Season of Hope (The Seasons Book 1) by Sara Jane Jacobs

Season of Hope (The Seasons Book 1) by Sara Jane Jacobs                                                                                                                    About:                                                              When Amanda Jarvis prays that a special friend will move into the vacant house near her isolated mountain home, she isn't upset when God sends a boy instead of a girl. But Amanda's not the only one receiving unexpected answers to her prayers. After fleeing with his mother from an abusive father, Tyler Armstrong finds much-needed love and acceptance with Amanda’s family over the next ten years. 

As high school graduation nears, Tyler is shocked when one carefree afternoon with Amanda churns up an inner turmoil he would have never imagined; he’s crushing on his best friend. And for the first time in his life he’s hiding a secret from Amanda. Convinced the timing is all wrong, Tyler pushes his feelings aside as he and Amanda prepare for the future. He will soon begin training to pursue his dream of becoming a Navy Seal, while Amanda makes plans to spend the summer in Manhattan with her aunt and then return home to the community college. 

When Amanda’s summer job catapults her into a modeling career, she readily accepts the much-needed distraction. Tyler’s impending deployment is turning her world upside down. Along with the fact that she’s falling for her best friend. And, for the first time in her relationship with Tyler, she’s hiding a secret, too. 

Phoebe Garrison, Amanda’s controlling aunt, is thrilled when she is given the power to act on behalf of her underage niece. Bored with her Fortune 500 advertising agency, becoming Amanda’s manager is just what she's been looking for to rekindle her aspirations. But as Tyler becomes aware of Phoebe’s obsession to push Amanda into supermodel status, tensions rise. As the three of them become entangled in a mass of concealed ambition and desire, each will make decisions that will send ripples of turbulence across their futures. 

My Thoughts:

Sara Jane Jacobs beautifully writes a story that is well woven between Amanda and Tyler as they face the challenges of growing up together, friendship, trust, faith, and even how the Lord answers prayers. Immediately, the reader is drawn into the story as fear and threats build, but later resolve. What makes this book so captivating is the way Sara Jane Jacob writes and how she invites the reader into the story with the characters who have depth. The book is beyond a storyline, but an invitation for the reader to step into the lives of two imperfect people who embark on an early age to live out their dreams. Tyler faces adversity, which Ms. Jacobs writes sensitively and the reader feels every single emotion faced by each character in this situation. Amanda goes out to fulfill her dream, but someone else has a larger dream then she may have anticipated. Is this what Amanda truly desires for her life and is she happy in NYC? Does her original dream line up with the dream she had in her heart? Is Tyler the only one who can save her from the lies, manipulation and money schemes or will she forever be gone? Will her initial dream be realized? 

Literally, I had tears in my eyes as the book ended, and I immediately contacted Sara Jane Jacobs (the author) and asked can I read the next book? I highly recommend this book and this new author. It is a book that has characters who have taken residence in my heart and in my head. I continually think about them all the time and wonder what adventure lies ahead. I haven't had a book that has engulfed my head space for such a long time like this one! I cannot wait to continue reading this entire series. In my opinion, these books have the potential to run a great series far out better than many of the main stream Christian authors. I cannot express the level of depth and emotions that ran through my heart as I was reading this book. I eagerly await for the second book and know that there are more books to come. Finally, I also think this would make an amazing Hallmark film and should be considered! I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required. All opinions and views expressed are my own. I give this book 5/5 stars. 

Please go and purchase Season of Hope today! You will not regret it and the pages will fly before it is finished. You DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT want to miss this book!! Grab it for summer! It will take residence in your heart and head too!

About the Author:

Sara Jane lives life Coram Deo along the Emerald Coast of Florida with her cat, Selah. She enjoys being with family and pretty much anything that involves the great outdoors. One of her favorite ways to relax is spending the day with her grandsons, Noah and Elias. She lives a short drive from the beach and considers frequent trips to put her feet in the sand a necessary part of routine health maintenance.

QOTD: What is a new author and book that you have recently discovered and loved?