Scent of Lilacs...Review

About the book:
Before Ann H. Gabhart became well-known for her much-loved Shaker novels, she wrote three poignant novels centered on the loveable Jocie Brooke and her family, who lived in 1960s small-town Kentucky. Once named as one of "Booklist"'s Top Ten Christian Novels and now featuring a brand new cover, Scent of Lilacs is poised to capture the hearts of new readers everywhere.

Life-changing events rarely happen here, and when they do, they are few and far between. But for Jocie Brooke and her family, they happen all at once. Jocie has questions that need answers. As she digs into her family's past, she finds a whirlwind of discoveries, and everything begins to change. In the end, will Jocie find the answers everyone so desperately needs, or will her questions lead to truths that were better left uncovered?

Combining unforgettable characters, true-to-life struggles, and the perfect dose of humor and nostalgia, this riveting story takes readers through the universal experiences of true love, new life, and renewed faith. With a beautiful new cover, Scent of Lilacs is poised to capture the hearts of readers everywhere.

Jocie lives in small town Kentucky where not much happens on daily basis.  But, the summer of her thirteenth year she learns a great deal about family, secrets and answered prayer.  I have enjoyed Ann H. Gabhart's books and I was curious to read what appears to be one of her first books.  I loved Jocie's voice, but I did find the storyline a bit contrived. The family secrets were somewhat surprising, but dealt with well.

With some quirky characters, but a lot of love, the story is compelling although it took me awhile to get into it. While this won't ever be on my favorites list, I did enjoy the story and I'd like to see what happens to the Brooke family and will look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.

Available March 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Thanks to Donna at Baker Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.  You can learn more about Ann H. Gabhart here. You can purchase your own copy here.

Read 3/13

* * *
3/5 Stars

Comments

  1. Mmm,...I wonder if my daughter might enjoy this as a mother/daughter read.

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  2. Though it wasn't a favorite, I can see why you liked this one, and can imagine that my daughter, who likes stories about faith would enjoy this one. It might be something that we would both enjoy, actually.

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