Scarlett must find a way to regain what she’s lost, but also fulfill a promise to launch her brother’s dream.
I loved Scarlett.
(I was pleased to find the resemblance to Scarlett O’Hara was nonexistent after the name-connection.)
Right away, her spunky inner voice, her awareness of her own awkwardness, and her selfless (but not saintly-perfect) attitude with her family drew me in. She can make fun of herself and laugh without ever visibly cracking a grin, which endeared me as a reader. She could analyze her own actions, especially when it came to her interactions with Frank and others outside her immediate family, and roll her eyes at how weird she seems.
Most importantly, she loves her family, as “dysfunctional” as it can be. She doesn’t bat an eye at her brother Cliff’s daring birthday list. She just jumps right in to making his dreams come true.
The first handful of chapters came slowly for me, but I kept reading because Scarlett seems like someone I would choose for a friend, someone kind and loyal and a little bit quirky.
Though I took a few days to read the beginning, I raced through the latter two-thirds of this beautiful book. Only one scene made me wince, when an older woman Scarlett (and I) had grown to respect seemed to give her advice on “telling the young man how you feel” or something like that. That struck me as slightly non-traditional, but that sort of suits the time period, doesn’t it? =)
(Speaking of time period, what a fun one! Especially since Scarlett can be retro and listen to Bing Crosby, my favorite!)
And, anyway, Scarlett never really does that. But I won’t spoil the ending for you.
The ending is so sweet, it doesn’t deserve to be spoiled. Really, this book had me sighing and smiling sadly so often. Scarlett’s story is lovely, even as punctured with sorrow as it is. In fact, it’s the puncture-holes that allow the light of God’s love to come shining through.
“I never said God wouldn’t help you at all. I just said he wouldn’t help you in the way you want. The beauty of salvation and God’s grace isn’t in him solving all of our problems instantly, like a magic genie. Its beauty comes in the assurance that he has a great plan for you.”
Mrs. Greene to Scarlett, page 103
I had tears in my eyes as I read the ending. I heartily recommend this book if you love a story that is both heart-wrenching and tugs on the heart strings.
About the Author
Rachel Coker is a homeschool student who lives in Virginia with her parents and two sisters. She has a passion for great books and has been surrounded by them all her life. In fact, as a young child, Rachel helped her parents in a family-run Christian book business. Her gift for writing became apparent at the age of eleven at which time her parents signed her up for a year of lessons with a professional writing coach. When she is not writing or playing the piano, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Visit Rachel’s blog here.
Read my review of Rachel’s debut novel, Interrupted.
Disclosure: Zondervan sent me this book to review. This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
Rachelle Rea says
Thanks, Faye! I'm a structure gal. :) As I say in my blog post today. :)
Faye says
If Scarlett had been anything like Scarlett O'Hara, I don't think I would have liked it as much as I did :)Great review, I like how you review in stages, point by point :)
Rachelle Rea says
Rissi, oh, you've captured her! "Impressive, mature writing voice…"<br /><br />And I adore historical fiction, Jill, so it was a grand fit!
Jill Williamson says
She did a great job with the time period. Love it. Great review, Rachelle!
Mrs. Pedersen says
Sounds like an engaging read to me! :-)
Rissi says
Loved this novel, Rachelle! Rachel was a very impressive, mature writing voice and I look forward to her future novels. <br /><br />The epilogue was a bit rushed for me. Usually I am all for that final word however in this case, I wish it had ended before that. Nevertheless, the book was wonderful!
Rachelle Rea says
Oh, me, too, Sierra, about the crying bit! :)<br /><br />Thanks, Rachel!<br /><br />Jessica, those strong characters get me every time. :)<br /><br />Meagan, exactly! That's precisely what I meant–I just couldn't state it so succinctly. :)<br /><br />Joy, the romance in this one is quite subtle and undertoned, I would say. I hope if you do decide to pick it up, that you'll love it as
Joy says
I am so interested to read this book! How is the romance though? <br />I tend to be specially careful about romance in books!
Meagan says
Sorrow is a part of life but there is joy as well and Scarlett handles it in such a believable way that one can connect with her.
Jessica Laurie says
Great review, and I completely agree with your analysis of Scarlett. She's such a strong character. And I agree with you and Sierra, the ending was heart-rending and sweet at the same time!
Rachel says
I like the observation you made at the end of your review, that it is through the holes that God shines his light through. Great review.
Sierra says
That scene with Ms.Greene was a little awkward. I found that the Epilogue was a little rushed :/ But this book was such a beautiful story :) I really loved it. And the ending…I was crying like the whole last quarter :P Nice review :)