Today I am reviewing New Beginnings in Shady Springs by Sarah Anne Crouch a Christian Contemporary Fiction set in Arkansas.
Book Description:
When the storm passes, can two guarded hearts believe in love again?
After six years of widowhood, high school biology teacher Clara Lewis has settled into a quiet life in Shady Springs, Arkansas, pouring her heart into her students, her church, and her garden. Romance, she tells herself, belongs to another season.
Sam Sullivan understands the safety of a guarded heart. A painful childhood and a broken engagement have convinced him that love is meant for others, not for him. Yet his long-hidden feelings for Clara become harder to ignore as they work together to encourage a withdrawn teen who needs them both.
Then a devastating tornado tears through Shady Springs, drawing Clara and Sam together in the storm’s aftermath as they help rescue the hurting, shelter the displaced, and rebuild the community they love. Amid the wreckage, Clara begins to wonder whether the steady, compassionate man beside her might be part of the new life God is offering.
But opening their hearts means facing old fears, unexpected competition, and the scrutiny of a small town that notices everything.
Perfect for fans of heartwarming Christian romance, this tender small-town story weaves together friendship, faith, grief, and healing as two guarded hearts must decide whether love is worth trusting again.
Start reading today and return to Shady Springs, where faith grows, hearts heal, and hope blooms in God’s perfect timing.
Book Review:
Thanks to the author for my review copy.
This is the fourth book in the Shady Springs series. This book features Clara Lewis High School teacher and widow, and Sam Sullivan pastor at the local church. Clara has a heart of gold. She cares for her students and loves helping at church and wherever she can. Early on she has been given some seeds which she is planting in the garden in front of the church.
Sam is single due to a broken engagement where his fiancé couldn’t handle being a pastor’s wife. It has made him guarded thinking no-one would want to take on the role. While he thinks he is destined to be single he admires Clara and often wonders what it would be like to date her.
A tornado brings them together as they work to help the community recover. There are some secondary characters in the book who play a part in this story including Micah. He is now living with his grandpartents due to circumstances with his parents which leave him hurting and lost. We also see how while Clara and Sam both are dealing with issues from childhood. While totally different both have left lasting scars.
The book was easy to read and I kept wanting to know what would happen next. I loved how the story played out. It is also nice to have main characters who are probably in their 40’s and getting a second chance at love. If you enjoy second chance love and slightly older characters give this book a go.
New Beginnings in Shady Springs it out July 21 and you can preorder here.