A book that will be read over and over: My review of Scent of Lilacs by Ann H. Gabhart

about the book...

After the summer of 1964, life for Jocie Brooke will never be the same.

Life-changing events rarely happen in quiet Hollyhill, Kentucky, and when they do, they are few and far between. But for young Jocie Brooke and her family, they happen all at once during the humid summer of 1964. Though on the surface things are just fine, it seems like everyone in Jocie’s life has something they’re not saying, something they’re hiding from her-and from themselves. As Jocie digs into her family’s past, she stirs up a whirlwind of discoveries. Will she find the answers everyone so desperately needs? Or will her questions lead to truths better left hidden?

my review...

Written from the wonderful perspective of young Jocie Brooke and also from her father, David, "Scent of Lilacs" draws readers into a powerful, moving story. Only sentences into the book, I was completely hooked and simply couldn't get enough, particularly of those scenes written from Jocie's perspective. One moment I'd be experiencing the characters' struggles and heart-ache, and the next moment I'd be smiling or laughing at their interactions. The book celebrates faith and family, forgiveness and reconciliation, and I enjoyed both the simplicity that comes by viewing life through Jocie's eyes, and also the complex themes that are explored as well. Gabhart's writing is simply beautiful, and in my estimation she perfectly captures Jocie's voice. Although this book will not be new to some readers as it is an updated version of a book released years ago, I have never had the opportunity to meet these characters. I'm so glad that those of us who missed out the first time are now being given the chance to delve into this thoroughly satisfying book!

This is one of those books where you get to the end and you protest "no, it can't be over!" because you don't want to tear yourself away from these characters who you have quickly grown to care about. I closed the book having shed some tears and pondered my own relationship with my daughters. I highly recommend "Scent of Lilacs" and award it a full 5 out of 5 stars. Well done, Ann H. Gabhart!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

about the author...

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Words Spoken True, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.

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