I think this is my most highlighted “book” for a long time. While I am ok with highlighting my print books, I bought this one in an ebook, which makes it great to go back and review those highlights as well. So many good quotables. I have 9 and even read them to hubs and he hummed his agreement and asked if they were all from the same book. But, he wasn’t impressed enough to pick up a romance novel, hehe.

“‘What is courage, if not, in part, continuing to dream even when there are nightmares?'”

About the Book

When Julia Jenkins’ great aunt dies and leaves her a Victorian mansion with decades of secrets, Julia never expects to unearth a World War 2 espionage mystery. Struggling with her own past since an assault left her pregnant, her future as a solo parent leaves her dreams uncertain. The inheritance from her great aunt gives Julia the ability to take a step back into her future, but also sends her into the discovery of a love story she’d never anticipated. As she goes through her aunt’s treasured possessions, Julia uncovers some oddly written piano music with a musical code she can’t decipher on her own. Not to worry, introverted Englishman and composer, Henry Wright, is thrust on the scene by a pair of homespun matchmakers who know the ‘right’ man for Julia’s wounded heart.

Henry arrives in Pleasant Gap with the task of composing the soundtrack for his best mate’s newest film. The Jenkins’ family’s southern welcome and gregarious personalities set his reticent nature on edge, but he’s inexplicably drawn to his gentle and music-loving hostess, Julia. Uncertain how to build a friendship with the wounded woman, and rather hopeless in communicating well through words, the bond of music becomes a bridge between her uncertainty and his awkwardness.

But her broken past and his families’ expectations build a wall much greater than the cultures that separate them. As they work together to solve a musical mystery from the grave, will an unlikely romance from the past inspire their hearts to trust in a God who’s written the perfect melody for their lives?

“But the God who’s written the story of your life is brave enough for you, so you don’t have to carry the courage all by yourself. His love casts out the fear, so you can walk in the adventure He’s called you to walk.”

My Review

Some call them beta heroes, I call them my favorite. Henry is one of the sweetest men on the planet, I am convinced and reminds me of all my favorite parts of hubs. His gentleness and patience make him the perfect match for Julie and her tough back story, and I couldn’t read fast enough watching Henry slowly woo Julia while she draws him out of his shell. I appreciate the way Pepper is honest about the continuing struggles of a rape survivor even once in a relationship-Julia didn’t magically get past it all. Instead, she worked hard with her therapist, drew closer to God, and basked in the love and support of her family.

Henry has his own set of hurts as well, giving him enough wounds to make the reader want to care for him while also providing an avenue for God to grow him through this story as well.

Pepper has given us another great story filled with Biblical truths, soul deep healing, and toe-curling kisses.

I saved my favorite quote for last:

“Our nevers are just one of God’s ways of making miracles.”