Three Winners of Travis Thrasher's 'Broken' Are.....

The Random Number Generator has chosen the three winners of 'Broken' by Travis Thrasher. This announcement deserves a DRUM ROLL!:


\\


The three winners are:


* Linda


* Katie M


* Ben


Congratulations; I will be sending out an email to each one of you. Please note that if I do not receive a response in one week, I will choose another winner.


To those of you who would like to read this book, you can order it here.


Many thanks to Val at FaithWords for providing the review and giveaway copies!


Please come back soon for more reviews and giveaways!

‘Broken’ by Travis Thrasher – Book Review and Giveaway

‘Christian’ novels come in all different flavors. ‘Broken,’ by Travis Thrasher, shows that we live in a broken world, and the only way for us to get through this life in a satisfying manner is to follow the Lord, and to follow His precepts.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

The Tormented Tale of a Woman on the Run from Her Past, and A Stranger Who Knows Her Darkest Secret. Laila had it all – love, family, wealth, and faith. But when her world fell apart, Laila escaped New York to pursue a career as a model. Her new world of glamour turned out to be an illusion, however, full of danger that eventually led to murder.

Now, reinventing herself once again, Laila has managed to create an unassuming life in Greenville, South Carolina. Though she avoids personal connections, she can’t resist a male colleague’s persistent attempts at friendship that could lead to something more.

But even as Laila struggles to move forward, she can’t seem to forget the crimes of her past. When a stranger approaches her and says he knows what she did, Laila runs, pursued by mysterious men in dark shadows and haunted by visions of the man she killed. Little does she know she’s being hounded by something not of this world, something that knows her deepest, darkest secret that will follow wherever she goes.

Here is the biography of this author:

The author of eleven works of fiction, Travis Thrasher creates flawed characters and takes them on harrowing journeys of redemption. He and his wife, Sharon, live with their daughter in Chicago, IL.

Each chapter opens with a journal entry from Laila; they really help us to get a glimpse into the mind of this beautiful, yet troubled, woman. Here is an excerpt from Chapter 8:

What good is living in the moment when the past always inevitably overshadows it?

Sometimes I tell myself I need to find a good shrink, someone different than the ones in New York and Chicago that needed more help than they could prescribe. Sometimes I tell myself I need to find someone, anyone, that will accept and love me for who I am. But I can’t imagine – I can’t begin to imagine the layers I’d have to go through to get to the core.

And then – yes, when I hear those words “accept” and “love” and “who I am,” I think that what I need is the faith of my father. But every time I think about praying, think about going to church, think about any of that, I go back to the mess I left behind.

My problem is not wondering why God could allow bad things to happen. My problem is believing that God can do wondrous things. Yes, the Garden of Eden might have been real, and Moses parting the Red Sea and all the prophets of the Old Testament doing their miracles, and yes, even Jesus coming and dying on the cross next to a couple of criminals and surrounded by masses who mocked him. That might all be real, but to me right now, it seems like a fairy tale. Just like in all the stories of old, the stories from youth, when things worked out happily ever after. Those stories sell because people are looking for happily ever afters, and that includes people going oto see a shrink or people living their whole lives in their own bubbles of a family, or people sitting down in church and getting saved.

What are they saved from? That’s what I want to know. (pp. 44-45)

Obviously, Laila has left the faith of her family. Her younger brother, Lex, still clings to that faith. Here is an exchange between Lex and his wife, Dena, who is not happy that he is trying to track down Laila:

         “She’s missing because she wants to be,” Dena says.

         “I’m going to find her.”

         “Probably shacking up with the devil himself.”

         “Stop it.”

“That girl doesn’t deserve to be found. What’re you gonna do? Bring her home? Save her soul?”

“I can try.”

“She needs to stay away. She’s no good.”

“So was I.”

“God shined his face down on you.”

“Yeah, I know,” Lex says. “And I’m hoping He’s got some more mercy to spare. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I’m going to find her.”

“Heartache is all you’re gonna find. Heartache and death.” (p. 111)  

Another character in the book that has strong faith is Laila’s coworker, Kyle. Here is a conversation between the cynical Laila and the steadfast Kyle on the subject of confession of sins. Kyle begins:

         “Telling me won’t. But you can tell them to God.”

         “If He’s there He already knows about them.”

         “But you can put them before Him and ask for forgiveness.”

 “What’s that going to get me? A golden ticket to the heavenly spa up there? A get-out-of-jail card where I won’t have to worry about it anymore?”

“It doesn’t work like that,” Kyle says.

“So how does it work?”

“I don’t know, but I know what I believe. I know that I believe in God and I believe in His son, and I know this is going to sound like preaching 101 but I believe there is a way Jesus takes my mistakes. I have to believe this because if I don’t I’m hopeless.”

“What mistakes have you made? You’re a good guy.”

“We all make mistakes. All of us.” (p. 201)

I have read one other book by Mr. Thrasher – ‘Solitary’ (you can read my review here). That book is in the Juvenile Fiction category; this book decidedly is not. This book brings to the forefront the truth that this world is ruled by the enemy of our souls. Mr. Thrasher does not sugar coat life on this planet. You don’t want to read a book like this too far away from a loved one; it is chilling and not for the faint of heart. That said, Mr. Thrasher is gifted in his writing style, and puts you into the hearts and minds of his characters (cold and calculated as they may be). Fortunately, and thankfully, Laila finally sees what is truly important in this world; for that, I am grateful – and there will be no spoilers coming from me!  

You can order this book here.

This book was published by FaithWorks and provided by them for review and giveaway purposes.

_________________________________________

I have three copies of this book to pass along to three of you; thanks to Val at FaithWorks for generously providing these copies! 

There are several ways to gain entry:           

1) Leave a comment here on the blog, telling me how God has redeemed your life! 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.

3) Follow me as a Google Friend on this blog; if you are already a Friend, that counts, too! Please leave a new comment to that effect.

4) Become my Facebook friend. Please leave a new comment to that effect.

5) Follow this blog as a NetWorked Blog Follower after you’ve become my Facebook friend. Please leave a new comment to that effect.

So there are five chances to enter! Please limit one entry per option, and please include your email address, or, sad to say, the Random Number Generator will have to choose a different winner.

This giveaway is for U.S. and Canadian residents only. The deadline for entry is Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST. A winner will be chosen via the Random Number Generator (www.random.org) on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 and will be contacted via email. The best to all of you!

‘Solitary’ by Travis Thrasher – Book Review

I don’t often read books in the Juvenile Fiction category, but I made an exception for ‘Solitary’ by Travis Thrasher. I was intrigued by its description.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

His loneliness will soon turn to fear. When Chris Buckley moves to Solitary, North Carolina, he faces the reality of his parents’ divorce, a school full of nameless faces – and Jocelyn Evans. Jocelyn is beautiful and mysterious enough to leave Chris speechless. But the more Jocelyn resists him, the more the two are drawn together.

Chris soon learns that Jocelyn has secrets as deep as the town herself. Secrets more terrifying than the bullies he faces in the locker room of his mother’s unexplained nightmares. He slowly begins to understand the horrific answers. The question is whether he can save Jocelyn in time.

This first book in the Solitary Tales series will take you from the cold halls of high school to the dark rooms of an abandoned cabin – and remind you what it means to believe in what you cannot see.

Here is the biography of this author:

The author of a dozen works of fiction, including Isolation and Ghostwriter, Travis Thrasher  has been writing since he was in the third grade. He is an author of diverse talents with novels including romance, suspense, adventure, and supernatural horror tales. At the core of each of Thrasher’s stories lie flawed characters in search of redemption. Thrasher  weaves hope within all of his tales, and he loves surprising his readers with amazing plot twists and unexpected variety in his writing, as well as honesty, depth, and surprising twists. Thrasher lives with his wife and three daughters near Chicago.

And here’s the book trailer for this book:

Chris feels like a complete outsider in this new environment. This passage gives a good glimpse into his personality and perspective:

          Every class I’m introduced to seems more and more unimpressed.

“This is Christopher Buckley from Chicago, Illinois,” the teachers say, in case anyone doesn’t know where Chicago is.

In case anyone wonders who the new breathing slab of human is, stuck in the middle of the room.

A redheaded girl with a giant nose stares at me, then glances at my shirt as if I have food smeared all over it. She rolls her eyes and then looks away.

Glancing down at my shirt makes me think of a song by The Smiths, “Half a Person.”

That’s how I feel.

I’ve never been the most popular kid in school. I’m a soccer player in a football world. My parents never had an abundance of money. I’m not overly good looking or overly smart or overly anything, to be honest. Just decent-looking and decent at sports and decent at school. But decent doesn’t get you far. Most of the time you need to be the best at one thing and stick to it. (p. 14)

Chris has a gracious and loving – yet realistic - opinion of his mother:

Mom is thirty-nine but looks ten years younger. If I had a dollar for every time someone had expressed disbelief that she is my mom…well, I‘d be a rich kid. Which at this point in life would be nice. I think she’s beautiful.

She used to complain about her upcoming birthday – the big four-oh – until she had other, more pressing things to think about. Sitting across the table from her, I see dark lines under her eyes. They’re new. So is the lack of spark in her green eyes. And how thin she looks. And how faded her blonde hair seems. (p. 19)     

Chris’s father became religious – not necessarily a Christian – and made some choices and developed some incorrect theology that caused Chris to turn his back on God:

Dad used to tell me – well, tell isn’t actually right, it was more like preach to me – that there was no such thing as chance in this life. That God controlled everything.

I wanted to say, “Yeah, well, if that’s the case, Pops, then why did God put you and Mom together?”

I think it’s easier to not believe in God knowing that Dad does.

It’s easier to pick a side.

Chance.

That’s what I believe in. That’s the team I’m on. (p. 79)

Chris is captivated by Jocelyn from the beginning. They both start out with the same doubts about God. But Jocelyn’s faith takes an unexpected turn, as she explains to Chris in this exchange:

“All I know is this. This is the truth. God sent you to me. He used you in the most amazing way ever. Do you believe in destiny?”

“I’m not sure. I’d say no.”

“Yeah, well, I didn’t either until it slapped me on the face, and I woke up and saw a beautiful, brilliant sunrise and realized that every day we have is a gift. And every smile that comes along is a gift too.”

I’m totally lost.

Who is this person, and where did Jocelyn go?

“Not sure what to say.”

Jocelyn finished her meal, then puts the basket over my half eaten meal.
Don’t say anything. Just know this. You’re the gift that came along. You and your words.” (p. 200)

I was really swept away by this book! This is the first book I have read by Mr. Thrasher, having heard rave reviews of his writing for a long time. Now having read one myself, I have to agree with all of the raves! Chris Buckley, the main character, is a high school student full of angst (aren’t they all?! And weren’t we all?!). The story is written from his point of view, and Thrasher transports me into the mind of a high school boy with all of the ensuing trials and tribulations. My teenage years were very difficult, so it was strange to be able to relate to this character (despite the difference in our genders). During the time that I was reading this book, I was as unsettled as was Chris. That, in my opinion, is the sign of a great writer – when you feel that much empathy for a two-dimensional character in a book.

Thrasher’s writing reminded me in some places of elements of the works of Stephen King, Ted Dekker, and Dean Koontz. The difference between this book and those by King and Koontz, for instance, is that God’s redemption is evident in this book. I was surprised by the ending, but happy that truth was revealed and believed.

I am not sure if the second book in the ‘Solitary Tales’ series will pick up with Chris Buckley where this one left off (I certainly hope so), but there are enough other interesting characters in this book to keep me wanting to come back for more!

You can order this book here.

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

‘Exposed: A Novel' by Ashley Weis – Book Review

One of the most destructive industries for both the individual involved and the people observing is the pornography industry. In Ashley Weis’ debut novel, ‘Exposed: A Novel,’ she shows the industry from both sides of the lens.

Here is the synopsis of this novel:

Allyson Graham, marriage counselor and lover of love, lived a life of romance few could imagine. Until her husband’s secret addiction stared at her from the computer screen. Will she be able to forgive the man who lied to her all of those precious years?

Follow her painful story alongside the heartbreaking story of Taylor Adams, a young girl searching for her worth in the world. As Allyson struggles to forgive her husband for lying about his addiction, Taylor naively falls into the same self-destructive industry and discovers that the attention and fun is nothing like she thought it would be.

Here is the biography of the author:

Ashley Weis is continuously discovering the beauty after rain with her husband, George, after God rolled back the clouds that casted shadows over their romance. With a heart for hurting hearts, Ashley fights for love and marriages daily on her blog, More than Desire, with hope that one day every marriage will be cleansed of the stains that drench their core.

I was intrigued by this ‘Note to Readers’ that Ashley shared at the beginning of the book:

Throughout these pages you will see the aching truths hidden behind the porn industry’s mask. This is not reality for every porn star, but it is for many. I have chosen to omit language and details to protect the minds of my readers, but the porn industry can be much, much worse than it is portrayed in these pages.

Also, the wife’s story may seem melodramatic to some, but it is loosely based off of my story and the story of many women who write to me. No story is the same and some may be better or worse than the lives I’ve chosen to show in these pages, but for many of us… these stories are painfully real.

The storyline revolves around the lives of Allyson Graham, whose husband is addicted to pornography, and Taylor Adams, who becomes personally enmeshed in the industry. The chapters alternate between their stories.

Taylor had just turned eighteen, and she needed a job. The classified ad in the newspaper piqued her interest – Models 18+ needed, $500 a day. She called the phone number:

          A man’s voice said something, but I couldn’t hear.

          “Hello?” I said.

“Yes, yes,” he said as though a huge smile were on his face. “Andy Cross, how can I help you?”
“I’m sorry, I must have the wrong number.”

“Are you calling about the modeling ad?”

Don’t kid yourself, Taylor, I thought.

“Are you interested in the modeling job? I bet you are. I can tell you’re beautiful just by the sound of your voice.”

Whoa, his words felt like Chapstick to sun-scorched lips. “Um, yes, would you tell me more about it?”

“Sure, would you like to meet for an in-person interview?” (p. 9)

And so began Taylor’s relationship with Andy Cross…

As time went on, Taylor’s life spiraled down. She grew cold and cynical, and cocaine, which she nicknamed ‘Cola,’ was her constant companion. It helped her cope with the lifestyle she was lured into:

To cope with the good news [Chlamydia], I spent the night with Cola. But I got so fearful of Mom finding me that I duct-taped clothes to my windows so no one could see in. I taped and taped and taped my entire apartment until I ran out of tape.

I didn’t want anyone to kidnap me. And the more I taped, the more I knew that the trees outside my window were spying on me and telling Mom everything. After I finally covered every window, I looked at my television and knew it had some kind of video camera lodged in there, watching my every move. So I draped a blanket over it. (p. 51)

On the other side of the industry, Ally discovered that her beloved husband Jessie had an addiction to pornography. That revelation broke all of her personal insecurities to the surface. They had a hard time even going to dinner:

          “Don’t lie to me. Were you looking at her?”

His shoulders dropped.

Another tear trailed my nose. 

“Were you attracted to her?”

“Don’t ask me something like that.”

“Tell me.”

“Yes, I was attracted to her, okay? I didn’t mean to look at her. She just caught my eye and you happened to look at me right when I saw her. I didn’t stare at her like you think.” (p. 57)

During that exchange, I felt sympathy for both of them.

Taylor had a cynical view about God as much as she did about every other aspect of life:

I didn’t believe in prayers. And I didn’t believe people went somewhere when they died. I figured they closed their eyes and said goodbye forever. Nothing next. No reincarnation. No heaven. No hell. No darkness. (p. 91)

Allyson’s relationship with the Lord also suffered during this trying time in her life:

Following Jesus under these circumstances would only worsen things. And I didn’t know what Jesus would do anyway, it’s not like He had to worry about being beautiful to His husband. I needed to believe in myself on this one. (p. 103)

She was shown an example of forgiveness to the extreme from her father; her mother had left him decades ago, but he never gave up on their marriage:

“I made vows to your mother thirty-seven years ago. She can break them all she wants, but I don’t plan to.”

“You mean…what?”

“I love her, Allyson. That’s never changed. Never will.”

“But all she’s done.” I raised my voice. “This. She’d lied, betrayed you, she’d made a mess of my life. How can you possibly forgive her, much less still love her?”

Dad pointed to the clouds. “Because He forgave me.” (p. 112)

Taylor, in particular, saw example after example of judgmental people who proclaimed themselves to be Christ followers. Fortunately, the Lord also brought a couple of ladies into her path who exemplified the love of Christ to her.

In the end, the lives of these two women who were precious in the Lord’s sight crossed paths. I will not divulge how or where it happened, but I was glad for the ending, albeit it was bittersweet.  

I have very limited involvement with pornography, I am grateful to say. I have always believed that it was harmful to the people personally involved in it, but it is clear that it is also devastating to the readers/viewers and their significant others. The pornography industry has long been portrayed as a ‘victimless crime.’ This fictionalized account, which includes many real scenes, makes it clear that there are victims far and wide.

This is the second book I have read with the pornography industry as the main theme; the other book is ‘Scars and Stilettos,’ an autobiography by Harmony Dust (you can read my review here), whose life was redeemed by Jesus Christ. From the small glimpse I have had of this industry, it is so harmful all the way around. I am so grateful that God has shielded me and my husband from this menace, and I pray that that shield stays intact for us. I also pray that this book will be useful for many people to see how God can redeem lives.

A unique aspect of this book is that Ally continues her story in a blog, which is accessible to buyers of this book. Another helpful piece of information is that a portion of the proceeds will be used to support three ministries dedicated to helping those harmed by pornography – CovenantEyes, an accountability software program; XXX Church, and the Pink Cross Foundation.

It is rare for Christian-themed books to address such difficult issues (although less so, thanks to authors like Mary DeMuth, who is listed in Ashley’s Acknowledgement pages). I am grateful to Ashley for bringing this tough theme to the surface and for presenting it in such a compelling and compassionate way. I encourage anyone who wants to get a better perspective on the harm that pornography foists on its participants (both those in the industry and those indulging in it) to read this well-written book.

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Winslet Press and generously provided by the author for review purposes.

‘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.