Gina’s Review: Robin’s Reward by June McCrary Jacobs

Robin’s Reward
written by June McCrary Jacobs
published by June McCrary Jacobs, 2015

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Book Depository, Goodreads

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange  for an honest review.

Did I enjoy this book: The story sounded promising and I love a good romance, but this one fell flat. There’s no real chemistry between the main characters, Robin and Jeff. I honestly think Robin is too insecure to be in a relationship, especially seeing how she reacts to certain situations. She acts more like a teenager than a woman in her midtwenties.

The writing is also a distraction. Robin “blushed” or “flushed red” more times than I could count, not to mention there were a lot of fluttering hearts going around. I kept picturing a cartoon with hearts beating out of the characters’ chests and cupid flying around shooting arrows everywhere. I feel like emotions could have been conveyed with better word choices–to make it more sophisticated than fluffy.

There were also a lot of scenes that I simply didn’t need in this book. I got tired of reading after awhile and started skimming details on flower arrangements and beading on a dress. A few sentences would have done the job.

 

Would I recommend it: No, it just doesn’t give me that loving feeling.

About the book – from Goodreads: Bonita Creek’s librarian Robin Bennett is heartbroken after being abandoned by her husband, Thomas. The mysterious and handsome Jeff Clarke arrives unexpectedly and touches Robin’s life with his wit and warmth. Then, without warning, Jeff’s harsh words and abrasive actions scare her off, and Robin’s hope of finding true love withers again.
Just when it seems Robin and Jeff might have a future, Susan Stinson, whose cruel taunting has plagued Robin since they met as young teens, decides Jeff should be hers, not Robin’s. Susan’s anger and jealousy escalate dangerously. Her vindictiveness threatens the foundation of Jeff and Robin’s young relationship.

Robin’s journey through the peaks and valleys of her life meanders along the twists and turns of new challenges. Is a relationship which began with both parties harboring secrets destined to survive? Can they move past their troubles and the obstacles in their path to find love and happiness together? When their pasts rear their ugly heads, Jeff and Robin must use their faith to remain strong and true. But will it be enough for them to embrace a life of love, trials, and blessings . . . together?