Irene Hannon
Never Say Goodbye (2002)
Author: Irene Hannon
Genre: Romance (Contemporary)/Christian
Plot Summary:
Scott serving time for vehicular homicide, in an accident which claimed the life of his daughter and a judge is out of prison in three years, two less than expected, for good behavior. In prison he found, with the help of reverend Young, God and was finally able to face the past and move on. Now that he is out he is adamant on two things, starting over and rekindling his relationship with his wife Jess. In the three years while Scott was spending his days in prison finding God, Jess was so upset by the accident that she lost sight of God and grew a hatred for Scott. By a series of chance meetings Jess sees the changes in Scott and as her hatred melts away she also must find God. Without which she can never truly forgive. Starting his life over is the easy part, winning back love lost will take a miracle.
Geographical Setting: St. Louis
Time Period: Present Day (2002)
Series: Love Inspired
Appeal Characteristics:
The setting is nicely done, it's setting is in St Louis but you never feel to overwhelmed by noise people or anything else. It is rather fast paced as the plot unravels relatively quickly. Another appeal characteristic is that Christianity plays a major part in the lives of the protagonist. Another is that this is an inspirational romance and sex, while definitely implied by the protaganist’s detailed thoughts, it never goes beyond thoughts. This would be a good read for anyone who has lost something dear to them and needs god to help them through the difficult times. I was surprised that the characters had some depth to them, I am not ashamed to say it is not what I expected from a romance.
Read-alikes:
While Irene Hannon has written many inspirational romances, most if not all have to do with tragedy a dark past and two people trying desperately to find hope and love in a time of turmoil. Try A Groom of Her Own, which deals with a woman with a shady past who falls for a minister. Irene Has written too many to list in this review, but all of them would make a good next read. Also try Carolyne Aarsen, who also writes a good deal of romances for the Steeple Hill, Love Inspired series, The first two books in the series by this author make wonderful next reads for fans of Irene Hannon, as the books deal with Christian issues and finding love that must overcome tragedy and heartache. Try A Family at Last and A Mother at Heart. Readers might also try His Bundle of Love by Patricia Jacobs. This book provides insight into a viewpoint opposite that of Never Say Goodbye. In this story two people are brought together by the birth of a baby, instead of the death of one--as in Irene Hannon's story. Love, it would seem, is just as hard to kindle against the backdrop of a happy moment. Also try Diana Palmer's Blind Promise and Loree Lough's Suddenly Daddy. Once again the stories are concerned with finding love in the face of adversity.
Red Flags: if you are offended by mushy language and images you may want to check something else out
|top|
|
