Blue Columbine: By Jennifer Rodewald
Contemporary Christian Romance
Summary
Andrew Harris needs a fresh start. His alleged drinking problem cost him his job, sending him back to his childhood home in Colorado. Discovering his childhood sweetheart is still there—and still the girl he’d adored—Andrew gains new confidence that he’ll overcome the failings that had caused his downfall before.
Jamie Carson values her faith above all else. However, the loss of her mother has opened a nagging loneliness. After reuniting with Andrew—a boy she thought she’d once loved—the ache of solitude subsides, though his rejection of the faith she thought they’d shared is troubling.
With Jamie by his side, Andrew believes he can become a better man. Jamie feels the pull of Andrew’s affection, which is dangerous as she also sees that he is captive to an addiction he chooses not to acknowledge. She is as determined to remain his friend as he is set on in his attempt at self-reformation to win her heart.
As Andrew continues to pursue an intimacy Jamie knows she must guard against, blurring line between loyalty and love, things get complicated—until a devastating blow shatters their relationship.
For Jamie, one thing becomes clear: Andy needs a miracle, and she can’t be it.
Will Andrew allow the hand of grace to redeem his legacy of addiction, or will he and Jamie both remain casualties of heartbreak?
my thoughts
I thought for sure I’d posted a book review for this a year ago when I read it – Apparently I had not. So here we are.
This is definitely one of the more heavy books of Rodewald. It deals with addiction in a very real manner. No sugar coating here – and that’s one of the great things about this story. It does not gloss over anything so if you’re looking for gritty with your romance, then this is the book you want to read.
The characters were so layered, so multi-faceted and full of complicated intricacies. That’s what makes a story fabulous. As the story unfolds we see a transformation, mostly of course with Andrew. The struggle to find yourself while overcoming addiction is incredibly difficult. It made the romance challenging because Jamie had to guard herself so much. The very gradual transformation Andrew underwent not only changed how he viewed himself, but how he viewed Jamie, and there was such beauty in witnessing that kind of transformation. It gives me, as a reader, a fresh hope in God.
More about Jennifer Rodewald
Jennifer Rodewald / J. Rodes lives on the wide plains somewhere near the middle of Nowhere. A coffee addict, pickleball enthusiast, and storyteller, she also wears the hats of mom, teacher, and friend. Mostly, she loves Jesus and wants to see others fall in love with Him too.
She would love to hear from you! Please visit her at authorjenrodewald.com or at www.facebook.com/authorjenrodewald
other Rodewald books I’ve reviewed
The Red Rose Bouquet / Ordinary Snowflakes / In Spite of Ourselves
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