An unlikely pair. A young widow maintaining the dream of her deceased husband; running a local restaurant; struggling to make ends meet and needing a cook. An ex-convict, seeking an honest future in a small town; determined to put the past behind him and proficient in the kitchen. I absolutely loved this book! Livvie and Will are engaging characters; the dialogue between them was so well written and Will's transformation into someone willing to love and forgive was humbling. Not only is there quiet, subtle, powerful romance, but the dramatic ending makes this book a story to remember! A well deserved four-stars! Life is far from a breeze for Olivia Beckman, owner of Livvie's Kitchen, a favorite of locals in Wabash, Indiana. The widowed mother of two is struggling to make ends meet–no simple feat, especially when her cook turns in his resignation. Yet she's determined to pull through on her own, just as she did when God failed to save her beloved Frank.Newly released from a ten–year prison sentence, Will Taylor is ready for a fresh start. With harmonica in hand–the only possession he values, aside from his Bible–he makes his way to Wabash, where a late–night meal at Livvie's Kitchen turns into a job opportunity when the outgoing cook learns about his restaurant experience. What he doesn't know is that the "restaurant" was a prison cafeteria.But Will became a new man behind bars, thanks to a Christian friend, and he credits God's providence with landing him a job he loves. Soon, he cooks and bakes his way into the stomachs of his customers–and the heart of his employer. Both are hesitant, though, still healing from past hurts. A recipe for love between them will require sharing secrets, braving dangers, and believing God for a bright future.I enjoyed reading this book. Putting lives back together, and forgiving oneself with God's help. I loved the interaction of Will with Alex and Nate, once he comes to the dinner, he becomes a Father figure for them. He truly loves them and they know it.I also enjoyed the way Livvie and Will begin to act around each other. Of course, there are always problems, and it seems that people who are not quite right in the mind have found them. There are answers to questions about things that happened years before. This is the first book in the River of Hope Series and I'm glad there will be more!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from of Whitaker House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
What do You think about Livvie's Song (2011)?
A very well done historical romance--original and keeps you reading until the final word.
—diya2244
It was a good book....a little predictable but still enjoyable...
—princess
