About the Book
They made a pact of friendship. Love was not supposed to be part of the deal.
Lauren is desperate to escape the massive shadow of her father’s and sister’s political careers.
Matt is running from the biggest disappointment of his life.
After a messy meeting in a snowbound airport, they launch a new friendship, founded on a mutual love for the Lord and an agreement of respect. They find themselves working together at the Lake Shore Resort, thankful to have each other as they each carve out a fresh start. But as the winter season wears on, and through a few interesting predicaments, one begins to feel more, and the other…well. Maybe neither knows what they really want. Already wounded from the things they’ve left behind, Matt and Lauren wrestle with what comes next. Afraid to move forward. Not wanting to go back.
Each must face a dilemma that only the hand of the Potter can smooth into a hopeful, promising future. Can they surrender past hurts, as well as their future hopes and plans and trust the good intentions of the God they both love?
Excerpt
Oh goodness. She was off the plane. She should be getting better now. Any moment. The nausea should stop. Her head should clear. Her stomach should stop rioting.
No. That was not going to happen.
Still clutching the drag handle to her carry-on, Lauren whipped a panicked gaze around, desperately searching for a restroom. That would be better at least. She wouldn’t have to puke in front of everyone. She’d be by herself, safely in a stall, with some of her dignity still intact.
“I see a sign right down there. Women’s restroom.” Her kindhearted seat buddy patted Lauren’s back and pointed. “Would you like me to go with you?”
Oh good heavens, no. Please just let me be. Lauren shook her head, offered a rushed “Thank you anyway,” and took off for the women’s restroom, still unsure that she’d make it that far. She closed in on the doorway, the rolling in her stomach warning of the impending mess to come.
A few more steps. Almost there. Just a few—
No!
A sign blocking the entry read closed, the passage webbed with yellow tape to emphasize the point. The bathroom was closed! How could it be closed? This was an airport—they needed a women’s restroom. An open women’s restroom!
It didn’t matter. This was happening. Lauren was going to throw up, and she was going to throw up now.
She charged into the open door next to the women’s restroom, which, of course, would be the men’s. She didn’t care. She needed a toilet and she needed her dignity and that was all. Rushing forward, she passed through the doorway only to smash flat into the crisp white shirtfront of a tuxedoed man.
“Whoa there.” The low voice wafted above her head. “I think you’re headed in the wrong—”
Caught in the arms of a faceless stranger… Faceless because she couldn’t muster the courage or the balance to look up.
Her stomach turned in one final lurch. And it happened. Right there on a stranger’s dress shirt and suitcoat. Lauren threw up, discovering as she lost her late lunch, which included picante sauce, that, actually, throwing up in a crowded airplane wasn’t the worst thing ever. Vomiting on a strange man in the doorway to the men’s restroom was infinitely more humiliating.
Review
Jennifer Rodewald is one of my absolute favourite contemporary romance authors, and this book is a perfect example of all the reasons why. To start with, her writing always feels like coming home. She writes with warmth, compassion, emotional intelligence, and when appropriate for the tone of the story, a gentle touch of humour. And of all her full-length contemporary romances, this story is most suited to that gentle humour!
Right from their inauspicious meet-cute, I was in love with this couple. I loved Matt’s compassion for Lauren, even in the midst of his own pain, and I loved the way these two just gelled as strangers who met a time of mutual crisis. There’s such incredible authenticity about the relationships Rodewald builds between her characters, no matter what their circumstances are, and it’s that authenticity that keeps me coming back again and again. Well, that and the authenticity of her characters’ faith journeys.
And speaking of faith journeys, I particularly loved Matt’s journey in this book. Both Matt and Lauren are strong Christians, but this story was a wonderful reminder that we are ever being refined and sanctified in our spiritual walk. I wondered whether Rodewald had painted herself into a bit of a corner with Matt’s scenario, but she never takes the easy way out with her characters, and not only did she avoid every potential pitfall I thought of, the story was that much more satisfying for having taken the path it did.
As a little aside, I loved the chapter headings in this book. If I could just make a suggestion for an epilogue in future editions headed, “in which Matt and Lauren make up for lost time…” This reader wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye!
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
About the Author
Jennifer Rodewald/J. Rodes lives on the wide plains somewhere near the middle of Nowhere. A coffee addict, pickleball enthusiast, and storyteller, she also wears the hats of mom, teacher, and friend. Mostly, she loves Jesus and wants to see others fall in love with Him too.
Connect with Jen: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
I just finished this one, too, and you were right. I loved it!!
Yay! ❤️
Awww… you make me sound like a much better writer than I am, I think. <3 I love that you loved this book, though! I kind of love it too. 😉 Thank you so much for this wonderful review–you made me smile!
Nonsense! I only speak truth ❤️ And you’re very welcome 🙂