Garrett Appeldoorn was happy selling farm equipment in the small
community of Van Dalen. He loved his family and especially that little
granddaughter of his. So when he was asked to take her to her piano
lessons, he readily agreed. As he watched his daughter pound away on
the keys, he started looking at her teacher, Joan Horton. Joan was
former college professor, but gave up teaching music to college students
to move to Van Dalen to be closer to her children. Teaching children
wasn’t nearly as challenging, but she loved passing on her love of
music. Garrett feels that love and decides to start taking lessons himself!

As the book opens Garrett and Joan have been dating for a while. Both
find themselves distracted as they try to get through their day. Joan
is distracted during a lesson thinking of the dinner she’s making for
Garrett. Garrett is distracted as he tries to find the right words to
ask Joan to marry him! The day takes an unexpected turn as Joan not
only burns dinner, but finds that a neighbor has called the local fire
department. Garrett arrives as the firemen are making sure that
everything’s out. This was definitely NOT the way either of them
thought the evening would end.

The author weaves many things into his story. Garrett and Joan attend
different churches and have some difficulty finding common ground at
times. They both have their own families with all the problems that can
involve. They both are dealing with mixed feelings having lost their
first loves. But through it all they become one flesh and set out on
the biggest adventure of their lives.

The author uses an interesting technique. He writes the book from both
the main character’s perspectives so you get to understand them at a
much deeper level. You’re let in on what’s going on inside them, not
just what they’re willing to show the world.

I highly recommend this book. Although I think older readers would get
more out of it, readers of any age could learn a lot about true love!

Reviewed by Lynn Worley