I am at an utter loss of words for this novel or how much I loved it. This is one of those books that’s so achingly beautiful that you feel it has had a profound impact on you. It reminds you why it is you love to read. Simply put, this book was wonderful! Reviewing it will be no easy task but I will attempt it... and I have a feeling it’s going to be a very long one. I have so many thoughts. 

This story gripped me completely. This happened almost instantly which is so rare for me with books but when it does happen, I love it. 
I was completely lost in this story. With each chapter, I was captivated by it. 

The writing. Oh my goodness, the writing!!! It was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. The kind of beautiful that’s rare and leaves you in awe at the affect words can truly have. It felt like a classic in many ways. It was beautiful, lyrical, and unique. 

The characters were wonderful. I do not say this lightly. Every one of them had such personality, such character, such stories. They were all their own. 
Willa is now one of my favorite protagonist I’ve ever read. She was incredible. She reminded me a bit of Jo March in a way but at the same time, she is all her own character and I admired her so much. Her faith in God and going to Him before anything else, praying to Him. It inspired me. 
Gabe. How does one even do justice to Gabe?? How? He is a hero I could ramble about for hours and still not do justice to his character. He. Was. Amazing. AMAZING. He is what every hero should be. He’s wise in his ways, selfless in his actions, and loving to everyone. He puts his trust in God and doesn’t mind what other people think. He’s truly the kind of hero that takes your breath away and makes you fall in love and sigh... without even saying a word. His faith in God is undoubtedly the most attractive thing about him. I admired him so much. 
Other characters in this story were equally intriguing and complex. I loved how complex every character was, how they each had a profound role in the plot. They weren’t just added as “extras” that have no depth. They all had their places, even the side characters. 
Mrs. Gresham and Aunt Maisie’s stories intrigued me entirely along with Mr. Gresham’s. I also got pulled in by the side character’s stories... Burke, Clara, Celeste. 
They all felt so real. In my mind, it feels like these people lived. 

Now, to the story itself. It was beautiful! t’s the kind of story that pulled me in, gripped me... ultimately, it’s the kind of story that LIVED for me. 
It has twists and turns. It has suspense and mysteries. Intrigue and romance. Oh, how romantic this book was! And not in the silly romantic way. No. This was truly romantic in every sense of the word. 
The love stories in this book were so complex, so realistic, so deep. No shallowness. There are times when I feel like I’ve read so many similar love stories that I simply want something fresh, original, and deep— something that goes far beyond outward attraction and feelings. And this love story did that. It took my breath away. How these characters made God their rock and foundation of their relationship inspired me so much. 

It has truths that touched me. Really, I read this book at the exact time I needed it. It really did touch me. It brought me to tears with it’s message. 
We all have this deep desire and longing for love. We run to humans for it but really, there’s only One who can fill that desire, craving, and longing in our heart. Our Savior, God. 
This book reminded me of that in such a beautiful way. That’s what I call a good love story, when it points you to the greatest love story of all. Really, this book was a blessing for me and I’m so very grateful I had the opportunity to read it. And it’s one of those books I want to reread over and over again... I never wanted to end.❤️

I could talk about this book for hours. I know it will be one of those books I think about months from now. It goes down on “my favorite books in the world” list because it was really that incredible. 
It was everything I love in a book.

*Thank you to Revell Publishers and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


2023 reread-
It was just as beautiful the second time reading it. I love this book so much! Gabe is definitely one of my favorite fictional male characters ever. His quiet strength and kind soul makes him one of those heroes I love from page one and don’t forget after I’ve turned the last page.💗 I also love Willa! She is one of my favorite heroines. She is so relatable. I feel like we would be good friends. 
I loved everything about this book once again. The mystery, the characters, and the story as well as the subtle humor and the lyrical writing. I laughed and teared up— just as if this was the first time I read it. 
It’s the first book I read by Joanna Davidson Politano and it introduced me to one of my top favorite authors which makes it a special one. Truly, this is one of my forever favorite books!