I never would have imagined that choosing Three Times to Make Sure by Virginia’dele Smith at 8 a.m. would cause my eyes to be all red and puffy (in good and negative ways) by the time I finished this engrossing novel. I haven’t cried this much while reading a novel this amazing in a long.
The author builds the tension and backstory between the two main characters right away. There are just the right number of flashbacks, and it’s easy to follow. Bren and M’Kenzee were meant to be together, but she struggles with the love due of her fear of being abandoned as a result of her prior experiences.
M’Kenzee must deal with the turmoil that has built up through the years of loving Bren while also recognising how much Bren has loved her back over the years, whether they were physically together or separated, as Bren vanishes on a mission to Africa.
The character of M’Kenzee Davenport is so relatable. Because I’m the middle child and frequently put up barriers to prevent people from loving me, Three Times to Make Sure emotionally destroyed me to the core. Coming to terms with M’Kenzee’s thoughts seemed so personal to her character yet so tied to my emotions as well after reading those journal love letter entries.
The author did a fantastic job of creating this environment, which kept me in tears for the first two thirds of the novel. I particularly like some of the genuine language and in-depth explanations of various people’ personalities. With the third-person point of view, the author does a good job of immersing the reader in M’Kenzee’s personality and viewpoint.
I can’t say enough how lovely this book is or how highly I suggest it. Every romance reader should read a book like Three Times to Make Sure, in my opinion. If you’re hoping for smut, this book is not for you because it is more of a vanilla romance, which some people may find annoying. The story itself, however, is more than worth reading and should be treasured close to the heart. It also doesn’t require any humour to highlight the lovely love story.
I would suggest this book to readers who enjoy slow-burning romances and who don’t mind some connections to and references to religion, particularly Christianity. There are some Biblical allusions and the characters all have some form of religious belief, but for me, these elements didn’t distract from the plot and instead enhanced it.
About The Book
M’Kenzee Davenport knows love doesn’t last. So despite marrying her high school crush on a whim in Vegas, the gritty photojournalist never believed the union was real. But when her husband-in-name-only goes missing on a mission for the FBI, she’s stunned to receive his effects as next-of-kin.
Poring through his childhood journals, M’Kenzee discovers to her amazement that the handsome G-man has loved her forever. And with no news about his fate, the tormented loner worries he’s lost for good just as she discovers she doesn’t want to live without him.
Will M’Kenzee be reunited with the man of her dreams?
Three Times to Make Sure is the emotional third book in the Green Hills romance series. If you like endearing characters, family drama, and wholesome matches, then you’ll adore Virginia’dele Smith’s captivating story.
The Review
Three Times to Make Sure
This story was one that would touch your heart. Max, M'Kenzee and Maree had a difficult time in their teens due to the death of their parents. Going from foster home to another could not have been easy. M'Kenzee and Bren had a good relationship but just too many obstacles to over come. This was a very interesting story to follow never knowing the outcome. The author did an excellent job keeping you interested.