The characters are deep and real. They are characters we can relate to. They are childhood friends who made a pack long ago to always be there for one another. Each character carrying their own secrets. Their own issues in life. But what I love about these characters is they don't place blame. They don't look back on their childhood and see tragedy. Sure, they see hardship. They see life as it truly was for them. But they are over-comers. They took the life given and didn't give in to what was, but created something much more.
The dialog they share is what makes this novel so rich. The writer goes below the surface and brings out every emotion of these characters. She brilliantly ties them all together and with this we enjoy a story woven together like the strings of a Dogwood tree.
Some may say that faith doesn't play a huge roll in this novel. I don't agree. Faith is huge. Faith doesn't have to be shouted to be understood. We see faith grow within these characters. We see them struggle and go back and forth.
I could tell you the plot of the story and give you chapter by chapter description, but that would ruin the enjoyment of this novel for you. What I love about this story is how every single circumstance is connected. Every choice brings us to a consequence, good or bad. This story was fast paced for me. It was an unputdownable for sure. It was a story of suspense just as much as it was romance. It is about uncovering the truth and believing in something even when no one is ready to walk with you into the unknown.
A part that stands out to me is one character is seeking forgiveness. He has held guilt for his actions for many years now, but the man that he hurt already forgave him long ago. His actions were not remembered. They were forgotten when forgiveness came alive.
Moseley has intertwined fascinating characters in a small town where it's hard to tell rumor from truth with people understanding that everything is not black and white. This is one of those majestic stories that isn't easy to describe with just a few words. I can tell you that I loved this story. I admire a writer who pens a story that leaves me pondering. One that opens my heart and leaves me wanting more.
I highly recommend this novel. It's a journey you will not regret.
This book was a gift from WaterBrook Multnomah for sharing my review with you.
Meg Moseley is still a Californian at heart although she's lived more than half her life in other states. Holding jobs that ranged from candle-maker to administrative assistant, Meg eventually contributed human-interest pieces for a suburban edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Contemporary fiction remains her real love, and she's the author of When Sparrows Fall and Gone South. She lives in Atlanta near the foothills of the Southern Appalachians with her husband.
