Everything Behind Us
by Jennifer Rodewald
Series: Murphy Brothers #3,
Published by Rooted Publishing
Publication Date January 12, 2021
Genres: Christian Fiction, Clean Romance
Setting: California Contemporary
Main Character Ages: 25-34
Written for: Adults
Pages: 171
Synopsis:
Neither wants to relive the past, but they need each other to face the future.
Connor Murphy lives by a code of honor and service. Dignified, duty-bound, and responsible, he’s spent the past eight years as a single enlisted airman, determined never to mess up another person’s life the way he did Sadie’s. As long as he follows orders, does his job well, and avoids romantic entanglements, he’ll do just fine. Of course, that last part was easier before Sadie rolled back into town.
Sadie Allen never intended to return to Sugar Pine—her hometown hosts too much regret—but she can’t face her health crisis alone. Not with a four-year-old depending on her. Even so, Connor Murphy’s proposal of a marriage of convenience wasn’t exactly what she had in mind. She can’t fault his reasoning—her prognosis is grim and her son could use a father—but her heart aches at the thought of a marriage without romance. Especially to the one man she’s never gotten over.
The day-to-day challenges of Sadie’s illness are enough to strain the strongest relationships, let alone one hastily conceived in the shadow of past mistakes. Will the pressure be too much for their marriage to withstand, or will they allow God to forge something beautiful through their pain?
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Also in this series: Always You: A Murphy Brothers Story, In Spite of Ourselves, This Life
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Full of rich emotions and characters of depth, Everything Behind Us shows what can happen when we surrender fully to God’s will and do what He directs us to do; what we know is right, even when it is the most difficult choice. When all of Connor’s family discouraged him from marrying Sadie, it would have been so easy just to walk away. After all, there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors, right? But Connor was a man of prayer and conviction. He knew that God was directing him in this. And he refused to back down.
When the dictionary defines “noble”, Connor’s picture could illustrate it. Not in the sense of royalty, but in honor and commitment. I loved his faith and prayer life.
Sadie had lived a life of rebellion after the events that drove her from her hometown. She had done things she was ashamed of and had paid the price. And yet, she still experienced God’s grace and mercy and now was trusting Him in her sickness. I probably wouldn’t have cared for her much a few years earlier but now she was a changed woman. My heart ached for her in her illness and fear. I admired her for not blaming God for the cancer devastating her body.
This is such a lovely story of faith, hope, and love! There were some sweet and tender moments, some that made me giggle, and many that had me pondering the spiritual lessons Connor and Sadie learned.
If you enjoy Christian fiction that will make you think about spiritual things, you will love Everything Behind Us. This is a continuation of the Murphy Brothers series, and you will want to read the other stories first, even though this one stands on its own.
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About Jennifer Rodewald
Jennifer Rodewald (aka J. Rodes) leans toward raw honesty, and isn’t afraid of dark places, because she knows the Light will always break through. Writing for her is a journey of learning. Life on the plains with her personal superman has been pretty awesome—sprinkled with dark and light places. They have four kids to keep things chaotically interesting, and her favorite advice to them is “to be your best weird self.” Jen’s tendency to be loud—she calls it a blessing to have a “coach’s voice”—is a family trait. Ultimately, she believes Love has conquered all—we just haven’t reached the HEA ending yet.
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