Hometown Promise by Merrillee Whren was first published in 2010, and it feels like a novel written 12 years ago. I have complicated feelings and can't write this review without spoilers.
Plot summary: While attending college together, Juliane Keller thought Lukas Frye was cute and a talented stage actor, but after he assaulted her with an unwanted kiss while he was drunk, she completely distanced herself from him. Imagine her shock to see him years later at her church choir practice ... and then she learns he's the lead male in a pageant where she's the female lead.
Lukas has changed a lot since his youth. He's in recovery for alcoholism and has a good job that brought him to Kellersburg. As an added benefit, he can help and reconnect with his grandfather Ferd. He has vague memories of Juliane from college, but alcohol blurred many of his days during that time.
As they spend time together, Juliane is impressed with the man Lukas is now. She's attracted to him, but can she overcome events in her past to consider a future with him?
My thoughts: This novel is written very simply which will be enjoyed by readers who prefer to avoid lengthy descriptions or literary prose. My favorite character was Lukas' grandfather; the struggle between maintaining his independence and keeping him safe was realistic.
I was shocked Juliane and Lukas never had a serious conversation about his actions during college and how they affected her. I appreciated that readers got to go along with Juliane as her opinion of Lukas evolved, but his character experienced no growth during the novel; he was already "fixed" when the story began. Also, the relationship between Juliane and her sister had the potential to be interesting when a Prodigal Son theme was mentioned, but it was never developed.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the novel for review purposes and was not required to write a favorable review; all opinions are my own.
Plot summary: While attending college together, Juliane Keller thought Lukas Frye was cute and a talented stage actor, but after he assaulted her with an unwanted kiss while he was drunk, she completely distanced herself from him. Imagine her shock to see him years later at her church choir practice ... and then she learns he's the lead male in a pageant where she's the female lead.
Lukas has changed a lot since his youth. He's in recovery for alcoholism and has a good job that brought him to Kellersburg. As an added benefit, he can help and reconnect with his grandfather Ferd. He has vague memories of Juliane from college, but alcohol blurred many of his days during that time.
As they spend time together, Juliane is impressed with the man Lukas is now. She's attracted to him, but can she overcome events in her past to consider a future with him?
My thoughts: This novel is written very simply which will be enjoyed by readers who prefer to avoid lengthy descriptions or literary prose. My favorite character was Lukas' grandfather; the struggle between maintaining his independence and keeping him safe was realistic.
I was shocked Juliane and Lukas never had a serious conversation about his actions during college and how they affected her. I appreciated that readers got to go along with Juliane as her opinion of Lukas evolved, but his character experienced no growth during the novel; he was already "fixed" when the story began. Also, the relationship between Juliane and her sister had the potential to be interesting when a Prodigal Son theme was mentioned, but it was never developed.
I was provided a complimentary copy of the novel for review purposes and was not required to write a favorable review; all opinions are my own.
