I love how this story begins and ends with weddings. Chautona Havig creates memorable characters with incredible storylines that draw me in as a reader. Rather than just being filled with general information dumping, she allows the characters to tell their stories in their own words and in their own timing. In this story, Cara Laas performs the duties of a bridesmaid, but Jonathan Lyman’s young daughter mistakes her for e bride. Through this chance encounter, the two spend an incredible amount of time together during the following week and find a relationship worth exploring.

But how does a long-distance relationship work? She lives in Rockland and he lives in Atlanta with his two children and housekeeper. I love how these characters set up boundaries for their relationship early on that they strive to keep in order to honor God. I also love how these characters communicate without talking. While these two points may put some readers off, I found it refreshing.

If you enjoy books with clean romance and amazing chemistry between characters. check out this book for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

I'm at a loss for words when it comes to writing this review. Chautona Havig's books are fantastic. They're always faith-based, wonderfully written and contain humorous and light-hearted moments. Speak Now contains those characteristics as well. Havig, however, appears to be endeavoring too hard to get her points across. Other than the significance of avoiding intimacy before marriage, which she emphasized, I'm not sure what Havig was trying to establish.

The main characters in Speak Now were well developed. Cara Laas' persona drew me in, especially because of her compassion and love for children. Jonathan Lyman was likable, and his children, Bryson and especially Riley, were adorable.

The plot was credible, but there were certain details that I had a tough time believing. The capacity of Jonathan and Cara to express questions and answers, especially deep ones, only through their eyes was the most problematic thing for me. I couldn't envision their abilities when they had only known each other for such a brief time. There were other things I struggled with, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers.

I still enjoy Havig's stories, but this one didn't appeal to me.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit. However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own. ( )

I like this story because it is a look at a couple who at times have trouble communicating. It isn’t unusual for one to be more talkative than the other, but in this case the man hardly speaks at all. The way the author uses facial expressions and eye contact is very intriguing. I started thinking about body language and how it can say a lot about someone without them saying a word. I was intrigued by where the author would take the two main characters and decided I would settle in for a day and get to know Cara and Johnathan .

Cara is an easy character to like with her simple tastes and knack for putting people at ease. I thought it was cute that Johnathan’s daughter was mesmerized by Cara at a wedding. She kept telling her dad that she was beautiful and is determined that they meet. I think it was an awkward moment for Johnathan but Cara quickly tried to put him at ease as they got to know each other. Now I don’t know if you can love someone at first sight, but there sure was something going on between these two.

Johnathan is a very quiet person and it bothered me at times. How was he going to have a relationship with Cara if he never expressed his feelings? What I learned as I read the story is sometimes words don’t need to be spoken to understand each other. Johnathan may keep things to himself but there were times when he felt it was important to let Cara know how he felt. I appreciate him reassuring her that she was perfect just the way she was. I didn’t realize how wealthy he was but as the story continues we find out just how powerful he is in his position at the company.

The most significant part of the story for me was how gracefully the author tackled the issue of intimacy before marriage. It is obvious that Cara and Johnathan are attracted to each other, but they want to honor God and do not let temptation deter them from their beliefs. Oh I know it was difficult at times for them but what a testament to their steadfast faith. The author takes two characters that are definite opposites and places them together in a relationship that goes through some rough times. Taking each day at a time, you can see how these two begin to communicate in sweet ways by a look or a gesture that says they are interested in each other. I think Johnathan had this gift of surprising Cara with plans that took her breath away. Okay I have to say ,“Actions speak louder than words.” There I said it. This book speaks loudly with actions of gifts, a sweet smile, a flower, compromises and most of all unconditional love expressed through the eyes of the beholder.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )