Allison Wells

A book that broke my heart and mended it several times over on the journey with this heroine - a journey I could not put down as I was anxiously awaiting her fate.

Described as a modern retelling of the Woman at the Well story in the Bible, I found it very interesting. It is also a very entertaining book that I enjoyed. The characters were interesting and well-developed, and you could see the growth of Roxie throughout the book. While a biblical tale, there was not a running theme of overt Christianity. I felt this was a typical fiction novel that had Christian elements in the concluding chapters. I felt like I understood Roxie, having also also been married more than once. I was raised in a conservative, Southern Baptist home. I have felt the shame and the longing and everything else. It captured all of these emotions, as well as the reason why someone might do something like marry five times. I liked the simplicity and practicality that Roxie used to justify her many marriages as she wed these men. Later, she realized they would not answer her prayers - only God could do that. And only Jesus, through the Living Water, could fill the emptiness in her heart.

I encourage you to read this book as well, so that you can go on Roxie's journey. You will love with her, hurt with her, and find peace with her.… (mais)

I finished this book in a day and a half. I would have finished it in one sitting but life got in the way and dinner needed to be made.

There was that one moment that I started crying and it was not a pretty picture. It just shows how invested in the story and the characters I was. This is a recommended read!

Roxie really did not aim to marriage as many times as she did. She just found herself being deceived by some of the men. Yet, when she took her blinders off, she realized the truth. Luckily, Roxie has good friends who had her back. Each time Roxie did come out stronger and wiser.

Now, some readers may be discouraged to check out this book due to it being a modern retelling of the Woman at the Well a story form the New Testament but they should not be. This book is not preachy. It is a good, solid read. One that all readers new and old to this author will enjoy.… (mais)

I have developed a complicated relationship with War Torn Heart. Honestly, for the first 20 pages or so, I didn't think I would like it at all. Then, a miniscule detail just reached out and grabbed me:
"Mrs. Newman poured him an iced tea, and he drank it down in two gulps. Harvey raised an eyebrow to Abby and winked, which neither older woman noticed. Abby certainly noticed."
I met my husband when I was 17, and the first thing he did to catch my attention was wink at me. 20 years later, and he still does it. Such a tiny gesture that probably changed my life.
And Abby's. One thing leads to another to first love. Harvey and Abby share something special, but will it last? My intrest turned to Abby's character at this point and how she affects the overall picture.
In my opinion, one of the definitive marks of a great story is the author's ability to weave genuine actions into the fiber of their characters. Through this, the reader feels or remembers something significant from the past, and a connection is made.
I found this story to be character driven. Abby is the center holding everything together. All is well until her one true love and her brother join the war after Pearl Harbor. Nothing could stop their leaving. In the men's absence, Abby cares for everyone and everything. Through tragedy and joy, Abby is a steadfast presence to her family and friends.
This story is a stark reminder of the horrors of war and their far reaching consequences. Abby endures hopeless hope, betrayal, tragedy, despair and bleak acceptance.
She is so young, not even twenty, and deserves some happiness. If given one chance at overwhelming redemption, will Abby take it? Is she strong or hopeful enough to stand tall and speak her truth?
True love conquers all, right?
Allison Wells has written a beautiful story about an ugly part of history. Every family was changed in some way by WWII. Abby and her family are one little example. Imagine how many untold sorrows have been laid to rest. Remember them.
Thank you to Just Read Tours and Allison Wells for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.… (mais)