This is another book that came to me through two friends. I picked this one because I seemed to remember reading the author before and liking her stories.

I rated this book a bit higher than I do most Love Inspired books. Instead of being strictly romance, the author did put in a second plot about fighting to keep the family store. It also did discuss several parts of the Christian faith (unlike others in the series where faith isn't much mentioned). There's a strong family at the center (The Howells) and a nice small town (Serendipity).

I somehow doubt though that the victory over the Stay-n-Shop corporates would have been as easy as this book makes it out to be.

I feel sad that Will's father perpetuated the myth that church is only for good people. I feel sad that Will's father made Will feel like a failure in life. The reality is that to God, none of us are good (except Jesus). It's only through Jesus's sacrifice that we are made "good enough" to stand before God. I like that Will is trying to make his daughter's childhood experience different from his own.

The dislikes: if you analyze the plot, from the time that Samantha and Will meet each other to when they get engaged is not very long. (If this was reality, I'd encourage a good, long engagement to be sure each is what the other thinks they are.)

Favorite quote: "It's just the waiting I can't stand. I need an decision, one way or another, so I can move on with my life." I can relate, Samantha. I can relate. ( )