Always and Only
[d-w13330]

5 of 5 Stars Carol James has done it again! The story was so engaging I had to keep reading, even when I told myself I would only read "one more chapter." I love how Carol James crafts her characters, creating such a deep, relatable connection. What I loved most about Always and Only was how the characters weren’t perfect—they felt like real people with real struggles, which made them so much easier to relate to. Rory was trying to live according to what she felt was God's plan for her life. That struggle between desire, faith, and real-world challenges was portrayed so well. Rory tried to balance what she felt was God's will with her desire to please her earthly father, without thinking about what she wanted. And Caleb may have made some mistakes in his previous relationship, but he’s absolutely the kind of guy who deserves a second chance. Another highlight was the way the book dealt with the subtle red flags about Rory's fiance. It was done in such a natural, believable way, without over-dramatizing the situation. Those little moments of doubt were woven into the story. It wasn't about big, obvious drama; instead, it was the quiet, nagging feeling of something not being quite right. As always, Carol James has written a beautifully crafted story with compelling characters that I could really connect with. I appreciated how everything felt genuine and heartfelt. If you enjoy stories with a journey toward growth and faith, this one is absolutely worth staying up late for.