What do You think about Clouds (2004)?
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group in exchange of an honest review.Jonathan and Shelly grew up together attached at the hip as the best of friends and eventually high school sweethearts. When the two broke up, they both split separate ways – Shelly to a flight attendant school and Jonathan to college in different states. Coming back home to where she grew up after a sudden change of plans in her life, Shelly can't help the flooding of memories from her childhood that keep coming back alive more then ever. Yet she feels lost with no direction and strangely alone.When Meredith, her sister asks Shelly to go to Germany she unexpectedly runs into Jonathan only to find out that her long lost love is engaged. Shelly had never meant to hurt her best friend, or run away from him after he tried to propose to her – but learning about the engagement she couldn't help but stand and watch her love slip away.This was a really cute and touching story. I found myself reading until I literally passed out from the lack of sleep. I kept saying one more chapter, but the chapter turned into well over 200 pages into the wee hours of the morning. I couldn't put it down. It is always so amazing to find beautiful written work. A clean inspirational christian romance, about a woman who not only learns a lesson of the heart but also finds her lost faith all over again.I couldn't help but fall in love with these two and my heart broke at their story. The way the two got together and the way Shelly broke up with him at the young age left an aching sadness that left me feeling sorry for Jonathan. I understood a bit later why she had done it. Being at such an early age presented with something that felt like it was putting her dreams on her, or perhaps not even including them – felt overwhelming. In a sense, part of this story reminded me of what my husband and I went through and how the two of us got back together after a few years pursuing our own thing in two separate states. The book was heartwarming and the ending, thought predictable, satisfying and beautiful.Meredith was an amazing sister and I loved everything she had done for Shelly and the way the two had grown together after Shelly made her way back home. I didn't like Jonathan's fiancee, but that was a given :). Still, the journey of the heart was what kept me reading this book, needing and wanting Jonathan and Shelly back together since it hit so close to my own relationship. Amazing book, and I will be looking forward to more of this authors writing.
—Lily (Night Owl Book Cafe)
As children, Shelly and Jonathan were inseparable. Then as teenagers, it all blew up when Jonathan proposed to her. Shelly, now a successful flight attendant, is filled with regret for breaking Jonathan's heart. When she accidentally meets him at a German flower stand, she thinks they may have another chance together. But a lot has changed over the years, is the gulf between them now un-crossable? This was a really good book. I liked how the author brought out trusting God and allowing Him to guide your life. I actually enjoyed this book, despite the fact that I generally don't like love stories. This book wasn't overly mushy or anything, overall it was just a nice story. I would definitely recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
—Brittany
Reading a Robin Jones Gunn book is like catching up with old friends, and this one is no exception. Shelly and Jonathan were childhood best friends who fell in love in high school. After graduation, an argument leaves them to find their own ways, apart from each other. Now, five years later, Shelly moves back to her parents' house and old memories come flooding back. When a chance encounter halfway around the world brings them back in contact, is this a sign they are meant to be? I love the little town of Glenbrooke and how the cast of characters from the series intersect in each story. As a reader who loves to find out what happens after "the end" of a story, it's nice to see old characters pop up in a new story, letting readers know how they are doing. The best part of a RJG novel is the soft layering of spiritual truths. Many Christian fiction books come across preachy, but with Clouds, readers discover more about God right along with the character. Shelly's story is authentic and well-developed as she finds the best love of all, Jesus, in a new way. She and Jonathan are sweet characters, and I love the development of Shelly's relationship with her sister, Meredith.Fans of RJG will love this book. If you haven't read her books, the Glenbrooke series is the place to start!I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
—Laura
