I enjoyed this book although it moved along a bit slowly to me. I did not realize that it was what I consider christian fiction. It was not featured heavily in the story, but was mentioned a few times. The main character is Shelby. Her and her brother, Trey are children of an abusive father who eventually left their family.

Shelby, now in her thirties, suddenly finds herself the legal guardian of her step-sister, Shayla. Hoping for a new start to life, Shelby accepts a teaching position at a missionary run school in Germany. There she meets Scott, a fellow teacher, who helps her begin to let go of her past.

This was an enjoyable read, but at times, not much going on besides past abuse issues. I was interested in it because I had also taught overseas in a missionary school and thought it would be a book I could relate to. I enjoyed it for that reason. Shelby is still dealing with the effects of her dad's abusive and the flashbacks involve some heavy issues and details of how two young children suffered emotional scarring. ( )