Jocie Brooke has never wanted for love, despite the fact that she hardly remembers her mother. Jocie’s father, preacher David Brooke, has done his best to be both father and mother to his daughter. Even Jocie’s spinster Great-aunt Love, who’s slowly going senile, cares for Jocie in her own stern way. But in their small town of Hollyhill, Kentucky, painful secrets lie just beneath the surface, and … and inquisitive spirits discover surprising truths. There’s a reason why Aunt Love hides behind black dresses and a stoic countenance. And David takes his morning walks not just for quiet solitude, but to wrestle with the past.
Full of stories of lost loves and the trials of small-town living, this heartwarming novel explores the journey of faith and family.
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The Scent of Lilacs is about a complicated family. Jocie was deserted by her mother as a child and has always wondered why her mother took her sister with her and left her behind. I liked how the author made you understand Jocie’s feelings about entering high school and questions she had. You’ll enjoy Jocie’s attempts at matchmaking for her …
This was a really interesting book as Jocie, finds that her past is not as she had thought it would be. The events of her life are dramatic, concerning and poignant at times. As she continues to make new discoveries, she finds, even things she was sure and certain about are not so real and accurate.
This is a touching book of feelings, hurts, …
I loved this book. Such vivid descriptions of nature and unique characters. I didn’t want it to end. So glad it’s only the first of the series. Fans of Jan Karon’s Mitford series might enjoy this book.
The narrator did a fine job of capturing the enthusiasm of a teenaged girl, as well as the other characters.
There are a couple of sound …
The characters make the story realistic but the story itself is worthy of reading because it is so close to real life in the time period of its setting. And the struggles faced by people in a time when people did not share much about their past with even their family. Heart warming and full of surprise. Linda
My mom read this book and gave me her tablet so I could read it, too. It’s a Christian inspirational set in a small town, not overly preachy in the Bible details (at least to me) and tackling some real-life human situations. I thought the main character, Jocie, often sounded younger than the thirteen she’s listed as being. The story is slightly …
It started slow for me. I began reading it, then stopped and read other books. Finally, determined to finish it, I opened it up again and didn’t stop until the end.
The characters have their own quirky personalities. I giggle at Jocie’s innocence & thoughts and at the way Wes speaks. It’s really entertaining and at times inspiring to seek God, to …
I really enjoyed reading this book.
This is the first in a series of three books with the same characters. I love the characters and the dialogue. If you read this one you will want to read the other two,
It’s been awhile since I read this book, but after reading it, I read several others by Ann Gabhart and enjoyed them all.
I loved this story! It was different than the type of story I normally gravitate to. It is historical, but not as far back in history as I typically read. It’s the story of people who face real-life issues, real-life hurts and disappointments, and are part of a real-life family. And it was told mostly through the eyes of a child. That’s different, …
I thought this was an excellent book and was happy that I found a new author.
Good book reflecting life in a family good and not so good. Shows how ministers and their families are just regular people.
Highly recommend
Touching story told in a creative, uplifting style.