An Arrival of Hope by Alena Mentink: Book Review

Details

• Genre: Historical fiction
• Series: Home to Osceola (Book #3)
• Length: 310 pages (Kindle edition)
• Publication Date: April 21, 2023

Tropes

• second chance at love
• fish out of water
• opposites attract

My Rating

Book Description

“She’s resigned herself to a quiet life. He buried his heart with his wife. Neither expects redemption to come calling. 

Rosalind Durmond still harbors a heart made for storybook romance — she just knows such tales aren’t written for her. She thought she’d traded those dreams for duty when she agreed to care for her aging aunt. But when that aunt sets off for the Nebraska plains to right an old wrong, Rosalind finds herself knee-deep in family strife — and face-to-face with a widowed farmer whose quiet strength stirs hopes she thought long out of reach.

Zane Hoffman’s learned the hard way that happy endings exist only in fairy tales. Since his wife’s death, he’s sworn off risking his heart again. Yet when a red-haired woman with a knack for finding trouble crosses his path, his conscience won’t let him walk away.

As secrets from the past turn dangerous, Rosalind and Zane must fight for survival — and for the fragile love awakening between them.”

— from Goodreads

My Review

Poor Rosalind thought that going to Osceola would be an adventure. Instead, she had to supervise one aunt, put up with another, and deal with the townsfolk’s judgment for being the Durmonds’ niece. At least, Zane and his family made her stay more pleasant.

I felt for Zane and shared his annoyance at other people insinuating he should just remarry already (even though he was clearly still grieving).

There is a mystery thread woven through the story. Although, it mostly remains in the background until about the last third of the book.

I was surprised some chapters were from Maude’s POV. As frustrating as she could be, they were actually rather funny. Additionally, those chapters really illustrated the contrast between her and Rosalind, especially concerning Zane.

My enjoyment did lessen somewhat when Rosalind’s parents arrived. Her father meant well, but some of things he said rubbed me the wrong way. Not to mention he also put Rosalind and Connor in an awkward situation.

Speaking of Connor, I actually ended up really liking him, which surprised me. I don’t think he would have been a good match for Rosalind, but he had more integrity and backbone than I gave him credit for.

Favorite Moments

🐄 basket social
🐄 milking a cow
🐄 Rosalind comforting Zane on the porch

Favorite Quotes

“She was one of the sweetest girls he knew, and the joy that sparkled in her eyes was like sunshine. He always left her presence feeling as if she had given him one of those beams to carry with him throughout his day, a light to chase away all shadows.“

Alena Mentink

“If Rosalind retained only one lesson from this trip to Osceola, it would be that a house, however simple it appeared on the outside, needed only love, joy and meaning to become a home, but it needed those ingredients in abundance.“

Alena Mentink

“…while she still had much to learn about him, she knew enough to be sure he wouldn’t make a promise without fully intending to back it.“

Alena Mentink

“‘What can’t be said out loud doesn’t need to be whispered.’“

Alena Mentink

“…sometimes the best way to stop wishful thinking was to get busy blessing someone else.“

Alena Mentink

“Why did romance in storybooks focus so much on candles and beautiful dresses and fancy meals? None of that was love. Love was something far deeper. It wrapped commitment, joy, and serving all into one package.“

Alena Mentink

“His heart. Not merely his heroic rescues or his handsome looks but his heart. That was what she valued most. Oh, what was that verse she had read on the train when she was coming here? Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord locket on the heart. There was the answer — and it had been hidden within her the whole time! She did love Zane. She loved his heart.“

Alena Mentink

“You are everything that’s the opposite of boring. You are spirited. Joyful. A light. A bit of sunshine that’s always glimmering even when there are clouds.“

Alena Mentink

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