I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Out of the Blue by Susan L. Tuttle
Blurb:
Falling in love again wasn’t on her checklist, but he’s about to pencil it in.
Nate Reynolds’s ugly history has dogged him long enough. He has spent years reforming himself, but there has to be a purpose for all the pain in his youth. When he discovers the perfect campground for rehabbing juvenile delinquents, he sees his chance for redemption. Even if it means butting heads with the owner’s granddaughter, Gwen Doornbos, a woman who, for all her sharp edges, possesses a heart similar to his. The more time he spends with her, the more he envisions a future he once thought impossible.
Four years ago, Gwen Doornbos lost her husband at the hands of a troubled teen. Her dream of ministering to kids died with him, and she returned home to help her grandfather run their family summer camp until his retirement. That day has finally arrived, except her grandfather has other plans for Camp Hideaway, and they include the irritatingly handsome Nate, a do-gooder with more brawn than sense who insists on bringing the past right to her door.
When an accident requires Gwen to temporarily assist Nate, she discovers that the campers challenge her in ways she’s not ready to face. Yet if she can find the courage to stay, the darkness that has shrouded her for so long may lift to reveal a love arriving out of the blue.
My Review
Nate Reynolds wants to save juvenile offenders in the same way he was rescued from his troubled youth. His plan is to run a summer camp where he can reach them and change their lives. Arthur and his granddaughter Gwen own Camp Hideaway, with its beautiful forests and lakes. Because Arthur is now too old to keep the camp up, he and Gwen have agreed to sell the camp. But, when Nate comes along, Arthur is excited to let him set up his camp for the summer.
Gwen is against it, because her husband was murdered by a juvenile delinquent four years ago. She can’t let go of the grief and is angry that the young people will be at her camp. When Arthur breaks his hip, Gwen must stay for the summer to care for him. She has no intention of helping Nate.
Both Gwen and Nate have a lot of issues to deal with and really don’t get along. But they are very attracted to one another. Can they even be friends? There are lots of ups and downs in this book and there is plenty of excitement. This is a Christian book and relationships with Jesus are portrayed as essential. I enjoyed the book and thought the plot was very realistic, because it showed the struggles people live with in order to grow in their walk with God.