Here's a description of the book from Bethany House:"Fall in love with Alice J. Wisler's charming characters in this delightful story set in the beach communities of North Carolina's Outer Banks.
Jackie Donovan prays for two things: an honest, wonderful man to marry and to own a bed-and-breakfast on the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. In the meantime, she works for Lighthouse Views, writing articles about local business owners, and intrepidly goes on the blind dates set up by her well-meaning but oh-so-clueless relatives.
There's one specific property Jackie dreams of purchasing: The Bailey House, a fabulous old home located right next to the ocean, a place where Jackie spent many happy childhood afternoons. But the Bailey House has strange stories and secrets surrounding it—not to mention its outrageous price tag.
When Jackie meets handsome Davis Erickson, who holds the key to the Bailey property, she believes God has answered both her prayers. But as Jackie learns some disturbing details about Davis's past, she begins to wonder if her heart has lead her astray. Will she risk her long-held dreams to find out the truth?"
My Rating: Spring/Summer
My Review:
Wisler has a unique style of writing that is both engaging and insightful, and overall a pleasure to read! Her characters are so authentic and easy to relate to, and Jackie's (the main character's) thoughts and attitudes reminded me often of myself as I read, which made it all the better for taking the book's lessons about contentment and trusting in God to heart.
I fell in love with the setting, with Jackie's quirky and lovable relatives and friends, and the general atmosphere of the book. Her dreams and hopes were so sweet, and the ending left me utterly happy! I think one of the aspects of the story that was a little difficult to connect with, though, was Jackie's sudden devotion to a certain man. While he was depicted as good-looking and charming, it didn't seem like there were enough admirable qualities shown to the reader to cause the reader to share in Jackie's feelings for him. And while I did truly enjoy the ending, it was a bit too fairy-tale like to fit completely with the rest of the story, in my opinion. (However, I wouldn't really want too much of it to be changed, because it was a lovely ending!)
Hatteras Girl is a story that will please the romantic at heart, offer hope for the rough and difficult times, and leave the reader with gentle yet applicable advice and words of wisdom (embedded in wonderful images), such as is found in the following quote:
"There is something so freeing about watching a kite soar high above me, something invigorating about a piece of plastic or nylon that has no power of its own but is held aloft by the force of the wind. It reminds me of God's behind-the-scenes work in our lives."
For a thought-provoking and feel-good read, I highly recommend Hatteras Girl!
*With thanks to Jim Hart and Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*
2 comments:
Amber,
Did you like Rain Song better?
Julia,
I think I did. Don't get me wrong--I really liked this one, too, and it was very sweet. :) But I really liked the atmosphere of Rain Song and it felt so profound and thought-provoking! I really enjoyed both, but I think Rain Song holds a special place in my heart. :)
~Amber
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