The Guardian by Dee Henderson

Pages: 292
Method: Kindle
Rating: 5/5

Now that I’ve read 3 of the books in this series, I have to say, they might be the most romantic, non-romance books I’ve ever read. They’re not romance because the plot is more about the thrill of solving a crime and navigating difficult life circumstances. But I think that’s why I’ve been enjoying them so much; the romance is seamlessly woven into their crazy lives. It makes it more realistic and very refreshing.

One reason for that is that most of the characters are in their thirties. That may seem like a small thing, but when a lot of romance characters are in their early twenties, it can sometimes make a single reader feel they’re behind. So instead of being encouraging and heartwarming, it’s just demoralizing. But with these books it reminds you that you don’t have to be in a rush; love will come.

Another reason I find these stories refreshing is that they are realistic about how your past affects you. People’s emotions and reactions to external stimuli are heavily influenced by their past and some people struggle to unpack that or recognize that it’s true. These characters do an amazing job of respecting each other’s privacy while also gently pushing because they care about each other, and they want to help each other grow.

There were a lot of heavy topics in this book and the wrestle between faith and the evil in the world was very accurately represented in my opinion. Each of the characters had their own struggle with what they were going through, from how to put your hope in God when you’ve already been disappointed, to whether there is a better way to pray or interact with God. What was beautiful is that the FMC, who was already a believer, found ways to use the MMC’s experience and circumstance to show him why and how he could trust God. Because she understood him relationally, she was able to explain biblical concepts and intimacy with God in a way that he understood.

There are seven siblings, so I am excited to see their stories unfold through the rest of the books. This series brings the “found family” trope to a whole other level. It’s not just friends that feel like family, it is seven orphaned children who met at a young age and literally created a family and changed their last names. I think that’s pretty cool!