The Dream of You by Jo Saxton

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Pages: 240 pages
Published: January 2018

I first met professional author and speaker, Jo Saxton, at a women’s conference hosted by a local church. When my favorite online ministry, Proverbs 31 decided to facilitate an online Bible study in the fall based on Saxton’s book, The Dream of You: Let Go of Broken Identities and Live the Life You Were Made For, I hurriedly registered to participate. 

In this short book, Saxton has offered concise yet powerful information on how to see yourself differently, specifically focusing on how God sees you. Each chapter begins with a thoughtful, heartfelt letter to the reader from Saxton and is then followed with practical applications based on Biblical principles. The non-fiction book is somewhat autobiographical in that Saxton bears her soul by sharing some of her most vulnerable moments with the audience. Additionally, the piece is targeted toward Christian women; however, as with most motivational literature, anyone can benefit from the overarching themes and message. 

Saxton’s writing style is educational and simultaneously conversational. Many of the ideas she presents are done in such a way that any reader can relate and understand. Having heard her speak and following her on Instagram, I would say she has a bubbly personality and that definitely comes through in her writing. 

Recommendation: Overall, I would say that Saxton has a way with words and is a Biblical scholar. I would recommend this book to any of my friends seeking to rid themselves of negative self-talk and improve on self-perspective and reflection. This book is a must read! 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Free Cyntoia by Cyntoia Brown-Long

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pages: 319 pages
Published: October 2019

I first learned about Cyntoia Brown (as she was known then) when celebrities started sharing her story and documentary on social media. When she was released from prison, I celebrated with her and her family. And when she published her memoir, I knew I had to read it. (Thanks to the Fort Worth Public Library for the digital borrow.)

Going in, I thought that I would learn about what a difficult childhood Cyntoia had, how she came from a broken home with no stability or parental support. Serves me right for making assumptions and applying stereotypes! That is not what I learned as I read her story. In my opinion, she had a good foundation but made some poor, and ultimately detrimental, life choices. During the first third of her autobiography, I was so frustrated with and mad at her. By the middle of the book, my heart began to soften, and by the end of the book I was absolutely enamored by the transformation she had made. Essentially, just as I changed my mindset in reading her book, she changed hers over the course of nearly two decades.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Cyntoia Brown-Long (as she is now known). I appreciated the journey she took me on as a reader, and I am grateful for her being vulnerable and sharing her story in this way. It is not a pretty one, but it is a beautiful illustration of God's grace and mercy.

Recommendation: This is an interesting true account of a young life, and how our criminal system impacted it. It is non-fiction but definitely a read for mature audiences. Even if you are not a Believer, I think you can appreciate the maturity and personal growth written about in this book.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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My Life, My Love, My Legacy by Coretta Scott King

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Narrators: Phylicia Rashad and January LaVoy
Length: 14:20:00
Published: June 2017 

In the midst of a reading slump, I solicited help via social media and was provided with several recommendations. The first I chose to take up was Mrs. Coretta Scott King's autobiography, My Life, My Love, My Legacy. This book was published in 2017, more than 10 years after her death. The book is a chronological story of her life as it was told to Dr. Barbara Reynolds.

For this re-telling, I selected the audiobook which was read first by January LaVoy then after Dr. Martin Luther King's assassination, was read by Phylicia Rashad of The Cosby Show fame. My biggest question was why the change in narrators. I think maybe the publisher wanted to give readers an audible signal that Mrs. King's life vastly changed after her husband's, her love's murder but that she continued to live a life full of charitable work and purpose.

And that is my biggest takeaway from this wonderful book. Mrs. Coretta Scott King was an activist in her own right. She was an educated and independent woman who was a loving daughter, mother, and wife. She was a fierce partner and confidant during her husband's very demanding and successful life. I truly enjoyed listening to the stories, many that I've heard growing up, from her perspective. It was also eye-opening just how much she did after that fateful day in April of 1968. Her strength through harassing and threatening phone calls, her patience with an often-traveled spouse who's work was never done, and her persistence and commitment to non-violence when there had been so much violence against her family. I appreciated how she shared private bits of her relationship with her children. I also enjoyed learning little facts about her that I never would have known, like her reason for never re-marrying and who funded her living quarters in the latter part of her life.

Dr. King is well known for his eloquent speaking and presentation skills. This book proves that Mrs. King was also a talented communicator. In this book, her prose is rhythmic and inspirational. I closed my listening app feeling satisfied as it ended with this:

For struggle is a never-ending process, and freedom is never really won. You earn it, and win it - in every generation. -Coretta Scott King

Recommendation: I absolutely recommend this book to anyone. It should resonate with any reader on a variety of levels as it activates a wide range of emotions. Mrs. King has left a long-lasting legacy that her children and grandchildren should be most proud of. I am thankful for the recommendation from Kara, and I hope my review is a way of paying it forward to another reader.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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It's Not Supposed to be This Way by Lysa TerKeurst

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Length: 256 pages
Published: November 2018

Anyone who follows my blog writings knows that I participate in many of Proverbs 31 Ministries online Bible studies. The latest study was authored by the organization's president, Lysa TerKeurst. In It's Not Supposed to be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave you Shattered, TerKeurst shares her most vulnerable side with her readers as she dealt with a myriad of crises. And I say "as she dealt with" because she wrote the book, in real time, while she was in the midst of several major life upsets. Because of this I think this is her most emotional, raw, and real work to date. 

TerKeurst is a talented writer, an amazing survivor, and a strong Christ follower. Because I participated in the online Bible study I reaped the benefits of supplemental study materials. However, the book stands alone, and it effective in its own right. I did enjoy hearing and observing the author through the teaching videos, which is why I don't know why she doesn't narrate the audio version of her books. She has a lovely voice, and hearing her tell her story of transformation in her own words and her own voice is a treat.   

As always, TerKeurst reminds us that when we are at our weakest moments is when we should lean into God the most - changing our focus from the problem to our Problem Solver. 

Recommendation: I strongly recommend this book. The perspective, insight, and authenticity make the book a treasure that can be read again and again.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath by Priscilla Shirer

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Length: 127 pages
Published: September 2014

Breathe by Priscilla Shirer is the latest online Bible study program in which I participated with Proverbs 31 Ministries. In the past, I've reaped great benefits from 5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit by Nicki Koziarz, Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst, Wait and See by Wendy Pope, Listen, Love, Repeat by Karen Ehman, and Seamless by Angie Smith. Prior to reading her book, I'd only heard of Ms. Shirer through her father, who is a paster in the Dallas/Fort Worth area - Tony Evans. The things I had heard about her were very positive, so I was quite excited to dig into this study. And I'm not going to lie, I was happy it was a short one since we are in the midst of the busy holiday season. 

The overall premise of Breathe is we are overly busy. We don't slow down and smell the roses. Shirer posits that God designed us and the world in such a way that we must take time to rest and remember - remember our purpose, remember to love, remember to spend time with Him. She calls this the #SabbathMargin - creating space for God to enter in. She further explains, after six days of creating, He saw that it was good and rested on the seventh day. In doing this, He illustrates the importance of us taking that same time. It may be difficult to carve out an entire Saturday or Sunday. But what if we took a few minutes each day to stop and meditate on His goodness? 

The book is written in a relatable and practical way for both women and men. There are several areas and pages to jot down notes of your own as well as from Shirer's video presentations that can be purchased via LifeWay. I wish there was a little more written content and less questions. Some of the questions tended to be repetitive, and some of them were not relevant to me. However, it was helpful to reflect and commit to some Sabbath practices by memorializing them in writing. 

My biggest takeaway from this book was that people who tend to hoard (things, time, etc.) live with a slave mentality, and "Slaves live from a position of deficiency. Free people live from a place of holy expectation." After completing this study, I have a renewed commitment to thinking, walking, and living in freedom. Rather than hold on to the temporary things of this world, I hope to hold on to things that contribute to my eternal life. I will not always be perfect, but the goal is to be better. And I hope God blesses my progress (and yours too!). 

Recommendation: Priscilla Shirer is a powerful writer and speaker. This short book is packed with motivational messages, and it's the perfect antidote this time of year when we all tend to be more busy than usual. 

The next Proverbs 31 Study is Lysa Terkeurst's It's Not Supposed to be this Way. Sign up for free on the P31 website. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Length: 369 pages
Published: 2016

The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon - I learned about this little gem on NPR's book review section this summer, and librarian Nancy Pearl did not let me down! The focal point of this fiction novel is, Margaret Creasy, who goes missing during the 1976 heat wave in England and two little girls (Grace and Tilly) who set out to find her by searching for God. While Margaret Creasy is the nexus of the story, we never hear from her directly. The book is about her community and its reaction to her disappearance. This book is filled with mystery, suspense, and a dose of spirituality. And there's a little plot twist at the end - but no spoilers here, friends! 

The author provided a little bit of everything in this story. There was humor, love, compassion, and more. She created a great sense of tension for the reader in the journey of what happened to Margaret Creasy and why. I also appreciated the relationship between the two little girls. This book took me back to my childhood summers and friendships. I also appreciated Cannon's prose. I made nearly 20 highlights in my Kindle copy. She certainly has a way with words! And as Ms. Pearl noted, there's a cute and touching scene in the book featuring the two girls and a trip to their local library. This was much appreciated by the librarian and also this avid reader! 

There are a lot of characters in this book. Putting them together and learning what role they play takes a bit of work. And I will warn you, it takes a little bit to get into the book, but once you're in the meat of the story, I don't think it will let you go. You'll find yourself thinking of the residents of this little community for some time after finishing the book. Many thanks to my local Fort Worth Library for the digital loan! 

Recommendation: This is a fun summer read that I think just about anyone would enjoy. 

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful. 

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Seamless by Angie Smith

Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story by Angie Smith is the fifth book I've read and studied with the Proverbs 31 Online Bible Studies ministry. I truly value this organization and the resources it offers through their website, social media, and FirstFive app. I purchased this book through the Proverbs 31 website because a portion of the sales goes back into the ministry of spreading the gospel, which is what God has commanded Christians to do.

In all the ways I've engaged with Proverbs 31 over the years, this has, by far, been my favorite study. Angie Smith is just your Christian girl next door who loves the Lord and His people. She's taken the Bible, which can appear daunting to some, synthesized it and presented it in such a way that it is easily digestible for anyone. Developing a relationship with God must include reading His Word, and the author has helped readers with this tool.

The book is easy to read and flows very well. It includes worksheet pages to help the reader retain the content. I really appreciated the timeline map at the back of the book. It highlights key milestones in the greatest story every told. This book is not only a retelling of the Bible but a resource that can be used over and over again. I am thankful for Smith's insight, her vulnerability, and her transparency. The Bible can and is for everyone, and she does a lovely job sharing her perspective with Seamless. 

Recommendation: If you are a Christian or curious about Christianity, I think this book would be good for you. Beginners to Bible scholars are sure to get something from the content of this wonderful book.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

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Circumvent by S. K. Derban

Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Length: 233 pages
Published: November 2017

In reading the back cover synopsis of Circumvent by S. K. Derban, the reader learns that the story is set in Hawaii and France. Yes, Hawaii and France. Reading really can take you to the most beautiful places! The mystery genre is one of my favorites, so I was excited to jump right in. 

The protagonist, French-born journalist, Nikki, is recently married to Swiss pastry chef, Ruggiero Delémont. On her way to Lyon, France for a work writing assignment, she meets a dangerous fate. When she doesn't check-in as planned with her husband, who is back at home in Hawaii working at his up and coming restaurant, he fears the worst and contacts the police. With the help of unlikely friends at home and abroad, Ruggiero engages in a cat-and-mouse chase as he desperately seeks to learn what has happened to his beloved wife.  

The story includes strong Christian themes with the main characters demonstrating an active prayer life, which I appreciated. The author is very well traveled and versed in a variety of cultures. With her strong use of imagery, Derban takes the reader on an international trip. I enjoyed reading the different languages (with translations), the descriptions of the delectable cuisines, and learning about the structure and architecture of France. Derban gives us a view that goes beyond what a tourist might see. 

My criticisms are few. I did not like how the author focused so much on the physical appearance of both Nikki and Ruggiero. She went into great detail on multiple occasions throughout the book explaining how beautifully tan Nikki was and how her gorgeous, long, and dark brown hair complemented her. She also touched on Ruggiero's athletic physique. Sometimes I got the feeling that if they weren't as beautiful they wouldn't have been as deserving of the search for a happy ending. Additionally, this quick-read is nicely tied with a bow in the end. I felt like the reconciliation between Nikki and Ruggiero was a little forced. However, if you accept the story for what it is - a fun, escape from reality, I think it is an enjoyable read for most. 

Recommendation: If you're looking for a fast-paced, weekend and/or beach read with a hint of romance, a Christian focus, and some beautiful people, be sure to check out this suspense-filled mystery. 

Please note: I received a complimentary signed paperback copy of Circumvent in exchange for my honest review. 

Until next time ... Read on!

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A Target on My Back by Erleigh N. Wiley

A Target on My Back: A Prosecutor's Terrifying Tale of Life on a Hit List

Genre: True Crime

Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
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Date of Publication: October 3, 2017

Pages: 176 with color photos

Synopsis | Praise | My Review | Buy Now | About the Author | Giveaway

Murders don’t happen in Kaufman County, Texas, a sleepy community where people raise their kids quietly and drive into Dallas for work and entertainment. In 2013, murder came to town when two professional prosecutors were slain in cold blood, simply for doing their jobs: one in broad daylight in plain view of the courthouse, and one in his home, along with his wife. Eric Williams is responsible for all the bloodshed—and he has a list of who to kill next.

A Target on My Back is the first-person true story of Erleigh Wiley, an accomplished lawyer who accepted the job as the new district attorney—after the death of her predecessors—which turned her into the next target on the killer's hit list. This is her story of how she and her family endured the storm of the press, the array of Homeland Security agents assigned to protect them 24/7, and the weight of knowing she was someone’s prey. Though fearing for her life, she served as the prosecution's final witness against the murderer, sealing his fate on death row. This chilling account of how she survived the hit list is a terrifying cat and mouse tale.

“A legal thriller with a twist: a crazed lawyer and his wife, believing they have been wronged, become a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde and go on a terrifying murder spree. Next on their kill list is the new DA, and her courage in confronting the killers makes this a fascinating read.” ~​Dennis L. Breo, coauthor of The Crime of the Century: Richard Speck and the Murders That Shocked a Nation 

“John Grisham and Scott Turow had better start looking over their shoulders. . . Wiley’s engaging, nimble style immediately draws you into the action and proves that sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction. It’s a good thing for us all that she lived to tell about it!” ~David Dean, Dallas attorney, former Texas secretary of state and chair of the North Texas Crime Commission

“When murder comes to her town, Erleigh Wiley steps into the shoes of the slain district attorney and finds herself on the killer’s hit list. In A Target on My Back, Wiley tells her personal story of overcoming fear in order to carry out her duty to hold Kaufman County, Texas, together while the killer is brought to justice. Don’t miss it!” ~​Mike Farris, author of A Death in the Islands: The Unwritten Law and the Last Trial of Clarence Darrow

“A Target on my Back is a unique first-person look into the world of crime-fighting in which the tables have been turned. The author takes the reader on an all-too-real journey into what it means to stand for justice when your very life is in danger. A must-read.

​ ~​

Robert Kepple, executive director of the Texas District and County Attorneys Association

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars 

A Target on My Back: A Prosecutor's Terrifying Tale of Life on a Hit List is the true account of the murders of two district attorneys (D.A.) and the wife of one of those attorneys that occurred in Kaufman County, Texas. The story specifically focuses on how those murders affected the personal and professional life of the author, Erleigh N. Wiley, who was a judge at the time of the murders. 

The book is rather engaging in how Wiley retells the 2013 murders and subsequent events that happened over the course of about two years. As a result of the killings Judge Wiley acted boldly and applied for and assumed the position of district attorney in Kaufman County. She later testified in the trial of the killer. Living in north Texas during the time these events happened, I found the story to be very relatable. I remember this playing out in the media, and it was nice to get an inside, behind-the-scenes perspective. Judge Wiley is definitely a consummate professional and smart as a whip. I also enjoyed the relationship she shares with her husband, Aaron, who is also an attorney. 

The hardback copy of the book includes an insert of four pages with color photos that feature Judge Wiley, her family, as well as the victims, the convicted killer and his accomplice. A Target on My Back is rather short and is a fairly quick read. However, I did get a little bogged down with the back and forth in the timeline at the beginning of the story. I didn't understand why the author opened chapter one with the murders of D.A. Mike McLelland and his wife, Cynthia McLelland when they were murdered two months after the first victim, D.A. Mark Hasse. 

While I understand the story is about Judge Wiley and how her life (and the life of her husband and children) was turned upside-down, I think the title of the book is a bit over-dramatized. There wasn't a physical "hit list" so to speak, and she didn't find out about who the killer was targeting until after he was in custody. Additionally, I felt that sometimes she, as the author, exacerbated the negative professional and personal effects of her being an African-American, a woman, and a Republican. As a female African American professional myself, I choose to accept these labels as strength rather than stumbling blocks, and I would have appreciated seeing more of that in Judge Wiley's story. 

Finally, the book was fraught with errors due to what appears to be lax editing. There are also some stylistic inconsistencies, such as the author referring to a "Court Coordinator" on one page and the same "court coordinator" on the very next page. 

Recommendation: A Target on My Back is a legal thriller that fans of Law & Order might enjoy. The gem is that it's not ripped from the headlines. This story was the headline for residents in Kaufman County for many months!  

(Note: I intentionally did not name the convicted murderer in my review.) 

Until next time ... Read on!

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Erleigh Norville Wiley was born and raised in Kaufman County. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University, Rawls College of Business; where she received a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a degree in Finance. She attended law school at Texas Law at The University of Texas in Austin receiving her Doctor of Jurisprudence.

In 1990, Judge Wiley joined the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. Her goal was to prosecute the criminals and protect innocent children and victims who have no voice. She was promoted to supervising attorney-training other new attorneys and managing fourteen different courts

​.

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Wiley takes an active role in her community by volunteering. Some of her board work includes Chairman of the Kaufman County Juvenile Board, Trustee of Texas Health Resources- Kaufman, Kaufman County Children’s Advocacy Center and Kaufman County Children’s Shelter Board member.

Wiley has been lauded by various organizations for her work in the legal community as a Judge and as the Criminal District Attorney in Kaufman County. Some of the most notable were in 2013, from the State Bar of Texas, Outstanding Leadership-Profiles of Courage Award and Texas District & County Attorney’s Association, Lone Star Prosecutor Award; as well as the Dallas Black Police Officer’s Association with the Paved the Way Award in 2015.

Five readers each win a print copy of A Target on My Back, plus a signed book plate, and bookmark!

March 16-25, 2018

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16-Mar	Excerpt	Chapter Break Book Blog
16-Mar	Bonus Post	Hall Ways Blog
17-Mar	Review	Missus Gonzo
18-Mar	Author Interview	Texas Book Lover
19-Mar	Review	Nerd Narration
20-Mar	Author on Video	Books and Broomsticks
21-Mar	Author on Video	The Page Unbound
22-Mar	Review	StoreyBook Reviews
23-Mar	Author on Video	Reading by Moonlight
24-Mar	Author Interview	The Clueless Gent
25-Mar	Review	A Page Before Bedtime (You are here)

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The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin

Image Credit: goodreads.com

Rating: 5 of 5 stars 

I will begin with the end. The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin is literary fiction at its finest!

I think the overarching lesson of the novel is that life is not about defying death but rather what happens as you approach it. How do you live your life?, if you will.

The story begins in 1969 when four siblings have the date of their deaths portended by a fortune teller. This event has shocking ramifications and catapults each sibling's life into very different and complex directions. The book is written in four parts with each sibling's story given an exclusive part.

The youngest sibling, Simon, and the next youngest, Klara, live their lives a little more on the edge in comparison to older siblings, Daniel and Varya. Each part reads like a short story; however, their stories do intertwine and have consistent themes that run throughout.

Benjamin is a beautiful writer. There were so many beautiful passages in this book, I could spend an entire blog post sharing them. But rather than potentially spoil it, I would recommend you grab a copy and see for yourself. Additionally, the author has taken on a heavy topic making the reader think about the topic and the story long after the last page is turned. However, as the reader, you do not get bogged down. The pace is good and the story moves forward with ease.

Recommendation: I was lucky to snag this book with my Page Habit subscription just in time for a four-day cruise. The leisure time allowed me to finish the book rather quickly. However, I suspect that even if I had been busy with the normal responsibilities of life, I would have found time to squeeze this one in. Grab a copy and a cup of coffee (or tea) and enjoy this thoughtfully, crafted read.

Until next time ... Read on!

My box of goodies from #PageHabit

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MISSING ISAAC BY VALERIE FRASER LUESSE

Genre: Southern Fiction / Christian / Coming of Age

Publisher: Revell

Date of Publication: January 2, 2018

Pages: 352

Synopsis | Praise | My Review | Buy Now | About the Author | Giveaway | More Blogs

Synopsis: 

Isaac believed in luck. But from Pete’s point of view, Isaac’s luck had all run out.

When Pete McLean loses his father in the summer of 1962, his friend Isaac is one of the few people he can lean on. Though their worlds are as different as black and white, friendship knows no color. So when Isaac suddenly goes missing, Pete is determined to find out what happened—no matter what it costs him. His quest will lead him into parts of town that he knows only through rumors and introduce him to a girl who will change his life. What they discover together will change the small Southern town of Glory, Alabama—forever.

With vivid descriptions, palpable atmosphere, and unforgettable characters, debut novelist Valerie Fraser Luesse breathes life into the rural South of the 1960s—a place where ordinary people struggle to find their footing in a social landscape that is shifting beneath their feet.

Praise: 

“Valerie Fraser Luesse’s beautiful story reveals the human heart that always beats beneath the headlines. In the process, she movingly illuminates not only the spirit of a special region but the soul of every human being who ever dared to care. Missing Isaac will break—and then heal—your heart.”  ~ J. I. Baker, journalist and author of The Empty Glass 

“Welcome debut novelist Valerie Fraser Luesse to the legions of gifted Southern writers before her. Missing Isaac is the first of what we hope will be many more tales from this talented writer.” ~Nancy Dorman-Hickson, coauthor of Diplomacy and Diamonds and a former editor for Progressive Farmer and Southern Living magazines

“Valerie Luesse has an ear for dialogue, an eye for detail, and a profound gift for storytelling. She breathes life into these colorful Southern characters and this quirky Alabama town from the first page.” ~ Sid Evans, editor-in-chief of Southern Living magazine

My Review: 

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in the 1960s in rural Alabama, Missing Isaac by Valerie Fraser Luesse is a quick-read that's rich in content, imagery, and emotionally-filled southern dialect. The book opens as young Pete's father, Jack, dies in a tragic farming accident, and as a result, Pete develops a stronger friendship with Jack's farmhand, Isaac. In a cruel twist of fate and soon after his father's death, Isaac goes missing thus doubling Pete's sorrow. Throughout the story, we learn more about Pete, his family, and a young girl, Dovey, who befriends Pete during his time of grief. As Peter matures, so does his relationship with Dovey; however, there's tension due to the difference in their respective families' socioeconomic status. All the while, Pete (and his grandfather) are working to find Isaac. The idyllic scenery serves as a contrasting backdrop for the dark mystery surrounding Isaac, race and social relations, and challenges of the farming community. However, these combined elements help push the wonderfully-written story forward for the reader. 

I wouldn't change much, but I do wish that the author would have lent some more time to Jack, Peter's father, and how Pete managed his grief. It seemed that Pete's grief for his father got lost because he was so preoccupied with locating Isaac. Additionally, there are some parts of the book where the author is focused on how all the events are affecting Pete, and there could have been more plot development regarding what actually happened to Isaac. No spoilers, but it is pretty easy to sort out what happens to the titular character. The author does a great job of foreshadowing. 

Luesse paints a beautiful picture with words. While reading, I felt like I was transported to the deep South during that tumultuous time. As a consumer of media, I have enjoyed many books that have been transformed into movies. These movies often provide more vivid visuals to the novels. In her debut novel, Luesse has crafted a story that reads smoothly and creates realistic imagery that you might enjoy on screen, making this story a reader's delight!

Recommendation: Readers of this book will enjoy a mystery (What happened to Isaac?), romance (Will Pete and Dovey's families allow them to be together?), and drama (Ugh, the Highlands, those entitled socialites!) All of this rolled into a coming-of-age novel makes for a easily digestible book. (I finished in just under a week.) Because of its diversity, there's something in it that just about anyone can relate to. If you're looking for a beautifully-written book that will evoke emotion and touch your soul, pick up a copy of Missing Isaac today. Or enter the giveaway to win a free copy below. 

Until next time ... Read on! 

Buy Now: 

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About the Author: 

Valerie Fraser Luesse is an award-winning writer and a senior travel editor for Southern Living. Specializing in stories about unique pockets of Southern culture, Luesse has published major pieces on the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi Delta, Louisiana’s Acadian Prairie, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She lives in Alabama.

Connect with Valerie: Website | Facebook 

Giveaway:

Grand Prize: Print Copy of Missing Isaac, Print Copy of Southern Living Annual Recipes 2017, Handmade Leather Journal (9"x5")

2nd Prize: Copy of Missing Isaac + $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card

3rd Prize: Copy of Missing Isaac + $10 Starbucks Gift Card

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03-Jan	Review	Storeybook Reviews
04-Jan	Top 15 List	Tangled in Text
05-Jan	Excerpt	Texan Girl Reads
06-Jan	Review	A Page Before Bedtime (You are here.)
07-Jan	Guest Post	Books and Broomsticks
08-Jan	Review	Reading by Moonlight
09-Jan	Scrapbook Page	The Page Unbound
10-Jan	Playlist	Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
11-Jan	Review	The Clueless Gent

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