Love and the Silver Lining

Having read the first book in the State of Grace series by Tammy L. Gray, I was looking forward to reading Love and the Silver Lining. I was not disappointed, although surprised a little. Love and a Little White Lie was a much lighter, more whimsical read than this second book. And yet Love and the Silver Lining was an enjoyable read. The author has a writing style that blends a bit of humor with spiritual truths as her characters encounter difficult situations, and brings a realistic and relatable story to her readers. The characters are engaging. I was quickly caught up in their stories. Darcy is a mess after a disappointing change of plans. Her relationships with her family and her friends are in need of an overhaul. Life just kind of sucks right now. The author did a great job creating relevant situations for Darcy's emotional and spiritual healing. I liked how the story reminded me that there is One who is there with me despite my sometimes seeming indifference to Him. And He is not idly waiting for my attention but is continuing to work in my heart and working to give me second chances. Readers who enjoy the contemporary romance genre and stories of faith will not want to miss this book. I received a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House Publishers and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

"I mean, what is the point of working and straining to hear God's will when in the end I'm just as lost as if I'd never tried in the first place? Wouldn't it be easier if I just didn't care at all?" Oh, Darcy. What a heart-breaking and soul-wrenching journey she takes after everything turns upside down and sideways in her controlled, neatly packaged world. Her naive, steady, optimistic, good girl self goes through blinding disappointments, crushing life circumstances, life-altering challenges, and an undeniable call to leave the past behind. This book, more so than any other of the author's I've read, has captured me wholly and completely with the raw intense emotions. Throbbing grief is balanced by unshakable friendship, sense of purpose is restored by training rescue dogs, and God's molding and shaping through difficulties is so evident. Though the book plays out through only Darcy's first person viewpoint, we get to know Bryson pretty well and he is the epitome of a reborn man. His sensitive, sweet, tender, compassionate nature that no one else knows allows him to fit into Darcy's 'new' world and his sacrificial love is incredible to behold. Charlie and Zoe are excellent secondary characters who add depth to Darcy and Bryson's world and I'm secretly hoping that there will be a book about Zoe. It's another winner for Tammy L Gray. You don't want to miss this contemporary romance filled with characters who will feel like your best friends that exquisitely paints a journey of hope, grace, and forgiveness that will feel like your own. I received a copy of the book from Bethany House and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.