AUTHOR: JoAnn Durgin
DATE: 2017
STARS: *****
Armed with her MBA degree, Gabriella Martin is ready to face the world. She’s gained valuable experience the past year as the interim chief financial officer of her parents’ highly successful Choose Me! Christian marriage ministry, but is that what she’s destined to do the rest of her career? While she considers her options, Gabriella returns home to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in her native Virginia. What she doesn’t count on is running into her childhood friend Harley nearly everywhere she goes, especially since he seems more ruggedly handsome and irresistibly charming than ever.
A master woodworker and furniture builder, Harley Goodwin has always been “just friends” with Gabi Martin from the time they were kids. He prays that while Gabi’s home in Meadowvale trying to figure out her future direction, he can win her heart. He might not have a fancy college degree, but he’s built a solid, flourishing career and is financially stable. But as determined as Harley is to earn Gabi’s love, she seems to suffer from the misconception that he’s dated every other eligible girl in town, and she’s the last woman standing.
During the long and hazy days of summer, can Harley convince this stubborn beauty she’s the only woman he’s ever loved and that Gabriella needs to stay in Meadowvale permanently and make a life, home, and family with him?
Whenever I pick up a book by JoAnn Durgin, I know she’ll introduce me to memorable characters, flawed, quirky, and almost always with a good sense of humor. Thee Will I Cherish met and exceeded my expectations, making me smile, chuckle and even laugh out loud. Tears flowed, too, at particularly tender points of the story.
I loved meeting the Martin family, beginning with the three sisters, Gabi, Mari, and Aubrey, who share a strong bond of love and faith. Their parents are admirable, dedicated to their unique ministry and their family.
Harley won my heart from the first meeting, with his handsome exterior and mix of pride and insecurity. His passion for woodworking reminded me of my husband and made this hero even more appealing. This quote resonated: “In the midst of chaos in our modern world, woodworking gives us a place to slow down, pay attention, and take the time to do things right.”
Harley and Gabi’s love story touched my heart and stirred my emotions. The faith message of this romance is clear, spelling out the Good News and showing its wonderful results. Thee Will I Cherish earns five stars. Highly recommended!