Review: The Girl in the Window - More than just a romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 5, 2013
I was given the pleasure of reviewing The Girl in the Window by Valerie Douglas.  It's a romance--but so much more.When a book grabs me and characters stay with me, I know I've found a book to add to the keeper shelf. The Girl in the Window is the story of Beth and Josh. But it's so much more than that. This story is about overcoming a troubled past. It's about surviving to beat the odds--it's about love and forgiveness. It's about determination.I really enjoyed the parallels between the female protagonist, Beth, and the horse, Fair, that belonged to the male lead, Josh. It's obvious early on that Fair has been mistreated somehow--and Beth is the only one that can get near him.Both were troubled--and Josh could tell--as he'd watched her through her window.  He'd purchased Fair in the hopes that the nearly-wild horse could be trained to run in races. Everyone said it wouldn't and couldn't happen. Months of work had accomplished little--until Beth. It seemed as if Beth was the key -- almost as if the horse could relate to a kindred soul.Josh had watched Beth interact with the horse with amazement--and knew he wanted know her, and then he just plain wanted her. When they finally meet, she isn't sure if he wants more than she's able to give.The secondary characters added flavor to the story and were interesting as well. It's easy to give this book five stars.The only issue I had at all is that I'd have liked to see just a bit more of Josh and Beth together--but I was done the book before I even realized that the story flowed so well, I'd reached 'the end' before it dawned on me that this book isn't really your typical romance at all. It's more a journey for all the characters involved--both human and equine.In parts it had me near tears. Other parts had me smiling. But every page had me turning it to see what was next in their journey.Ms. Douglas brings her story together in such a way that it's impossible to sit down. I read it in one sitting (hey, who needs sleep?) and will likely read it again.Kudos, Ms. Douglas. I'll be looking at more of your work.I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via The Kindle Review.Hope Welsh, The Kindle Review Team