Author: Pearl Ada Pridham

Pearl lives on scenic Vancouver Island in Canada. If she's not writing on her website or working on a manuscript, she may reading or cooking or walking with her dog on a beach. Her past lives have included raising two sons, and education and careers in fields of Bible, Childcare, Psychology & Counselling, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
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A Christmas in the Alps, by Melody Carlson, 2021, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

A treasure hunt in a village in the French Alps

A treasure hunt in a village in the French Alps. Simone Sophia bears the name of her great grandmother, and apparently has inherited a treasure from her.A treasure hunt in a village in the French Alps.

Could this be true? It seems highly unlikely, but Simone’s best friend urges her to find out. Simone, still single in her thirties, started out in an uninspiring career as a dental assistant, then for the last several years has been her grandmother’s caregiver. Now her grandmother has passed away, and Simone, basically bored with her life in California, wonders what’s next in store.

Her pushy best friend books a flight for Simone to go meet her estranged relatives in France. The thought of a snowy Christmas in the alps sounds appealing, but she’s terrified of flying. Also not too interested in these relatives who have never been in contact with her. However, she reluctantly allows her friend to make the arrangements.

Can she overcome her fears?

Will the change of scene turn out to be what she needs? Or will she succumb to full-blown panic mid-air over the Atlantic ocean? On the plane she meets a kind clockmaker, and the story goes on from there. You’ll have to read it to find out what happens, and whether she finds the treasure.

A treasure hunt in a village in the French Alps. Beautifully written. Makes me want to spend a winter there, maybe have a tour of the old-fashioned hand-made clock factory. Take a train-ride through the Alps. See Paris lit up for Christmas. Sounds dreamy and romantic to me. Thanks for the lovely virtual trip, Melody. And for the deeper themes too, of family, forgiveness, and making amends.

Thanks to Revell for sending me a lovely hard cover copy of this novella in order that I might read it and write my honest review. I’m glad I chose A Christmas in the Alps.

Learn more about Melody Carlson and her books at MelodyCarlson.com.

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The Forgiving Hour, by Robin Lee Hatcher, ebook edition 2016, Robinsong Inc.

Forgiveness–a theme of humanity

Forgiveness has always been a human theme. From the story of Adam and Eve on, the need of forgiveness has been central. The moment we err, that little elf called ‘conscience’ whispers in our ear. When we ban him from our presence, we suffer consequences. So does everyone around.

As humans, we crave to be forgiven, but we also have to learn to forgive. It’s a two-way street. Hanging onto resentment makes a person miserable, and also affects everyone around.

Can she find freedom from the stranglehold of bitterness?

Forgiveness is a human theme.Robin Lee Hatcher expertly plays out the theme of forgiveness in this novel of the lives of a woman and her son. They have been betrayed. They suffer years of resulting consequences and misery. Have they been permanently trapped in bitterness, or will they rise above it?

What do you feel about forgiveness?

What would be the hardest thing for you to forgive? How would you be able to forgive? The Forgiving Hour reflects some of the author’s own path to forgiveness. Not at all easy to forgive some things, but so emancipating.

Why I chose this book.

I received a free copy of this book via a one-day promotional Kindle e-book offer that the author gave her Facebook friends. Thank you, Robin! I loved it. Not only is the theme universal and vital to changing lives, the writing is beautiful. Emotions are felt and settings are seen through the views of characters. I love your writing style.

The plotline begins with the inciting incident when the main character is an adult, then goes back to where it all began years before in her teens. At the end we see the final result of the storyline. Readers see through the points of view of several characters, each of whom have subplots. It works very well. There is a prologue, seven parts, and an epilogue, totaling a little over 300 pages.

The author had previously referred me to this book to show me an example of the plotline of one of her most successful books. The reason she told me about it is because the novel I’ve been working on myself has a similar plotline. So glad to see how well it played out in The Forgiving Hour. Now to emulate her vivid writing style! Thank you for this bit of mentoring. It means a lot to me as a greenhorn novelist.

To learn more about the author and her books, visit www.robinleehatcher.com.

This website is an Indigo.ca affiliate. If you click on the above link and make a purchase, with no extra cost to you I may receive a small kickback to help defray the cost of keeping my website running. Thank you, I hope you enjoy browsing indigo/chapters. Don’t forget to look up The Forgiving Hour under the books section.

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Under the Bayou Moon, by Valerie Fraser Luesse, 2021, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Discover Fascinating Acadian Louisiana

Discover Fascinating Acadian LouisianaDiscover Fascinating Acadian Louisiana through the eyes of a teacher arriving there in 1949. Miss Ellie Fields takes up a position here, away from her home and family. With trepidation, she bravely ventures forth, stopping on her way to discover New Orleans and experience its famed party life. Here she meets a budding photographer who becomes a lifelong friend.

When Ellie arrives at her destination, she enters a steep learning curve. This position entails much more than she bargained for. The odds are stacked against her. However, it’s already too late. She has fallen in love immediately with the place and its people. For her there is no other choice than to embrace the challenges.

Teaching English to French-speaking Acadians

Ellie finds that the Acadian (shortened to Cajun) children and their families speak French at home. She must teach them English. Previous teachers have alienated the children by never allowing them to speak a word of their mother tongue at school. Furthermore, the Creole (black) children who live in the area are not even allowed to attend school. Her heart goes out to them.

A Cabin in the Bayou

Ellie is given a cabin in the Bayou to live in. No electricity or running water. She paddles to school on a little boat–careful not to tip it and be eaten by alligators. Sound rustic? She totally loves all of it–especially the night sounds of birds and frogs and other bayou wildlife. I love Luesse’s descriptions of the scenery–the sunset, the moon, the trees and water–and a mysterious white alligator.

Adventure, Romance, Suspense, Mystery

This story features all of these threads. Just when it seems Ellie has overcome major hurdles, disaster strikes. I won’t give away any spoilers though. You’ll have to read it for yourself. Suffice it to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Luesse spent a year researching the Bayou area and its history. She puts in lots of interesting details, all incorporated into the story. I totally love her writing style, and look forward to reading more books by her. It was a pleasure to discover Acadian Louisiana through the eyes of Ellie Fields.

Thank you, Revell, for sending me a paperback copy to review. I love holding a paper book in my hands, looking at the beautiful cover art, and reading words printed in ink. This is my honest review, and I totally recommend Under the Bayou Moon to other readers.

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The Nature of Small Birds, by Susie Finkbeiner, 2021, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

It’s not actually a bird book.

Book cover - The Nature of Small Birds
The Nature of Small Birds

The era subsequent to the Vietnam war in the United States is full of edgy racial integration. The Nature of Small Birds isn’t really a bird book–it’s a story of a girl from Viet Nam adopted into an American family. I enjoy watching the various birds that come to Vancouver Island, but am not really interested enough to buy another book about them.

It’s about adoption. Americans fight their enemies, then adopt their children.

When Revell presented me with a choice of books to review, I saw that this one was actually about an adopted girl from Viet Nam. One of her names means ‘bird’, and the author seems fascinated by birds.

Themes of family and adoption and Asia interest me. The back cover blurb says the girl plans to return to Viet Nam to find her birth mother. That sounded intriguing. What adventures in Viet Nam would it entail? But as I read on and on, every so often Mindy’s thoughts of returning to Viet Nam were touched on, but never got very far until the very end. We never do find out how it goes.

It’s about the era subsequent to the Vietnam war.

The book reads like three diaries–of the father, mother, and sister of the adopted girl. The timeline of the diaries alternates between 1975, 1988, and 2013, finally ending in 2014. It’s the story of how they came to adopt Mindy, and grew to love her. How she adapted to them, but kept her birth mother and homeland in her heart.

I like the writing style. It’s not hard to follow, and there are lots of homey details that I could relate to, about relationships, food, popular music, humble houses and cars. We see through three points of view, and are able to understand how Mindy and other characters feel through these.

Mainly, the story is a snapshot of the era subsequent to the Viet Nam war, in the United States. If you find the era and family vignettes evocative, you will like this book. If you’re looking for a suspenseful plot, that you will not find. Nor much information about actual birds.

Author’s website.

Susie Finkbeiner is the award-winning author of several books. She welcomes people to get to know her on her website at SusieFinkbeiner.com.

My website is an Indigo/Chapters affiliate. At no extra cost to you, if you click on the above link and make a purchase, I may receive a small kickback to help pay for the cost of keeping up the website. Enjoy shopping, and don’t forget to look for this review in the book section. https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-nature-of-small-birds

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A Year now

I still sense your presence in our favourite places.

Dear Sid, It’s been a year now. I made it through. So much to share with you. I’ve spoken aloud to you and wept many a time as our dear little Bear and I walked through mist, snow, or welcome shade in our favourite dog forest. Your stick still awaits you there, up against the fence.Sid's favourite dog forest

I stopped walking there every day because it made me too sad. Besides, in spring we went more often to Sebastian Beach to be warmed by the gentle sun. So glad you requested your ashes to be sprinkled there, where Bear and I go often anyway because it’s so near and dogs can run free. The scenery amazes me every time. If there’s a place on earth both of us would like to be forever, it’s there.

In winter I walked the beach listening to the crashing waves and sobbing, pouring out my heart to you in starts and stops. Sometimes I sat in the car observing the tumultuous sea and sky and letting the driving rain on the windshield wash away my sorrows. As summer came on, when the tide was out I walked barefoot on the sand as Bear ran back and forth, and then when it got really hot, I swam and thought of all the times we swam there together. You dove right in, urging me to join you. I still make my way in ever so slowly. But once in, it’s sooo nice. I remember all the fun we had together frolicking in the water and I miss you.

Plenty of love and support

You had lots of friends. The church people showered us with kindness, sending cards, emails, and calling with love and support from when you got that first spinal tumour, through the year and a half of pancreatic cancer, and even now a year later. Friends and relatives from afar posted notes and prayers on Facebook. Your biker friends (especially Dwight) offered many times to help. Nathaniel and I so appreciated him rounding up the gang to bring trucks and deliver boxes and smaller items to our new home (It’s a comfort having my son around. He misses you too.). Dwight is keeping your memory alive with an annual motorcycle trip to Osoyoos. You guys loved that route. Lake Chelan is still a no-go because of covid-19. Good thing you took those trips to the States while you could.

Your Viking dream finally came true.

A year now. Your childhood dream was to explore the world and discover new places (Viking heritage!). Disappointment struck when you learned the entire world had already been discovered. But a year ago you embarked on the greatest journey of discovery–into the heavens. What is it really like, Sid? I thought I might see you zooming from cloud to cloud on your motorcycle, but all I see is airplane trails. I wonder what you zoom around on up there in that realm that we can’t see from here. Angels have wings, right? But ghosts don’t need them. And what kind of musical instruments have you learned to play? Do you still have the warm singing voice that I loved? So glad to have those videos I can watch any time–almost like having you here for a moment. Watch “Sid Fredericksen, Father of Love” on YouTube

I’ll join you before long. Love and tears, Pearl

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Sid Fredericksen’s Heartfelt Musical Legacy

Sid FredericksenSid Fredericksen’s musical legacy began at an early age. He had music in his heart. In primary school, whenever the class lagged, the teacher asked, “Who would like to sing us a song?”. Sid jumped up right away, glad to entertain.

At home, his oldest sister, Marilyn, played the piano while the family gathered around to sing Christmas carols. His sisters had a phonograph and collected popular songs of the 40s and 50s.

As a teen, Sid got himself a guitar, and asked a lady who played to teach him. After a few lessons he was off and away, teaching himself. Eventually he and a few friends formed a band and played at dances in their little Norwegian settlement of Hagensborg in the Bella Coola Valley off the West Coast of Canada. One of the other players, Danny Epp, became a life-long best friend.

Sid traded up his guitar from time to time, and owned several over his lifetime. It was through his guitar playing, in a round-about way, that he became a Christian as an adult. As a child he had accepted Jesus at Vacation Bible School, but had not continued in a Christian lifestyle until in his thirties he was asked to play his guitar for a small church that had no musicians. The pastor was a co-worker with Sid on a road crew in a small interior community. While he attended church to play his guitar, the sermons went straight to Sid’s heart. Soon both he and his first wife, Elsie, committed themselves to Jesus. Sid wrote a couple of songs expressing the joy of his Christian life.

Later in life he bought a ukulele, which he loved to play for passersby on the Nanaimo sea walk to accompany his singing, alternated with a kazoo. Coffee houses for songwriters were popular on Vancouver Island, and for a few years Sid regularly played and sang at several of them. Later he joined a small group of musicians to sing and play hymns and choruses at Senior homes.

At the age of 76, Sid was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. With the end in sight, it became important to Sid to leave his signature on the world in the form of the musical gift God bestowed on him. He continued to learn more guitar fingering and to perfect his songs until he finally faltered.

You can listen to some of Sid Fredericksen’s musical legacy on YouTube, under Sid Fredericksen. Watch the spelling of Fredericksen–three ‘e’s and no ‘o’s.

Here’s a link to one he wrote, with wishes from Sid that you may also come to know his Father of Love, our Creator: https://youtu.be/oRmbqWbt_lo.

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the Oak Leaves, by Maureen Lang, 2007, Tyndale

An unfortunate legacy in the family tree

the Oak Leaves

Her family tree yielded a legacy she never expected. An unfortunate genetic disorder called fragile X syndrome, manifested in her dear little son. Could this be true? Too scary to believe and accept.

This dual-timeline novel alternates chapters between Talie’s story in the recent past in the U.S.A., and Cosima’s story in the mid 1800s in Ireland and England. Talie inherits Cosima’s diary. What she finds in there shocks her. She wonders if she has inherited the fragile X syndrome as a carrier, and passed it on to her son.

The dreaded legacy becomes real

She begins to observe the differences between her son and other toddlers, and is increasingly horrified. Their family doctor assures them that his development is merely slower than some, and he will catch up. But she gets a blood test, and consults with experts. Gradually the truth comes out. Thankfully she has an amazingly supportive husband, whose strength she is able to lean on.

But what are the implications? What does this mean for her as yet unborn child? Will he or she inherit the same genetic flaw? What about Talie’s sister, who has just met a new love interest? Should she drop him because of the possibility that her children may not be normal?

Talie grapples with all these earth-shaking, life-altering, new challenges. She repeatedly returns to Cosima’s diary, afraid of learning more, but at the same time drawing strength from her godly example.

the Oak Leaves is written from the perspective of an author who herself has a son with fragile X syndrome. Her own family tree yielded a legacy she never expected. Maureen Lang’s son is like Royboy, the brother of Cosima. Fragile X is a mysterious and elusive genetic flaw that affects some more than others, and can skip several generations before it once again emerges in an unfortunate form.

Why did this unexpected disaster happen to me?

One wonders why God allows such curses. This is a theological issue that every one of us must wrestle with at some point. Is there some reason for tragedies? It’s the age-old question that plagued Job in the first book ever written. Simply put, some would remind us that the earth is still under Adam’s curse. Although Jesus came to redeem us, we are not yet made perfect. The Bible says that the whole world groans awaiting the day when our redemption is complete. Meanwhile our faith is developed and strengthened as we hang in there together, supporting and encouraging one another.

Visit www.tyndalefiction.com for updates on Maureen Lang’s books.

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Maffeo Sutton Park

The heart of Nanaimo

A delightful seaside park
Maffeo Sutton Park

A delightful seaside park downtown Nanaimo is the focal point of this city. It was the first place my late husband brought me to in 2007 after we met. Just a few blocks from his condo, we hung out there all the time, walking along the seawall, listening to buskers, eating raspberry cheesecake ice cream, and attending all kinds of outdoor concerts. We always ran into people we knew.

Memories of park people

Now, fourteen years later, although still a favourite place, a hollow feeling lurks. Sid is gone, as are most of the people we knew at the park. I was surprised to see one lady recently, who has been there all along. She used to sit on a bench, the focus of attention in a circle of men. Once Sid told me she brought egg sandwiches to share, and it was the best egg sandwich he’d ever eaten. Now she can only drive there and enjoy the view from her car. She’s had cancer for over a year, and can’t walk any more.

I remember another lady who passed away several years ago. She used to float through the park in long summery floral gowns, her flowing brunette hair streaming behind. Always happy, sharing cheerful snatches of conversation. As her Alzheimer’s worsened, one evening we found her sitting on a bench holding hands with a man who wasn’t her husband. He told us he’d just got out of prison. He was sitting in the park feeling dejected, when along came this angel. Squeezing his hand, she said, “Wait till you meet my husband! He’s the real angel!” That was the last time we saw her.

A cacophony of music

Weird and wonderful buskers used to sing and play at posts every few feet apart. Wailing Willy is still around, but I haven’t seen him down there lately, thrumming on a guitar and bellowing out songs in his straw hat. He’s famous in Canada and has often travelled around with his wife putting on concerts. Now that the COVID-19 restrictions are easing, I hope the keyboard player, and the trumpet player and his dad, who play oldies return. Once I was sitting on a bench enjoying the keyboard, when the musician remarked to me, “I’m just glad that blasted bagpipe player isn’t up there on the bluff competing with me this evening.” I chuckled inside, but didn’t tell him the bagpipe player was a dear old friend of mine from our teens in Vancouver. I kind of like the bagpipes.

I still walk my dog in this delightful seaside park full of memories. The cool ocean breeze refreshes my spirit. I hope to run into someone I know, or even exchange a few words with someone new. It’s the best!

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Brannen Lake

Here’s an inviting little sandy beach that’s perfect for a refreshing swim. The water is clear, and deep enough to swim just a few feet from shore. During the day you can lie on a towel on the soft sand to dry in the sun. Sid used to take me there in the evening, which was fine for a swim, but I didn’t like going home cold and clammy, wrapped in a towel in the car. There’s unfortunately no change room–just one blue plastic outhouse at the top of the parking lot.

An inviting little beach

I wanted to go there with Bear the other day. It had been a couple of years since Sid last took me there. At that time we lived on the other side of town, so we came by a different route, and because Sid always drove, I didn’t pay close attention to the way.

So, this time, we ended up driving all the way around the lake, past The Black Bear Pub, farming areas, a Christmas tree farm, a campsite, and the prison, before ending up back on the highway at the wrong end of the lake.

Second try, I got lost on dead end roads part way up Mt. Benson, where the forest secludes beautiful large homes on acreages, interspersed with junky, scary-looking trailer homes. Determined to find Brannen Lake Beach, third try I turned into a small road next to The Black Bear. It lead me into a lovely development, which I wound through over speed humps. Bingo! At the other end of that was the Beach. I could have gotten there much easier if I had gone over the highway rather than across it. It’s actually quite close to where I live now. Just have to go down Mostar to Dunster, which has an overpass that leads directly to this beach.

It’s not much of a beach for a dog, though. Especially one who doesn’t like swimming. There’s not much of a trail for dog-walking. I’ll have to go some afternoon when Bear has already had his walk and I can leave him home.

There’s even a boat ramp, if you want to do some water skiing or fish from your boat. But for me, it’s an inviting little sandy beach that’s perfect for a refreshing swim.

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Along a Storied Trail, by Ann H. Gabhart, 2021, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Now, this is my kind of a book.

An intrepid Appalachian book woman
Along a Storied Trail

The year is 1937; Tansy is an intrepid Appalachian book woman. She has a government-sponsored job delivering books to remote homes by horseback. We readers get to ride along with her, envisioning the people, their homes, and the scenic, if treacherous, journeys. Treacherous in more ways than one.

Great writing style

Perfect pacing makes Along a Storied Trail pleasant to read. Language sprinkled with colloquialisms adds authenticity. Yet it’s mostly written in present-day standard English so that it’s easy to understand and follow. Gentle suspense and light humour spice it up.

Characters of all ages and kinds

Three romances wind through the tale. Something for every age category–teens, twenties, and even seniors like myself. Some tragedy, some broken love, some delayed love. Some abuse. Disasters with wonderful results. A baby.

In a place and time where couples normally married in their teens, Tansy is practically an old maid at twenty. But she’s independent and happy, although she dreams of meeting a romantic man with ‘aplomb’. Will her dream come true? Or will she make a mistake and choose the wrong man? You can’t judge a book by its cover. Or a man.

This story of an intrepid book woman is the second Appalachian story I’ve read by Ann H. Gabhart. See my previous review of An Appalachian Summer. She’s a best-selling author, and I’ve added her to my list of favourite authors. Find out more about her and her books at www.annhgabhart.com.

Only $18 – Select Water Bottles (Ends Oct 3)

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The Paris Betrayal, by James R. Hannibal, 2021, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Pertinent Themes

The Paris Betrayal is simultaneously the oldest and the newest story ever told.Still pertinent, it is an allegory based on the oldest book ever recorded–the book of Job in the Bible. Interestingly, Hannibal began writing the book before the COVID-19 world-wide pandemic set in. Yet, he themed the story around biological warfare–an engineered plague designed to wipe out enemy nations–the injectable cure also created by the same evil organization.

Action-packed, with gentler moments sprinkled in

I don’t usually choose racy shoot-em-up spy novels, with dead bodies and horror all over the place. This testosterone and adrenaline-packed page-turner is written by a former stealth pilot, who has experienced some of the scenes first-hand. However, as an older woman, providing I didn’t linger on the details of the fights, disease, and death, it was actually a welcome change to read something quite different from my normal fare. There are a few women and threads of touching romance. A memorable quote is from a woman the main character meets on a train, when he is diseased and ugly from all his wounds, feeling sorry for himself because he didn’t purposely betray his leader and didn’t deserve to die this way. She says, “Stop asking what you deserve, Ben. Try asking, ‘What is my purpose?’… I keep busy by asking that purpose each day. For instance, tonight I think my purpose is to sit beside a wronged man on a train.”

Biblical Allegory

It got very interesting when I began to notice the Biblical themes. Having studied the book of Job several times in my life, I recognized the underlying thread. It was gratifying to discover in the Author Note at the end, that I was right about that. In the end of the novel, there seems to be a Jesus allegory as well. Hmm, it would be interesting to check out Hannibal’s comparative Bible study and book club resource on his website at www.jamesrhannibal.com.

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Blackberry Beach, by Irene Hannon, 2021, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Blackberry Beach, by Irene Hannon

Blackberry Beach. What a lovely name for a romance novel. There’s nothing like sun-warmed blackberries growing on a beach–the heady scent of the berries and the bushes themselves, the juicy rich sweetness of the berries–add to that a fresh sea breeze contrasted with warm sun on your skin; enough to put one in a romantic mood if you ask me!

Irene Hannon’s novel is set in Oregon, but I enjoyed reading it sitting on one of the many beaches with blackberries here on the west coast of Canada. The setting described in the book felt familiar to me, with the culture of a beachside community of people who frequent a friendly specialty coffee shop, taco stand, bakery and so on, and who join together on projects to help the less fortunate.

The story revolves around two couples that fall in love–one is a younger couple, the other an older couple. Both men have established their lives in Blackberry Beach, but the women are visiting. Will their new love interests be strong enough to hold them there? It would mean major changes for both of them.

The people of the community are banding together to start a home for foster children, sponsored by the two churches. Both couples come together to help renovate a house for this worthy project–an altruistic way to begin a relationship.

There is a lot of head space in this novel, with each main character mulling over and deliberating about what they want in their lives and why. The author expertly brings out the way past experiences have molded characters. Through the minds of characters she explores relationships, career choices, and more.

Find Blackberry Beach on Indigo/Chapters here.
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facing the dawn, by Cynthia Ruchti, 2021, Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

Contemporary Women’s Fiction

facing the dawn, by Cynthia Ruchti, is a Contemporary Women’s Fiction story. It was refreshing to read a novel that doesn’t follow a typical plotline. This one reads almost more like a memoir or biography, except that those aren’t usually written in quite as sarcastic a tone. book photo

A rotten attitude

For the first couple of chapters, I didn’t like the main character. Her name is Mara, which means ‘bitter’ (in part), and her attitude is shown in her sarcasm. Perhaps she reminded me too much of myself when I went through a similar phase in my life. Mara resents her husband’s absence as their children grow up. She feels that maybe if he were with them the children would not have gotten into the problems they’ve gone through. She finds herself in the petty difficulties of contemporary American life as well, and could use his support. It’s partly her own fault. She encouraged him to go to Africa, telling him she was a strong, independent woman (also part of the meaning of her name).

Mara’s husband has been in Uganda for three years, building wells with a humanitarian organisation. He won’t be back for another year. She’s tired of dealing with the kids and house on her own. She has to work to make ends meet, and her job is unfulfilling.

Plunged into a dark valley

However, in chapter four, Mara’s situation suddenly changes with a phone call bringing bad news. Now the family is thrust into grief. But along with the grief, God has sent friends like angels to support and encourage them. Then there is more grief. And Mara goes into a serious depression over Christmas.

Readers go through Mara’s grief with her in vivid detail. Her ‘forever friend’ is there for her through all her mixed feelings, always knowing what she needs. A kind man and his son who live nearby also pitch in to befriend and help this forlorn little family.

Emerging to face the dawn

Mara has many questions in her mind. Facing the dawn is part of the answer, which at first is a bit of a mystery to her as well. It comes in layers.

I’m glad I chose this book from the new novels Revell offered me to review. Having gone through major grief myself this past year, and having raised children through hair-raising childhood and teen years, I could relate to Mara. Reading about the things that helped Mara on her journey to healing are interesting too. Maybe I’ll try some of them myself.

creativity
This website is an affiliate of indigo/Chapters. If you click the above link to indigo.ca and purchase something, at no extra cost to you, I can receive a small amount to help me keep my website afloat. Look for this review and others, order the book and have fun shopping at indigo.ca.

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/facing-the-dawn

Facing the Dawn by Cynthia Ruchti — also see my review and others on Goodreads

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

View all my reviews on Goodreads