Joyous Strains by Latisha Sexton: Book Review

 **ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own. 

The Book

She returned home broken. He’s determined to remind her of the joy she once knew.

When her brother died, Rowan Fischer thought life had taken everything from her. But the pain only compounded since leaving home, and it’s confirmed what she’s feared for a long time . . . God has abandoned her.

With nothing left, she has no choice but to return home to her granny’s empty cabin full of haunting memories.

Losing his sister and best friend in a car accident threw Carter Hollis into a dark place. Until God sent someone to rescue him from himself. Years later, he’s fulfilling his calling as a worship pastor when his best friend’s little sister moves across the road from him.

The grown-up version of Rowan is nothing like the free-spirited, joyful girl Carter remembers. Now he’s on a mission to remind Rowan of who she is and the joy that only God can offer her.

Will the love and prayers of long-time friends be enough to break through Rowan’s walls? Or will she continue to push God away and abandon Oakhaven forever?

The Author

Latisha Sexton is the author of contemporary Christian romance where grit meets grace. Her heart in writing is to make His name known through writing flawed characters, messy stories, and God’s amazing mercy and grace. She has loved reading for as long as she can remember and feels extremely blessed that God has called her on this writing journey. Born and raised in Kentucky, she resides there with her husband and three children. When not homeschooling, she’s most likely reading or writing (or talking about reading and writing to her author friends). Her favorite genres to read are historical and fantasy and maybe one day she’ll be brave enough to dip her toes into writing them!

Book Review

Wow. I don't think I was emotionally prepared when I sat down to read this one... but oh my goodness, what a beautiful story this truly was. To put it mildly, you're going to want to have the tissues ready for this one... it was so heartbreaking and emotional, but while we're taken on a roller coaster before we get there, it DOES end in a happily ever after. I loved the romance between Carter and Rowan. They had such a long history between them, and one that wasn't always easy with the loss of their siblings in a car accident. But the chemistry between them when she finally returns home many years later? So beautifully done. There was such a strong connection between these two that felt very natural as it grew into something more. The romance was tender and emotional and had me rooting to see these two get that hard fought happily ever after. More importantly than that though, it takes us on a beautiful journey of faith and healing... with God in very center of it all. I definitely found myself reaching for the tissues on more than one occasion, but in the end, it did leave you with that feeling of hope that can only come from God. Simply put, I absolutely loved it! 

Joyous Strains is a Christian romance with kisses only and no language. It is important to note that this one doe deal with some difficult topics that could be triggering for some readers, to include mentions of  


You can purchase your copy here: https://link.amazon/B03MnNdd6