It happened many years ago, in 1968, to be exact. I’d just turned eighteen and Bobby and I were so in love. Or, so I’d thought.I was the good girl. The one who always followed the rules and obeyed Momma and Daddy. My sister, on the other hand, was a different story. While she certainly wasn’t the worst sinner on the block, she did manage to find her share of trouble – many times dragging me into … me into it. But, of course, Daddy always knew I was the innocent one…
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This read happens back in the sixties and a different time and place, but the heartbreak is the same.
The author shows us some of the anguish these young people go through with their decisions, young and sewing wild oats, maybe, but there is more, and some of these split-second choices cause a life long suffering.
Getting to the point of forgiveness is a difficult road, secrets abound, and there are a lot of hurts, but all things are possible with God, and all need to find their way to the right path.
A page turning read about the difficult choices made and the consequences that follow, and the long road to forgiveness.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
This is the first book by Michelynn Christy and Brandi Gabriel that I have read. It’s an interesting book focusing on grace and forgiveness of God and the grace and forgiveness that the people of Christ can extend. The book deals with some tough issues in the 1960s that are still relevant today. The storyline is intriguing with some well-placed surprises and twists. Though the main characters Donna, Bobby, and Rick are well-meaning, imperfect, real characters, I unfortunately didn’t connect with them. The dialogue felt a bit flat and their thought processes seemed a bit scattered and one-dimensional. I really dislike love triangles so perhaps I was biased while trying to immerse myself in the threesome’s story.
The reminder that God forgives our sins, even the ones we feel are unforgivable because the consequences of the sins have hurt others, is powerful and the struggle the main characters endure to forgive themselves and each other is tangible.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tour. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
The story is set in 1968 but it is one that is relevant even today. I related to Donna because like her, I was a preacher’s kid. I felt like everyone was watching me just waiting for me to mess up. For some reason preacher’s kids are held more accountable by others. What people don’t realize is that anyone can sin no matter who they are or what their upbringing is. I walked on egg shells around my dad praying that I wouldn’t disappoint him. My childhood was quite different than Donna’s but in a way very similar. As children we all want to please our parents. We hunger for their love and protection. The author captured a moment of weakness and has written a story that explodes with emotion. I cried through the entire book and even now I shed tears because the story is so eloquently written.
The best way to review this book is for me to tell you how much God loves us. It doesn’t matter what we do, He is there waiting with open arms. I know the feeling of not being loved. I know what it feels like to make a decision that changes your life. Donna, in a vulnerable moment makes a choice that will have a chain reaction of guilt, loss, hurt and secrets for many years to come. It is hard to live with a secret and in this story , the author explores with great transparency how one secret can destroy many lives. I loved the three main characters and thought the author did an amazing job of allowing readers to identify with each one.
In the story Donna experiences the fear of rejection and the hurtful words said by people who judge without thinking. I am reminded of what I heard one time. “ You don’t know what someone is really feeling until you walk in their shoes.” I hope this book will touch many and be reminded that you are forgiven.
I received a copy of this book by Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.