Review: More by Heidi Marshall

More by Heidi Marshall

Age Group: Adult
Overall:
Source: Purchased E-book
Interest: Christian Romance, Romance Week
Author Website: Heidi Marshall
Challenge: 111 Challenge
Buy the Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Lulu

Twenty-something Kate Henry lives a simple life in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. She fills her days managing a bookstore that she loves, spending time with her best friends and their young children, and trying to convince herself that she will someday have what she’s always wanted – a family of her own. Wounded by a father who abandoned her, Kate is desperate to find a man who wants to know and love the real her. The real her who talks to inanimate objects, loves to cook for others, and named her favorite pillow Mr. Darcy. Will the reliable lawyer Ian realize after ten years of friendship that Kate is the one? Will the exciting and spontaneous Ben sweep her off her feet? After facing one heartbreak after another, Kate begins to wonder if perhaps she was meant to be alone. She faces some life-changing decisions, but always manages to keep her sense of adventure and humor.

To be honest I was skeptical about reading Christian romance. I thought it would be very religious and wasn't sure I was up for the task, but I have been proven wrong. This book has given me a new genre to read and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. I actually devoured it!

I loved that the characters felt real - they were all very different and unique in their personalities, but it felt like I really knew them. The situations that Kate and her friends go through are very much what anyone my age would be doing or struggling with in their life. Kate is surrounded by great friends, but is longing for love and a family. It's hard for her to be around her best friend and her family because it makes her ache that much more for her own. I know the feeling, because when I was single, all I wanted was to find someone and finally be on my way to creating the family I always envisioned.

Following Kate while she is looking for love is such a wonderful journey - from first loves, to heartbreak and then finding true love when you least expect it. She also had to learn to accept that sometimes being alone wasn't as bad as it seemed - I actually learned that lesson a few years ago and found that I actually enjoyed being on my own for a change. What an emotional journey! I actually cried twice, that is how much I was into Kate's story. I love when a book can evoke such emotion from me. 

It's a well written book, so witty and very enjoyable. One of my favourite quotes is about one of the men who broke Kate's heart: "A date? That's wonderful! This is your first date since The One We Don't Speak Of, isn't it?"

There are so many great life lessons in this novel - from learning to love oneself first and knowing who your friends really are. This one comment that Kate makes to someone when asked what she would change about herself is totally what I would change about myself... so I can relate to her so much. "If I could change one thing about myself, I think I would worry less. I've always been one to let myself get anxious and worry about things that I really don't have any control over. I think it would be a good thing to let go of that."

 I guess I really liked this book because I found it so easy to relate to the main character and what she was going through. I can't wait to read more by Ms. Marshall!