Today I’m sharing my thoughts on the latest “Murphy Brothers Romance” by Jennifer Rodewald: book 5, Stubborn Love.
Their love survived his accident, but can it survive the long, hard road to recovery?
Tyler Murphy had his life all planned out: finish college, go back to Sugar Pine as his dad’s able-bodied business partner, and most importantly, marry Rebecca Colson. But a fall from a roof leaves him less than able-bodied, and the pain he suffers as a result goes beyond the physical. Wrestling with his new disability seems manageable only by way of the pharmacy. Which is fine…until the refills run out and he’s denied a new prescription.
Rebecca Colson can’t wait for the day she’ll finally become Mrs. Rebecca Murphy. Tyler’s accident and resulting amputation are traumatic hurdles on the road to marital bliss but nothing they can’t overcome together—until Rebecca stumbles onto Tyler’s secret and approaches his family for help. Suddenly, the love of her life turns cold. In his eyes, her betrayal is unforgivable, and just like that, their hopes and dreams disintegrate.
Becca finds herself facing a future she doesn’t recognize—one where each step forward is a step away from the future she’d planned with Tyler. When a recovered Tyler finally seeks her out, he’s not sure he deserves another chance with her—not after the way he broke her heart. Becca is equally uncertain that Tyler has room in his new, very different life, for her. Is it too late to restore their relationship, or will their stubborn love forge a new path for a future together?
Stubborn Love is book 5 in the Murphy Brothers Stories; Christian novels full of romance and redemption. Don’t miss this family of seven brothers as they navigate through life, faith, and love.
Stubborn Love is a beautiful story of the strength of love and the good God can orchestrate through brokenness. With Rodewald’s signature depth and elements of women’s fiction blended into this contemporary romance, Tyler and Becca become characters to root for and enjoy as they find their way back to each other.
I appreciate how the sensitive yet extremely relevant topic of addiction is handled within this story. Tyler’s difficulties and experiences are portrayed as relatable with raw honesty and an element of hope as his recovery progresses. His supportive combination of family and friends exemplify what grace should look like lived out in the body of Christ — a heart-touching truth for Tyler and an example for the reader.
One of my favorite things about Becca and Tyler’s characters is each of their journeys to restoration. They are separate yet intertwined because of their choices, brokenness, and healing. Gratitude plays a big role in Tyler’s story, and trust for Becca. Biblical truths are included as a natural, encouraging part of their lives. While both of them struggle with miscommunication in different ways (as expected in romance to add tension and conflict), I like that Rodewald chooses to play out their missteps and faults as realistic, dealing with truth and honesty at just the right time for her protagonists.
There are many other little things to love about Stubborn Love: cupcakes + Fiona, brothers & catching up with the Murphys, gratitude, the perspective time brings, the wisdom of friends. I’m looking forward to TWO more Murphy brothers books!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. This is my honest review.
The Green Mockingbird 