Review: Love Under Construction

Love Under Construction book cover on blue background

Love Under Construction was a book that I had the opportunity to finish during the holidays, and it was definitely an enjoyable follow-up to Henry and Evaline! I've heard so many people raving about Penny Zeller's books, and though I haven't read her historical fiction yet, I'm now even more keen to read all of her titles.

Book Synopsis

She builds websites. He builds houses. Together, can they build a family for two orphans?

Irelynn agreed two years ago to help raise her best friend’s twins should anything happen. When she is called upon to fulfill that agreement, there is only one problem—Irelynn must share the responsibility with the arrogant but handsome Quinton Gregory.

Quinton takes the role of raising his niece and nephew with all seriousness. He will do anything for the twins, even if it means putting up with the beautiful but stubborn Irelynn Brady.

When forced to be in each other’s presence far more often than is comfortable, things slowly begin to change. Will the unexpected attraction between Irelynn and Quinton become a love under construction?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

What a delight to see what has come from the Gregorys' relationship in Henry and Evaline through their grandson's story! Though Quinton and Irelynn start off as adversaries, they do warm up to each other; I appreciated both the slow burn and the friendship that develops between them. I also loved the relationships that they had with the twins and how they worked hard to make the guardianship a success while navigating feelings around grief and loss. Though there is a minor miscommunication trope, readers will enjoy the story around how Quinton and Irelynn strive to follow God's plan for their lives despite some of the difficulties they face.

This book demonstrates selflessness and dependency on God, especially when things are not going the way that the characters envision they should be going. If anything, Love Under Construction depicts what it is like to trust God in all circumstances, even when they are beyond our understanding. Though we are all under construction in a sense, God's love is vast and immeasurable. This is a gentle story with deep truths, and there are hilarious moments that take place with the side characters, such as Mrs. Caruthers. Readers looking for an opposites-attract relationship (though we all know that Quinton and Irelynn have a lot in common!) will enjoy just how much kindness and consideration play a part in their budding romance. Chokecherry Heights is worth visiting, and it is heartwarming to see the Gregorys' legacy of love live on through later generations.

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

All the Cheese

I've been coming across content within the past several weeks that has stereotyped Christian books (and other mediums) as being cheesy on Christian accounts. While this isn't a new label or even a new topic, what has surprised me somewhat has been seeing more Christian authors jump into this conversation who wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. Although some authors will name others whom they believe are writing non-cheesy fiction, I feel as though the damage has been done by repeating this blanket statement. While readers have freely been engaging in this type of commentary for some time, it's been interesting to see authors chime in, where in some cases, there seems to be an emphasis on self-promotion over reflection. I'm not stereotyping and saying that all authors or even the authors I'm connected to respond with this tactic (because I really don't think they do!), but there are a few out there from my limited experience who seem to respond to this disc...

Review: The Maker of the Mountain

I'm always on the hunt for children's books that share concepts about God in an understandable manner, so I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to read this book set in the mountains. The Maker of the Mountain by Sandra McCracken and Tim Nicholson is a story that I would be happy to share with the children in my life as it combines Bible verses with a map and delightful scenes in nature. Many thanks to Merge Public Relations for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis What is God like? Little Brown Bear is on an adventure to find the maker of the mountain and discover what he is like. Along the way, the bear meets new friends who share that the maker is like a bridge and a gate, a rock and a boat. And he’s always there to light our way home. This charming story offers: Imagery from the Bible to help young readers better understand what God is like A map of the bear’s world with corresponding Scriptures...

Diverse Stories

One of the things I've been challenging myself to do this year has been to read more Christian books written by authors from other countries. I love that the body of Christ spans the four corners of the world and that we get to benefit from hearing so many different perspectives. I've also appreciated getting to know some amazing authors and readers online from other nations and continents as it's enriched my understanding of how Christians experience life. It helps me realize that the views I take for granted may only be limited to where I am situated, geographically and culturally. I haven't read all of the authors below yet, but here are a few Christian fiction authors who write from outside of North America if you're interested in reading more: Africa Ivy Emerson Enewerome Anna Jensen Tope Omotosho Asia Joanna Alonzo Joy Crain Australasia Narelle Atkins Liz Chapman Iola Goulton Jessica Kate Bessie Le Couteur Carolyn Miller Jennifer Mistmorgan Honey Stone Jessica...