Readers familiar with White’s previous novels will recognize members of Gilly’s family from Off the Record. Tour de Force is without question a stand-alone title, but meeting familiar characters in new places is always fun. The frequent play on southern manners, customs, and hospitality in White’s novels provides a humorous edge to the story as well.
While there was some vital action taking place off-page, and some confusing jumps in time at the beginning of the novel, the story is generally well developed and engaging. I stayed up far too late reading it into the night. White pleasantly weaves the threads of family togetherness, faith, and appreciation for the arts together along with the achingly sweet characters she’s developed. While it’s true that both Gilly and Jacob have their flaws; fierce independence and a marred past respectively, they both come across rather idyllically, both too good to be true. While both spiritually struggle through the difficulties and valleys placed in their lives, this is the sort of novel where you just feel like everything will be fine from early on.
Gilly and Jacob’s story is ultimately one of hope, both for their future, and for the salvation of those around them as they live out Christian lives in the midst of the world. While it’s not profound or extraordinarily thought -provoking, it does provide a comfy read if you need a shot of romance, or if, like me, you couldn’t resist the ballerinas.
Article comments
1 - Beth White
Thanks for a lovely, well-thought-out review, Jennifer!