Sweetwater Gap by Denise Hunter

A story of new beginnings from best-selling Romance for Good™ author Denise Hunter.

When Josephine's family insists she come home to help with the harvest, the timing works. But her return isn't simple benevolence--she plans to persuade the family to sell the failing orchard.

The new manager's presence is making it difficult. Grady MacKenzie takes an immediate disliking to Josephine and becomes outright cantankerous when she tries talking her family into selling. As she and Grady work side by side in the orchard, she begins to appreciate his devotion and quiet faith. She senses a vulnerability in him that makes her want to delve deeper, but there's no point letting her heart have its way--he's tied to the orchard, and she could never stay there.

A brush with death tears down Josephine's defenses and for the first time in her life, she feels freedom--freedom from the heavy burden of guilt, freedom to live her life the way it was intended, with a heart full of love.

My Review:
Sometimes the person most difficult to forgive is yourself. This is the case with Josie, the protagonist, as she hides a guilty secret. This is an enjoyable read; in addition, a lesson on harvesting is included.

I learned a bit about growing apples with this romance novel. Sometimes, I almost felt as if I was standing on the ladder; smelling the apples; falling into the rhythm of "grab, twist, pull, bag;" while listening to the Mexican workers sing a happy tune. What a beautiful place an apple orchard must be at harvest time!

I like the analogy drawn between two sacrifices. I can't say much more, or I'll give it away. I wouldn't want to ruin it for you. This is a good one. Happy reading!

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