After reading The Convenient Groom by Denise I KNEW I had to read more of her books. So I randomly picked one and Surrender Bay was it. And even today I'm happy about that choice. Why? Well because Sam-the main character-messed up SO much. I mean, honestly, I cringed at some of the things she did to Landon-the guy who is modeling as Jesus. She couldn't have hurt him more if she...well she did. And even though she hurt him, lied to him, though she rejected even the thought of him, he loved her still.

He loved her still.

We rejected Jesus. We hurt him. I know I did. But the amazing part of it all is he went on the cross, wore the crown of thorns, got whipped to the point of probably not even being able to think straight but he still loved us. He still loves us. Isn't that just amazing? It so is.

And this book made me realize how amazing...and it made me realize how much Jesus loved me. How much he still does...

Amazing story with so many layers! At first it appears as if it will be just another romance story but this one is different. Sam has been dealt so many hardships that she has lost hope and trust in everyone and the devil uses this to his advantage to make her think she isn't worthy and to put hateful messages into to her subconscious. Sam has buried many hurts in her life and kept them locked away in order to not feel anything. When she returns to her childhood home she is forced to come to terms with these internalized struggles and face the truth no matter how much hurt it creates. Such a relatable story!

Samantha Owens and Landon Reed grew up next to each other on the island of Nantucket with drastically different home lives. Landon's parents were wealthy and loving, where Sam's mother abandoned her, leaving her with her abusive stepfather. Sam felt unworthy and afraid to trust or love. The night Landon told her he loved her, rather than admit the same, Sam got drunk and ended up pregnant. When her stepfather found out, he threw her out and she left the island, not telling anyone why.

Eleven years later, Sam has inherited the family cottage. Not wanting to go, but needing the money, she returns to the island to sell it. What she doesn't know is that after college, Landon returned to the island and now owns his parents' home.

Denise Hunter is one of my favorite authors, but this book was a big disappointment. The majority of the book focuses on Samantha's immoral behavior. She is still running away from Landon every time he expresses his feelings, getting drunk and flirting with men. Sadly, there really was no resolution either - only stating she will try.