The Certain Hope by E. C. Jackson - Review & Giveaway

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The Certain Hope
(Hope Series #3)
By C. E. Jackson
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 318 Pages
December 5th 2018

Love at first sight. It’s every girl’s dream. But Tara Simpkins is finding out it’s not as easy as it seems. Is this truly the man God sent to be her husband, or is she just desperate to escape her loneliness? The recent loss of both parents has left her reeling, and close friends don’t think she’s in any position to make major life decisions. She and her new-found love are convinced they can live happily ever after in the home of their dreams. His family thinks he’s moving way too fast and might disappoint the kind-hearted woman he’s fallen head over heels for. And then there’s Leah. Leah is supposed to be part of his past, but what if she decides she’s his future? Tara’s match made in Heaven may be over before it truly begins.

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In My Opinion

Ok, let me just say this. If you, like me, are skeptical about love-at-first-sight stories, this book probably won’t change your mind. It will, however, give you some good insight about many issues surrounding a rushed relationship.

I had a really hard time liking Luke. The man steamrolls his way over his family and Tara. He’s abrupt and blunt without apology. Plus he doesn’t take criticism well. Lucky for him, Tara offsets his flaws (at least they did for me). She’s quiet and considerate. The fact she’s endured some big losses right before meeting Luke made me sympathize with her.

For me, there was no running conflict through the story. The issues seemed to flit in and out and get resolved fairly quick. And the issue that could have been the central conflict held out until the final chapter and then got brushed aside (but again shone a light on Tara’s character).

There are a lot of supporting roles between Luke’s large family and Tara’s friends, but Jackson weaves them into the story so well I never felt lost as to who was in the scene. Much of this book is dialogue with a few internal thoughts which became a lot of telling instead of showing. But, I will admit that for Luke’s personality, it fit.

Perhaps unrealistic for most people, there are stories of love-at-first-sight marriages that are going strong, so even if it’s not your reality, it is entertaining. And may also serve as a cautionary tale to not jump into anything too quickly, especially if the people you trust are conflicted about your decision. And through it all, I was cheering for Tara’s happily-ever-after.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

E. C. Jackson began her writing career with the full-length play Pajama Party. For three and a half years she published the Confidence in Life newsletter for Alpha Production Ministries, in addition to writing tracts and devotionals. Teaching a women’s Bible study at her church for eleven years naturally led to her current endeavor of writing inspirational romance novels and teen and young adult fiction. Her mission: spiritual maturity in the body of Christ through fiction.

A note from E. C. Jackson: “The Write Way: A Real Slice of Life” is the slogan on my website and Facebook author page. If every person reading my book feels connected to the characters, my job is done.

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