relzreviewz.com This Life by Jennifer Rodewald

Synopsis:~

They’ve been stripped of everything but a refurbished bus and each other. And it may be the best thing that’s ever happened to them.

Jacob Murphy always felt like the invisible brother, until he fell in love with and married the woman who’d dated his younger brother. Then he became the despised brother. Driven to prove himself worthy of respect, he gambled everything on becoming the successful brother, but with his property speculation business falling apart, he’s ready to admit defeat. He’s lost nearly every worldly good, and after years of disappointments and heartache, it looks like his marriage is about to go the same way.

Kate Murphy lied her way out of life in a trailer park—a life she felt both trapped in and ashamed of. Only Jacob knows the truth about her background. But keeping up appearances has strangled her life and relationships, and even her marriage is troubled. In desperation, she makes a plan to escape from it all—ironically, in a skoolie. But there’s still a tender place in her heart for the man she married, and in a moment of compassion, she offers to take Jacob with her.

Stripped of pride and pretension and struggling to adjust to their new 160-square-foot mobile lifestyle, Jacob and Kate are forced to confront the deception, hurt, and loneliness that have plagued them both. Will their strained circumstances be the death knell for their marriage, or will they allow humility to usher in the healing they need to rebuild?

This Life is a tender love story of second chances in marriage, of romance, and of redemption.

My take:~

Jennifer Rodewald is such a gifted writer – every one of her books speak to real life issues, wrestle with heartache, and are ultimately filled with joy. Her Murphy Brothers Stories have these qualities in spades and are such though-provoking reads, while still providing all a reader is looking for in a contemporary romance.

Rodewald particular shines when writing stories about married couples, an uncommon subject matter in a genre flooded with young 20 somethings finding love. This Life is raw, real, and fascinating, not only from the inner workings – or not-working – of Jacob and Kate’s marriage, but also to their ‘choice’ to follow a different lifestyle when Jacob loses control of their finances. The impact of both their choices upon their relationship and their relationship with their own families is also explored, adding even more depth to a story that is already immersive and captivating.

Their marriage is on a knife’s edge at the beginning of the story and their journey to restore their faith, their love, and their marriage is heart-breaking as well as beautiful.

This whole series is a delight and I’m excited to move on to the just released Stubborn Love, Jacob Murphy’s story. I recommend you start at the beginning and follow each brother’s journey.

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