Miracle in a Dry Season (Book Review)

 

Welcome!

I’m delighted you’re here!

Today you’re in for a special treat as I talk about one of my favorite books from a rising star in Christian fiction.

Chances are you’ve heard about Miracle in a Dry Season by the charming and talented Sarah Loudin Thomas.

Let me just say—this is one of the finest debuts I’ve read from a new author.

The message of Miracle in a Dry Season is endearing and timeless. There are portions of this book you will want to go back and reread just to experience the feeling all over again!

Be forewarned—this is a story that will tug at your heartstrings, and yes, you may need a tissue. Or two.

Let’s get started, shall we?

Briefly, here’s what the book is about:

Miracle in a Dry Season – Released Aug. 5, 2014

It’s 1954 and Perla Long’s arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.

Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor…until he meets Perla. She’s everything he’s sought in a woman, but he can’t get past the sense that she’s hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla’s unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith. (Provided via author website).

As I began reading Miracle in a Dry Season, I was transported to another time and place. Like a soft, stirring melody the author’s voice drew me in.

Take, for instance, the opening sentences:

“Casewell’s stomach grumbled. He hoped no one in the surrounding pews could hear it. He’d thought to eat some warmed-over biscuits this morning, but the barn cat had slipped into the house and found the bread wrapped in a dish-cloth on the back of the stove…”

Simply stated, but an effective word picture.

I smiled as I envisioned Casewell. I could identify! Who hasn’t been in that spot—in church listening to a rather windy message and having your stomach play traitor? (And to make matters worse, almost tasting that delectable Sunday dinner you hope might be waiting.)

Casewell is thirty-five, unmarried, with no wife on the nearby horizon. He’s a sensitive soul and longs for the wife he fears may never materialize.

As Pastor Longbourne’s sermon finally ends and the congregation files out of church, Casewell meets Perla Long and her sweet daughter, Sadie.

Perla is new to Wise, West Virginia and she’s as lonesome as Casewell is, though she has good reason to reconcile herself to the fact. Or so she thinks.

Perla and Casewell’s story unfolds during a time of hardship and drought. It becomes clear that Perla may hold some answers for the community of Wise, but some of the sanctimonious, good Christians scoff at Perla’s help.

Although Perla and Casewell are drawn to each other, Casewell can’t get past preconceived notions of what is and isn’t worthy of forgiveness and Perla is hurt by his assumptions.

She realizes secrets from her past, combined with her gift to do the extraordinary, is off-putting to folks. She was just hoping  for a fresh start in Wise.

There are so many delicious layers to Miracle in a Dry Season  it would be impossible to go into great depth here, but suffice it to say you will be moved by this rush-to-judgment story in which love, faith, and ultimately, forgiveness triumphs.

A particularly poignant chapter in the book is Chapter Sixteen. I was especially touched by a passage between Casewell and his father. From pages 184 through 186, I experienced myriad emotions. I won’t give it away—you’ll just have to read it.

And a few words about the subtle handling of the salvation message this author weaves throughout—masterful. Brilliant. Tear-inducing.

And it made me consider how I judge others.

As it will you.

My rating of Miracle in a Dry Season: 5/5 stars!

***

NOTE: I purchased my own copy of this book. An additional copy was provided via the publisher (Bethany House). This is a fair and honest review, and opinions are my own. I might add that I only review those books I think I will enjoy. There are others who do this professionally. Although Sarah is a friend, I do not discuss my thoughts in advance with authors whose books I review, nor do I (intentionally) read book reviews prior to giving mine.

That being said, you won’t want to miss Sarah Loudin Thomas’s upcoming titles. Personally, I can’t wait!

For a chance to win a copy of Miracle in a Dry Season, please leave a comment by Saturday, 10/04/14, and I’ll draw a name and announce the winner next Monday.

RULES:

• Must be 21 or older
• Must leave a comment by midnight 10/04/14.
• Must live in the U.S.
• Void where prohibited
• One winner only

(If your comment doesn’t show up right away, no worries! I’ll continue to check back.)

 

PLEASE SHARE

In a dry season? This is the book for you! (with giveaway)

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Wronged or misjudged? You’ll enjoy Perla and Casewell’s story. (Giveaway)

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In Miracle in a Dry Season, Perla was judged unfairly.

Have you ever misjudged someone or have you been misjudged?

I’m guest-posting tomorrow (10/02/14) on the ACFW blog. Please join me for a dollop of hope and a dose of encouragement!

Happy Reading!

Blessings Always,