If you like cute, clean Christian romances that aren’t too romantically cheesy, you may want to read Their Unlikely Protector by Meghann Whistler. I was able to get an ARC. It will come out on July 23rd, but you can preorder it now. This is a story of overcoming challenges, accepting that people do grow up and mature, and learning to forgive.
Intro to the Early Plot
When her dad died, Valerie, who is in her late 20s, got custody of her 3-year-old half-brothers, Derrick and Dylan. She’s still adjusting to being her twin brothers’ guardian when a fire starts in their house one night. Brett, who happens to be driving by, stops to help. He encourages Valerie to take her one brother and get out of the house while he searches for the other twin. Brett ends up saving them all.
While Valerie is grateful for Brett’s help, she’s also torn. She’s been mad at Brett for about fifteen years. She has to decide if she’s ready to let go of an old grudge and forgive him.
My Thoughts
This was one of the best books I’ve read this year. Is it cheesy? Well, maybe just a little. Was the ending predictable? Yes. Yet, there were a few places in the story where the main characters didn’t take the anticipated route to get to the ending. I was very grateful that the little detours along the way weren’t always the detours I expected the plot to take. Let’s just say that our main character, Valerie, does learn to stand up for herself at least a little.
It’s Part of a Series
Just as a heads-up, this is the third book in a series. I didn’t realize that when I first started reading the book. While it makes sense on its own, as I was reading, I was thinking that it sure would be nice to know the other two couples’ stories. After finishing the book, I realized that I can. They each have their own stories as well. I may read those soon.
It’s a Clean Book
This is a clean novel. There’s no swearing, sexual content, or violence. This was clearly written for a Christian audience. The author mentions prayer, trusting in God’s plan and timing, learning to forgive, and several other things that make it clear that it is intended for a Christian audience.
Fortunately, it feels realistic Christian. By that I mean that the characters act in the way that I would expect highly religious people to act without it feeling over-the-top religious. I’ve read some books where it feels like the author wants you to remember that the characters are Christian, so they throw references into the story in awkward or unnatural ways. I never felt like this author did that.
Sensitive Topics
It does hit on serious themes, such as eating disorders, cancer, death of a parent, death of a sibling, abandonment by a parent, childhood bullying, and several other serious and potentially sensitive issues. I felt like the author handled these topics well. I think people who have dealt with these issues would feel comfortable reading this book.
Final Thoughts
As I said earlier, this is one of the best books I’ve read this year. That’s not to say that it’s the best book I’ve ever read. I do think, though, that it’s one of only two books that I’ve read in 2024 that I’d give a solid 5-star rating.
This book won’t be for everyone. Some people will think it’s too cheesy. Others will want Valerie and Brett’s relationship to develop faster. Some will want more of a struggle for their relationship to develop. I’m sure some people won’t want them to date at all.
I feel like the characters are realistic. I completely understand why Valerie struggles to forgive Brett as well as some of the other people in her life. In her position, I think a lot of people would struggle just as much. If you are looking for a good, clean book, I’d recommend this one.
