As I live in a small southern city, I am always intrigued to learn what an author might write about my little part of the world. Will they portray all southerners to be uneducated, unshod and poor or `socially educated' (in the ways of `all things polite') or as they really are? Me? I'm highly educated, love shoes, middle class and hopefully `socially educated', too, really. LOL
Lois, the main character, hails from Ohio and moves to Louisiana to run a small town newspaper. The story begins after she's spent just enough time in the Deep South to decide to stay. Then things start happening...
I look for 3 main factors when enjoying a book. Does the story have depth or can I tell you what's coming next? Will the character's relationship with God inspire me? What's the temperature of the romance?
Goodness Gracious Green is a great story! I really had no idea what would happen next and I have to love that-keeps me glued to my seat and the book, you know? What would be next, after the fires, the vandalism? And how about that hot topic--all those Mexicans getting across our borders? How do you deal with them? It wasn't too heavy either. I don't want to read a political expose' during a romance novel. At the beginning of each chapter is a snippet from our fictional newspaper, which is a great touch, and I loved each one!
Although the characters are church going folks and talk about praying more and did pray, I don't see Lois as a character that would inspire me per se', although I shared her fears and struggles. It was a story about living out our convictions as Christians. She has to stand up for justice despite potential consequences on more than one occasion and I love that.
This was a light romance for sure and that was ok for me. I've read a few heavy titles recently and needed a light read. The `heat factor' was friendly, not even lukewarm really. The romance took a backseat to the real story, which again, was riveting.
If you're looking for a light read that keeps you riveted, Goodness Gracious Green will do just that.