Small town Girl, tucked neatly into Rosey Corners is a lovely surprise. Though I promised to review it, American historicals, especially those set in war time, are not really my forte. Still, intrigued by the jacket, I picked it up and immersed myself in Kate and Jay’s story. Though the story unwinds at a bit of a slow pace, by the time I hit the middle I just couldn’t put it down. This book had me reading until far too late in the night! It brought laughter and misty tears and by the end I was ready to cheer. I’m hoping Gabhart has a few more stories in her because all I know is I want to visit Rosey Corners again! Bravo.How long can two people stand on the brink of love without plunging in headfirst?In the autumn of 1941, rumors of war whisper through Rosey Corner. The town practically vibrates with apprehension, as if it is holding its breath. But for Kate Merritt, it seems life is letting out a prolonged sigh. As Kate watches her sister marry the man Kate has loved since she was fifteen, her heart is silently breaking. And even the attentions of Jay Tanner, the handsome best man, can’t draw her interest.Then suddenly, Pearl Harbor changes everything and Kate finds herself drawn to Jay in surprising ways. Could she truly be in love with him? And if he enlists, will she ever see him again?In her gentle and textured style, Ann H. Gabhart tells a timeless story of love, sacrifice, and longing that will grip your heart and stir your spirit. Fans of Gabhart’s Angel Sister will love seeing Kate Merritt all grown-up, as well as other characters they have come to love.“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group” I absolutely loved the book "Angel Sister", so I was excited to see that the characters first introduced in that book have returned in "Small Town Girl", a rich tale of faith and love and second chances. Gabhart has done a wonderful job at fleshing out the characters, particularly Kate Merritt with her determination, humour, and her real faith in God. Jay is also a character I enjoyed getting to know, a young man whose utter charm covers up a painful past, his fear of long-term relationships, and his doubts about God's existence. The relationship that develops between Kate and Jay is very natural and made for many fun moments indeed! Although I felt that the book was written at a slower pace in some parts, by the end of the book I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how everything would resolve. I very much enjoyed the emotional drama that plays out within its pages, and thought that the setting of the book in the pre-World War II era was a great backdrop for the story. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will no doubt appreciate the vivid details from the past that are brought to life in "Small Town Girl".Ann H. Gabhart continues to excel at writing stories that are richly textured, filled with deep emotions that are likely to leave readers wonderfully moved. I'm not sure whether there is a third book planned that will see a return of the Merritt family, but I for one certainly hope there is! I highly recommend this book and award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
