(I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.) And honestly? I loved it! Great story, characters I instantly fell in love with, and a plot rich with themes of real-life struggles, God’s redemption of messy situations (even the ones we’ve caused for ourselves) and accepting God’s forgiveness. Plus it features my beloved Lexington, Kentucky & the hymn I walked down to at my wedding (Be Thou My Vision) plays an important role in a wedding in the book too! đ
Carly Mason, a Kentucky girl escaping her mistakes by doing her graduate work in California, hears a “missing child” announcement over the PA system in the mall where she works and when she finds Penny she finds a family that needs her. Â Penny’s dad Ryan is struggling to help his children adjust to their new situation as a divorced family – and Penny is the reason for that divorce. Â Or, rather, the affair Ryan had with Penny’s mom who recently passed away. He has his sons for the summer, and Penny full-time (despite the best efforts of Penny’s aunt who wants Penny for herself) … and very little left of his sanity.
To complicate matters even further, Penny suffers from a mild form of FASD – fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Basically, when a woman is pregnant and drinks alcohol, so does her baby. According to the CDC.gov, babies/children with FASD are affected in different ways but probably have some form of abnormal facial features as well as other physical manifestations and they can exhibit difficulties in areas of behavior, learning, and reasoning/judgment. While in this story, Penny’s character does not show signs of the most severe form of FASD, her behavioral issues pose great challenges for her father and the nannies he tries to employ. Â Fortunately for Ryan Tremaine, God ushered in Carly Mason at just the right time – whether or not either of them acknowledged His assistance!
The first book I read of Ms. Bylin’s – Until I Found You – had me swooning from the romance.  I even developed a book-boyfriend crush on Nick Sheridan, the hero in that book.  I mean, seriously, this line: “Nick Sheridan had the posture of a soldier, the ease of a cowboy, and the daring of a pirate.” (Victoria Bylin, Until I Found You) Can you blame me??? Do I even have any readers left or have you all either a) rushed out to buy that book or b) melted into a dreamy puddle? In Together With You, the love story was more subtle, sorta crept up on me a little more slowly.  Both books, however, feature honest, realistic looks at Christians (“veteran” and “newbie”) just trying to figure out how to live this whole Jesus life while dodging the speed bumps of life.  No sugar coating, no “too good to be true” here.  I felt right at home with these characters because I could see myself in them – making mistakes, losing my temper, wanting to just throw in the towel and give up. What keeps Ms. Bylin’s characters going is the same Strength that keeps me going – the redeeming grace of Jesus, the mercies that are new every morning, the faithfulness that is indeed great.
GIVEAWAY (now CLOSED to new entries): I am giving away my copy of Together With You.  I read it of course but it is in excellent shape! Seems a shame for it to just sit on my shelf when one of you could be enjoying it đ If you would like to win my copy of Together With You, please comment on this post by answering this question:  Which (if any) of Victoria Bylin’s books have you read before? ALSO make sure to leave your email address so I know how to contact you.  (Sorry! Giveaway only available to US and Canadian readers…)
Winner will be chosen via Random.org on Saturday April 18th, 2015 and notified by email.  If I have not heard back from you within 1 week, I will choose another winner. Good luck! đ
I have never read one of her books.
rxavier123@yahoo.com
You should!! She writes such a good story đ
I, too, enjoyed Until I Met You! Great review! Thanks for the giveaway!
cyndilou83(at)gmail(dot)com
Oops! Wrote too fast… Until I Found You. đ
Cyndi – I keep wanting to call it the same thing!! Haha!!
I haven’t read any of her books yet. You had me at Kentucky! Lol! Sounds like a wonderful book! Thanks for sharing!
Nancycooks4u [ at] gmail [ dot ] com
Yay for Kentucky! đ
I haven’t read her books yet but have heard only good things so I hope I win one!
douglas.emilee@yahoo.com
If I don’t get blessed enough to win this book, I will buy it!! It sounds great!! Love stories about real life issues!
Yes, please do! It’s so good đ
This book has been on my TBR list – I would love to win a copy! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
I haven’t read any of her books yet, but I would love to make this one the first of many.
Oh I hope you do! You won’t regret it! đ
I have not read any of her works. I am a new reader of Christian fiction and still trying to find out what authors I enjoy. Have a blessed day!
How exciting, Destry! And overwhelming, I’m sure!! I would be honored if you would follow my blog for some suggestions of great books to read as time goes on đ
Unfortunately I haven’t had the opportunity to read any of Victoria’s books yet. Your review is very informative and has me ready to head to Amazon to add her books to my wish list. Thank you for offering a giveaway of your copy of “Together With You.”
quiltcat26{at}sbcglobal{dot}com
Yay!! I’m so glad you found my review helpful & that you’re adding her books to your wish list! You won’t be sorry, Nancee đ
No, I haven’t read any of her books, but would love to. TY for the chance.
leliamae(at) aol(dot)com
I haven’t ready any of hers but would love too. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this one.
abilene_nana(al)yahoo(dot)com
I have not read any of Victoria’s books but I am always looking for great author’s and I am thrilled to run across this one. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.
mauback55 at gmail dot com
Glad I could introduce you, Melanie đ
I haven’t read any of Victoria Bylinâs books, but this one sounds amazing! I will definitely be checking out all the rest. myfacebookemail23 at yahoo dot com
Excellent, Kim! So glad I could introduce you đ
None yet đ
I haven’t read any of her books yet! Heading to Amazon to update my wish list though. đ Love the KY connection. We used Be Thou My Vision at our wedding also!
I didn’t know that, Liz (about your wedding) đ I know you will enjoy her books!
Haven’t read any yet, but definitely adding this to my TBR pile!
volleyball143@yahoo.com
Yay! So glad đ