Good morning, everyone!
First, my intent was to get posts uploaded while at the conference. I had horrid internet. I only work from my laptop for these posts and I couldn't get more than a single bar WHEN I could connect at all.
Also, through the conference, I wasn't able to eat on my schedule or properly so my sugar spiked. My Tuesday morning, I was ill and I slept all day Wednesday. That's what I have to do after one of these episodes. Thankfully, they don't happen often. I'm closer to myself today and diving in. Not hard, but at least trying to catch up.
Which brings me to today's review:
BLURB:
A joyful surprise can
hide a painful truth—and Naomi Mercer is done trusting what no one will
explain.
October has painted
Gracefield, Tennessee, in copper and gold, and caterer Naomi Mercer has one
important assignment: plan a secret Pastor Appreciation Lunch for the man who
helped her family through its darkest season. The trouble is that the church
has paired her with Gideon Hale, the dependable carpenter who once disappeared
from her life without a word.
Gideon believes faithful
love means serving quietly and protecting other people’s burdens. Keeping one
celebration under wraps should be easy. Instead, covert orchard runs,
after-hours meetings with Naomi’s sister, a mysterious envelope, and a
treasured recording from Naomi’s late mother make every good intention look
like another betrayal.
As their hidden
preparations grow increasingly complicated—and increasingly funny—old affection
begins to return. But when an autumn storm threatens the lunch and Naomi
receives an offer that could take her away from Gracefield, both must decide
whether a second chance can survive without brave, honest trust.
To be honest, I found the reading slow and the whole premise of a 'surprise' a bit broken up. First off, the whole organized method, right down to measurements of table placing was a bit much. I've never seen anyone organize something so detailed. Planners, notes, etc I can see (and use) but everything else pulled me away from where the author wanted to lead.
As I read, I felt as if I were reading an AI story similar to what I listen to on YouTube. Not just in the detail but how the wording is presented. I'm NOT saying she used AI, I'm just saying that was the overall feeling. I want something I can immerse myself in the story. October's Kindest Secret was not that story for me.
But here's the good news. Arabella can write tension. Not 'sexual tension' per say (since it is a Christian story at it's core) but the slow move from 'how can I work with him' to "we make a good team, don't you think."
I enjoy Amish and Christian romances from the 'clean/ sweet' perspective. If you like being led by bible verses throughout the story, then this book is for you.
I'm giving October's Kindest Secret...
All my best!
