Welcome back to my blog! I have taken quite the hiatus but am attempting to reconnect here by way of posting book reviews. The books I will review have been generously provided by Graf-Martin Communications and select publishers.
Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner (Bethany House)
As I began reading this book, I thought it would be predictable; I thought I knew where it was going. But it had a few twists and turns along the way. It landed in, yes a place of character redemption, but in a way that mirrored real life. What I really liked about this book was that the struggles, the facades, the relationships seemed real. The main character was a bit hard to swallow at first, but the story arc demonstrated redemption and beauty without being perfect. Although I am generally one for a happy ending, I was pleased that this one didn't tie up all the loose ends in a pretty bow. It left me feeling satisfied, not questioning, trusting that Eric would continue down this path of healing.
Eric Larson is an over confident financial advisor who is striving for the tenth floor corner office of his uncle's Seattle based company. His uncle sends him to a small town in Montana to provide some change and growth. Eric assumed all along that the "change and growth" that his uncle expected was for the company. Throughout the novel, Eric begins to realize that the "change and growth" his uncle expected was actually in Eric himself.
Eunice Parker is a single woman with secrets that she can no longer keep. Her one goal is to make amends with the seven people on her list before she dies. Through an unsuspecting circumstance, her life crosses with Eric's and a unique friendship is born. I liked that this was not a romantic relationship, but rather a friendship that demonstrated frustration, hope, encouragement and perseverance; their friendship ends up saving both of them in different ways.
Katie Power weaves a beautiful story of life and death, forgiveness and hope, and redemption and grace, through unsuspecting friendships and small town events. Where the Blue Sky Begins will force you to take a look at your own life and areas where you may need to seek forgiveness and restoration. Ultimately, it allows readers to ready our hearts, minds, and souls for "where the blue sky begins".
*Thanks to Graf-Martin Communications and Bethany House Publishers for a chance to read and review this book.
