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De appelboomgaard
Josie's zus Laurel denkt dat Josie na al die jaren thuiskomt om te helpen met de appeloogst. Haar zwager Nate gaat ervan uit dat ze haar hoogzwangere, overwerkte zus Laurel wil overhalen de boomgaard te verkopen. Maar niemand weet waarom ze destijds van huis is weggegaan, of waarom ze nooit eerder terug is gekomen, zelfs niet toen haar vader werd begraven. En niemand, vooral Josie niet, kan vermoeden wat haar terugkomst teweegbrengt.
304 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2008
107 people are currently reading
1610 people want to read
About the author
Denise Hunter
86 books4,674 followersDenise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.
In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!
Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
December 31, 2008
My, my, Sweetwater Gap was a heartwarming romance that went well beyond my initial expectations. Denise Hunter writes great romance novels--and I expected that--but this was her best yet. Few authors do allegories well, and if you look at Sweetwater Gap and Surrender Bay from a purely allegorical point of view, it's impossible to not be impressed with the amazing job the author did with both of them.
I have never read a story with a more emotionally effective and believeable plot that exemplifies Christ's redemptive work on the cross related to our utter unworthiness of his sacrifice. Sweetwater Gap drives that point home in a fresh way and does so in a very effective and memorable manner. All I can say is...WOW. I can see why the Women of Faith picked up this book. It's perfect for that type of inspirational conference.
What amazed me most about this novel was the author's ability to take an utterly selfish and self-condemning act and make the reader totally see their own heart through the story. The character was sympathetic despite what she was doing. NOT an easy task. Ms. Hunter executed that perfectly. The story slowly revealed the conflict and at the same time revealed a little bit more and a little bit more of her heart, thus making for perfect characterization. And the slowly developing trust in their romantic relationship was so believeable and gratifying it will make you want to sigh as the hero and heroine take baby steps toward each other and risk their hearts. He had valid reasons for not trusting women, but it didn't feel contrived like it does in some romances. His issues seemed totally valid, as did hers.
In short, Sweetwater Gap was powerful, emotionally evocative, and the type of story that will not only touch your heart, but have you wanting to talk to your friends about the story because it was so incredibly well done. This is a book that I could even *gasp* read twice, and still enjoy every page. Did I mention that Denise Hunter writes amazing kissing scenes? They are always SO heart-engaging that they sweep me away EVERY time. Highly recommended.
October 20, 2019
This is a sweet story that takes place during the fall time at an apple orchard. Even though I found the story sort of predictable, I felt as thought the plot had a substantial amount of depth to keep it feeling real. If you’re looking for an easy autumn read, with some spiritual depth, this would be a great choice.
January 21, 2021
This is Josie's story of redemption. There is a parallel between Christ sacrifice for us with an incident that happened in her childhood. An enormous amount of guilt she is living with, a treatable disease she is diagnosed with as an adult, and family obligations.
We meet the requisite handsome but gentle manager of the family apple orchard who shows her God loves her rather than the self destructive road she is heading down.
We meet the requisite handsome but gentle manager of the family apple orchard who shows her God loves her rather than the self destructive road she is heading down.
July 7, 2010
This book was a quick read. The plot was a parallel to Christian theology of sacrifice, with the heroine struggling with feelings of guilt after a childhood friend gives his life to save hers. She feels unworthy, and spends her life running away from truth, family, and love. When she finds out she has a disease that will kill her if it goes untreated, she decides this is God's judgement for the mistake she made resulting in her friend's death and refuses to take the medicine that will save her. Going home to help her sister and family with the harvest of apples, she meets Grady, who falls in love with her. His love mirrors the love of Christ's and she learns what grace is, accepting it and allowing her disease to be treated.
The concept of this book is a moving parallel to the main idea of Christianity, that even though we didn't deserve it, Christ loved us anyway and died for our salvation. However, the entire time I read the book I was frustrated with Josie, the heroine, for what she was doing to herself and her family. I understand she felt guilty, but I just couldn't get past her selfishness, lying to her family, killing herself slowly and painfully as she allowed the disease to ravage her body, and not thinking twice about what her decisions would do to her family after her death. She thought only of escaping her own guilt, and I couldn't sympathize with that. The hero, however, is quite likable. He has the requisite rugged good looks for this genre, and, after his initial hesitancy with Josie's character (he compared her to his ex-wife, who lied and had multiple affairs) came to care for her and protect her tenderly. He offered her the message of salvation, which was sweet and timely. For the most part the dialogue was realistic, especially in the scenes when the two sisters are dishing about Josie's relationship with Grady, dissecting details about their first kiss, etc. There were a several times when the phrasing seemed too down-home country to be realistic, such as the repeated use of phrases like "Heaven's to Betsy," and "Mercy, but he smelled good." The romantic scenes were sweet and simple, with a bit of tension and nothing overtly sexual. All in all, I think it was a decent, easy read, and I enjoyed it. It had a positive message and left me feeling hopeful and energized.
The concept of this book is a moving parallel to the main idea of Christianity, that even though we didn't deserve it, Christ loved us anyway and died for our salvation. However, the entire time I read the book I was frustrated with Josie, the heroine, for what she was doing to herself and her family. I understand she felt guilty, but I just couldn't get past her selfishness, lying to her family, killing herself slowly and painfully as she allowed the disease to ravage her body, and not thinking twice about what her decisions would do to her family after her death. She thought only of escaping her own guilt, and I couldn't sympathize with that. The hero, however, is quite likable. He has the requisite rugged good looks for this genre, and, after his initial hesitancy with Josie's character (he compared her to his ex-wife, who lied and had multiple affairs) came to care for her and protect her tenderly. He offered her the message of salvation, which was sweet and timely. For the most part the dialogue was realistic, especially in the scenes when the two sisters are dishing about Josie's relationship with Grady, dissecting details about their first kiss, etc. There were a several times when the phrasing seemed too down-home country to be realistic, such as the repeated use of phrases like "Heaven's to Betsy," and "Mercy, but he smelled good." The romantic scenes were sweet and simple, with a bit of tension and nothing overtly sexual. All in all, I think it was a decent, easy read, and I enjoyed it. It had a positive message and left me feeling hopeful and energized.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2014
I read this book in one day! It was so good! My first Denise Hunter book and definitely not my last. I love the subtle Christianity in it. It was interwoven into the story and so natural. Not forced at all. It was real and emotional but not hallmark dramatic which I would have hated. I cried at the end. Excellent book!!
April 17, 2017
I can relate to the disease the main character had. Yet another awesome story of how we fight God but He fights for us and pursues us.
May 19, 2020
I really struggled with this one. Let's just say that if I didn't have to read this for work, I would not have finished it. The wording was so bad, grammar errors everywhere. I just really hated the wording, like the author is trying way too hard to be uniquely descriptive: "He tucked a smile into the corner of his mouth." This sentence is one thing, but when it happens over and over, *shudders,* it's just so cringy.
Then the foreshadowing is not subtle, at all. It practically punches you in the face with hints, but they give you five or so "hints" before telling you what the big mystery is. Josie is a little annoying and self absorbed with her survivors guilt. She's letting her disease (one of the big mysteries shoved in your face) slowly kill her because she thinks she deserves it? It's just wildly disrespectful to the sacrifice made so she can live. Kinda unbelievable to how people would normally react in this situation. Makes her sound whiny and unlikable. Now that I mention it, most of the characters are annoying and don't really serve a purpose to the book. The book is Grady and Josie, everyone else, including her sister, is just filler to make the book longer. They are flat and not needed.
I'm sure people have different opinions on it but this book literally hit every pet peeve I have with books.
Then the foreshadowing is not subtle, at all. It practically punches you in the face with hints, but they give you five or so "hints" before telling you what the big mystery is. Josie is a little annoying and self absorbed with her survivors guilt. She's letting her disease (one of the big mysteries shoved in your face) slowly kill her because she thinks she deserves it? It's just wildly disrespectful to the sacrifice made so she can live. Kinda unbelievable to how people would normally react in this situation. Makes her sound whiny and unlikable. Now that I mention it, most of the characters are annoying and don't really serve a purpose to the book. The book is Grady and Josie, everyone else, including her sister, is just filler to make the book longer. They are flat and not needed.
I'm sure people have different opinions on it but this book literally hit every pet peeve I have with books.
November 7, 2017
"Sweetwater Gap" is a story that will always live on my shelf.
God's redeeming, everlasting and unconditional love is beautifully illustrated through Josephine's precarious flirtation with life and death. Ian, a ghost from her past, and Grady, her love for the future, bring Josie to a crossroads; will she determinedly self-destruct or will she accept the peace that passes all understanding and dare to live her life as it was intended?
Set in the beautiful apple country of the North Carolina mountains, this is a book that everyone should read at least once, and as it has been in my case, possibly re-read on many occasions.
God's redeeming, everlasting and unconditional love is beautifully illustrated through Josephine's precarious flirtation with life and death. Ian, a ghost from her past, and Grady, her love for the future, bring Josie to a crossroads; will she determinedly self-destruct or will she accept the peace that passes all understanding and dare to live her life as it was intended?
Set in the beautiful apple country of the North Carolina mountains, this is a book that everyone should read at least once, and as it has been in my case, possibly re-read on many occasions.
January 14, 2009
Awesome inspiring book!! Loved it from beginning to end.
July 8, 2023
3.5 stars. I liked this book a lot by the time it was over, but it took awhile to get into it. This is the story of Josephine and Grady. Josephine goes back to her family's apple orchard to help because her sister is pregnant with twins and can't run it like she normally does. Josephine ran from the small town to escape some demons and she's not thrilled with being back. She'd like to sell the orchard and move on, but her family is not on board. When she gets there and meets Grady, the new manager and 15% owner, they clash immediately but it didn't really make sense why. When they inevitably become friends and more, it didn't feel like that big of switch from "enemies" to lovers. Josephine has a secret that she's hiding from her family and I can understand the somewhat masochistic reason for keeping her secret and making the decisions she did, I think it was a little extreme. I really wanted Josephine to seek some therapy or some sort of counseling. Josephine was hard to relate to and empathize with. I would definitely call this a christian fiction over a romance because while the romance probably takes up more pages, the main point is that Josephine is repairing her relationship with God, grace, redemption, etc. Grady is a part of that but I wouldn't say this is primarily Grady and Josephine's story. Anywho, enjoyable overall!
SPOILERS AHEAD:
She has a curable disease that she's choosing not to treat because she thinks she deserves to die after her friend gave his life for her when they were younger. He died trying to help her and nobody knows the whole story. She blames herself therefore feels like this disease is some sort of divine intervention. he thinks everyone wishes the guy would've lived and she would've died. She definitely has a lot of depressive symptoms that I wish would've been better addressed.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
She has a curable disease that she's choosing not to treat because she thinks she deserves to die after her friend gave his life for her when they were younger. He died trying to help her and nobody knows the whole story. She blames herself therefore feels like this disease is some sort of divine intervention. he thinks everyone wishes the guy would've lived and she would've died. She definitely has a lot of depressive symptoms that I wish would've been better addressed.
April 10, 2024
Josie has avoided coming home for years, but reluctantly agrees to come home to help with the apple harvest in time of great need. Her family has plans for her life in Sweetwater Gap, but Josie is haunted by secrets from the past that live there. Josie feels responsible, and partly is, for a horrible accident that no one else knows about and feels unworthy to live and be loved. Grady is drawn to her, knowing that she is not a believer. He fights the attraction, but knows she needs someone to care for her. I enjoyed reading this book, the first I've read from this author.
God's love is clearly shown in this book and the salvation message is fairly clear. I'm always disappointed when a Christian author depicts a love relationship with an unbeliever in a positive light. That element is here, though Grady fights it too a certain degree. Other than that, I appreciate the Christian message here that says God loves us because he is loving, not because we deserve it. We don't have to work to deserve his love because he loves everyone, in spite of who we are.
God's love is clearly shown in this book and the salvation message is fairly clear. I'm always disappointed when a Christian author depicts a love relationship with an unbeliever in a positive light. That element is here, though Grady fights it too a certain degree. Other than that, I appreciate the Christian message here that says God loves us because he is loving, not because we deserve it. We don't have to work to deserve his love because he loves everyone, in spite of who we are.
April 30, 2018
SWEETWATER GAP was my first book by Denise Hunter and it will not be my last! I love this author's writing style. Her story captured me from the start and kept me involved until the end. Josie Mitchell comes home to the family orchard carrying a pile of old guilt which she's kept to herself all her life. Here where the old accident occurred that started it all ... she eventually works her way to confront it, to forgive herself, to renew her faith, and to open herself to joy and peace again - along with new love. All the characters and the setting are well-developed and the story entertaining throughout.
August 5, 2015
Denise Hunter has been one of my favorite authors ever since I first read Dancing with Fireflies, so as soon as I found an empty spot on my blog calendar, I hurried to fill it with one of her books. Once again, I wasn’t disappointed, as Sweetwater Gap has become one of my favorite novels. I cannot help but be drawn in whenever a book’s description makes it apparent that the story is full of secrets, just as this one does, so as soon as I picked it out to read and review this month, I couldn’t wait to read it. Happily, it more than met my expectations, just going to show I did well in picking Denise as one of my favorite authors. She weaved such a poignant tale of secrets, past hurts, and regrets that made me want to weep for many of the characters, especially Josie.
Josie is so full of pain. I almost couldn’t stand it, especially as I got deeper into the story and learned why, and realized that some of it was self-inflicted, although she wouldn’t have known it. With so much heartache from her past, and even some that had begun when she was only a child, I almost couldn’t tell where the pain stopped and where Josie began. I cannot tell you just how sorry I felt for her, just how much I wish things had been different—someone had told her the truth and helped her to realize she was worth more than she thought—although it wouldn’t have been much of a story if someone had. Denise did a wonderful job of slowly bringing Josie’s secrets, her inner torment, to light for us readers while still having it remain unknown to the other characters, which made it easy to sympathize with Josie when her family unknowingly touched on a sore spot in her life.
While many different elements play into my love for this book, the main point is the way the story ends. Though I don’t want to spoil anything for you, I will say that it is written perfectly, and reminds me of Dancing with Fireflies in a way. Obviously the same events do not occur, but Denise brings everything to a head, has something suspenseful happen, and then resolve the whole conflict in a way that is reminiscent of Dancing with Fireflies. I love the way an ending like that pulls you in, almost convincing you that maybe there won’t be a ‘happily ever after’, right before making everything just the way it should be. It is the opposite of predictable.
Can I take another moment to dwell on how wonderfully heartwarming this story was? I have not read a novel that touched my heart more. The hurts these characters face are real, and completely believable, especially with the way Denise slowly brought them to light while giving you little glimpses into the hearts of those who carried them. As I got deeper and deeper into the story, I realized more and more just how realistic—and possible—Josie’s heartbreak was, and it caused every decision she made to make perfect sense. And, unlike many other romances, the hurt and fears that made Josie and Grady reluctant to give in to their growing feelings for one another never once felt forced, but rather played in perfectly to their stories and were perfectly valid reasons that anyone would face today.
Denise did a wonderful job of weaving the characters’ heartbreaking pasts into a story that not only held your interest all through the conflict, but left you blessed as you made your way to the resolution, ending the book with peace and redemption. I cannot help but give such a touching, faith-filled tale all five bookshelves, and say that I would recommend it to absolutely anyone, but especially someone who likes to be reminded of the goodness of God. This story really blessed my heart, as I am sure it will bless yours as well.
(This review is from my blog, spreadinghisgrace.blogspot.com)
Josie is so full of pain. I almost couldn’t stand it, especially as I got deeper into the story and learned why, and realized that some of it was self-inflicted, although she wouldn’t have known it. With so much heartache from her past, and even some that had begun when she was only a child, I almost couldn’t tell where the pain stopped and where Josie began. I cannot tell you just how sorry I felt for her, just how much I wish things had been different—someone had told her the truth and helped her to realize she was worth more than she thought—although it wouldn’t have been much of a story if someone had. Denise did a wonderful job of slowly bringing Josie’s secrets, her inner torment, to light for us readers while still having it remain unknown to the other characters, which made it easy to sympathize with Josie when her family unknowingly touched on a sore spot in her life.
While many different elements play into my love for this book, the main point is the way the story ends. Though I don’t want to spoil anything for you, I will say that it is written perfectly, and reminds me of Dancing with Fireflies in a way. Obviously the same events do not occur, but Denise brings everything to a head, has something suspenseful happen, and then resolve the whole conflict in a way that is reminiscent of Dancing with Fireflies. I love the way an ending like that pulls you in, almost convincing you that maybe there won’t be a ‘happily ever after’, right before making everything just the way it should be. It is the opposite of predictable.
Can I take another moment to dwell on how wonderfully heartwarming this story was? I have not read a novel that touched my heart more. The hurts these characters face are real, and completely believable, especially with the way Denise slowly brought them to light while giving you little glimpses into the hearts of those who carried them. As I got deeper and deeper into the story, I realized more and more just how realistic—and possible—Josie’s heartbreak was, and it caused every decision she made to make perfect sense. And, unlike many other romances, the hurt and fears that made Josie and Grady reluctant to give in to their growing feelings for one another never once felt forced, but rather played in perfectly to their stories and were perfectly valid reasons that anyone would face today.
Denise did a wonderful job of weaving the characters’ heartbreaking pasts into a story that not only held your interest all through the conflict, but left you blessed as you made your way to the resolution, ending the book with peace and redemption. I cannot help but give such a touching, faith-filled tale all five bookshelves, and say that I would recommend it to absolutely anyone, but especially someone who likes to be reminded of the goodness of God. This story really blessed my heart, as I am sure it will bless yours as well.
(This review is from my blog, spreadinghisgrace.blogspot.com)
August 9, 2024
I am a Denise Hunter fan and this is a 2008 novel.
Great character development and a love story. Not just a human love story but the story of Gods sacrifice, His only son who died for us when we were yet sinners. Josie lives with guilt over the boy who gave his life for her, knowing she didn’t deserve it.
But it opened the gate to her salvation through the blood of Christ and peace in the midst of her Chronic disease. I loved the atmosphere of the apple orchards in Sweetwater Gap. I will think about this book for some time .
Great character development and a love story. Not just a human love story but the story of Gods sacrifice, His only son who died for us when we were yet sinners. Josie lives with guilt over the boy who gave his life for her, knowing she didn’t deserve it.
But it opened the gate to her salvation through the blood of Christ and peace in the midst of her Chronic disease. I loved the atmosphere of the apple orchards in Sweetwater Gap. I will think about this book for some time .
June 27, 2013
Denise Hunter has once again mastered a heart-warming story with Sweetwater Gap, for it is bound to take every reader on a journey of forgiveness and unwanted love.
Josephine Mitchells is running from the ghosts of her past. Her oppressive childhood memories of rejection and unworthiness resulted in her living a lonely life disconnected from her family, allowing no-one into her heart. However after a year of hearing nothing from her family since her father’s death, Nate, her sister’s husband, contacts her, begging for her much needed help on their failing family apple orchard, the birthplace of her haunting memories. Nonetheless, knowing that she ultimately has no other choice, she returns. But wait, there is more. Her close call to death causes her to confide in Grady, the man whose temptation she can’t wait to escape as he bitter-sweetly reminds her of what life could be like.
However Grady Mackenzie, the orchard’s manager, has a few ghosts of his own. His first failed marriage to Danielle dictates how he judges Josephine, causing him to resent her. This is especially so when he finds out that she plans on selling the orchard, the one place he hopes to one day own. But his handsome features, caring characteristic and integrity causes readers to overlook this aspect and fall head over heels in love with him too.
I must say, Denise Hunter never disappoints!!! This heart-warming romance really makes a woman feel special and wanted. I must say that the romance was my favourite aspect of the whole novel. The gradual attraction Grady and Josie possessed caused a lot of friction, especially regarding the orchard. However because each was unconsciously attracted to the other it made for real intimate moments, and the kisses they share really make you weak to the bone! I love it how books allow us readers to know what is going on inside each character’s head!
Hunter really knows how to create characters that evoke sympathy. Josie has been through so much in her life. The way she is punishing herself really makes you want to help her and let her know that she has a friend. But her personality is also great. Her passion for photography really suits her character, as does being in the country picking apples. Her carefree and easy going attitude was something I really admired as I know I share that trait.
Same applies with Grady, who has gentle soul, but guards his heart. However rightfully so, making you more attracted to him for you want him to find happiness again, as well as someone who will love and treasure him. His care towards Josie is really humbling, making me wish to one day find a man just like him.
Despite all this I was also encouraged and touched with the slight Christian message of why Jesus died on the cross- he who was sinless dying to take the sins of many. The analogy Hunter uses really touched me because it could easily apply to many in this day and age, and certainly me! It made me question if I would readily sacrifice my life, regardless of how much I liked the person. I would like to think that I would.
Sweetwater Gap is overall a lovely romance novel that every romanticist should one day read.
http://booklovers1.wordpress.com/2013...
Josephine Mitchells is running from the ghosts of her past. Her oppressive childhood memories of rejection and unworthiness resulted in her living a lonely life disconnected from her family, allowing no-one into her heart. However after a year of hearing nothing from her family since her father’s death, Nate, her sister’s husband, contacts her, begging for her much needed help on their failing family apple orchard, the birthplace of her haunting memories. Nonetheless, knowing that she ultimately has no other choice, she returns. But wait, there is more. Her close call to death causes her to confide in Grady, the man whose temptation she can’t wait to escape as he bitter-sweetly reminds her of what life could be like.
However Grady Mackenzie, the orchard’s manager, has a few ghosts of his own. His first failed marriage to Danielle dictates how he judges Josephine, causing him to resent her. This is especially so when he finds out that she plans on selling the orchard, the one place he hopes to one day own. But his handsome features, caring characteristic and integrity causes readers to overlook this aspect and fall head over heels in love with him too.
I must say, Denise Hunter never disappoints!!! This heart-warming romance really makes a woman feel special and wanted. I must say that the romance was my favourite aspect of the whole novel. The gradual attraction Grady and Josie possessed caused a lot of friction, especially regarding the orchard. However because each was unconsciously attracted to the other it made for real intimate moments, and the kisses they share really make you weak to the bone! I love it how books allow us readers to know what is going on inside each character’s head!
Hunter really knows how to create characters that evoke sympathy. Josie has been through so much in her life. The way she is punishing herself really makes you want to help her and let her know that she has a friend. But her personality is also great. Her passion for photography really suits her character, as does being in the country picking apples. Her carefree and easy going attitude was something I really admired as I know I share that trait.
Same applies with Grady, who has gentle soul, but guards his heart. However rightfully so, making you more attracted to him for you want him to find happiness again, as well as someone who will love and treasure him. His care towards Josie is really humbling, making me wish to one day find a man just like him.
Despite all this I was also encouraged and touched with the slight Christian message of why Jesus died on the cross- he who was sinless dying to take the sins of many. The analogy Hunter uses really touched me because it could easily apply to many in this day and age, and certainly me! It made me question if I would readily sacrifice my life, regardless of how much I liked the person. I would like to think that I would.
Sweetwater Gap is overall a lovely romance novel that every romanticist should one day read.
http://booklovers1.wordpress.com/2013...
September 30, 2015
Sharing my takeaway ~
A guilt-inducing phone call from her brother-in-law brings Josie Mitchell back home to Sweetwater Gap to help with the apple harvest. Orchard Manager Grady Mackenzie doesn't appreciate the help, especially when Josie admits she came home to convince her sister to sell the orchard.
Relating to Josie was a challenge. She carried a staggering amount of guilt for years, choosing to bottle it up inside rather than talk about it with her sister or aunt, and wrestled with low self-esteem. She made a conscious decision before the story started that I didn't understand (no spoilers). Maybe she had too many issues. On the other hand, Grady, aka Marlboro Man, was easy to like. Betrayed by his ex-wife, he's vulnerable and lonely, and fears that Josie only cozies up to him to convince him to sell his small share of the orchard. Even so, he's kind and sweet, regardless of how she treats him.
Usually, Hunter's true-to-life characters and oh-so-delectable romance jerk me right into the story until I lose all track of time. But for me, Josie's heavy unresolved issues overwhelmed the actual romance in this book. That said, Sweetwater Gap is definitely one of those books that will leave you pondering long after you turn the last page.
Disclaimer: I purchased Sweetwater Gap. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I received no monetary compensation.
~Dora Hiers, Fiction Faith & Foodies Blog
A guilt-inducing phone call from her brother-in-law brings Josie Mitchell back home to Sweetwater Gap to help with the apple harvest. Orchard Manager Grady Mackenzie doesn't appreciate the help, especially when Josie admits she came home to convince her sister to sell the orchard.
Relating to Josie was a challenge. She carried a staggering amount of guilt for years, choosing to bottle it up inside rather than talk about it with her sister or aunt, and wrestled with low self-esteem. She made a conscious decision before the story started that I didn't understand (no spoilers). Maybe she had too many issues. On the other hand, Grady, aka Marlboro Man, was easy to like. Betrayed by his ex-wife, he's vulnerable and lonely, and fears that Josie only cozies up to him to convince him to sell his small share of the orchard. Even so, he's kind and sweet, regardless of how she treats him.
Usually, Hunter's true-to-life characters and oh-so-delectable romance jerk me right into the story until I lose all track of time. But for me, Josie's heavy unresolved issues overwhelmed the actual romance in this book. That said, Sweetwater Gap is definitely one of those books that will leave you pondering long after you turn the last page.
Disclaimer: I purchased Sweetwater Gap. The opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I received no monetary compensation.
~Dora Hiers, Fiction Faith & Foodies Blog
September 17, 2020
What a load of rubbish. If it hadn't been on holiday with this my last book on my Kobo, I would have stopped after page one.
Put a predictable story, a selfish whining protagonist Josie, idiot do-gooder, Brady & an author that doesn't really succeed in spinning a yarn together and you get this book.
Don't bother.
Put a predictable story, a selfish whining protagonist Josie, idiot do-gooder, Brady & an author that doesn't really succeed in spinning a yarn together and you get this book.
Don't bother.
April 12, 2011
Excellent book. I got right into it and didn't want to put it down. I thought Josie's struggles were very believable (I had a hard time with the direction the final third of the book went, although it wrapped up in a satisfactory way). The characters were warm, real, and enjoyable. I'll be reading more of Ms. Hunter!
October 9, 2014
I loved it! SO good. And heart warming. And good for the soul. It doesn't hurt that they are in the mountains of my home--Asheville and Burnsville, NC, either! ;D You get mad, you get glad, you hurt, you cry, and you rejoice! Read it! It'll be good for your soul, too.
November 29, 2010
This is a great story that pulls you in from the first page and doesn't let you go until you close the book at the end! Denise Hunter is a wonderful storyteller.
September 25, 2011
Cute and clean. A little bit too much past baggage, but good.
September 4, 2019
This is my favorite of Hunter’s books. I loved it when I read it upon its release and am seriously considering a reread. Amazing story.
August 28, 2017
I found myself going back and forth between really enjoying this book and groaning in frustration.
I can understand being in a dark place and thinking your choices are limited, yet Josie was a character that was hard to read. I liked her and rooted for her to "get it", however, I felt that she was making this potentially life altering choice all because of assumptions. She was making people pay the price for things they didn't even know about. I knew in her mind she was doing it out of love, but it just ended up making her seem selfish and careless.
My feelings for Grady were pretty much the same. I really liked him, he was the right amount of tough, patient and vulnerable, while at the same time being a bit annoying. In the beginning he was being so judgemental towards Josie and it was really irritating. He was also basing his feeling towards Josie on assumptions and he was making her pay for the mistakes of others(mostly his ex).
I was enjoying the back and forth between Josie and Grady but I felt the change in feelings towards one another was a bit abrupt.
I could relate to the harsh internal struggles they had, that seemed pretty realistic. I also felt the spiritual content was nicely woven into the story. The fact that Josie struggled with her faith and had to find her way back to God was a nicely written part of the story. She had questions and concerns and she was willing to voice them. It was also good to see that even though Grady didn't agree with her he was willing to answer questions and give as much insight as he could.
In the end I liked the gradual progression of the book and how it all ended. While I didn't dislike the supporting characters, I didn't really feel, their was enough of them in the book to build a connection, even though they were pretty important to the story. I loved the small town setting and the apple orchard. Overall I enjoyed this, however, it took some effort.
I can understand being in a dark place and thinking your choices are limited, yet Josie was a character that was hard to read. I liked her and rooted for her to "get it", however, I felt that she was making this potentially life altering choice all because of assumptions. She was making people pay the price for things they didn't even know about. I knew in her mind she was doing it out of love, but it just ended up making her seem selfish and careless.
My feelings for Grady were pretty much the same. I really liked him, he was the right amount of tough, patient and vulnerable, while at the same time being a bit annoying. In the beginning he was being so judgemental towards Josie and it was really irritating. He was also basing his feeling towards Josie on assumptions and he was making her pay for the mistakes of others(mostly his ex).
I was enjoying the back and forth between Josie and Grady but I felt the change in feelings towards one another was a bit abrupt.
I could relate to the harsh internal struggles they had, that seemed pretty realistic. I also felt the spiritual content was nicely woven into the story. The fact that Josie struggled with her faith and had to find her way back to God was a nicely written part of the story. She had questions and concerns and she was willing to voice them. It was also good to see that even though Grady didn't agree with her he was willing to answer questions and give as much insight as he could.
In the end I liked the gradual progression of the book and how it all ended. While I didn't dislike the supporting characters, I didn't really feel, their was enough of them in the book to build a connection, even though they were pretty important to the story. I loved the small town setting and the apple orchard. Overall I enjoyed this, however, it took some effort.
June 6, 2022
This book wasn't quite like anything I'd read before, I don't think. It was unique in that the heroine, Josie, goes through most of the book with the thought and plan that she'll die soon...and by her own choice. The disease she has is actually treatable, and yet Josie thinks she deserves it and should let it take her life.
If I remember correctly, the hero, Grady, actually was the one to fall first in the love interest...although it was a bit difficult for him to allow himself to at first after a recent lost relationship. But the way he watches Josie and cares for her was so endearing.
I have to admit Josie's thoughts about God really made me cringe. I was glad for Grady, the only person Josie told about her disease, being so ready to talk God with her and try to help her see how He really is.
The ending was good, and I was so glad things worked out the way they did. It was also a fun read in that it had the added bonus of Josie's sister and her husband having twins. This story took place on a family apple orchard, so the family ties and all was sweet. I enjoy reading about families. I also liked learning a bit about life as an apple farmer and the difficulties different weather can cause.
A nice read, all in all. One I got into quickly and found myself able to be focused on all the way through. The narrator did a good job as well, as I listened to this as am audiobook.
If I remember correctly, the hero, Grady, actually was the one to fall first in the love interest...although it was a bit difficult for him to allow himself to at first after a recent lost relationship. But the way he watches Josie and cares for her was so endearing.
I have to admit Josie's thoughts about God really made me cringe. I was glad for Grady, the only person Josie told about her disease, being so ready to talk God with her and try to help her see how He really is.
The ending was good, and I was so glad things worked out the way they did. It was also a fun read in that it had the added bonus of Josie's sister and her husband having twins. This story took place on a family apple orchard, so the family ties and all was sweet. I enjoy reading about families. I also liked learning a bit about life as an apple farmer and the difficulties different weather can cause.
A nice read, all in all. One I got into quickly and found myself able to be focused on all the way through. The narrator did a good job as well, as I listened to this as am audiobook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2021
Sweetwater Gap is a, sweet, heartwarming, easy read for anyone who likes stories with a Hallmark flair. It’s a story that pulls at your heart strings and lands with a predictable (but satisfying) resolution. It was my first read from Denise Hunter and I very much can picture myself picking up another one of her books in the future.
That being said, I do offer up these three critiques:
1. While the allegorical faith themes were cleverly written, I felt the overt Christian message at the end to be a bit contrived.
2. There were parts of the story that felt racially insensitive. (Specifically Grady’s internal monologue in the chapter where he finds Josie in the bar.) I’m not posting this critique as an invitation for debate but simply as an observation worth stating as our Christian faith has had a complicated time of engaging in this conversation in recent years.
3. Josie (while legitimately was wrestling through some complicated things), truthfully felt a bit too self-absorbed and self-deprecating in the end. It was harder for me to empathize with her as the story progressed.
That being said, I do offer up these three critiques:
1. While the allegorical faith themes were cleverly written, I felt the overt Christian message at the end to be a bit contrived.
2. There were parts of the story that felt racially insensitive. (Specifically Grady’s internal monologue in the chapter where he finds Josie in the bar.) I’m not posting this critique as an invitation for debate but simply as an observation worth stating as our Christian faith has had a complicated time of engaging in this conversation in recent years.
3. Josie (while legitimately was wrestling through some complicated things), truthfully felt a bit too self-absorbed and self-deprecating in the end. It was harder for me to empathize with her as the story progressed.
October 1, 2025
A sweet book with a story that deals with guilt and feeling unworthy but points you back to Christ’s love for us (something that can’t be earned). I didn’t give this a higher rating for a few reasons:
- character development, the end should really have been the middle with more development of the characters post revelation
- whilst Josie’s story was the focus it would have been good to have developed Grady’s further beyond the knowledge about his divorce. Yes he fell for her but there wasn’t any concrete reservations in light of his past that would have affected his desire in pursuing Josie.
- I found myself wondering how the story would end when there were only a few chapters left and there hadn’t been the big revelation, it made the ending feel rushed.
- character development, the end should really have been the middle with more development of the characters post revelation
- whilst Josie’s story was the focus it would have been good to have developed Grady’s further beyond the knowledge about his divorce. Yes he fell for her but there wasn’t any concrete reservations in light of his past that would have affected his desire in pursuing Josie.
- I found myself wondering how the story would end when there were only a few chapters left and there hadn’t been the big revelation, it made the ending feel rushed.
October 18, 2017
Guilt it's a hard thing to live with. This book does a great job of capturing the struggle when you have been given something you feel you don't deserve or that you should be punished for how your actions have affected others. Josie is a very real character with whom you can commiserate, but also sympathize and want to help. Grady is a wonderful foil to her character and perfectly un-flawed, which we all love in our leading man, but it made him a little too good to be true.
Excellent writing style and dialogue made it a breeze of a read. Denise Hunter is one of my favorite writers.
Excellent writing style and dialogue made it a breeze of a read. Denise Hunter is one of my favorite writers.
February 21, 2018
The story itself was well written and engaging. Unfortunately the Christian gospel message seemed a bit contrived and not fully a part of the story arc. The relationship between Josie and Grady didn't seem fully developed and somewhat flat. Like too many books I've read, this one seems to approach some preset page limit and suddenly must be rushed to a finish.
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