Almost Priest by Lydia Michaels
McCullough Mountain, Book 1
November 6, 2015; 2019
Amazon: https://amzn.to/38BRZPi
Nook: https://bit.ly/3t5guvi
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3LZYMzX
Book Review
Not wanting to go home to an empty house, Samantha Dougherty accepted the invitation to spend three weeks with the McCullough family. Arriving with her boyfriend, Braydon McCullough, they treated her as family. Unfortunately, Braydon wanted more than Samantha was willing to give so he did his own thing.
From the age of 12, Colin McCullough knew he wanted to give his life to God. This meant living a life of poverty, celibate, and dedicate his life to God’s work. Set to take his vows before the end of summer, Colin is home to make his final decision. He knew the exact course his life would travel. Until Samantha came to visit.
Samantha knew Colin was different. It was obvious Colin battled a war deep within his soul. Samantha understood and refused to get in the way of his commitment. Yet, Colin lost the battle the first time he kissed Samantha. He managed to convince himself it was just curiosity. But could the same be said when he and Samantha locked themselves within his bedroom?
The family knew Samantha was not the girl for Braydon. Nor did they suspect an eternal love growing. This connection he had with Samantha made Colin falter though it didn’t stop their secret meetings and rendezvous. Instead, they grew bolder until the time came for Samantha to return to college.
Neither regretted their actions and now each is miserable. Yet with every action is a reaction. And a consequence.
Lydia Michaels allows readers to feel the passion, the uncertainty, and the loss of their love. At times, the story is heartbreaking. The mental struggles are real. The questions agonizing. What is right? What feels right? Is it better to love and lose the most precious thing than to never have loved at all? Both struggle with their decision. Yet it is Colin who must make the decision that will change his life forever.
The McCulloughs are a large family. They fight. They argue. But they always support each other. No matter what! Reading this book was an absolute honor.
I own a copy of this book. I have read and reviewed this book voluntarily.
–Brenda, JustViews
