Allison Pittman took me on a journey through the Dust Bowl, introducing me to characters that were vividly real. She goes below the surface of face and brings us directly to the heart of each character. We not only meet them, but are able to live with them through the storytelling that brings emotion to the forefront. On Sifting Sand takes us back in history to a time many today have not been introduced.
This novel did take off a bit slow for me, but as I continued to read it made perfect sense. At the pace that this story flows allows us to connect with the characters and their emotions. This is a beautifully written novel.
I love how the author brings to light the time of the Dust Bowl and the lives of this family who are not only facing the destruction of the weathering on land, but in the heart. When we do not build upon the Rock, shifting sand can take us to a place of dry and weary land. Just as the weather brings in storms, they can only prepare for what they see coming. In their lives these characters have gone through the motions for so long that the heart is left to discern life unexpected.
In this novel we see what can happen when we allow temptation to turn to sin. Oh, how easily Nola's thoughts turned to sin. At a young age her mother died and she didn't acquire love and affection from her father. Her husband is a pastor. A man of great faith. A man who sees hope in everything. But Nola isn't seeing this great hope her husband sees. She feels alone. Her husband is affectionate and her children are a great blessing, but something is missing.
Her husband's friend comes to stay. He arrives in a place where most want to leave. Without sharing too much of the story with you, Nola finds something in this friend, but it still is not enough.
This is what I loved about this novel. Nola didn't feel she was good enough. That's where Satan entered and planted a stronghold in her mind. We see her battle with finding forgiveness and peace and learning to be fulfilled in life no matter where life takes her.
Each of the characters in this novel are well balanced and are brought to life before our eyes. I found myself weeping for Nola. This is a beautiful story of finding that we are loved by our Jesus beyond our wildest imagination and there isn't any place on earth we can go where He isn't found.
This novel was a gift from Tyndale for sharing my review with you.
Allison Pittman has penned more than twelve novels, including her series set in the Roaring Twenties-All for a Son, All for a Story, and All for a Sister. Allison resides in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, Mike, their three sons, and the canine star of the family-Stella. For more information, visit www.allisonpittman.com
