'Songs of Deliverance' by Marilynn Griffith - Book Review and Giveaway

In my adventures in the blogosphere and book reviewing, I am being exposed to a lot of wonderful authors.  The latest is Marilynn Griffith.  She is a freelance writer and author, speaker, and a wife and mother to seven children who lives in Florida.  She is also the compiler of stories on a site called SistahFaith, which features true stories of hope and healing.   

Her latest book, ‘Songs of Deliverance,’ is an emotional and intense tale about characters who live in Testimony, Ohio – Zeely, Ron, Grace, Brian, Jeremiah, Sean, Quinn and many more.  These characters were first brought to life by Mrs. Griffith in ‘Rhythms of Grace’ which took place prior to the events of ‘Songs of Deliverance.’     

The opening scene of ‘Songs of Deliverance’ features Zeely during her college years, fifteen years prior to the current events.  She is forced to make a difficult decision which will impact her life forever (don’t want to give away this plot point!). 

Each of the chapters is written in the first person point of view of the different characters.   It is a wonderful technique which makes each character come alive.  In fact, I could easily see this book come to life in the form of a movie.  Many movie stars came to mind as I read the book.

I loved the fact that many of the characters were constantly in prayer and constantly aware that they needed the Lord’s help in order to become better people – and more like Him.  Sin abounded, but God’s grace abounded all the more.  It was a very powerful portrait of faith and grace. 

I found this book to be beautifully written.  A couple of my favorite lines are: ‘the love he wanted was still packed in boxes on the floor of my heart’ (p. 122) and ‘even though my life had come undone, God was still tending to the stitching.  I was just seeing the underside’ (p. 159).

This book is full of twists and turns and real life episodes.  I was constantly surprised by the latest revelations.  Each new twist made the world smaller and brought the characters closer together.  Most of the characters in this book are Christians, but they also, as do we all, live in the world.  They have made mistakes and lived full lives, and each is coming to the Lord for deliverance and redemption in his/her own way and on his/her own terms.  In the end, the Lord delivers and redeems many of them  (not all of the storylines were resolved in this book, so I am patient!).   Although I did not read ‘Rhythms of Grace’ (which might have made this one easier to follow), I do want to follow the people of Testimony, Ohio, to see how lives turns out for all of them, and therefore hope there is another book on the way.    

This book was provided to me for review purposes by Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

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I would like to pass along this gently read book along to one of you.  It is in perfect condition; it is covered in clear contact paper, which is a great way to extend the life of your paperbacks!

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