Ella Marie is a newer-to-me author whose Christian faith in her recent books is clear, well written, and thoughtfully expressed. The Class She Skips is the second book in her A Healing Kind of Love series, which explores how the healing we receive from Jesus can be carried into the relationships we have with others.
Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Content to be aware of: stretches that may be construed as originating from yoga, though the author has confirmed that yoga is not meant to be promoted and has carefully constructed the scene to omit references to it
Book Synopsis
Enzo’s life is carefully constructed—any time not spent working is devoted to his daughter, teaching her what it means to live as a true Christian. So when he accepts a temporary teaching position at his old college, he doesn’t expect to run into the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen—again. Charlie, the coffee shop culprit who taught him never to forget a lid, is now his student.
Falling for her isn’t just wrong; it goes against the second chance he’s been given. Unable to ignore the growing feelings he can’t afford to act on, he builds wall after wall to keep her out of reach.
Charlie’s days are a tightrope walk between assignments and financial struggles, with her faith getting the short end of the stick. The only sure things in her life are her best friends and the ever-growing stack of books she needs to read.
When she discovers her new Intro to Biology professor is the mysterious man she once collided with—and never expected to see again—it’s too late. She’s already falling for Enzo and his daughter, and she’s not sure she can—or wants to—hold back.
Source: Amazon
Book Thoughts
I really enjoyed the opportunity to continue reading Pearl and Zane's story from The Game She Hates. Paired with Robyn, a roommate who calls it like it is but in a Christ-honouring way, these strong Christian friends help Charlie as she learns from her mistakes and grows in her faith. Though I initially wondered how the professor-student status would affect the main characters in this book, the author makes it very clear that Charlie and Enzo are aware of the dangers and ethical implications that lie in this power dynamic. The book draws out the waiting period before Enzo is no longer Charlie's professor, so if you don't mind a slow burn, this book definitely ratchets up the tension. Getting to meet Enzo’s sweet daughter who has a penchant for getting away with a lot of creative pleas through her charm and love for reading will make you smile as you see Enzo and Charlie falling more and more for each other.
The Class She Skips personifies the forbidden romance trope very well in the sense that I was quite stressed out while reading the book. This is more a reflection on me where I was worried that something could happen that would awaken love before its time (Song of Songs 2:7). Thankfully, Ella Marie does a great job of using this theme to convey some wonderful Christian truths, such as not rushing God's timetable and not finding solace in relationships instead of Him. If you’re like me, this book will definitely have you on pins and needles as Enzo and Charlie interact with each other, where I wanted to know what happened next but I was also a bundle of nerves along the way. If forbidden love is a favourite trope for you, there are a lot of great lessons that the characters go through in their romantic and spiritual journeys as they learn to depend on God's sovereignty.
Book Summary
- Format of book: 📱
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Recommendation: 👍
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