Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination.
When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have wronged them, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again.
My Thoughts:
I did not know this was the beginning of a new series, and I admit my feelings about the book completely changed once I picked up on this little fact.
This book features two stories - one present day, and one set during the Great Depression. The characters have so much in common though. A young love, destroyed for various reasons, and characters who turn to God to ask for help in putting their lives back together.
I thought this book was well written and the characters developed in a very deep manner. I loved watching the love between Jessica and Ridley develop, but I loved, even more, watching Andrew work so hard to save his marriage and provide for his family during the Great Depression. I thought his love for God, his love for his wife, and his determination were a perfect example of the type of men this world needs today. I loved watching his faith carry him along in every decision he made.
I also loved when Jessica decided to get back to life and face the truths present in her marriage before her husband and daughter died. Once she made that tough decision, I really appreciated the woman she became and her willingness to let Ridley into her life.
I look forward to reading the following books in this series. I know Andrew's story is going to continue and I cannot wait to see how it merges into the present day.
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