Here’s a brief summary of a nice, sweet, inspirational romance that I read recently.
Widow Reeny Landry has suddenly received money to use as a memorial to her deceased husband. Amidst some strong objections from town members and from her mother-in-law, Reeny decides to start a handbell choir in honor of her late spouse. Reeny is attracted to people who need love and attention, and her handbell choir is used to help others who need this activity as an outlet.
Widower and math teacher Graham Lockwood is new in town and he’s Reeny’s next door neighbor. Graham is suffering from a recent loss and he’s pushed God out of his life. He is somewhat irritated by Reeny’s breezy, God-inspired attitude. When Reeny needs someone to help her lead the handbell choir, Graham is a natural choice since he’s a musician, and she can’t find anybody else to fill the position.
I enjoy reading stories with disabled characters. I thought this book was kind of interesting and I learned something new by reading it! Reeny has a daughter who is mute. Her mute child becomes a member of the handbell choir and it gives the child a vocal-like outlet since she can’t speak. I rarely hear of this type of handicap – I usually hear of it associated with deafness, trauma, throat cancer, or mental issues. Rarely have I heard of someone being born without the ability to speak (unless associated with the issues I mentioned in the previous sentence).
Reeny also has another child, a son, who gently objects to his mother’s growing feelings towards his math teacher.
This story was light and entertaining and it showed how we need to embrace God, even when we suffer from tragedy and hardship.