Softly and Tenderly

Happily married and owner of two successful boutiques, Jade longs to begin a family with her husband, Max. But when she discovers that Max has an illegitimate son - who he wants her to help raise - Jade's life is turned upside down.

She flees to her childhood home, a rambling Iowa farmhouse, with enough room to breathe. There - while her mother's health grows fragile, and the tug of her first love grows stronger - Jade begins to question everything she thought she knew about family, love, and motherhood. In the wide-open landscape, Jade begins to see a future that doesn't rest on the power of her past, but in the goodness of God's tender mercies.

My thoughts...

Jade Benson has more on her shoulders than anyone should have. Her husband is a recovering addict, she discovers her father in law having an affair, and her mother has been diagnosed with cancer and wants to spend her remaining days at their old home. These are just a few of the major events happening in her life and the lives of her loved ones. She also has issues from her childhood to deal with.

This is not your usual sweet story, the writing is full of emotion, fast paced. It keeps you guessing.

The characters are interesting, real people that you and I feel like we know. You find yourself rooting for them. I did not like the way you are left hanging at the end, the next installment in the series won't be out till late 2012.

I give it 5 stars! You won't be disappointed.

I received a free ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.