book review: "belonging" by robin lee hatcher

"In the high desert town of Frenchman’s Bluff, Idaho, Felicia Kristoffersen has set out to create a future for herself that is better than her painful past. Alone in the world with only her faith to sustain her, she must prove herself as this tiny community’s new school teacher. She cannot, must not, fail. But there are those who never wanted her there to begin with.

Five years after the death of his wife, local merchant Colin Murphy cares about just one thing: raising his daughter, Charity. Colin wants to give her the educational advantages he never had. The new schoolmarm’s inexperience doesn’t sit well with him, and if this teacher up and marries like the last one did, Charity’s heart will be broken once again.

A woman who hasn’t known love. A man who lost the love he had."

As a first year teacher, I immediately was able to connect with Felicia. Even though there wasn't a lot of attention given to the ups and downs of her job, I liked having that in common with her. I wasn't overly impressed with the story but liked the side story of Kathleen and Oscar. I think I would've liked Colin and Felicia to get together sooner but it was an overall good read. I have a feeling the mention of Felicia's past might come up again - Gunnar doesn't seem to be the type to give up easily. I'm excited to see what happens next in Betrayal!

I received a copy of this book from Zondervan for my honest review. You can learn more about Belonging from Robin's website.