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angelamichelle's review
4.0
When I began this book I thought it would be a wade in the shallow end--just a nice story. But the more I read, the more I loved it. This sweet story tackles the sticky question of how God's love for us is manifest even during the worst afflictions. God's ways are not our ways, but God is always watching over us. Highly recommended.
coolbaud's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
debs4jc's review
4.0
I fell in love with the characters in this book as I experienced their triumphs and heartbreaks and spiritual pilgrimages. I was rooting for Penny Goodrich, hoping that she would overcome the horrible criticisms of her overprotective parents and learn to stand on her own two feet. I was heartbroken for Esther and Peter, the grandchildren of Penny's next door neighbor who are devastated when their father leaves them to join the army (the story is set during World War II). I was most touched by Mr. Mendel, however, Peter and Esther's Jewish landlord is suffering deeply from grief following the death of his wife. These characters are all brought together when Penny volunteers to watch the children while Eddie, their father, is away fighting in the war--since his wife died in an accident and the children's grandmother refuses to take them in. As the characters struggle with their hopes and dreams--for romance, for a lost son to be found they also begin to share their struggles with one another--especially Mr. Mendel, who doubts God (or Hashim, as he calls Him) after his wife's death but who hesitatingly starts to share his faith traditions with his neighbors. The characters end up going on a journey of healing together that results in a satisfying ending.
This book resonated with me, sometimes on a fairly deep level as I pondered Mr. Mendel's spiritual journey. Yet is had a lot of warmhearted scenes and it was fun to see Penny develop as a character as she gradually transformed from a woman afraid of her own shadow to a vibrant, independent young women. I heartily recommend it to fans of historical romances, especially if they enjoy books that get them thinking about issues of faith.
This book resonated with me, sometimes on a fairly deep level as I pondered Mr. Mendel's spiritual journey. Yet is had a lot of warmhearted scenes and it was fun to see Penny develop as a character as she gradually transformed from a woman afraid of her own shadow to a vibrant, independent young women. I heartily recommend it to fans of historical romances, especially if they enjoy books that get them thinking about issues of faith.
aburgess15's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. it was a nice, feel good book about a girl who finds out who she really is by taking a chance on love!
guylou's review
4.0
This book is surprisingly good! It follows the recipe of a well written book. It has great characters, countless contrasts and abundant conflicts. I had some doubts before starting to read it because it is categorized as a Christian book. In my past experience with Christian books, I noticed that the story is often lost among all the preaching. It is not the case with this book. As a matter of a fact, the book has great historical facts and beautiful moral values.
The story is set during World War II. I can easily tell that the author researched the period well and stayed true to the events of the time. There are many characters in the story and they come in and out of each other lives. Nevertheless, the reader does not get lost as the book is well structured and each character has an important part to play in the revealing of the story. I really enjoyed it and recommend it!
The story is set during World War II. I can easily tell that the author researched the period well and stayed true to the events of the time. There are many characters in the story and they come in and out of each other lives. Nevertheless, the reader does not get lost as the book is well structured and each character has an important part to play in the revealing of the story. I really enjoyed it and recommend it!
sarah_reading_party's review
5.0
this book was wayyy better than i could ever have imagined! i read this book in one day. it's one of the most unique world war two books i've read, in that it centers around the relationship between christian children and an older jewish man in brooklyn. i loved how much of a character story this was, especially set against a familiar backdrop. love this author!
megrosen88's review
4.0
Though very simply written, I kept returning to this book despite having others on my Kindle at the same time. I loved the WWII setting and the cataloging of current events within the lives of the characters. The author so beautifully weaves the Christian and Jewish faiths together. As someone who has experienced traditions of each, she perfectly describes each facet of faith while also allowing the reader to take his or her own journey. Very good read.
mpdarby's review
3.0
A pleasant story about how a community in Brooklyn deals with World War II. I really enjoyed the characters' story and seeing how the war affected so many people differently.