Can love really heal all things?
I loved the emotions that leaped off the page. This book made me feel. Sorry for Allie. Sorrow for her loss. Hurt for how hurt she felt. Happy-but-almost-afraid-to-feel-happy when Sam made her laugh at the beach in that first sweet scene after they’re reunited and she figures out where she knows him from.
I also loved that although, yes, author Rachel Coker is seventeen years old, her style is mature. Not just for her age, either. Mature, period, in a grab-my-heart-glue-my-hands-to-this-story way.
It’s evident from the first line that Allie is a strong, capable heroine. But in order to protect herself, she bars her heart against the unforgiving world and the God her mother has told her not to believe in. Her journey toward faith in others, faith in God, and faith in love is an inspiring one. The Christian message is not preachy or pushy, but woven intricately within the storyline.
The ending left me with a sigh and a smile. Sam, oh, adorable, heart-warming Sam.
The book started slowly for me. It took me a few days to read the first seventy pages or so, but from the moment Sam reenters Allie’s life, the story is off like a roller coaster as she experiences smiles and sadness, the best and the bitter.
The struggles of not only Allie, but for the people who surround her are so…genuine. I truly loved this story. I would recommend it for anyone who has experienced as devastating a loss as Allie’s, because the author writes of the deep emotions with great grace.
Historically-accurate, Interrupted put me in that WWII era (there was even a scene set on June 7th, my birthday, that opened my eyes into how it must have felt to live through the news trickling in about the invasion of Normandy). It also put me into Allie’s heart as she hurts and heals. I actually wasn’t aware before I read it that it was romantic, but it is, and in a lovely way.
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.
Read my review of Rachel Coker’s second book, Chasing Jupiter.
Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
Rachelle Rea says
Thank you, Laura!<br /><br />Me, neither, Jill!<br /><br />:)
Jill Williamson says
Agreed! Rachel know how to make a reader feel. What a great gift for an author! And well-written too. Great review, Rachelle! Can't wait to read Rachel's next!<br />:-)<br />Jill
Laura BurgandyIce says
I thought the romance was lovely, too. And very realistic. Nice review!
Rachelle Rea says
Rachel, you are most welcome! I most assuredly did enjoy Interrupted and look forward to reading your next novel! Congratulations on that contract!<br /><br />Sierra, long car rides are the best, aren't they?<br /><br />Alyssa, yay, another history-lover! What's your favorite time period? Mine is a tie between medieval (River of Time, anyone?!) and the Revolutionary War.<br /><br />Julia,
Julia says
Great review, Rachelle! :) I liked this book too! :D Especially Sam. :) It was a little harder for me to like Allie. But I did love the beach scenes, being an ocean girl myself. :D<br /><br />I've been thinking of you as I go about my day! The convention is THIS WEEK, Oh My!! Prayers? :D<br /><br />Love, your sister, ;)<br />Julia
Alyssa says
Great review! <br /><br />One of the main reasons why I wanted to review this book was because of the WWII setting. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, too!
Sierra says
I don't think it started very slow for me… the first chapters or so, but then I was on a long car ride. :P I truly enjoyed this book and think the author did a wonderful job! Sierra<br />Keep Growing Beautiful♥ (Because You Are!)<br />Philippians 4:8
Rachel Coker says
Thanks so much for the lovely review, Rachelle! I'm so glad you enjoyed the book! :)
Rachelle Rea says
Sarah, glad to know I wasn't the only one. :) I'm a hopeless romantic…Anyway, take flight! Yes! That's it exactly!<br /><br />Gillian, historicals are my top-favorite genre (with fantasy a close second), so I really enjoyed that WWII feel.
Gillian Adams says
The emotions were very real, weren't they? I also loved the historical aspect. I think Rachel did a good job of painting the historical setting with the little details rather than resorting to a long drawn out description of everything. :)
Sarah Elizabeth says
Yes, those sweet little beach scenes between Allie and Sam made my heart go pitter-patter too! <br /><br />The book started a bit slow for me too, but once Allie moves to Maine and Sam comes back into the picture things really started to take flight with the story again.