Phoebe and the Rock of Ages

Title: Phoebe and the Rock of Ages

Series: The Gustafson Girls #3

Author: Becky Doughty

Narrator: Becky Doughty

Publisher: Bravehearts Press

Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance,

Source: Hoopla

My Review: 

I am enjoying binge-listening to this series! Phoebe is the sister whose story I couldn't wait to dive into, as she is the most mysterious sister (to me). Phoebe and the Rock of Ages did not disappoint. I am also enjoying the author, Becky Doughty, narrating each story. Her character voices are consistent throughout the stories.

I said in a previous review that the first two books could be read interchangeably, but this series is best read in order. You will get spoilers in this book if you have not read the first two, and the details going into the fourth book won't make much sense if you haven't read the first three.

Phoebe has perfected the art of acting. She is casual personified, except with Renata. They tend to bring out each other's worst sides. It makes sense as we get more information in Phoebe's story. There were things I wondered about in the last story, concerning Phoebe, and while I was right, the details filled in the necessary gaps, and my heart broke for her. All of the Gustafson girls have trauma from their parent's death, but it affected them all so differently. I almost don't want to know Gia's full story!

I was also completely shocked by Trevor's story and how he met Phoebe. This story is gripping, and like the first two, brings out all the feels. I love these sisters and already don't want the series to end.

Phoebe and the Rock of Ages left on a cliffhanger!!! I am thrilled that Gia and the Blast From the Past is also on audio so I can listen to it tomorrow. 

★★★★★/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Note: The Gustafson Girls series is Women’s Fiction/Christian Romance written from a Christian world view.

MEET PHOEBE GUSTAFSON

Phoebe Gustafson has been running wild her whole life. A gifted artist, she portrays people and places the way she wishes they were, not the way she really sees them. Her jaded perspective is born out of disillusionment, betrayal, and loss, and of memories too painful to dwell on. Rather than face the past, Phoebe charges full throttle into the future, never investing in anything or anyone for longer than it takes to finish a job.

Trevor Zander, a gifted musician, is bone-weary of always being on the go. He dreams of putting down roots and staying in one place longer than the time it takes to plan the next tour. While on a much-needed break, he happens upon a damsel not in distress, but he can’t resist helping her anyway. He’s entranced by the view of the world through Phoebe Gustafson’s eyes, and commissions her to help him redefine his image and brand.

When a family emergency and the charming, unconventional Jesus-Freak, Trevor Zander, converge on her life at the same time, will Phoebe find the courage to remove her blinders and discolored filters so she can truly see life, and love—and herself—the way they really are?

MEET THE GUSTAFSON GIRLS

When Paul and Simone Gustafson are killed by a drunk driver, the lives of their daughters change irrevocably. Although raised by loving grandparents, it’s the G-FOURce—the Gustafson Four Sisters Club—that binds them together when their differences would tear them apart. All grown up now, Juliette has become the quintessential doormat, Renata, the self-appointed matriarchal figure. Phoebe is, at least according to Renata, borderline narcissistic, and Gia is on the verge of a major identity crisis.

Then there’s Angela Clinton, the senior class darling who drove her cherry black 1970 el Camino into the side of their parents’ car on the night of Juliette’s high school graduation. Angela’s prison sentence is winding down; soon she’ll be eligible for parole and moving back to town. Will the G-FOURce be strong enough to hold them together as they step into the eye of the storm that’s been brewing for the last fifteen years? Will they finally be able to let go of the past and embrace the future, no matter what it holds?