her hippie mother? Find Jesus?
For a Christian romance I was impressed. It wasn't overly Godly and the characters had real, relatable flaws.
For a Christian romance I was impressed. It wasn't overly Godly and the characters had real, relatable flaws.
crimk's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kdurham2's review
4.0
A wonderful story that kept me reading until the very end and made me even more excited to know that there is book two already on my nook ready to start! You find yourself wrapped into a story where there are quite a few mysteries that you are trying to figure out throughout the book. I loved how the reader was kept just as much out of the loop as the characters and we learn about the history that makes these characters who they are as they share them with others in the story.
The mother/daughter strained relationship was wonderful to read because you were able to find out piece by piece why they were not in communication currently and what kept them at odds with each other. I couldn't believe all the history that this family had and all the drama their shaky foundation tried to withstand.
A wonderful piece of women's fiction that I am recommeding to all readers; no matter your age, this book is worth the read.
The mother/daughter strained relationship was wonderful to read because you were able to find out piece by piece why they were not in communication currently and what kept them at odds with each other. I couldn't believe all the history that this family had and all the drama their shaky foundation tried to withstand.
A wonderful piece of women's fiction that I am recommeding to all readers; no matter your age, this book is worth the read.
marshmallowbooks's review
3.0
A read that made me consider the many things that people consider worth hiding or keeping away from those they love. And the number of cases when the decision to do so is not the best choice.
plettr's review
3.0
I'm not sure what to make of this book.
The book is more about the Jade & her mother's relationship than a romance between Jade & Max (who are engaged to be married). I agreed with the author that God can change a person and fix/heal relationships... But I believe that it still takes work, work, work (and time).
When an author deliberately leaves information out of the story to create suspense, I feel cheated. And I don't think that is a creative way of writing.
The second book in this series seems to have an interesting story line, so I hope it will deliver.
The book is more about the Jade & her mother's relationship than a romance between Jade & Max (who are engaged to be married). I agreed with the author that God can change a person and fix/heal relationships... But I believe that it still takes work, work, work (and time).
When an author deliberately leaves information out of the story to create suspense, I feel cheated. And I don't think that is a creative way of writing.
The second book in this series seems to have an interesting story line, so I hope it will deliver.
hezann73's review
4.0
I loved the story, but the audio made distinguishing between the characters a little difficult.
ladrumm's review
4.0
It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Rachel Hauck, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review The Sweet By and By. It is a heartwarming story of the ties that bind a family, of finding faith you didn't know existed, and having the courage to forgive yourself. Was the ending a little too perfect? Definitely, but the relationship between Jade and Beryl, and ultimately, the relationship Jade has with herself, is heartbreaking and hopeful. Who couldn't use a little perfect every now and then? A very promising debut by Sara Evans.
nicolelovesbooks's review
4.0
This was truly a sweet book. It had some intense aspects to the storyline- definitely not a cotton candy read, but was hopeful overall. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.