MY REVIEW:
“Small Town Girl” revisits the small town of Rosey Corner five years after the end of “Angel Sister”. The year is 1941 and the news is full of Hitler’s war in Europe and U. S. negotiations with Japan. Although the townspeople are unsettled by the unknown future, life in Rosey Corner goes on as usual for the most part. Kate Merritt has grown into a lovely young woman who is able to wish her sister Evie happiness as she marries the man Kate has secretly loved since she was fifteen. Mike’s best man Jay Tanner decides to stay in town for awhile after the wedding when he is offered a job because he is so intrigued by whatever makes Kate different from the other women he has known. Kate’s apparent lack of interest surprises him and makes him more determined to gain her attention.
Ann Gabhart has once again penned what I would consider a classic novel. I loved the World War 2 era small town setting with its diverse mix of residents. It was fun catching up with Kate and her family as well as the others who played major roles in “Angel Sister”. As always a strong theme of faith and redemption is woven seamlessly into the story yet I never felt that the author was preaching at me. I also liked the lesson about finding out who God wants you to be rather than always trying to be who you think others want or listening to the lies of those who don’t really care.
“Small Town Girl” is a wonderful book that I would recommend to everyone who loves historical fiction with a nostalgic feel. This book can stand on its own but do yourself a favor and pick up “Angel Sister” too if you haven’t already read it. You will be so glad to know the rest of the Merritt family story.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Bestselling author Ann Gabhart weaves a timeless story of love, sacrifice and longing that will grip the heart and stir the spirit. In her gentle and textured style, Gabhart takes the reader back to a time when days moved slowly and life was simple. A world that was about to change forever.
In the autumn of 1941, rumors of war whisper through Rosey Corner. The town waits in anticipation as if 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 handsome best man Jay Tanner can’t draw her interest.
Then suddenly, Pearl Harbor changes everything. Kate’s friends are rushing to get married before the boys go off to war. The newspapers talk of women making airplanes and bombs. Everyone in town begins rolling bandages, planting victory gardens and collecting scrap metal. Kate finds herself drawn to Jay in surprising ways, and when he enlists she can hardly breathe worrying about him getting killed. Could she truly be in love with him? And if she is, will she ever see him again?
Fans of Angel Sister will be thrilled to see Kate Merritt all grown up. New readers will find that Gabhart tells a beautiful story that will touch their hearts and win their loyalty.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Words Spoken True, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed and The Gifted. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more HERE.
