Her Only Wish is the second book in the "A Season in Pinecraft" series and centers around Betsy Detweiler, one of the original "wallflowers" from the first book of the series. I liked the premise of the book that instead of making "bucket lists," Betsy was making a "life list." Her list of things she wanted to accomplish were things that made living life more rewarding and fulfilling.
I don't know if it was Shelley Shepard Gray's intention, but she created two characters whose parents were the very definition of dysfunctional. Betsy's parents were helicopter parents who hovered over her every move and tried to control her life, even though she was in her twenties. August, the golfer who is teaching Betsy to golf, comes from missionary parents who were all about being seen doing the work, and that was their whole identity. A couple of things happen that bring all this dysfunction to the fore--Betsy has a rather severe asthma attack, and August's father has an accident in Africa that could have cost him his leg. In both instances, August's and Betsy's parents made unreasonable demands on them and had to be told they were out of line. Betsy's parents took a hard look at themselves and changed. They saw the detriment they were causing to Betsy in not allowing her to live her life on her terms. August's parents expressed their disappointment in him having ideas of his own and not bowing to their every whim. Betsy's parents acted out of love, where August's parents acted out of how things would affect them. It was a sad situation for them both, at first, but they overcame in incredible ways.
Shelley has worked in two parallel romances into the novel to give it more life and flair. It was truly an enjoyable book just right for a rainy afternoon with a cup of hot tea and a cuddly blanket. Four strong stars.
Revell Publishing provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
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