Sweetwater Gap

Just another reason I am a fan of Denise Hunter ! I have never read a book by her that I did not like. Good, clean, interesting stories.

Josie is carrying an incredible burden from the past and is determined to die because she believes it is God's will. As her health deteriorates, her sister's pregnancy with twins and a VERY handsome love interest leads her to wonder just exactly what God wants her to do. But she must be strong. She must...what? Sweetwater Gap is a lovely Christian Romance that warms the heart and satisfies the soul!

Josie has spent her life running away from Shelbyville. Even her father's funeral could not bring Josie back home to face the memories she was running away from. It took a call from Nate, her brother in law, informing her that Josie's sister Laurel was pregnant with twins and he needed help with the family apple orchard. If the apples were not harvested, Nate and Laurel could lose everything. Josie's love for her sister brought her back home to Shelbyville and back to the place she had been running from. Josie knew everyone in small town Shelbyville, but when she returned she was introduced to handsomely rugged Grady, the orchard manager. Grady was well liked and respected around Shelbyville, but he was upset when Josie had been called in to help. After all, he viewed Josie as a person who ran away from her family. As the harvest season arrives and Laurel's pregnancy progresses, so does the relationship Josie and Grady are trying to avoid. Grady discovers Josie is struggling with an illness that she has kept hidden from her family. While Josie fights to ignore her symptoms, which she believes she rightly deserves, Grady ends up fighting for Josie life. Denise Hunter does a beautiful job of showing God's unconditional love, even when we turn away from Him. Sweetwater Gap captured me by the first page and had me soaking in the beautiful scent of apple orchards and small town life.

Finished this book in a weekend. A couple of thoughts: - first, although I really enjoy Christian fiction, this book conveyed the truths of God and His love, forgiveness, etc. in such subtle ways that anyone will find the story heartwarming without being overbearing. - Denise Hunter develops her characters throughout the story, and the believable dialog and setting makes this a quick read. - I could EASILY envision a sequel to this book, with other characters, story lines, etc. building on those developed here (HEAR THAT, MS. HUNTER??). As I neared the end of the book, I found myself actually slowing down--because I didn't want it to end. Thank you for a beautiful story depicting God's love to us through circumstances, choices, and those people His brings into our lives. 10 STARS!!

This is a great story that pulls you in from the first page and doesn't let you go until you close the book at the end! Denise Hunter is a wonderful storyteller. I have enjoyed several of her books, and this one tops them all. Josie Mitchell wishes she could go back and change choices she made in her past, but life doesn't give do-overs. When she returns to her family-owned apple orchard to help her pregnant sister through one more harvest, she much face these painful issues and decide if there is a future worth living for. Grady Mackenzie is a hero that lives up to the name in so many ways. The secondary characters are enjoyable and the setting is well done. The faith elements are well-woven in and totally believable A must read!