WhiteFire publishing has graciously offered to give away a copy of this new release (for US residents: choice of hard copy or e-book; for all other residents: an e-book). You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends May 3, 2019. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information.)
Back cover copy...
Shannon is out to save the world one caring act at a time.
She’s stood by her best friend, Amber, through their whole lives—especially
when Amber lost her sight. She has an active outreach ministry to the homeless
and disenfranchised. And she’s even let down her guard long enough to let a
boyfriend, Justin, into her life.
Her life has settled into a pleasing routine of teaching,
freelance photography work, quiet dinners with Justin, and taking Amber on
treks to find new subjects for her visionary paintings.
But when a man from her past shows up, her secure world
crumbles into triggered PTSD episodes that threaten everything she relies on.
Will she be able to overcome these old memories, or will her past crush any
hopes she had for a future?
My review...
I loved the first book in the series (Hold the Light), so I was anticipating the sequel. The characters are
relatable and will be familiar if you’ve read the first book, but the story could
still make sense if you haven’t. Themes of healing and love are key. Shannon’s
story demonstrates Christ’s love for those who may be different or suffer challenges
(physical or mental). Homelessness, addiction, and PTSD are addressed in a
compassionate manner. While Shannon didn’t have an easy childhood (as she grew
up in the foster care system), she never doubted that God loved her.
There are some secondary characters who play minor, yet
important, roles. They represent those in society that are often overlooked,
such as the mentally ill, homeless, or those battling addiction. It’s
heartwarming to see that they are not overlooked by Shannon … or God. Many of
the characters remind the reader that we never truly know someone just by
looking at them from the outside. While I didn’t like this book quite as much
as the prior one, I still found it to be a satisfying and enjoyable sequel.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the
publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
About April...
Where you can find her online...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAprilMcGowan/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aprilkmcgowan
The themes of love and healing intrigue me. I'm curious about the PTSD triggers and how a character with this condition acts/reacts.
ReplyDeleteDanielle, I think you'll really enjoy it. I hope you have a chance to read the first one in the series, as well.
DeleteGood luck, and thanks for stopping by my blog.
I am interested in this book because when Shannon went through a foster care system. That is close to my heart because when I was 5, I was put in the home that adopted me. So I am thankful that I didn't go from home to home but my biological sister that I met last year after 42 years of separation; she was in the foster care system for a while before she was placed in a home that adopted her.
ReplyDeleteThank you again Leslie for adding to my TBR list of new authors! :-)
Thanks for sharing your story. I'm so glad you were able to meet your biological sister! How wonderful!
DeleteYou're very welcome. I'm glad I could add to your TBR list :)
Thanks for stopping by. Good luck!