Contemporary Standalone
Dogwood by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)
Description:
In the small town of Dogwood, West Virginia, Karin has buried her shattered dreams by settling for a faithful husband whose emotional distance from her deep passions and conflicts leaves her isolated. Loaded with guilt, she tries to raise three small children and "do life" the best she can. Will returns to Dogwood intent on pursuing the only woman he has ever loved--only to find there is far more standing in his way than lost years in prison. The secrets of Will and Karin's past begin to emerge through Danny Boyd, a young boy who wishes he hadn't survived the tragedy that knit those two together as well as tore them apart. The trigger that will lay their pain bare and force them to face it rather than flee is the unlikely figure of Ruthie Bowles, a withered, wiry old woman who leads Karin so deep into her anger against God that it forces unexpected consequences.
My Thoughts:
This was a very moving story about forgiveness and redemption. There is a sadness that is woven throughout the story, but there is hope that comes from Karin's elderly friend who helps her. I could feel Karin's pain and ached with her and I felt Will's resignation to his life as it has become, but also a piece of hope burried deep inside him that refuses to die. Forgiveness and mercy and grace are the beautiful themes of this book.
Embrace Me by Lisa Samson (Thomas Nelson)
Description:
Immersed in the world of a traveling circus, Valentine listens endlessly to the song "Embraceable You" on an old record player. She has friends, but romance is nowhere in sight. When a dreadlocked, scarred local with a hidden past and a compelling presence enters the picture, will Valentine find the love she longs for?
My Thoughts:
I always enjoy reading Lisa Samson's books. These characters were definately among the most interesting I have ever read about. As unique as they are, their story resonates for us all. Initially, the pain of the characters is so palpable I felt wounded for them. It is that pain that makes the transformation then that much more striking. I really like the characters in this book--especially the people they become. They stayed with me a long time after I finished reading the book. Such is always the case with Samson's books!
Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon by Debbie Fuller Thomas (Moody Publishers)
Description:
When single mom Marty Winslow discovers that her deceased child was switched at birth, she sues for custody of her orphaned biological daughter. But winning in court is the easy part of the battle! Andie won't fit in, one of her "sisters" hates her, and she's worried about her grandparents. Can anything heal this tattered family?
My Thoughts:
Also a beautiful book about moving out of a painful period and learning to do more than just survive, but to open yourself back up again to love and hope and joy even after a loss and even in the midst of a difficult situation. I look forward to more by this author. A very good book.
So which is my pick from these three? For me I think it is a 3-way tie! All very good books and worth reading! If forced to pick one, I would give a slight win to Tuesday Nights at the Blue Moon.
