A Time of Proving by Alena Mentink ~ Book Review

About the Book 

Book: A Time of Proving

Author: Alena Mentink

Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance

Series: Home to Osceola, Book 2

Publisher: Independent

Release Date: February 26, 2025

She lost her family to tragedy. He lost his when he ran away. What will second chances cost them?

Miriam Locklin thought she could keep her family together, just as her deceased parents would have wished. But when she is banished to a small Midwestern town to live with an uncle she’s never met, she realizes the fight for her family may be harder than she ever imagined. And she has no one in the little town of Osceola to fight for her.

Determined to clear his name, Jase Hoffman returns to his hometown of Osceola to prove he’s not the villain everyone believes him to be. Facing the people he left behind is no easy task. When he unexpectedly meets Miriam—for the second time—he can’t help but be drawn to her. But his broken relationships prove he’s no good at family.

As their feelings for each other grow stronger, one man could destroy everything Jase and Miriam hold dear. Yet love is only true if it’s been tested…and the hardest test is yet to come.

A Time of Proving can be read as a standalone or as a continuation of the Home to Osceola series. Faith and danger mix on the Nebraska prairie, and characters discover the value of family ties and love. Fans of Lauraine Snelling and Tracie Peterson are sure to enjoy.

My Thoughts 

This was my first book by Alena Mentink and I really enjoyed it. I didn't know what to expect being that this is the second book in the series and I thought I would be lost by not reading the first one but that was not the case. I was able to read this as a stand alone. 

I really enjoyed the storyline. We meet Miriam whose parents have died and all she has left is her siblings. They are split up to live with different relatives which is hard for her to come to terms with. She is sent to live with an uncle in Osceola. Oh did I mention she is also getting away from an unwanted suitor. Yes, and while doing so she meets wonderful Jase who also has a past of his own. 

I loved Jase. He was such a swoony male character. He comes back home in hopes of reconciling with his parents and the whole town. I won't divulge what happens in his past but I am so very glad of the outcome of it throughout the story. I also enjoyed the romance aspect between him and Miriam. Definitely some swoon worthy, deep sigh moments happening here.

Overall I really enjoyed the storyline. The deep family storyline, the theme of forgiveness and second chances was very well written and done. There was a great faith thread which tied the storyline perfectly together. The romance was sweet and perfect for a teen or young adult as well as adult readers.I for one have added her to my TBR list of of authors and I am looking forward to reading more of her stories especially from this series!

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

About the Author

Alena Mentink is a Nebraska author who enjoys mixing history with fiction characters to create a story for God’s glory. Alena lives on a farm with her parents and eight siblings, and is currently writing a series set near her home in Polk County. To find out more about her, visit her website at https://alenamentink.com/ and sign up for her newsletter to receive a short story, Never Too Far, that takes place in 1870s Nebraska.