I loved the chance to revisit the characters from Hilltop, Montana. I loved Heart of Courage by Penny Zeller, which released earlier in the year. I was thrilled when I realized she was publishing a prequel for the holiday season. It was so cool to see young Otis all grown up in A Christmas to Remember. He was such a cute little boy in the first book. And to learn that there was going to be a puppy named Cow again (offspring of the original Cow) was awesome.
Times are hard during this book, however. There has been an influenza outbreak in Hilltop and it is an even worse situation in nearby Hawthorne. A town where the lady Otis once proposed to, Belinda, was now living with her family. He volunteers to take needed supplies to this town in need, but he is unsure of what is going to happen when he sees the woman who broke his heart.
Belinda is a lovely young woman who is just getting over the influenza herself, and is desperately trying to care for her family, while praying that help will come before it is too late. She regrets that she had to hurt Otis, and wonders if she will ever see him again.
I love this sweet second chance romance. I love the way neighbors help each other. I love the surprises the characters have for each other. And of course, I love how the author infuses the story with faith and prayer and the importance of trusting God.
Definitely a book I recommend.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.
