As you know, I rarely review books on the blog with the exception of those that particularly move me.
Because of that, today I’m excited to share thoughts about The Reason, a début novel by author William Sirls.
First, let me say this is a story you’ll be inclined to rush through (a good thing), but don’t.
The Reason should be lingered over.
Digested.
And pondered again and again over a cup of black coffee, fully loaded.
There are those stories that subtly beckon, and then there are those that grab us by the coat-tail and refuse to let go.
Happily, The Reason is a novel that does both.
What begins as an ordinary weather event becomes the catalyst in an extraordinary journey of faith, forgiveness, and freedom.
As our story opens, it’s obvious we’re in for a ride. A thunderstorm goes from bad to worse as a mother and her young son seek refuge in the church Mom’s cleaning.
The reader is immediately drawn to Brooke and Alex’s dilemma as thunder rolls and lightning crackles. To make matters worse, their friend, Charlie, goes missing just as the church’s electricity goes out.
And just as we’re acclimating to the dark in the middle of a storm, lightning strikes something outside, causing a fire.
Without giving away any spoilers, that in itself is symbolic and representative of change.
And The Reason is all about change.
Take a small Michigan town short on faith and in need of hope, heartaches of varying degrees, and a stranger who holds answers, and you have a delicious recipe for tension, turmoil, and healing.
Through mastery of craft and elements of surprise, the author weaves a powerful story with the supernatural premise—only believe.
Though Sirls doesn’t paint a happily ever after regarding all life situations, neither does he put God in a box or limit possibilities.
Simply put, The Reason shifts our thinking from “No way” to “What if?”
The story’s charge is simple. It’s message, direct.
It requires only one thing.
Only believe.
It will change your life.
My rating: 5/5 stars!
This is an excellent novel that has hands-down become a favorite.
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Note: A copy of The Reason was provided to me via the publisher with no expectation. This is a fair and honest review, and all thoughts and impressions are my own.
NEWS
Don’t miss The Reason releasing as a movie and starring Louis Gossett, Jr. in spring 2017! See the movie trailer here.
GIVEAWAY
Today I’m giving away an Advance Readers Copy (ARC) of The Reason to one commenter. If your comment doesn’t appear immediately, no worries! I will update accordingly.
RULES
*Leave a comment now through Tuesday, July 12th, 2016.
*One winner will be drawn at random and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, July 13th, 2016.
*Must be at least 21 or older to enter drawing.
*Contest is void where prohibited.
*Due to mailing restrictions, only U.S. entries will be eligible for a chance to win.
PLEASE SHARE
What does God look like? Carlson, Michigan residents think they know.
In the midst of life’s highs and lows, the answer is Only Believe. Here’s why.
Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of The Reason by William Sirls.
Image Credit: William Sirls/Broadstreet Publishing
Has a life circumstance challenged your thinking?
How do we step out of our comfort zones and only believe?
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Thanks for stopping by!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Comments 2
I follow your blog and am never disappointed with the content. Way to go Cindy! God bless.
Author
Billie, you will LOVE The Reason. (Msg me your snail mail address, please.) And many blessings to you!