A review by emileereadsbooks
A Not-So-Distant Love by Heidi Kimball

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Charlotte's life path is predictable, find a suitable husband, get married, and oh yeah, inherit her father's Scottish dukedom. But feeling stifled by the certainty of it all, she decides to grasp at freedom before obligation ties her down. So she travels with her cousin to America.

While in America, she is welcomed by her hosts and their friends into Pittsburgh society. Except, her mere presence seems to rub Dr. Alec Galloway the wrong way. He disapproves of the British peerage system and her role as a peeress. And when this fact is made known to her, it fuels the ire they feel towards one another. 

But when Charlotte learns a bit about Alec's past, she decides to offer him her friendship, which changes everything. They both have to decide what they want their futures to look like and how much of their hearts to out on the line
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Redemption is the theme of this book. Regaining identity, purpose, and life direction. These characters both have things from their past that define the people they are and they have to choose how much definition they will allow their pasts to have. I love the parallel grappling they each had to have with responsibility and honor pertaining to completely different circumstances. 

These characters embody big emotions and the way their personalities are juxta positioned makes for a story that is a pleasure to read.

Kimball writes with a skilled hand faith elements that are indictive of the messy humanity of Christianity.  I appreciate this so much in her writing. 

*While this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading Heart in the Highlands first. This book is a beautiful continuation of that story, and as such contains spoilers of it. 
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This is a closed door, kisses only, historical romance with Christian Faith elements.

Thank you the author, Heidi Kimball for ARC! All opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.