AUTHOR: JoAnn Durgin
DATE: 2010
STARS: *****
A God-fearing man. A God-seeking woman. For Sam Lewis and Lexa Clarke, it proves a combustible combination. Lexa Clarke signs up for a TeamWork Missions summer assignment expecting adventure in a far-off, exotic country. Instead, she's sent to sweltering San Antonio to help rebuild homes destroyed by sudden flooding. She survives the four-hour bus trip from Houston, dust in the lungs, a flat tire, a tool-throwing incident and a spitting goat - not to mention an inquisition from a distractingly handsome cowboy - all before reaching the work camp. TeamWork director Sam Lewis isn't sure what to think of his newest volunteer. She's feisty, witty, and incredibly pretty, but looks more prepared to board a cruise ship than build houses. Burned by a past betrayal, he's got a job to do, a reputation to uphold. Sam can't afford to be distracted by a woman who attracts animals, defies his rules, finds trouble at every turn and questions God's purpose.
Poor Lexa, so far out of her comfort zone when she arrives in San Antonio to volunteer with TeamWork. Unruly creatures and a “boss” who looks remarkably like the hunk on the cover of her hidden romance novel, as well as inhospitable weather and barren surroundings greet the petite but feisty young woman. And why does said boss, Sam Lewis, have to keep teasing her? Maybe it’s her responses, but heaven knows something is causing sparks between the two of them.
She really doesn’t belong. She’s not a super Christian like everyone else, and she’s well aware of how far she is from the standard that seems to be expected. But there are other important things to consider, too, like the dorm mate who seems afraid of her own shadow. And the tiny girl with the big, haunted eyes.
Author JoAnn Durgin has created a true romance in Awakening, and I loved the sparks—and the flames. But this is more than a love story. Awakening tells the story of the intersecting journey of two very human people who hunger for God’s love and their place in His plans, while dancing through minefields of relationships.
In fact, all the characters in Awakening and the rest of the Lewis Legacy series are multi-dimensional people who quickly come to life through the pen (or keyboard) of the talented Ms. Durgin.
I loved this story, and Awakening earns five stars. Highly recommended.