Reviewer Lisa Lickel Raves about New Romance

No Other
By Shawna K Williams
c. 2010
ISBN – 978-1-936000-53-1
A Desert Breeze eBook
Genre: WWII Era Inspirational Romance


Reviewed by Lisa Lickel

From the Publisher:

In the aftermath of WWII all Jakob Wilheimer wants is to get over his pain, get on with life, and if at all possible, forgive those who've wronged his family -- including himself. But it's hard to do when there are constant reminders. One of them being his former schoolmate, now teacher, Meri Parker -- Miss Port Delamar Pearl, Mayor's daughter, Belle of the town -- Meri Parker.

After enduring the stigma and isolation associated with the internment camp, the awkwardness of going back to school should've been a cake walk. But Jakob didn't expect to find himself inexplicably drawn to Meri. Or to discover that the pain and loneliness of her life surpassed his own. She needed to be rescued from the wretched people seeking to control her life. And more than anything, he needed to be the one to save her.

Review:

And, wow. I haven’t enjoyed a read like this since I first picked up Tamera Alexander: one where I didn’t have to edit in my head as I read along; one where I wanted to finish the book in order, without skipping ahead. The couple of historical facts I felt compelled to look up were right on. Thank you, Shawna!

Shawna’s No Other is a fairly short read, but not a light story by any means. Immediately following World War II in Texas, Shawna doesn’t spare her readers the nastiness of the era, the suspicion that pervades our culture even today. Meri and Jakob fell in love, fell into temptation, but didn’t fall in to despair. And throughout their tangled romance, even when he allowed temptation to hold sway, Jakob kept his faith firmly fixed and wanted Meri know that his God was in charge like No Other.

Shawna’s writing technique is beautiful with well-rounded characters and well-established settings. I love unusual relationships, and although I tend to be a bit squeamish about teacher-student situations, in this case, Jakob returned to finish high school after the war years and was legally of age. The scene of Jakob caring for his baby neice is one that comes back to grab me often. Shawna’s theme of temptation, failure, and forgiveness wove a firm pattern across their lives.

I read this book in pdf format with no trouble.

~ Review first appeared on Goodreads.com, Barnes and Noble.com and on http://lisalickel.com/cgi-bin/blog

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