Grab yourself a cup of coffee and get cozy. You will be in for a long night of reading and you won't need the coffee to keep you awake. This novel will take you on a journey through the life of Jade Fitzgerald. A young woman trying to move forward, but forever stuck in yesterday. She has many regrets caused by poor choices. Many pains brought to her from simply coming from a broken family. Many memories that haunt her.We journey from her past to her present. I have read books that take us from yesterday to present time and have had a struggle keeping up, but this one just seems to flow. From reading of today and then taking a glimpse back in time, we get to see the full view of Jade and her many mysteries to be uncovered.
Who knew, Sara Evans, could write? Rachel Hauck is at the top of my favorites list. Now, both of these ladies together bring a story of redemption and grace. I had purchased, Softly and Tenderly, the second book in the Songbird Series at the ACFW conference this year. I began reading and realized it was part of a series. I quickly got on line and ordered, The Sweet By and By. I waited patiently for it to arrive and was not disappointed at all. I encourage you to read them in order. The Sweet By and By is the backbone of the series.
This story takes us into the heart of Whisper Hollow, Tennessee. Here is something I love. Jade is almost hollow inside. She has carried such pain for so long and all she needs is to hear the whisper of God. Faith was always near Jade. It flowed from her grandmother's heart. But Jade felt she wasn't good enough for God. She thought she had made too many mistakes in life. Who of us hasn't been there? I know I have, but that is where the sweet grace of Christ comes in.
This is a journey of not just one woman, but many characters that jug at your heart as we watch them move through each trial of life. On some level you will fall in love with each of these broken people. This story opens with Jade inviting her mother to her wedding. A choice she isn't sure of, but one that will change her life. It's awesome to see how each choice Jade makes brings her closer to a God she didn't think loved her at all.
To say I loved this book simply isn't enough. It is one that you read and pass on to your friends. It's just that good.
This book is published by Thomas Nelson.
Rachel Hauck
RITA-finalist Rachel Hauck lives in Florida with her husband, Tony. She is the author of Dining with Joy; Sweet Caroline; Love Starts with Elle; and The Sweet By and By, co-authored with Sara Evans. Visit RachelHauck.com and SouthernBelleView.com. Twitter @RachelHauck, facebook.com/RachelHauckAuthor?ref=ts
Sara Evans
Multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans has been honored with numerous accolades, among them the 2006 Academy of Country Music’s Female Vocalist of the Year and the Country Music Association’s Video of the Year for “Born to Fly." Evans has been named one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People" and won the hearts of television viewer's as the first-ever country star to compete in ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Sara is a Cabinet Member of The American Red Cross. Twitter @saraevans music, facebook.com/home.php#!/saraevans
