‘The Mailbox’ by Marybeth Whalen – Book Review and Giveaway

One of the favorite activities of summertime (which is passing by so very rapidly) is book reading while relaxing on the beach. The latest book I’ve read, ‘The Mailbox’ by Marybeth Whalen, is exactly perfect for that refreshing activity. 

Here is the synopsis of this book:

When Lindsey Adams first visits the Kindred Spirit mailbox at Sunset Beach, North Carolina, as a teenager, she has no idea that twenty years later she will still be visiting the mailbox – still pouring out her heart in letters that summarize the best and worst parts of her life.

Returning to Sunset for her first vacation since her husband left her and her two kids, Lindsey struggles to put her sorrow into words. Memories surface of her first love, Campbell Forrester – and the rejection that followed. When Campbell reappears in her life, Lindsey must decide whether to trust in love again or guard herself from greater pain.

Centered around the real and mysterious landmark on the coast of North Carolina, The Mailbox is a rich blend of folklore, faith, and the beauty of second chances.

Here is the book trailer:

Here is the biography of the author:

Marybeth Whalen speaks regularly through her association with Proverbs 31 Ministries, and she served as the general editor of For the Write Reason and The Reason We Speak. She and her husband, Curt, have six children and are active in their community near Charlotte, North Carolina. She is passionate about sharing God with all the women God places in her path. She has been visiting the Kindred Spirit mailbox for years.

One engaging element of the story for me is the fact that Lindsey is a runner. I am just getting started in that endeavor, and am interested in hearing how people – and book characters! – relate to that activity. Here is Lindsey’s perspective:

She rummaged through her suitcase to find her running shoes, thick socks, shorts, T-shirt, and exercise bra, wondering how far she would be able to go. She had only recently gone back to running, discovering anew the freedom and energy she gained from making herself hit the pavement regularly. Two days after Grant [her husband] left, she decided to run instead of cry. The weight and sadness she felt in his absence were lodged inside her – like something caught that needed to be loosened – and she hoped that the running would shake it free. The first day she ran until she nearly fell down from exhaustion. Pushing herself through exercise yielded a better release, she discovered, than sobbing. When she returned home, the sadness hadn’t disappeared, but the weight she felt before she left had lessened considerably. She had missed only a few days since, craving her runs like chocolate. (p. 122)

I am not at the point of craving running more than chocolate (!!), but I hope to get to that point!

An interesting subplot was that Campbell’s daughter, Nikki, was battling anorexia. I battled that illness myself in my early 20s, so could relate to that particular character. I really felt for her, and for her family that had to deal with this frail young lady in a gentle and compassionate manner. Anorexia is a serious – and life-threatening illness, and it is always a good thing when attention is brought to it. So many people – young and old – suffer from it, and it is so misunderstood. It is so much more than just losing weight/keeping thin.

It was terrific to see how both Campbell and Lindsey – who had been on separate lifepaths – were following God. Here is Campbell’s prayer after Lindsey reappears in his life:

“Lord,” he said. “I wonder if You have brought Lindsey and me together for a reason. You know I have waited half my life to have a chance with her again. Please don’t let me blow it this time. You know there are things I need to say to her. Things she might not understand. Show me how to tell her how much I already love her, how I have wanted to be a part of her life for longer than she knows. Give me the words to say. I don’t know if I can handle losing her twice. Just please, please, please don’t let this be anything but the real thing.” Campbell finished his prayer by asking God to keep His hand on Nikki. He didn’t want to forget his daughter in the rush of his anticipation about Lindsey. Nikki had to remain his priority. (p. 193)

I also loved the great advice Campbell’s mother LaRue gave him:

“You’re getting some pretty significant chances this summer, Son. Don’t shy away from the opportunities you’ve been given.”

“But what if I don’t deserve what I’ve been given?” he asked, turning to look at his mother in the dimly lit room.

She smiled again, her mouth barely turned up at the edges. “Honey, none of us get what we deserve. That’s why they call it grace.” (p. 221)

I have to be honest and admit that I was a little leery after discovering the secret that Lindsey discovered about Campbell (I consider it to be a spoiler; you’ll have to read the book to see what I mean…). I am not sure that I would be so trusting of him after learning what he did. Perhaps she is just more gracious – and more trusting – that I would have been in similar circumstances. God did use it for good (as Romans 8:28 tells us He does) – but I think I would have been a little more cautious than Lindsey was.  

Marybeth certainly did make Sunset Beach, North Carolina sound very inviting! Although I am more of a mountaineer than a beach bum, Marybeth’s portrayal of the area made me long to explore that part of the country!

I was intrigued by the concept of the Kindred Spirit Mailbox, which actually exists at the real Sunset Beach! Although I am not as romantic as I should be (especially as a female!), I still think it is a sweet concept! Marybeth even includes in the book directions for how to locate the magical and mystical mailbox!

Overall, I found this debut novel by Mrs. Whalen to be impressive. And it is a terrific beach/summer read – particularly since it is mainly based in a beach setting! I think it would be a terrific ‘chick flick’ movie; it reminded me a lot of a Nicholas Sparks book/movie.

You can order this book here.

This book was published by David C. Cook and provided by The B & B Media Group for review and giveaway purposes.

_____________________________________________________________

I have a copy of this book that I would love to send along to one winner! 

There are several ways to gain entry:

1) Leave a comment here on the blog, telling me what in particular intrigues you about this particular book.  Please make sure to leave your email address in this format – sample[at]gmail[dot]com.

2) Follow me on Twitter; I will more than likely follow you back!  If you are already a Twitter follower, that counts, too!  Please leave a new comment to that effect.

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So there are five chances to enter!  Please limit one entry per option.

This giveaway is for U.S. residents only.  The deadline for entry is Monday, August 23, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST.  A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 and will be contacted via email.  The best to all of you!

‘Resurrection in May’ by Lisa Samson – Book Review

Human resiliency is amazing. ‘Resurrection in May,’ the latest novel by Lisa Samson, brings this human characteristic – not to mention God’s grace and mercy – to the forefront.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

A Strange and Wonderful Friendship Ignites the Fire of Love in May Seymour’s Life.

Lovely and winsome, May Seymour graduated from college with the world at her feet…and no idea what to do with it. A spontaneous missions trip to Africa brought a great surprise – love – and a strong sense of purpose. But in loving others there, she encountered a severe tragedy that left her deeply wounded.

She comes to heal at the farm of Claudius Borne – a sweet, kind old man who understands plants and animals far better than people. And his farm becomes May’s home.

There on the farm, May renews a friendship with an old college flame named Eli whose path has taken unexpected turns too. As May tries to convince Eli to grab hold of life once again, he begins to pull May from her sheltered existence. Like old Claudius’s farm in Spring, May begins to blossom back into life. But no resurrection ever comes without sacrifice – and this sacrifice will forever transform May.

Here is the biography of this wonderful author:

Lisa Samson, the Christy-award winning author of twenty-six books including Christianity Today’s 2008  Novel of the Year, Quaker Summer, and Justice in the Burbs, which she co-wrote with her husband, Will, a professor of Sociology. When not at home in Kentucky with her three children, one cat, and six chickens, she speaks around the country about writing and social justice, encouraging the people of God to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” She loves nothing better than sitting around her kitchen table, talking with family and friends, old and new.

She is also the proprietor of the recently opened Cuppa: A Tea Café in Lexington, Kentucky.

This book starts with May Seymour, fresh from graduating from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Journalism, with the typical co-ed mindset and enthusiasm. Her dream was to be the editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine, and drove a Mazda Miata convertible, her blonde hair blowing in the breeze. The year is 1993, and her next move in life is to go on a mission trip to Rwanda.

Her life changed forever when she was picked up by Claudius Borne after a drunken college party. She was crawling along on a country road, and an angel in human form picked her up and brought her to his home. Here is how Claudius sees himself and the world around him:

Since Claudius was a farmer, everything ended up looking something like a vegetable in his mind. His mother had favored paisley prints, and he always thought of them as summer squashes. Whenever he saw a picture of a flying saucer – pattypan squash. Beads on necklaces, depending on size, were either peas or cherry tomatoes.

He’s always lived right around this spot of Kentucky. And it was not that his owns fields and woods weren’t enough anymore, but this vista did something for him he couldn’t even voice – he just knew he enjoyed it, the freewheeling breeze, the small pebbles lining the precarious sandstone path with no guardrails, even the tourists who liked to sit on the edge and dangle their feet into that same expanse of nothing but air. (p. 3)  

Here is May explaining to Claudius that she will be heading to Rwanda:

“I’m leaving for a trip to Rwanda soon. Working at a medical mission. Probably an everything mission.”

          “For how long?”

          “A couple of months.”

          “So you’ll be going with a church group or something?”

          “Just me. Believe me, I’ll just be helping out. I’m no missionary.”

The way she said it sounded like she thought being a missionary was a bad thing. But Jesus said to go to the lost, didn’t he?

“Then why are you going?”

“Not to force my beliefs on someone, that’s for sure.”

Oh. “Then what for?”

“Father Isaac needs help in the village. I like kids, and I don’t mind pitching in and doing what needs doing.”

“I’m sure you’ll have a good time.” (p. 17)

A close relationship developed between May and Claudius, and he offered his home to her until she was ready to leave for Rwanda. She readily accepted.

During the time that May was in Rwanda, she grew to love the people who quickly became her friends. She happened to be in Rwanda at the time of the one of the worst genocide - between the Hutus and the Tutsis. It was a very dangerous situation, and she was encouraged to return to the United States:

“You should leave soon,” Father Isaac said almost every day, and every day May refused. What did she really have to go home to? She’d been rejected for the internship. Perhaps she’d get a job at the Lexington Herald-Leader. Anything seemed better than that.

The suddenly the president of Rwanda, a Hutu, was killed. It was all the excuse needed for blood to flow.

The Interahamwe, those calling for the decimation of the Tutsi, began to swarm through the land, locusts eating all in their paths, crunching bones, devouring flesh.

Oh, the prayers she heard that day word got to their village that the Hutu were on the rampage. After months of indoctrination, neighbor was killing neighbor in other towns and villages, the cities too. She prayed prayers of thankfulness they were so remote. Perhaps they’d escape this. (p. 51)

Unfortunately, she and her new family did not escape the horrors. May lived through unbelievable atrocities. She became philosophical about her situation after months of inexplicable survival:

She began to laugh, hugging her sides, as she leaned against the well and slid down, her bottom behind her heels. Wasn’t life a trip? Try to do something good and end up worse off than when you were partying and ignoring God at all costs?—Yep, kill me now. You want me to pray, God? How about that? Let me die.

Once again her unspoken hopes fell on deaf ears.

The Jeep came into view, and she saw that the driver and his companion wore the blue helmets of UN troops. She was safe. More or less. (p. 69)

Her parents and Claudius decided the best place for May to rest, recuperate and heal was to return to Bourne’s Last Chance, the farm.   

May’s life at the farm was completely different from her life pre-Rwanda. Here Claudius reflects on the changes, and how it affected both of their world views:

May was learning to think differently, self-sufficiently. And it made Claudius feel good, the way she appreciated what was grown in the earth around her and how hard she worked to bring it all forth. He had taken God’s natural goodness for granted, he saw. Not in a way that wasn’t thankful, but he’d forgotten the miracle of life in general. When you thought about the dark universe with splotches of heat and light, this green and blue jewel on which he grew, and food grew, was indeed miraculous! He’d even taken himself for granted, his work, that he knew instinctively when to put a seed in the ground. And it wasn’t the same day every year either. He just felt in his bones when it was time. (p. 87)

May began to allow Claudius to get her off the farm and back into life. She accompanied him to the Farmer’s Market in Lexington, where he was known as the Tomato Man, and she was known for her lovely bouquets of flowers. May had a setback when she ran across an acquaintance of her from the University of Kentucky. Here’s the exchange between May and Claudius:

---Oh, sweet Lord Jesus! We were doing so good. Why’d that girl have to show up?

“And she was wearing Eau d’Hadrien, one of the most expensive perfumes in the world. Did you know that?”

“’Course I didn’t, May-May!”

She flinched. And he turned away. He could take almost anything but people feeling sorry for themselves.

His heart melted, and he turned back. “Honey, you have more to feel bad about that overpriced perfume only stupid people would waste their money on to begin with. Don’t pity yourself about the wrong things. You’ll never heal that way.”

---I’d better watch myself. I’m starting to give pretty good advice. (p. 136)

Time passed, and so did Claudius. He changed his will to allow May to stay on at the farm indefinitely, even though he willed his forty acres to his church. Fast forward eight years, and May is still on the farm. She has become a real country girl, a bit of a recluse. A friend of Claudius’s from childhood, Sister Ruth, became May’s new lifeline. Here is an exchange between the two ladies:

          “We have to talk about something, May.”

Oh, boy. May took a sip of her coffee, hoping to hide behind the brim,

“Your hair.”

“No.”

“Look at it. It’s down past your bee-hind. And all that gray. And it isn’t a pretty gray either, honey. It’s that iron gray with yellow around the edges.”

“It’s easier that way.”

“’Course it is! It has no style. It’s ridiculous. No woman your age should wear a braid that long. I just think if you got back a little style you might---“

“Keep trying.” May stood up. “I think the quiche is heated up.” (p. 158)

May had a brief interlude while at the University with a football player, Eli, who happened to be from the town where Borne’s Last Chance was located, Beattyville. They reconnected for a week before she went to Rwanda. In the interim, he served honorably in the military, married and had a daughter, then returned home to a life of drugs and murder. May was conflicted about her what she thought about her old flame after his crimes:

          Poor Eli?

She knew she should feel compassion. She knew the basic series of events that had led him from decorated vet to someone killing two people while committing a felony. She knew you couldn’t use up a person then cut him loose.

But May couldn’t forget his victims, either. And when she thought of Eli, she thought of them, a father and his eight-year-old daughter, and fear gripped her throat, strangling her with feelings, reminding her of events she was still desperately trying to forget. (p. 167)

May decided to start corresponding with Eli in prison. She also became friends with his mother, Sassy and his daughter, Callie. Here is an excerpt from one of May’s letters to Eli:

Okay, so I’ve spent more time with Callie and, oh, Eli! She’s a beautiful girl. So tall and with all that dark blonde hair! She got all the good parts of you. Ha!

She’s so kind too. She carried in the lasagna and asked if I’d like it in the refrigerator, then sat at the table and listened while we talked. She took out a sketchbook and created the most beautiful, whimsical flowers and curlicues with a pack of markers she took out of her purse. I’m getting her to design a business card! I know a good thing when I see one. (p. 281)

There is a lot of activity in the entire book, and especially at the end – and I don’t want to give away any spoilers – but suffice to say that the end was bitter yet sweet. I will leave you with this final passage:

May climbed to her feet and walked around to Lover’s Leap, where she sat against an outcropping of rock and watched the sun go down. She let the love of God wash over her, cleansing away every drop of blood, every scar, every fear and failing. At least for today.

She decided she’d let Jesus do the same thing tomorrow if she needed him to. And the next day. And the next after that. Until she awakened one morning to find that it was gone for good.  (p. 306)

That is a great way to live one’s life!

This is the second book I have read by Lisa Samson; the first book is a non-fiction book called ‘Love Mercy: A Mother and Daughter’s Journey from the American Dream to the Kingdom of God’ by Lisa and her daughter, Ty (you can read my review here). I knew from that book that I would want to read any book that Lisa releases – and I have to say ‘Resurrection in May’ proved that to be true! Lisa’s books are always thought-provoking, beautifully written, and always place Jesus at the center. I am so appreciative for the books that the Lord has brought my way, and I know I will always be grateful when a book by Lisa Samson crosses my path!

You can order this book here.

This book was published and provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers for review purposes.

‘Finding Jeena’ by Miralee Ferrell – Book Review

With the economic climate we have lived in in the United States over the past few years, many people have realized that the ‘American Dream’ is not necessarily the way to happiness and joy, as we have been taught since childhood. In ‘Finding Jeena’ by Miralee Ferrell, Jeena Gregory learns this truth the hard way.

Here is the synopsis of this challenging yet compassionate novel:

          Nice job. Nice townhouse. New car. The perfect new life….right?

Jeena Gregory thought she’d made it. She had everything a woman could ask for and a budding career promises more. But when rumors around town cast her boss in a shady light, Jeena starts to question her employer’s integrity. Was she wrong to trust this man and this job?

When the boss disappears, salaries go unpaid, and Jeena overhears several hush-hush phone calls, she realizes her carefully crafted world is crumbling. Shaken to the core at the threat of losing everything, Jeena is suddenly confronted with her prejudices – and with a God she has long forgotten.

Here is the biography of the author:

Miralee Ferrell is the acclaimed author of The Other Daughter, Love Finds You in Last Chance, California, and Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon. She and her husband, Allen, live in a rural community in Washington State. She serves on a staff as a licensed minister at their local church and is actively involved in ministry to women. Miralee developed an interest in writing in high school and took honors English courses in college, but put writing on the back burner for the next thirty years while raising a family and helping her husband in their growing business.

Jeena had an impoverished childhood, and the book opens with her making decisions as an adult that are strongly influenced by her early years. Here she is getting ready for a date with her beau, Sean:

Jeena Gregory chewed on her lip as she stared at the red silk dress hanging in the closet. Would it be enough? She wiped her sweaty palms down the legs of her jeans, trying to vanquish the knot in her stomach. The same feeling she’d experienced as a ten-year-old hit her. She’d walked into her new school and tried to ignore the snickers as some of the students eyed her worn-out sneakers and hand-me-down clothes.

She refused to let fear or insecurity take control. Fear couldn’t hurt her – only men could do that. And Sean loved her.

On their dinner date, Sean presented her with some good news for him – but bad news for her/them:

“I’ve been offered a new job. It means a huge increase in pay and could lead to a partnership.”

“That sounds wonderful. I didn’t realize you were looking.”

“I didn’t mention it until I knew something would come of it. I didn’t want to worry you.”

“Why would I care?” Her palms grew clammy, but she refused to panic.

His lips set in a firm line; then he took a deep breath and plunged forward. “It’s taking me out of the States. A large construction conglomerate wants me in the Middle East.”

A small shiver of fear traveled up her back. “But that’s dangerous. Tell me you’re not going to take it.”

“I’ve said yes. I’ll be living in Kuwait and going across the border occasionally, and then only to areas that are deemed safe. I leave in two weeks.”

“Two weeks,” she whispered. “What about us?”

He shifted slightly and looked at his hands, then raised his eyes. “I’m sorry, Jeena.” (p. 17)

The other close relationship in Jeena’s life was with her Grammie, her maternal grandmother. Taking care of Grammie was one of her primary motivator in life:

After her mother’s death, Jeena had been invited by Grammie to live with her. She’d graduated from high school by then, but having a home away from college meant the world to her. The peace she’d felt those weekends at Grammie’s stood in stark contrast to the turbulent years growing up under her father’s roof. Grammie was the dearest person in the world, and she depended on Jeena’s income to keep her in a decent facility.

Keeping Grammie in comfort was one of the most important things in Jeena’s life. Landing this new job was critical. She grinned. Besides, having a nicer car and a larger home wouldn’t hurt her feelings, either. (p. 22)  

Fortunately, for both of them, Jeena was hired for the job of her dreams:

Jeena set her phone down and raised her arms in the air, twirling around the room. “Yes!” Life was good. Her new job started on Monday.

She’d long coveted this position with Browning and Thayer, a high-powered construction firm that was building a multimillion-dollar townhouse complex in Portland.

The final interview had come the week after her breakup with Sean, which had helped ease her pain. During the day, she worked hard to stifle the memories, but thoughts of Sean continued to haunt her nights.

She’d arrived at her final interview wearing her new, dove gray designer suit, her confidence level high. A stab of disappointment momentarily marred her joy when she discovered neither of the two owners had chosen to conduct the interview. But the man the firm sent seemed impressed by her credentials and, before the interview concluded, had offered her a contract for the duration of the job. (p. 26)

As she moved to a new townhouse, she decided it was time to give some of her wardrobe to the less fortunate; she took a few boxes to the Haven of Hope homeless shelter. She had this encounter with Rachel, an employee:

“Why do you do it?” Jeena asked, her curiosity overcoming her desire to escape.

Rachel’s eyebrows rose, and her head tipped to the side. “Do what?”

Jeena unlocked the trunk and raised it. “Work at a place like this.”

Rachel leaned her hip against the side of the car, her face thoughtful. “I’ve been down the career path, and it didn’t bring much satisfaction. This job can be difficult at times – I won’t deny that – but it’s my true love. There’s nothing that can bring as much joy as seeing God change one of these women’s lives.”

Jeena’s curiosity changed to surprise. “God? What does God have to do with it? This is just a women’s shelter, right?”

“Not entirely. It’s also an outreach for women who need a fresh start. Some are victims of abuse, as well as addicts. We help women who need a hot mean or clean clothes, but our goal is to make a difference for women who desire true change. Only God is able to bring about that kind of transformation.” (pp. 35-36)

Unfortunately, Jeena heard this exchange between Charles Browning and his secretary, Pat, shortly after she started her new job:

“We’re getting a large deposit on the townhouses from the shareholders. I want you to follow the directions on these papers to the letter, then destroy them.”

Jeena paused. She stepped over the threshold. It was none of her business.

Pat’s voice drifted across the room. “You want the money shifted to your offshore account---“

“Don’t ever mention that again.” Charles’s voice ripped across Pat’s words and covered the short distance to Jeena, making her jump. “Just follow these directions and make sure there’s no paper trail. Don’t worry. You’ll be taken care of.”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Browning,” Pat said. (p. 53)

As an aside – I can’t for the life of me understand why people follow orders without question…

Tragedy again struck Jeena’s life, as her Grammie died suddenly. But Grammie had left a godly legacy for her granddaughter:

Jeena had often heard her grandmother mention the Lord. Many were the times she’d take meals to shut-ins when she’d still had the strength and energy to do so. She’d told Jeena that her hands were Christ’s extended to others and even the smallest need deserved a prayer. Her faith hadn’t taken root in Jeena, but not because Grammie failed to try. (p. 96)

One more setback was that she was released from her job as the company was investigated for financial improprieties. Jeena found herself, unexpectedly, having a great deal of difficulty finding a new position, due to rumors that she may have been involved in the financial chicanery:

Fear set in. Over the next five days, Jeena forced herself to face the remaining acquaintances who might hire her. The faces of one-time employers and friends were carefully neutral as they gave lame excuses about lack of work or positions filled.  (p. 103)

Her suspicions were confirmed by her acquaintance, Connie, who also served as the town gossip…:

          “…I’ve got resumes out around Portland, and I expect a call any time.”

“I wouldn’t count on it, darling. Talk around town says you’re being blackballed.”

Jeena shot up from her seat and gripped the phone. “Blackballed? What are you talking about?”

Connie’s chuckle barely disguised the sneer. “No one believes you could work for Charles Browning and not know he’s dirty. They all think you must’ve known about the money disappearing, even if you weren’t part of it.” (p. 105)

As time went on, her financial situation grew more dire: because of her lack of employment and the fact that the IRS froze her assets, her new BMW was repossessed, and she no longer was able to pay the lease on her new townhouse. She found herself without a home.

After a short stay with her friend Tammy’s family, she ended up sleeping in the park. She woke up one morning to discover one of her pieces of luggage was missing. She went to the police department and encountered a sympathetic officer named Stan. He suggested she call Haven of Hope – the same shelter where she had donated some clothes. He also made her take $20. Jeena was incredulous regarding his care and generosity:

          “Why in the world would you care? You don’t owe me anything.”

“Yeah, I know. I catch a lot of flack from the guys, but I’m a Christian, and I try to live the way Christ would. If He were sitting here, I think He’d help you out of a tough spot. Just wish I could do more.” His face creased in a sheepish grin. (p. 152)

At the end of her rope, Jeena finally called Rachel at Haven of Hope, who picked her up and gave her a temporary home. They had a deep theological discussion in the car on the way to the shelter:

“You seem to think God causes bad things to happen. He doesn’t. People do. You can’t blame Him for man’s choices.”

“But if He’s all powerful like you Christians claim, He could stop it.”She leaned back and crossed her arms over her chest.

…“He gave people free will. He didn’t want robots. He created us able to choose – so if we decide to love and follow Him, we do it because we want to, not because He forces us.”

“Yeah? But that doesn’t answer the question about kids getting hurt and people doing horrible things all the time.”

“Just like He doesn’t force us to love Him, He won’t force us to obey His laws, either. He loves us and wants us to love Him in return. Evil is real and has its own ruler who is constantly working to force his will on others, unlike God who wants us to come to Him out of our own free will. We can choose to obey one or the other. There is no in-between.” (p. 166)

Spending time at the shelter and enduring all of her trials gave Jeena a different perspective on the downtrodden. She shared this new worldview with her old acquaintance, Connie, who came to donate items to the thrift store run by the homeless shelter where Jeena was working during the day:

“You don’t have a clue what you’re talking about. You’ve never had to stand in that line, see the disdain on the face of a clerk when they realize you’re using food stamps, or had to stomp on your pride to accept a tray of food from a shelter. You have no idea what it does to someone’s spirit when they endure those looks after they’ve done all they could to escape. If you cared to understand, you could. But you’re like I used to be – you only care about yourself and about what money and relationships can bring. If the rest of the world goes up in flames, it’s no skin off your nose as long as you’re not burned.” (pp. 230-231)

After seeing all of the love poured on her by so many Christ followers, Jeena decided it was time for her to lose her life to Christ:

Jeena felt a tear roll her cheek. “I’d like that. God gave me such an amazing peace when I prayed earlier tonight, and I want Him to have all of my life. I don’t know what God has for me, but whatever it is, it’s got to be better than what I’ve done with my life.” (p. 281)

In the Author’s Note, Mrs. Ferrell concludes this way:

Now that you’ve finished the book, I hope you will take time to examine your own prejudices – to dig deep into the fabric of your soul and allow the Lord to soften your heart. Not everything is as it seems on the surface. As Rachel says, “I could be in your place, Jeena, but for God’s grace.” (p. 302)  

There are Discussion Questions at the back of this book, also; it would be terrific for a book club!

God certainly has a way of getting our attention. He was definitely the ‘Hound of Heaven’ with Jeena. She is certainly a more sympathetic character here than she was in ‘The Other Daughter.’ In fact, when I realized the Jeena in this book was the same Jeena that was in that book, I wasn’t so sure I wanted to read a whole book about her (I felt that way about Connie in this book)! But she grew in character and grace as she came to know Christ. I am not sure if Miralee plans to reprise this character in the future, but I certainly hope she does. I would love to see where her new faith takes her!

This is the third book by Miralee that I have read – ‘Love Finds You in Bridal Veil, Oregon’ was the first (you can read my review here) and the novel that introduced Jeena, ‘The Other Daughter,’ was second (you can read that review here).

Miralee builds her stories toward the Lord; they are always God-honoring and full of redemption, forgiveness and grace. She just sent the final manuscript of her latest novel, ‘Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona,’ to the publisher. The release date on that one is February, 2011. I look forward with great anticipation to that one!

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Kregel Publications and generously provided by them and by the author for review purposes.