I started The Gentle Hills series about two years ago and was saving this second book until I was in the mood for some old-school historical ChristFic. For comfort reading.

Granted, this story has its share of schmaltz, but the read isn't simplistic or just a big lump of sappy drivel. There's a little snark here, a little kick there, including from Marjie. I like that she's still got wits, fire, and a sassy sense of humor. And the married-couple romance between her and Jerry isn't racy but it's passionate and playful. It's clear that the two of them appreciate, desire, and downright dig each other.

Now, even though a world war is yet raging, this novel seems to be not only rather removed from it but more conveniently "safe" about it than the previous book. Besides a couple of characters' physical injuries, no one really seems to be suffering from any war-related trauma in their everyday lives now—not even the men who returned from the brink of death in combat after watching their comrades die. And no matter how accurately it reflects the time and place, I still cringe whenever a character uses the shortened slur for "the Japanese." It only comes up a few times, but it never seems necessary in the story, and the language isn't painted in a negative light at all.

Also, as with the previous book, I skimmed over the pages of salvational messages and Bible lessons. Some of the faith testimonies get repetitive by reporting events from the last book more than once, and theological discussions and such feel contrived in fiction when the discussions don't have much to do with the plot.

Even so, I liked the general story of friends and family, including some family conflict involving a critical issue. And the story also shows some of the grittier side/danger of life on a farm. Whenever the nostalgic mood hits me again, I plan on continuing this series. ( )