Review: Uplifting romance!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 7, 2010
No Other by Shawna K. Williams has a rich cast of memorable characters. I instantly felt empathy for Jakob as he returned to high school where he had left three years earlier to take care of his younger siblings. Once his wronged parents are able to return from the internment camp, he can resume his education. One problem - his teacher is Meri Parker, a former schoolmate. The teacher-student relationship becomes complicated with Jakob falling in love with Meri.As Jakob's love deepens for his teacher, he feels compassion for Meri's unhappy situation with her parents. They don't seem to care what Meri wants, but are just interested in their family status in the political and upper class world. In spite of her corrupt parents, Meri is a decent and caring young woman. However she doesn't hold the same Christian values as Jakob, but he's not judgmental and has unconditional love for her. He's sweet when he invites her to attend Bible studies with him. When Jakob does something he regrets, I felt this made his character more realistic because Christians aren't perfect and make mistakes. Readers will relate on a deep level to Jakob's personal struggles.There are many big moments that touched my heart. One that especially did happens in the deserted farmhouse Jakob's family lost. During this important scene, we see and feel the joys and laughter Jakob shared with his family in their beloved home. It's here that Meri tells Jakob how awful her father treated her. She was robbed of her first career dream by her cruel father.Shawna Williams brilliantly stirs profound emotions throughout No Other.  It's filled with wonderful drama, romance, and history. I highly recommend this book. I'm looking forward to reading her sequel, In All Things, in November.