This novel is complex. The title says much about the story line. A photo can sometimes say much more than words or actions. But even that still life photo says much about what's not there. Even as life as captured in still life, life never ceases to move forward.
This novel captures the story of lives connected through the death of one man. We get to know quite a few characters and Christa goes above and beyond of allowing us to know them just as if they were friends or family in our own lives. She writes in such a way that the reader can relate to the characters in one way or another.
First I would like to say what I loved about the novel was the realness. The characters were raw and nothing pretended. We see the depth of who they are. Their actions tell a great deal about them. Their past gives us a glimpse of just who they are today. Another aspect I like is that we see them grow.
The main character, Ada, steps out of all she has ever known and captures what life truly is about. Living in the moment and being able to express one's heart and connect with others. This she learns from her husband Julian.
Of all the characters it is Julian that I most admire. His character is unveiled to show nothing but his love for the Lord and how he lived says much about his relationship with his Savior.
Sadly, he is basically the only character that I truly liked. The one that I would be honored to call friend. Ada too fits in that category. We see what happens when tragedy strikes and hits Ada hard. Only married for five months, but those five months were like a lifetime to her. She was very dependent upon her husband. She has lived a very sheltered and almost abandoned life behind the lies of her father who calls himself a prophet.
When Julian dies in the crash his friends step forward and try to help Ada. Each seeming to have their own relationship with Julian. We meet a whole new family connected to Julian giving up his seat on the plane. Katherine and Will. Funny how God is always working to bring us to see the light of every issue in our lives and He often uses others to show us just where we need to be. There is never just happenstance. God is forever working in our lives. We just have to make the choice of whether we choose to see or not.
I loved seeing Ada grow and take a chance. She comes to know her husband even more so and we see the impact he was able to make upon her life and from that she too is now living out a life that will lead her to new places.
Christa's novel flows easily. Her writing is superb. As I shared this is a complex story, but for me it wasn't a favorite.
This novel was a gift from Thomas Nelson for sharing my review with you.
Christa Parrish is the author of five novels, including the 2009 ECPA Book of the Year Watch Over Me and the Christy Award-winning Stones for Bread. She lives in upstate New York with her husband, writer and pastor Chris Coppernoll. They have four children in their blended family. christaparrish.com Facebook: Christa-Parrish Twitter: @breakingthesea
