My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing
The plan was to serve a mission, marry her boyfriend, and live happily ever after. But all of that changed when Quinn got a Dear Jane email. Now she's stuck at home with no boyfriend, no job, no major, and absolutely no social life. Will Quinn ever find the path that leads to her eternal happiness?
My Review
This book completely surprised me. The book blurb really doesn't do it justice. I didn't expect the depth and difficult topics it included in Quinn's transition back to normal life after her church mission. She has an idealized view of the gospel, that following the commandments will keep you safe from certain types of hardship and trials. That bubble is quickly popped when she is faced with rejection, family secrets are revealed, and loved ones deal with divorce, infidelity, and suicide. In the midst of it all she finds comfort and understanding from an unlikely source, a coworker at her current job that she served with on her mission who was an inexplicable jerk. Nick is a different person now, and they develop a strong friendship. It's obvious to the reader that he has a case of unrequited love for Quinn, but their relationship is complicated by a rival suitor, regretful arguments, and family drama. I admired how Quinn didn't sit around waiting for life to happen, she quickly went and got a job to provide for herself and plan for an independent future. Even though she's a capable and strong young woman, her emotions at the struggles in her and her family's lives are skillfully brought to life and I was close to tears a couple times as she deals with grief and uncertainty. I felt like the spiritual thread was lacking, there's not much detail about Quinn's personal faith and relationship with God. However, I found that I couldn't put the book down as I was engrossed with the events unfolding in the lives of Nick and Quinn. So glad that I picked this one up and look forward to reading more by the author!
*This is an LDS fiction book, with some references that those unfamiliar with the Mormon faith may not understand. If you read it and have questions just leave me a message on Facebook or Goodreads and I'll try to help :)
(Thank you to Cedar Fort Publishing for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
About the Author
Rachel Turner Ward graduated from Hillcrest High School after spending two years writing for the yearbook and the creative writing magazine. She then studied English at Brigham Young University—Idaho, graduating with an emphasis in Literary Studies. She has contributed to several online publications, including Mormon Mommy Blogs and SheSteals. She has written a personal blog since 2009, Trapped Between a Scream and a Hug. Rachel lives in Salt Lake with her six children and husband of 15 years.
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