Must be Debut Author Monday {Review Stealing Jake by Pam Hillman}

Title:  Stealing Jake
Author:  Pam Hilman
Publisher:  Tyndale

Source:  Netgalley

Available:  now

About the book:
Livy O'Brian got a second chance at life in a sleepy town outside of Chicago, IL with the help of Mrs. Brooks and her faith in Jesus.  The residents of Chestnut have no idea what is going on behind closed doors and Deputy Jake Russel is beginning to find out.  When Livy and Jake meet under less than ideal circumstances, they both can't seem to get the other out of their minds.  Livy finds it hard to trust anyone, yet somehow keeps finding herself drawn back to Jake and maybe even learning to trust.  With a houseful of orphans and street kids being blamed on the thefts in the town, can she really trust Jake?  Jake knows she is lying, but what can be so important that she has to keep something from him.  Can they both learn to trust God and His wisdom to help one another?

My take:
The story is very fast paced with lots of action and glimpses of God at work.  At times the story seemed hurried and almost too fast paced, but there is a lot of information to get through.  The dialogue scenes felt a little halted to me at times and I wish there was more dialogue to get points across instead of 'reading' about what was happening.  A few minor historical inaccuracies, but it is a fiction story!  Otherwise, this story is a great read for those times when you don't want anything really heavy.  While the orphans and street kids make it a little heavier than a quick love story, it doesn't weigh a reader down.  I liked it and it did read rather quickly.  If you are in the mood for a 'sweet' romance with a little action and a lot of God at work, pick it up!

About the author:
While this is Pam Hilman's first novel it is not her first foray into writing.  She has published several short stories and nonfiction works.  She lives east of the Mississippi but loves all things old west.  She has placed in several writing contests and I think we haven't heard the end of Pam Hilman.  Looking forward to her next work!  You can visit Pam at her home on the web!

Five thumbs up!  Pretty Good!

I received a copy from Tyndale via Netgalley for the purpose of a review.  No other compensation was given and I was not required to give a positive review.  All thoughts are mine.