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?

My take:~

Jennifer Rodewald continues to pen stories that move my heart and and feed my soul. Everything Behind Us takes the marriage of convenience trope and moulds it into an emotive story of grace, sacrifice, and redemption.

Connor’s decision to marry Sadie comes not from a white knight complex, but a deeply held belief that it is God’s will for his life. Sadie marries in desperation, to protect and provide for her son after a diagnosis upends her life. The implications of their choices, the disappointment of Connor’s family, and the lack of love between them, all play out with Rodewald’s trademark authenticity and tenderness.

There is beauty in Jennifer’s prose and the delicate unfurling of friendship and love that blooms when Connor and Sadie place faith and trust at the forefront of their new marriage. Wrought with emotion and a different path to love, Everything Behind Us will stay with you long after the story ends.

Jennifer Rodewald/J. Rodes lives on the wide plains somewhere near the middle of Nowhere. A coffee addict, pickleball enthusiast, and storyteller, she also wears the hats of mom, teacher, and friend. Mostly, she loves Jesus and wants to see others fall in love with Him too.

She would love to hear from you! Please visit her at authorjenrodewald.com or at www.facebook.com/authorjenrodewald

Relz Reviewz Extras
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Buy at Amazon: Everything Behind Us