A Sweet Story: Small Town Girl by Ann H. Gabhart

Small Town Girl
by Ann H. Gabhart
Copyright 2013
Revell Books
ISBN: 9780800721848

The Story:
How long can two people stand on the brink of love without plunging in headfirst?

In the autumn of 1941, rumors of war whisper through Rosey Corner. The town practically vibrates with apprehension, as if it is holding its breath. But for Kate Merritt, it seems life is letting out a prolonged sigh. As Kate watches her sister marry the man Kate has loved since she was fifteen, her heart is silently breaking. And even the attentions of Jay Tanner, the handsome best man, can't draw her interest.

Then suddenly, Pearl Harbor changes everything and Kate finds herself drawn to Jay in surprising ways. Could she truly be in love with him? And if he enlists, will she ever see him again?

In her gentle and textured style, Ann H. Gabhart tells a timeless story of love, sacrifice, and longing that will grip your heart and stir your spirit. Fans of Gabhart's Angel Sister will love seeing Kate Merritt all grown-up, as well as other characters they have come to love.


My Thoughts:
The last time I read a book by Ann Gabhart, Words Spoken True, I was extremely impressed. Although Small Town Girl is set in a completely different time period with new characters I am still impressed with this author's work. I enjoyed that while set at the very beginning of World War II for America, it had all the emotion of a book that was set right in the thick of it like say, Sarah Sundin's wonderful WWII era fiction. Ms. Gabhart certainly knows how to tug at the ol' heart strings!

The reason for the 3 star review is that the book moved so slowly at the beginning. I was wondering if anything was going to happen between Kate and Jay since they were dancing around each other from pretty much the first page. To top it off, for the first 100 or so pages I was annoyed, very annoyed, with Kate's sister, Evie and Kate's brother-in-law, Mike. Those two, who were supposed to be likeable (I think) just rubbed me the wrong way. Evie was full of herself and Mike came across as a bit intrusive in the lives of Kate and Jay. He was a preacher and friend to both Kate and Jay but I just did not care for him as a character. I'm glad to say that in spite of having a beef with those two characters, I still enjoyed the story. The latter third of the story had me welling up and near tears! There were a few moments that made me catch my breath especially where Kate's little sister, Birdie was concerned.

All in all, in spite of starting off slow, Small Town Girl is a good book for those who like their stories heavy on faith and full of emotion. There are a few characters I hope we get to see more of in the future, including Kate's sister, Tori! I'd really like to follow this family through the war and see how they grow and change during such a trying time.


“Available July 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

To learn more about the author visit her WEBSITE.

Read my review of Words Spoken True also by Ann Gabhart HERE.

~ My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars ~ 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. I was not compensated for my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*

Happy Reading!