Scent of Lilacs: A Novel

by: Ann H. Gabhart

ISBN: 9780800730802

Pub. Date: March 2013

About the book . . .

After the summer of 1964, life for Jocie Brooke will never be the same.

Life-changing events rarely happen in quiet Hollyhill, Kentucky, and when they do, they are few and far between. But for young Jocie Brooke and her family, they happen all at once during the humid summer of 1964. Though on the surface things arboute just fine, it seems like everyone in Jocie’s life has something they’re not saying, something they’re hiding from her-and from themselves. As Jocie digs into her family’s past, she stirs up a whirlwind of discoveries. Will she find the answers everyone so desperately needs? Or will her questions lead to truths better left hidden?

Combining unforgettable characters, true-to-life struggles, and the perfect dose of humor and nostalgia, this riveting story from bestselling author Ann Gabhart explores the very essence of new life and love.

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About the author . . .

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, Words Spoken True, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Find out more at www.annhgabhart.com.: Facebook

Reader review . . .

It seems as though nothing ever happens in the small town of Hollyhill, Kentucky, but that's just on the surface. Plenty of secrets from the past are still hidden, and when Jocie starts asking questions about her family, she gets more answers than she bargained for.

Scent of Lilacs begins in a leisurely manner, befitting life in a small town, even lagging a time or two. But as the story unfolds, the pace quickens as the secrets of Jocie's family begin to come to light. At this point, it is almost impossible to walk away from the book.

For the most part, the characters seem realistic enough to inhabit any small town in the South. The time in which the novel is set does not seem to be relevant to the story, and at times the reactions of the characters do not seem to fit rural Kentucky in the early 1960's. Specially, David's reaction to his daughter's Tabitha's revelation seem extremely mild for that time and place. Probably my favorite character was Aunt Love. Her personality quirks serve to teach Jocie, and the reader, that we often misjudge someone without knowing their story. It is only when we know a person's past experiences that we can begin to understand their actions.

Ms. Gabhart possesses a true talent for descriptive prose. I could see the Fourth of July parade, the people in the church pews, and the apple orchard as clearly as if I were there. When Jocie and Tabitha sat outside with Aunt Love breaking and stringing green beans, I could hear the beans as they landed in the kettle. This is, for me, something that makes the reading experience enjoyable.

Christian-themed, clean novel of small-town life in the 1960's.

5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell. I was not required to write a positive 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.