SWEETBRIAR COTTAGE by Denise Hunter

Josephine has been deeply hurt by men and has learned she can’t trust them.  That is, until she meets Noah Mitchell.  Noah and Josephine are drawn to each other right from the start.  Time shows her that Noah is different from other man she’s known and when he asks, she agrees to marry him.  Then something happens that devastates Noah and he files for a divorce, gives up the job with his family construction business and moves to a remote horse ranch.  Giving him some much needed distance from his one true love.  One day Noah receives a letter from the IRS stating that he and Josephine are still married.  He confronts Josephine with the letter.  Josephine blames herself for their failed marriage and failed divorce.  Wanting to somehow make up for it, she decides to deliver the paperwork to his ranch.  When a bad spring snowstorm hits, she becomes stranded at Noah’s ranch.  Noah struggles with hurt and resentment toward his wife and yet at the same time he still finds himself drawn to her.  They call somewhat of a truce because they’re stuck together.  When a horse is spooked and runs away they venture out in the storm to find him.  Both will be tested beyond their strength and relying on each other in a way they never have before.  Josephine finally reveals to Noah about her past; that she’s never experienced unconditional love.  Can Noah find it in his heart to completely forgive Josephine and love her like she’s never been loved before?  Can Josephine finally trust Noah with her whole heart?

Heart-wrenching, thought-provoking and emotionally-charged are just a few things that come to mind with this story.  Although this is a very well-written story it is also a difficult story to read just because of the nature of the situation.  I thought the author did a wonderful job of painting a realistic picture of the feelings and emotions of both Noah and Josephine.  You learn the background of their story through flashbacks that are intermingled with the present day.  Noah and Josephine are both lovable characters that have faults just like the rest of us.  To me, that gave them flesh and bone realism.  It’s a story that keeps you engaged and cheering on our lead couple. This is a standalone story and I would highly recommend reading the authors note at the end.  It was fun and interesting.  I also appreciated that there was an epilogue.

*This completely copy was provided by Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

A few favorite moments:

“Well, sure.  You just send a copy of that final decree, then, and that’ll be the end of it.”  The end of it.  The divorce had been uncontested, as simple as the act could be, he supposed.  But there was nothing simple when it came to separating one flesh.

But whatever God’s reasons are for the things He allows, His love for me, or for Granny or anyone else, isn’t something I question.  He settled that one on the cross.”

She was going to believe it.  Maybe it didn’t all make sense to her - how God could love someone like her.  Or why He allowed some of the things that happened.  Maybe she didn’t have to understand everything.  She closed her eyes.  I'm just going to go ahead and believe, if that’s all right by You, God.

For more information about this book or other books by Denise Hunter, I encourage you to visit her website at http://www.denisehunterbooks.com/index.html