Jennifer Rodewald has penned a deeply moving and very authentic look at marriage and what happens when things just don’t go the way we had dreamed. If you’re looking for realistic Christian fiction that addresses real-life issues, this is definitely a book for you.
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About the Book:
Brandi and Ethan are a young couple who got engaged and married within a year of meeting. They were in love and knew that their love would carry them through any circumstances. Soon afterward, they were matched with a foster daughter So-J, which added a dimension of stress that neither expected. Brandi soon finds herself disillusioned with foster parenting as she just can’t seem to connect to So-J, and disillusioned with marriage as well. Ethan connects with So-J, but can’t seem to live up to Brandi’s expectations and feels unfulfilled with his life and choices. Is there hope for this broken marriage, made up of two broken people?
My Thoughts:
This is not a “hearts and flowers” romantic tale of two people finding their way to each other. This novel is an exploration of what happens afterward. And what happens afterward is not always easy and not always pretty. I’ve been married over twenty years, and even I could see a bit of myself in this couple, especially when it comes to being loving in a sacrificial way. This book is the third in a series, however I have not read the first two and this tale easily stands alone. There are some characters from other books, but it’s not necessary to read them to follow this story.
I did not care for Brandi at all. She grated on me throughout the entire book, and even by the end I had barely warmed to her. She has a very selfish, controlling attitude, and expects everyone around her (including herself) to be perfect. Ethan is a bit better, and for whatever reason I could identify with him even though he was immature about his “lost opportunities.” I could see a bit of many men (and women) I know, longing for the road they stepped back from while still trying to make the best of their life.
I’ve struggled a bit with writing this review, because this isn’t a cute romance story with everything working out in a lighthearted way. This is a tough book, but very authentic and very relatable, no matter how long you have been married or in a relationship. Learning how to love each other in the way that God loves us–sacrificially–even though we are broken people, is a difficult lesson, but one that can help make an enduring marriage.
Bottom Line:
Rodewald’s book is realistic and not always comfortable. Yet it’s a tale that will resonate with married people and maybe help you to grow in your relationship and your faith.
