Book Review: "I'll Know You By Heart" by Kimberly Job

Have you ever met an author who was such a natural at writing that you almost couldn’t find anything wrong with her rough drafts? I’m talking, serious searching just to find a that or a just to delete, or a wrong punctuation mark or something.

Yeah, well. That’s Kimberly Job. I read this book as a rough draft and have watched it grow and emerge until it became the beautiful, heart-wrenching story that is now printed and bound. I fell in love with Stephanie and Jared from chapter one. Their love story is tragic, yet triumphant and leaves you with a feeling of satisfaction that makes you think, yes, that is how endings should be.

The thing about this book is that it’s not just a story about love, but about pain, survival, and about starting over. I found this book intense and full of deep emotions, the kind that really made me think. And I have to admit, I’m a total sucker for a great kissing scene. And this book does have a few.

Here’s the blurb:

The day Stephanie Roberts met Jared Wakefield, she didn’t realize they had met before. Running from an abusive marriage and trying to safeguard her children, Stephanie turns to Jared for support—but he needs more from her than she might be capable of giving. With her abusive husband looming in her past, the difficulties they must overcome seem insurmountable.


Is it possible for love to conquer all? I’ll Know You By Heart is a timeless romance that explores the possibility that relationships span the entire realm of eternity—a story about abuse, hardship, and betrayal—ultimately a story about the healing power of everlasting true love.

Kim has granted me an interview, so let’s see what she has to say to my official interview questions.


NG: What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?

KJ: This may be shocking, but I don't really like ice cream. I much prefer cookies, brownies, pie, cake--you get the picture. Don't get me wrong, I'll eat ice cream, but it's not my dessert of choice. When I do eat it, I prefer something fruity--peach, strawberry, or just plain vanilla.

NG: Holy wow, that is shocking. But fruit is good. Always. Who is your favorite author? (Besides yourself or me, since everyone already knows we’re both awesome.)

KJ: I thought you said these questions were easy.

NG: Sorry!

KJ: I read a lot, but LDS fiction is still my favorite, so I'd say my favorite author is Jennie Hansen. I easily identify with her characters. My favorite book of Jennie's is Run Away Home.

NG: Yes, I agree. Her stuff is really good. I’ll have to look for Run Away Home. But you can’t read and write all the time, so, what’s your most favorite thing to do when you’re not reading or writing?

KJ: Well, I'm a newlywed, so I love spending time alone with my husband. We don't even have to be doing anything grand. I love the late night hours when I lay snuggled next to him, tucked under his arm with my head on his chest and we talk about life--our children, struggles, hopes, dreams, and how happy we are.

NG: Aw. You sound like a romance writer. Oh wait, you are a romance writer. Duh. Makes total sense to me now. But you know, there’s still something I can’t figure out about you. If you were an animal, what kind would you be and why?

KJ: I really don't like animals of any kind, so does a stuffed teddy bear count?

NG: I suppose if you don’t mind having a head-full of cotton, I don’t mind either. Maybe you’d prefer a more romance-type question. Do you prefer diamonds or pearls?

KJ: Diamonds for sure. Pearls remind me too much of my mom and grandma.

NG: Gotcha. And diamonds sparkle in the sunshine, too.

NG: One last question. Name one or two power snacks that keep you going as you write.

KJ: Pecans and string cheese--okay, and chocolate too. :)

NG: Of course! Kim, thanks for spending some time with me today. I’m always curious about the important issues in an author’s life. You know, since these answers tend to tell us what really makes an author tick.

To find out more about Kimberly Job, click here.

To purchase I’ll Know You by Heart click here.

To find out more about Valor publishing, click here.

**I received a copy of this book from the author. Yes, I’m reviewing it, but that’s my choice. I read this story long before publication and loved it then almost as much as I do now. My friendship with the author has in no way colored my review of the work.