Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Book Review: The Simple Soul of Susan by Noel Branham


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Title: The Simple Soul of Susan

Author: Noel Branham

Series: Standalone

Genre: Contemporary

Audience: Young Adult

ABOUT THE BOOK

Susan Combs had long ago found the love of her life. The only problem was the other party still didn’t know he had been found. 

Every day Susan saw Calder Hurtz, her next door neighbor and childhood best friend. They always enjoyed the short drive to school down the dusty streets of their small Texas town. She was happy in those perfect moments, for her life at home was most imperfect. The challenging homestead she inhabited was also the favorite subject of local gossip.

But one autumn day she overhears Calder and another boy having a conversation. This occasion of accidental audience sets Susan’s life on an unforeseen path. In the seasons to come, her future will be changed by two hospitalizations, two confessions of love, and one betrayal. 

Compulsively readable, The Simple Soul of Susan is an engaging, soul-endearing romance and a mesmerizing debut.

~ MY REVIEW ~
**4 stars**

A very sweet, old-fashioned feeling story. The Simple Soul of Susan by Noel Branham was an easy and fun read; the storytelling was charming and the characters catch your interest right away.

A small Texas town. A girl with an old-fashioned soul. A boy next door - her childhood friend who has secretly been the love of her heart for years. A hilarious group of ladies in the nursing home. A captivating little adventure.
I think what I enjoyed most about this book was the authenticity of it. It was written with such a sense of reality, you felt like you were there with Susan. Feeling her quiet, hidden hurts. Chuckling alongside her over the nursing home ladies' gambling tales. The Simple Soul of Susan may have leaned toward a narrative writing style but it was still very engaging, and there was a depth to the story.

Contemporary is generally a hit or miss for me. But maybe because of Susan's personality, I really enjoyed going with her through her last year of high school and beginning of her love life. It was both hard and sweet.

There were just a couple things I didn't like so much. Despite there being a faith theme, Calder had kind of a careless attitude toward it. I felt like Susan should have stepped back and guarded her heart, despite him being her childhood love, because he wasn't serious about his faith like she was.
Also, Calder could have chosen a better way to interact with and pursue girls.
But, it was real and raw and showed some of the hurts that come from not being honest, cautious, and intentional about romantic relationships. And I believe Calder did mature and grow up a bit throughout the book.

Overall, it was just an enjoyable read, with some surprises and endearing moments, that I enjoyed returning to.

I received a copy of The Simple Soul of Susan from the author in exchange for my honest review.

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