She applied to run the all-female dorm at Maryland State University. Then why must she live in the all-male dorm instead???
Samantha Hart wants to find Godly purpose within her new Christian faith, like her missionary best friend, but is forced to take a job as the resident director of the all-male, Calvert Hall, where she gets to baby-sitting pampered party boys, rather than change lives.
Facing the typical challenges of her position, such as sexual assaults and drug use by residents, and those unique to being a woman, she leans heavily on her faith. She must also gain respect from young men who view her as a sex object—one of whom is stalking her—while guarding against the campus serial rapist.
It doesn’t help that her boss treats her like an imbecile. So why did God put her here when her experience was with women’s issues and she’d applied for the all-female building?
Chris Johnson, a rock guitarist who is returning to school as a music major, is intrigued by the resident director and the faith she shares with her muscle-bound resident assistant from “the hood,” nick-named Preacher. While Chris observes how they act on their beliefs, he is drawn into a relationship with a ruthless supplier of the on-campus drug trade.
While observing Sam’s care of students who don’t deserve her efforts, Chris assists her on the sly. Can he manage his two worlds without risking Samantha’s life?
Review
So, I randomly stumbled upon Connie Almony in my quest for a romance novel and soon as I read the premise I was super excited. Here’s why:
What I liked:
The setting. Sam is an RD at a college campus. I was never an RD, but I remember RDs and I remember college and dorms and it all just brought it back (gosh I’m getting old). It was almost nostalgic. Also, it’s just not a setting I see in Christian novels too often and I really felt that the author stayed true to the atmosphere of a state college.
Chris. Chris has a lot going on, but I found more and more fascinating everytime I turned the pages.
The suspense. This novel is not a mystery because you, the reader, knows the bad guy. But it does have plenty of suspense. Sam is constantly finding herself in some shady positions.
Spiritually, Sam is a bit of new believer and learning how to follow God. I love how she’s not the only Christian and that the book kind of shows a diversity amongst Christians. Usually, I find them to be very cookie cutter in books. Also, I thought the author did a good job of showing how slowly Chris came to having a relationship with Christ. It wasn’t overnight, and so it came across as very believable. And I loved the message that God uses our individual gifts and talents for His glory. We don’t have to do what others are doing to be in the will of God.
What I didn’t like:
Sometimes Sam made decisions that made me shake my head a time or two. But I will say kudos to her at the end for not being overly dramatic when some big reveals happened.
Romantic Scale: 8
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was fun, different, realistic, and well worth reading.
remaininhislove 