Book Description:
Wales, 1884
The quiet village of Llanwddyn has long been a safe haven for Gwen, a young Welsh country girl whose life has been fraught with tragedy. Following the untimely death of her parents, it was her aunt's home in Llanwddyn that provided Gwen and her brother a refuge from their grief. Now, with the unwelcome news that the village is to be razed in the name of progress, an inescapable wave of change has begun.
When her brother departs to follow his dream of sailing the high seas, Gwen is left alone to navigate the shifting world around her. She soon finds herself relying on the support of her brother's best friend, Lewis, a gentle blacksmith whose kindness stirs her heart. Resigned to the fact that Lewis may never see her as more than a child, Gwen is soon swept off her feet by Thomas, a prosperous young Englishman. Torn between two men and two very different paths, Gwen has little time to determine what course her heart will follow. With time running out for her beautiful valley, will love come too late?
Rorie's Review:
It took me a few chapters to really get into this book, but once I did, I was hooked. I've read a few books that are set in Wales, and the names always get me. I just need to take a crash course on the correct pronunciation so my brain doesn't stumble every time I come to a Welsh word.
Other than my own lack of pronunciation abilities, I really enjoyed the story. I like how the relationships with Gwen and Lewis and Gwen and Thomas developed. I always like the romance better when they have to fight for it in some way. Both Thomas and Lewis were very likeable characters, but I had my heart set on one of them, and throughout the story was really hoping that Gwen would choose the "right" one. :)
I didn't know that this novel was based on true events, so that part was interesting to read at the end. The reason why the dam was built in the first place really shocked me. I don't want to give too much away, so I won't say any more about that, but it was an eye-opener.
Tarah's Review:
When I first saw this was a love triangle I was a little hesitant to read it because I'm not really into the whole, "I have some many people falling for me and I have to choose" bit. However, I am so glad I decided to read this book. And as for the love triangle, it isn't a typical love triangle and that made all the difference for me :)
I haven't read too many Welsh books because, honestly, the name really really throw me off. The names weren't difficult, and there were Welsh phrases but the author kindly included a glossary for words and phrases. I really appreciated that.
I enjoyed the Author's Note at the end. It made it an already enjoyable story even more enjoyable. I'm kind of hoping that if we see more from this author it is the story of the "other" guy.
Title: One Last Spring
Author: Sian Ann Bessey
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Published: November 2015
ISBN: 1680476386
Source: We received a copy from the author in exchange for a review.
Purchase: Amazon Deseret Book
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