Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother's dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. Murky rumors swirl around Woodward Colton, her new employer, but the gossip doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know.
Still, something dark did happen in the family's past. Lillian's seven-year-old charge hasn't spoken in over a year. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he'll one day feel safe enough to share what scared him. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. When the housekeeper is brutally attacked, the town once again suspects the worst. Will discovering the truth help Lillian clear the name of the man she has come to love---or will it endanger her even more?
My review:
This is the second collaboration of the Peterson and Woodhouse duo, and it is even better than the first. I am not sure if Tracie Peterson normally writes suspense novels, but Kimberly Woodhouse does..... and does very well. Thus, I knew this would be a good read; but it surpassed my expectations.
The book is set in the late 1890's, which is not the normal setting for the suspense novels that I typically read, but it works fine for the story. The story revolves around Lillian Porter who is a nanny for a seven year old boy who has not spoken since seeing a murder. His dad is the suspect, though not found guilty; is still shunned by the church and townspeople.
I loved the book. It has an excellent plot, a lot of mystery and suspense, very likable characters, and a great ending. I may sound sappy for saying this, especially since I am a guy; but I am a sucker for a story that revolves around a little kid..... so that was a big plus for me. This writing duo created the perfect kid to be at the center of this suspense novel, and he truly made the book; though there are a lot of likable characters in these pages.
In addition to the suspense and drama of the book, the topics of judging and gossiping are dealt with as part of the plot; along with forgiveness.
Kudos to the authors for the inclusion of Harry, a very likable and unusual character that you'll have to read the book to find out more about.
I use tags on my blog post for book reviews, and one I use is "read-in-one-sitting-book"; which I ascribe to a book that is so good that I can't put it down, and typically read it in one sitting.....excepting bathroom and food and drink breaks..... and this book was one such book. Great job ladies on a book that personifies what Christian fiction should be, and what Christian suspense should be. I highly recommend.
And watch this blog for a chance to win a copy of this book.
About the authors:
Tracie Peterson is an award-winning, best-selling author of more than 100 books. Having given her heart to Jesus at the young age of six, Tracie has always felt called to some form of ministry, and writing fulfills that mission field.
Tracie was awarded the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for 2007 Inspirational Fiction and the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers.
Making her home in Montana, this Kansas native enjoys spending time with family---especially her three grandchildren---Rainy, Fox, and Max.
Her quick wit, enthusiasm, and positive outlook through difficult circumstances have gained her audiences at conferences, retreats, churches, military functions, and seminars all over the country.
The Woodhouse family's story has been on the front page of newspapers, in magazines, articles, medical journals, and most recently featured on ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. They were also asked to share their story on The Montel Williams Show and Discovery Health Channel's Mystery ER.
Kim has been writing seriously for fifteen years. Songs, plays, short stories, novels, picture books, articles, newsletters---you name it---she's written it. It wasn't until a dear friend challenged her to "do something with it," that she pursued publication. She now has multiple books to her credit, with more on the way.
Kim lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and their two children in a truly "Extreme" home.
Thanks to Litfuse for the review copy.
Giveaway:
Tracie and Kimberley are celebrating the launch of Beyond the Silence with a Loaded Fire Prize Pack giveaway (details below) and an author chat party on February 11!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- One copy of Beyond the Silence
- A Kindle Fire 7
- A $50 Amazon gift card to load your Fire with books
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