In a bit of a role reversal story, Sandi Layne offers a romance between a man of faith and emotion and a woman with ambition.
Preston Adams and Rhiannon Reilly have known each other all their lives, but for the patriarch of Rhiannon's family, it's not enough. He believes they should be married and he's determined to make it happen.
To Preston, this is a gift from God Himself. To Rhiannon, it's a confusing distraction from her goals. But she will do anything for her beloved Great-grandfather.
Pressured from all sides, Rhiannon will find herself shaped by the transforming power of love.
Sandi Layne has been writing for more than twenty years, publishing works of contemporary Christian romance, historical fiction, and posting columns on writing and publishing for various sites at one time or another. Her stories are noted for their attention to detail and striking heroines, and she enjoys bringing her readers through stories that surprise, entertain, and edify.
Married for more than a quarter of a century, she, her husband, and their two sons currently reside in Maryland. She was born and raised in California, where she worked as an educator, a minister, and a secretary, as well as in retail and department store security. Writing was never her planned vocation, but with varied experiences to draw from, she brings authenticity to her words and worlds.
Her interests include reading, autism, theology, reading, medieval history, and daydreaming. Did she mention reading? She is also the sheepish subscriber to at least three streaming services at home for entertainment and is a fan of podcasts on a variety of subjects. Her favorite hours are before the sun rises and her favorite day of the week is Monday. Yes, she’s serious.
is a 'coming of age' novel but not in the popular current usage of the phrase, i.e. adolescents attempting to become adults by acting out in ways which adults have moved past.
Rhiannon, although young, in her early twenties, is about to graduate from college with a Ph.D. in linguistics. She has steered away from intense dating relationships in order to fulfill her educational dreams. Preston, a family friend and pastor, is only a few years older than Rhiannon yet is certain he wants to marry her.
The sort of decisions and situations that Rhiannon goes through are the same situations that many of us go through, which make us into sturdy and dependable adults. The way the two triangles of Rhiannon and Preston form together and become strong in their relationship with God is not unlike the formation of a diamond.
I did not enjoy reading Making a Diamond by Sandi Layne as much as her other stories. There are a couple of details about Rhiannon that don’t make sense to me and stopped me at times. This is different from a couple of her other stories where a character regains a faith thought lost. Rhiannon is naïve about love and romance. She reluctantly agrees to an arranged marriage by her dying great grandfather to her older step cousin Preston. He is patient, very patient having already waited for her to grow up. They talk or try to with some pressing interruptions. An unexpected week away at a church camp for Preston gave Rhiannon some needed alone time and provided the way for a happy fulfilled ending for the couple.
Rhiannon is a naive young woman, smarter than most, with a clear vision of black and white.
Preston strongly believes in God and he's hoping, and praying, that He will give him what he needs, and it would be even nicer if it's what he wants...
He dearly loves Rhiannon but he's trusting in God to give him what, and who, he needs.
This is their journey and I enjoyed every step they took.