Sunday, June 21, 2015

Together With You by Victoria Bylin

When I first heard of Victoria Bylin's debut novel, Until I Found You, I jumped at the chance to read it because I love debut novels. It was so extremely good (read my review here) that when I was given the opportunity to read her second book, Together With You, I jumped at the chance.

Carly Mason is an ex-social worker, working as a manager in a toy store while going to school for her PhD. in Social Welfare. When the story begins a young girl with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) has been reported missing somewhere in the mall. When Carly hears the "Code Adam" over the Mall PA system she finds herself going back in time when one of her charges ran away and still hasn't been found. At a heightened alert she begins the Code Adam protocol in her store and finds Penny, a young girl who matches the Code Adam description. Soon Penny's father, ophthalmologist Dr. Ryan Tremaine shows up with his two sons to claim Penny. 

While talking with Carly, Dr. Tremaine explains to her that Penny suffers from FASD, but before he can explain what it is, Carly explains it to him. Dr. Tremaine is in need of a nanny. Someone who understands Penny's disorder would be icing on the cake. He asks her to come for an interview and at first Carly tells him no. But she soon changes her mind and accepts the interview.

This book explains a lot about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the reader is shown what the outcome can be and how children need be handled. Ms. Bylin treated the subject with sensitivity and care.

Ms. Bylin created very believable characters and I found myself wanting to reach out and hug little Penny. I know Ms. Bylin did her research and wouldn't be at all surprised if she observed children with FASD over a period of time.

This story was about forgiveness, trust, and learning to believe and trust in God. While it is a love story between Dr. Tremaine and Carly, it is also a love story between Dr. Tremaine and his kids. There is also a small suspense thread in the early part of the book.

If you enjoy a good contemporary inspirational novel you will love this one. 

On a 5-Star scale = 5 Stars!!!!!

I would like to thank Bethany House for my free copy of Together With You. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.

Smiles & Blessings,

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