Small Town Girl

Title: SMALL TOWN GIRL

Author: Ann H. Gabhart

Publisher: Revell

July 2013

ISBN: 978-0800721848

Genre: Historical

In the autumn of 1941, rumors of war whisper through Rosey Corner. The town practically vibrates in anticipation, as if it is holding its breath. But for Kate Merritt, it seems life is letting out a prolonged sigh. As Kate watches her sister marry the man Kate has loved since she was fifteen, her heart is silently breaking. And even the attentions of Jay Tanner, the handsome best man, can't draw her interest.

Then suddenly, Pearl Harbor changes everything. Kate's friends are rushing to get married before the boys go off to war. The newspapers talk of women making airplanes and bombs. Everyone in town begins rolling bandages, planting victory gardens, collecting scrap metal. Kate finds herself drawn to Jay in surprising ways, and when he enlists she can hardly breathe worrying about him getting killed. Could she truly be in love with him? And if she is, will she ever see him again?

In her gentle and textured style, Ann Gabhart tells a timeless story of love, sacrifice, and longing that will grip the heart and stir the spirit. Fans of Angel Sister will be thrilled to see Kate Merritt all grown up. New readers will find that Ann Gabhart weaves in Small Town Girl a beautiful story that will touch their hearts and win their loyalty.

SMALL TOWN GIRL is the follow up story to Angel Sister and Words Spoken True. Rosey Corner Book 2 (probably because Angel Sister is the prequel to the series.) Readers might want to read those two books first to find out Evie’s and Lorena’s stories. But SMALL TOWN GIRL does stand alone.  Kate considers herself practical—other than being in love with the man her sister is marrying. But when handsome, carefree Jay Tanner comes to town as Mike’s best man, everything changes. Even Mike’s and Jay’s friendship—as Mike tells everyone that Jay isn’t good enough.

I fell in love with Jay. He was wounded, but my heart hurt for him. I just wanted to pull him in my arms and hug him and tell him he’d be okay, and he was good enough. I cheered for him to move beyond the hurt and embrace family and love.

SMALL TOWN GIRL was a great story. My only complaint is it is unfinished. It ends with WWII just beginning and… I’ll say no more, but I want a follow up book!  $14.99. 400 pages.  4.5 stars rounded up to 5.