My Review of A Worthy Heart by Sara Beth Williams

 

Warning: This book contains abuse and violence.

The story starts with a car accident involving college student Serena Hayes. The brother of her best friend Lacey, Joel Bennett, witnesses the accident and runs to render aid.

Although unhurt, Serena’s car is totaled and Joel offers to drive her home, where she can relax after the devastating circumstances. Serena’s boyfriend, who she lives with, is home when they arrive and he accuses her of impropriety, which is of course is completely false.

Joel witnesses the abuse and feels if he sticks his nose in it, it could escalate into a brawl. But then he blames himself for not jumping in to protect her. What should he have done?

Now, without a car, Serena relies on her boyfriend Chris to take her places until the check from the insurance comes in. The check seems to be taking a long time to get to her and she is without independence and transportation.

School is winding down for the year and Serena divides her time on classes, study, and her job. She works on campus at a coffee shop where she is well liked. With family issues and the way Chris treated her, she feels less than. She compares herself to her twin brothers and the women in their lives, who to Serena appear to be perfect. In her opinion, she never measures up to what she should be.

Joel has family issues of his own. Anger he has carried for years plagues him and clouds his judgement, especially where Serena is concerned. His sister Lacy is worried about him and pushes him to help Serena. He has no objection.

Serena and Joel, out of necessity, spend more and more time together and because of that and extenuating circumstances, Joel and Serena’s romance blossoms.

With everything that happens to her, Serena steps back, knowing she has to focus on the last few weeks of school and her graduation. But can she?

Serena, Lacy, and Joel attend a church camp where convictions and trust come to a head.

The big event of graduation comes and decisions to where she will live and find a job take them both on a road of trust in God. Trust and prayer become pivotal points.

This is written in a more omniscient Point of View. If you are a fan of romance where family is important, you will love A Worthy Heart and the characters with their individual mannerisms.

The action is mellow but contains numerous spikes. There is some abuse. Most of the violence is off page. The Christian element is prevalent but not preachy. Their romance and attraction has heated sparks but does not go into anything more than kissing.

The characters display authentic emotion and struggles we all face. I loved the character development in the plot. Omniscient Point of View is not my go to, but I will give this author another read.    

 I give this book 3.5 stars 

this review is longer than my normal ones. I reviewed this book for Clean Fiction Magazine. Find the magazine here: Magazine  

To read the book: Buy