If You Believe: A Novel

I loved this story, as I do with all Kristin Hannah books. My problem is that the book was filled with so many typos that it was difficult to read. Someone needs to edit the copy and correct all of the numerous errors.

Since this type of novel is quite different than the books, I usually read I have to admit to actually enjoying this story. I found it somewhat interesting, liked the beginning part of this book which involved a fist fight. From a historical perspective and as a somewhat romantic novel I can see women enjoying this book more so than men. This story revolves around Mariah Throckmorton who gets involved romantically with a character named “Mad Dog Stone” a drifter who moves around looking for work. This is a story about second chances we sometimes experience in life. I never give away too much information when reviewing a novel. If you like the romantic novels of Kristin Hannah, you may want to check out this book. In the end everything will work out well as in most of Kristin Hannah’s romantic novels. Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: The Mighty Pen: Your self-defense friend. Tactical use of the pen for self-defense).

I enjoy books written by Kristin Hannah and was looking forward to this book. I find it very disheartening to receive an e-book that is filled with so many typographical errors. It actually takes away from the story line. Shame on you Amazon for charging $7.99 for the Kindle edition with this many errors.

Kristin Hannah is a great writer. This is one of her earlier books. I skimmed the sensational parts, after they are out, you have a good book. If you read this book, please realized that she has evolved greatly since. show less

I loved this one. She got inside the characters of Mariah, Mad Dog, Rass and Jake really well and I liked all of them. She has the tendency to overdo the same descriptions of characters or situations, but I really enjoyed this one. She did pretty well with her characters in not being repetitive in her mostly written over usage of descriptive wordiness. But the characters were very interesting, unique and likeable. It kept me reading day and night. As with all her books, I finished it within 2 or 3 days. They definitely keep you wanting more. I just wish she could stop dragging out situations and the same descriptions for so long. Come on Kristin!!! Your story lines are great.

I loved the nostalgia of the times riding boxcar ….freedom of the road….the characters are the best The facts about life and real love Hope & hardship. The story about real people lives those who aren’t perfect find what they need most —— each other .

In the back of this book Kristin Hannah writes that this was a difficult and painful book to write because of some tragedy in her own life or others who are close to her. I believe that many books are given to authors as a means of healing or comfronting a situation that we are having a hard time making peace with and finding answers through the written word. Sometimes just writing out a problem and looking at it in a whole different way enables us to get a different perspective on things. The idea of the panic that Mariah has when she attemps to open the gate to the farm and leave it's safe confines is one that I have struggled with myself. Mariah is keeping a secret, one that has left her frozen in emotions and movement. A special man occupies her life (her father) and when another shows up she is very reluctant to let him in. Then a young man, Jake, joins them which brings out the mother in her for the child that she lost and is never spoken of. Her father's death and Jake removing the fence that keeps her issolated helps her to move forward. When Mad Dog returns with promises to stay forever she is strong enough to make a heartfelt decision to marry him. I did enjoy this book, not as much as some of her others, but discovering a new author is always exciting!

In good shape