Book Review - "A Family Forever"

I was intrigued when I read on Brenda Coulter’s “No Rules, Just Write” blog that she was giving away 30 copies of her newest inspirational romance novel to anyone who agreed to review it on their own blog. Having never read a novel of this genre before, and promising to have an open mind, I eagerly e-mailed her. Brenda had given away all the copies, but generously sent me one anyway.

“A Family Forever” is the story of love found, love lost, love offered, love rejected, and finally, love accepted. Whew, it was quite a ride! Well written and easy to read, I found Brenda’s story drawing me in even as I pondered my viewpoint on Christian romance novels.

A quick synopsis of the story: Shelby Franklin’s fiancé, David, is killed 3 weeks before their wedding. She soon discovers that she is pregnant with their child. Tucker Sharpe had promised his dying brother, David, that he would look after Shelby. He makes good on his promise, convincing Shelby to marry him, even though neither is in love with the other. The story follows their journey as they try to rebuild their lives which have been shattered by David’s death. The question “Can love grow from a promise?” has an intriguing answer.

As I read this novel, I found myself constantly weighing the worldly perception of what romance is versus the Biblical guidelines for romance. Brenda does a good job of addressing this issue in “A Family Forever.” The story was entertaining with a plot twist or two I didn’t expect. However, I was a bit disappointed that it followed the romance novel formula where the hero is always handsome, the heroine is always pretty, and sexual tension (however tastefully stated and toned down) is in the air.

As someone who has the responsibility as a pastor’s wife of helping young women who daily face a barrage of messages from the world that says outward attraction is everything, I would like to see an inspirational romance novel where the hero is not good-looking, but has a passion to follow Christ which the heroine finds intriguing. I’d love for the hero to fall in love with a chubby heroine, drawn to her not just because she looks good outwardly, but because she has an inward beauty he cannot resist.

Overall, I liked “A Family Forever” but found myself wishing that it had pushed a bit further past the normal romance novel formula. Brenda is a talented writer and it’s hard to believe this is only her second novel! I know there are many more wonderful stories to come!

Look for A Family Forever, in stores after February 28th or order it online now from Amazon.com

Read the first chapter at BrendaCoulter.com

Visit Brenda's blog, No Rules, Just Write

Comments

[Julana]

Brenda is a great writer. I skimmed her first book. I found I can't read formulaic romances any more either. But I really enjoy her blog. From her blog, I get the impression she could really ratchet up the quality of her books. You given a few good pointers right here of how she could do it. She is a very good writer. And funny. And upbeat.

[Lori]

I love her blog also! She has lots of good advice & always has something hilarious to say. I can also relate to her Starbucks addiction!

[Brenda Coulter]

Thanks, ladies. I appreciate all the compliments, but you both made me chuckle.

Lori, I don't know where you got the idea that Shelby Franklin is "pretty". I made the point several times that she was not (conventionally) pretty. I even used the word "chubby". Shelby has frizzy red curls and freckles that she hates. Tucker finds the "wildness" of her hair attractive, but he notices that her nose is too large, her chin is too pointed, and her shape is unfashionably round. Even Shelby's best friend tells her she could stand to lose some weight.

Shelby is no beauty. But as Tucker gets to know her and begins to fall in love with her, he starts seeing her that way.

But Tucker? Yeah, he's a cutie. I just couldn't help myself. ;-)

And Julana, I really am not dumbing down my writing ability to pen trite, formulaic books. This is actually the best fiction I'm capable of writing, and I've said that before on my blog. I'll never be Pulitzer material, but I'm cool with that. I'm having fun.

Blessings to you both. And thanks again, Lori, for reviewing my book.

[Lori]

I actually meant to make note of the fact that she was curvy, but forgot to put that in. There are a lot of descriptions throughout the story of her beauty (her violet eyes, her copper colored hair) which I guess are probably from Tucker's viewpoint? So that to me is what gives me the mental image of her being pretty. Tucker even describes her as being delicate and fine boned. No one would describe me that way, not even my loving hubby! :)

My question is: when a story is told with 2 characters describing the same person, which one is the correct description? How I describe myself & how someone else does would probably give 2 different mental pictures of the same person. Since we see Shelby more through Tucker's eyes, I think she appears more lovely.

[Julana]

Wow, I got sent back here by another reviewer, and see the conversation went on without me. Ha! :-)
I didn't mean to downgrade the quality of writing in Brenda's book. I just find her blog to be very good. I think part of my trouble is that the heroine was so young. I just don't like young heroines any more.
I saw Pride and Prejudice yesterday, and really didn't like that Lizzie was played by such a young actress.
I don't know the age of the main character in Brenda's second novel. Maybe I should check it out.

That's an interesting note about perspective, Lori.

[Julana]

And Tim Horton's is ever-better than Starbucks. Come on!

[Lori]

What is Tim Horton's? Never heard of it.

[Julana]

Tim Horton's is a coffee/sandwich/ donut shop chain started by a star Canadian hockey player. Wendy's bought it a few years ago, and opened quite a few in Ohio. I don't know where else they are.

I just read some review of P&P, and found that Austen wrote the first draft at age 21! Can you believe that? So it is a young person's story/fanstasy, really.