The Love of His Brother

Finding a beautifully crafted novel like The Love of His Brother from a gifted debut author like Jennifer AlLee is like discovering a sharp and jagged gem - its brilliance dazzles you, but the reality that you cannot readily pick up another novel by this talented writer cuts you to the core. Ms. AlLee weaves a gentle and haunting tale of unexpected love between a young pregnant widow and the handsome brother-in-law who was secretly her first love, and the gamut of emotions that Ms. AlLee so artfully weaves into this remarkable story had me turning the pages at a breathless pace. It's rare to see such flesh and blood characters in a debut novel, but that is the gift that Ms. AlLee obviously possesses because Whitney and Doug and the family that surrounds them are characters who will live with you long after you read the last page. Hurry up and write, Ms. AlLee, because you are an author that I definitely want to read more.

Jennifer AlLee makes an impact with her first novel, a story of love, loss and the struggle to move on with life. Doug and Whitney are both mourning the loss of Cliff, his brother and her husband. Doug tries to cope with the guilt he feels over not having made peace with his brother before his unexpected death by taking care of Whitney. Whitney, alone and pregnant, doesn't want Doug's help, but eventually accepts it. As they begin to care about each other in a more than brotherly or sisterly way, guilt descends on both sides. Doug feels guilty for having these feelings for his brother's wife and Whitney believes it's too soon to be having feelings like this for any man! Both want to move past their grief, but seem unable to do so. Both have a strong Christian faith that brings them hope and comfort as they heal. Whitney and Doug are the kind of characters you would be happy to have for friends and you can't help but cheer for them as they deal with their conflicting emotions, struggle to maintain their integrity and finally move to a place of acceptance. The Love of His Brother is a great summer read - or really, a great anytime read.

How soon is "too soon" to fall in love once again after losing the person you'd believed had been the love of your life? Whitney Poulton is struggling to make her way in a world gone haywire--only weeks after the tragic death of her husband, she discovered that she was pregnant. An artist struggling to refocus her talents, and to discern the path that lies ahead for herself and her coming child, she has isolated herself in the home she shared with her husband. She spends her days wandering the woods, camera in hand, learning how to live again following the loss of her soulmate. The return of her long-absent brother-in-law, the subject of her first major crush in high school, jolts this young lady from her quiet, solitary existence and forces her to examine her emotions, and motivations. Are her feelings for her brother-in-law borne of genuine caring, or is she simply remembering the feelings she'd had for this man many years before? Is she ready for a new committment so soon after losing her husband, or is she simply frightened by the prospect of single parenthood in rural Montana? "The Love Of His Brother" is a sweet story, and one I would highly recommend. Readers of Christian fiction will enjoy Ms. AlLee's debut novel. The author incorporates vital faith elements into this story, as well as the challenges of seeking God's will for our lives when we don't understand His purpose. She has a heart for teens, and this shines through both the dialogue and substance of this touching novel. If you're looking for a great read, don't hesitate to give this wonderful new author a chance. You'll enjoy every page of "The Love Of His Brother."

She liked both Poulten brothers when she was in high school, but Whitney married the younger one Cliff rather than the quarterback Doug. Now a photographer, Whitney is a widow ever since her husband died in a small plane crash. She misses his inane what if questions, but refuses not to get on with her life with the support of his parents and her faith that God has taken her beloved to a better place. However, this time when she and her dog Digger go to visit the Poultens, she is shocked as the black sheep Doug has come home after being away for eight years; he left without a goodbye following a football injury that ended his promising career in his senior year at high school. Doug is stunned to learn that his sibling died and that Whitney is pregnant. As they fall in love, he fears he will never replace his brother nor does he want to; and she is afraid to fall in love again because it hurts and she does not want to harm her memory of Cliff. Although in some ways a four tissue box tear jerker, THE LOVE OF HIS BROTHER is an interesting romantic family drama. Though often used in literature, the fascinating triangle will hook readers from the onset in high school and never let go until the final confrontation after Katie is born. Readers will enjoy this fine contemporary romance starring a strong lead couple and a solid support cast especially the memory of Cliff. Harriet Klausner