Book Review: Who I Am With You - Robin Lee Hatcher

A few days ago, I looked at all the books on my bookshelf that have not been read, and then I opened my Google Books app, followed by my Kobo app, followed by my Amazon app, and thought, as I browsed the hundreds of unread titles available to me, that I just didn't have anything to read.

For a non-reader, I'm sure this sounds absurd - hundreds of titles, but nothing to read?  How can that be?  It's much like a woman with a walk-in closet full of amazing clothes and shoes who just can't find the right outfit.  Or my kids after we've done groceries and have a fridge full of food who can't quite find something to eat.


So I joined NetGalley as an attempt to prevent any droughts in my reading choices.  I requested a fine number of books, and much to my surprise was awarded the privilege of reading more than I expected within the first 24 hours.  Now I feel pressure... must read the books.  Must do them justice.



The first title I chose to read was Robin Lee Hatcher's novel, Who I Am With You, the first title in the Legacy of Faith series, published December 11, 2018.  It's a brand-spankin'-new title.   I'm glad I put it on the list.


For those not familiar with Ms. Hatcher, she is a best-selling, award-winning author of over 75 books, well known for her Christian fiction and winner of the much coveted RITA award.  In other words, the lady has talent.


I will preface the review I left on Goodreads (copied below) by mentioning that I often find Christian fiction can be trite, dry, or patronizing.  I didn't find any of that with this book.  There was a great flow, flawed characters, and faith that was tested but prevailed.  It works for me.


This is my official review of the novel:


"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


I have read a few of Ms. Hatcher's novels through the years and they never fail to disappoint. Who I Am With You was easy to read, a bit slow to start, but sweet and gentle in its storytelling. 


I quite enjoyed the glimpses of the family patriarch's story intertwined into the present, and the idea of a family Bible being passed down through the generations was appreciated. (It makes me wonder who has my Oma's well-worn copy, which she read daily without fail.)

With elements of human frailty, loss, heartache, faith, hope, forgiveness, and yes, romance, this title was a pleasant way to pass a Sunday afternoon. The characters could perhaps have been developed a little more fully for a deeper reading experience, but overall I enjoyed the book and the embedded theme of God's faithfulness throughout generations. I will be adding the next title to my TBR pile and look forward to discovering more about the Henning family."

Happy reading, my friends - I hope your bookshelves are overflowing with remarkable titles!  If you happen to pick up a copy of this one, be sure to share your thoughts below.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Home Sweet Home (or Time Flies When You're Having Fun)

Goodbye Goodnites!

Incredibly Delicious Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls