Review: You’ll Think of Me by Robin Lee Hatcher

Title: You’ll Think of Me by Robin Lee Hatcher
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Contemporary, Christian, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Her mother abandoned her, her father disowned her, and her husband left her. Can Brooklyn be convinced that it is possible to forgive the greatest of betrayals?

Brooklyn Myers escaped her broken home and her embittered, unloving father by eloping to Reno at the age of 17. But when she was pregnant with their first child, her husband abandoned her as well. Not welcome back home in Thunder Creek, Brooklyn stayed in Reno and raised her daughter Alycia on her own, doing her best to make sure Alycia never knew the heartache and rejection Brooklyn herself had known.

When her estranged husband Chad Hallston dies, he leaves the family home in Thunder Creek to his daughter. Believing it is the best way to give her daughter a stable home, Brooklyn does what she thought she would never do. She goes home to the orchard and wine country of Southwest Idaho. There, she encounters Chad’s best friend, Derek Johnson, a part time sheriff’s deputy who also owns an organic produce farm next door. Derek was never a fan of former bad girl Brooklyn Myers, but he made a promise to his dying friend that he would be the father to Alycia that Chad had never been.

Although Derek and Brooklyn get off to a bumpy start, he and Alycia quickly form a bond. And soon, Derek realizes that he wants Brooklyn to trust him too . . .  even knowing that her trust won’t come easily. And then he realizes he wants even more than her trust. He wants to win her love.

While Brooklyn may be tempted to give her heart to Derek, risking her daughter’s happiness is another story. Will Brooklyn hold onto her self-reliance for dear life, or will she come to understand that the greatest gift she can give her daughter is showing her how to love and trust others?

Review:

You’ll Think of Me by Robin Lee Hatcher is a heartwarming journey of faith, new beginnings, trust and love.

Ten years ago, Brooklyn Myers escaped her father’s abuse by eloping to Reno, NV with her then boyfriend Chad Hallston. Unfortunately, Chad abandoned her as soon she discovered she was pregnant with her now ten year old daughter Alycia. After learning Chad has unexpectedly passed away and left his family home to Alycia, Brooklyn returns to Thunder Creek, ID.  Fighting the memories her small hometown resurrects, Brooklyn is surprised by how eagerly everyone welcomes them into their lives.

Unfortunately one of the few people who are not happy to see Brooklyn is her next door neighbor Derek Johnson. Derek was never her biggest fan when she was dating Chad and he has even more reason to dislike her now that she owns the land he was planning to buy. Trying to let go of his resentment over the end of his dream to expand his organic farming business, Derek is charmed by Alycia, but he remains deeply unhappy about Brooklyn’s reappearance in his life.

Leaving Thunder Creek was just the first step in healing some of the wounds from Brooklyn’s abusive and neglectful childhood.  Physically abandoned by her mother and emotionally abandoned by her father, Brooklyn has trust issues and she struggles with low self-esteem.  Although she has much more confidence now than when she was younger, returning to Thunder Creek brings up those unpleasant memories she has avoided for so many years. While she is emotionally and spiritually stronger, Brooklyn cannot help but be a little distrustful of Derek’s motives for spending time with her and Alycia once she discovers he was planning to purchase her property from Chad.

Derek is finding it very difficult to let go of his disappointment that his dream of expanding his business will not come to fruition. He is also struggling to overcome his lingering dislike of Brooklyn and he is in no mood to show her any compassion for the difficulties she has endured.  Despite his conflicted feelings towards Brooklyn, he is respectful of Chad’s final request to be there for Alycia and he is immediately drawn to the vivacious little girl. However, as he spends time with Alycia, he gains a better understanding of Brooklyn’s life both in the past and in the present.  With his attitude toward her softening, Derek is rather surprised to discover he has romantic feelings for her.  Since he has made no secret of wanting Brooklyn’s property, is there any way she can trust Derek’s interest in her is genuine?

You’ll Think of Me is a captivating Christian romance that touches on many topics that will resonate with readers.  Robin Lee Hatcher beautifully incorporates relevant Bible verses and passages that perfectly dovetail with the issues the characters are grappling to overcome and/or understand.  The romance between Derek and Brooklyn is incredibly sweet and grows naturally from their friendship. An exceptionally uplifting and deeply affecting novel that will linger in readers’ hearts and minds long after the last page is turned.