Review: Emotional and Inspiring
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 19, 2013
I first became acquainted with June Foster's writing with her second work in the Bellewood Series, As We Forgive. I loved the characters, and she let me know Pastor Tim first appears in her first book. I've wanted to read Give Us This Day for a long time, and I'm so glad I did.June "writes real." Her characters have flaws and struggle. And I think my favorite character in the Bellewood series comes from Give Us This Day, Jess Colton. Jess is a man battling his weight. He isn't just heavy, he is obese. June writes Jess with sensitivity, but I could feel myself tense anytime Jess's dad or Holly's sister entered the scene.Jess struggles with more than food, and I love that his problems aren't taken care of in one chapter. June illustrates forgiveness and new beginnings, but also that no one can force us to choose to live free.Holly has a past and the consequences are a daily part of her life. Jess's friendship helps her, but she's afraid to reveal her whole self to him. She sees people, even those closest to Jess, be cruel. Will her full disclosure push him away? Could they be more than friends? Can she ever forgive herself?This was a gripping read, and because I've read books 2 and 3, I can tell you, she doesn't let up. Her books continue to feature realistic situations and beautiful redemption stories. Keep an eye on June Foster because I think you are going to see a lot more of her, and that is a very good thing.