MoonglotexasWhen it comes to romance novels, I’ve become accustomed to archetypes that play out in a fun and light way. Judd seems the serious, heartbroken guy who moved across the country and Larkin the fun-loving, socialite. Within a few chapters, Sarah Loudin Thomas shifts gears and starts a whirlwind adventure that takes our characters from the coastline inland and back again with many twists and unexpected light moments. I love the descriptions, it’s like standing there, hearing and seeing it as the characters do and each character has a depth and authenticity. This is my first outing with Sarah but I’ll be back for more. I loved the ending which was as unconventional as this book and I highly recommend it. It’s a four out of five on the en-JOY-meant scale.
Favourite line:
“This would take some getting used to. He walked slow – like the locals did – recognising the wisdom of it in a place where he almost thought he could grab ahold of the air no wring water from it.”
From the back page:
Judd Markley is a hardworking coal miner who rarely thinks much past tomorrow until he loses his brother–and nearly his own life–in a mine cave-in. Vowing never to enter the darkness of a mine again, he leaves all he knows in West Virginia to escape to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It’s 1954, the seaside community is thriving, and Judd soon hires on with a timber company.
Larkin Heyward’s life in Myrtle Beach is uncomplicated, mostly doing volunteer work and dancing at the Pavilion. But she dreams of one day doing more–maybe moving to the hollers of Kentucky to help the poor children of Appalachia. But she’s never even met someone who’s lived there–until she encounters Judd, the newest employee at her father’s timber company.
Drawn together in the wake of a devastating hurricane, Judd and Larkin each seek answers to what tomorrow will bring. As opposition rises against following their divergent dreams, they realize that it may take a miracle for them to be together.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the advance copy.
