This book was different and I liked it! It breaks all the norms about Christian romance novels! Most are about couples in the bloom of youth, and I have read a few about middle aged couples. The romantic couple in this story is senior citizens in their 70’s. That might sound a bit odd but the story is beautifully and realistically written.
Laura is a widow and retired midwife. She is still very active helping in her community and with her family. Zechariah is a widower but he is not in good health and is suffering from Parkinson’s. Along with the difficulties of the disease, he is struggling living with his family besides relying on them for his daily needs. The two have known each other since grade school.
After his granddaughter has a difficult birth with twins, Laura steps in to help with the household, the younger children, and Zechariah. Losing his independence and his failing body has turned him into a real grumpy old man. She sees his discouragement and emotional pain and determines to cheer him up. As time passes they realize there is a spark between them. The question is can they find that kind of happiness at their age and the obstacles that come with it?
Ms. Irvin touches on so many true to life challenges faced in the senior years. Even though Zechariah had family to care for him, the loss of his independence was devastating. Being told what to do, where to live and having all your decisions made for you is frustrating. As the body grows frail it is discouraging not to be able work and to everything you once enjoyed. The youth of the family take the place the person once held making it easy to feel useless and unwanted. The couple’s aches, pains, exhaustion in doing the simplest tasks was so true-to-life.
I loved the family Amish family moments of meals, special times for a cup of coffee and fresh baked cookies. It was heartwarming and brought to light there are still sweet pleasures at any age. Most of all I like the wonderful Laura’s wonderful sense of humor. I haven’t read the other books but I am going to now!
I received this book from Booklookbloggers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.