Valerie's Verdict

by Hallee Bridgeman

[phyllish]

A touching story of overcoming

My rating is 3.5 stars

It’s hard to know where to start in putting my thoughts down regarding this story. There are so many facets to it!

First, let me say that it is a deeply spiritual story, as Valerie struggles with the idea that God cares about her at all. And both she and Brad had intense anger towards Tyrone that needed to be dealt with. The author filled the story with scripture and sage advice for the characters to help them align their hearts and minds with God.

I loved Brad’s parents. They had such wisdom and depth. The way they loved and cared for their sons was a great picture of God’s love.

I’m a pushover for stories where the man has been in love with the woman since he was a boy. So Brad’s deep, abiding love for Valerie was so sweet and heartwarming. Though it was also sad that neither he nor Valerie had felt like they could tell the other of the way they felt.

While many elements I enjoy were combined in the story, I didn’t feel as emotionally connected to the characters as I often do. I’m not sure if it was due to the shell Valerie had built around her heart to protect it from being broken again which made her hard to love, or if it was the writing style. I have greatly enjoyed other books by this author so I am going to assume I am just not the ideal reader for this story and will watch for the next one to come out.

Valerie’s Verdict deals with heavy heart issues and abuse. Though the author used tact and was careful not to include too many details, there were still parts that were difficult for me to read.

Read my full review at Among the Reads


I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.