There is a River - Patricia Sweet

 

THERE IS A RIVER by Patricia Sweet
Carly Green once knew more love than she’d dreamed possible in the church she and her husband planted, but she’s grown so far apart from the brethren she can no longer call them friends. Her life has gone in a different direction. The glory days of the Jesus movement are long gone and so is Carly’s sense of belonging.

Suspecting her pastor husband of having an affair she’s ready to leave him and the church. But when her sons go missing one after the other she returns to the congregation only to be called out in public for failing as a mother.

Her family in shatters and the faith of many at stake, Carly must find her way back to the place of forgiveness and strength, the foot of the cross.

My Review: This debut novel by Patricia Sweet touched on several topics that are often ignored by some churches. Initially the story is about Carly, a pastor's wife who has slowly drawn more into herself over the years due to the demands of family and work being overshadowed by the expectations of the church and her husband. Carly is feeling alone and abandoned by everyone. This is something I've heard from several pastor's wives.

After the initial introduction to Carly, Sweet introduces more characters and adds more background stories to the lives of each of them. Some help to clarify right away, while others are drawn out more slowly. There were moments when I felt the story could have been tightened a bit, or others explored further, but overall, it was a good story. I won't get into all topics: some are common and others not as normal, but plausible. 

My mild complaint is that the ending seemed a bit rushed. I do plan on reading it again which is something I don't do with all books. And, I would enjoy more books using some of the same people; I wanted to know more about them. I really wish there was a 4.5 stars category! It's not a 5 for me, but 4 is for very good. I hope to read more books from Patricia Sweet.

"There is a River" is available on both Kindle and Paperback. Use the link to buy a copy! Buy "There is a River" on Amazon

Patricia Sweet website 

Disclosure: I received an advance copy from the author with no compensation. I only promised a fair and honest review.

Becoming Us - Robin Jones Gunn

Five young women, including beloved Gunn characters Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen, gather for a simple Christmas party and soon become unlikely best friends. Told from the viewpoint of Emily, a timid young mom going through a difficult season of life, the regular gatherings provide the much needed community she's longed for. As the women begin sharing their life stories in Becoming Us they are endeared to each other and find ways to challenge, encourage, and help each other become the nurturing mothers they wished they'd had when they were growing up. They see themselves as Haven Makers and unite to be remembered for what they do and not for what was done to them. (Amazon description)

Becoming Us by Robin Jones Gunn brings together 5 young mothers who connect and form a close bond with one another. The story is told mostly from the POV of Emily who has recently moved from North Carolina to California with her husband and young daughter. Unlike the others, Emily's child is not a baby or toddler, so that plus being in a very vulnerable season in her life causes her to be hesitant about forming friendships within the group. When an unexpected event thrusts her into a shared experience, however, she allows herself to be pulled into the group.

The transformation of Emily from a shy, lonely, timid woman who has allowed family to shape her life into a person emerging from the shadows strong in faith, confident in herself, willing to take risks, and determined to do what is best for herself, her husband, and her child is an encouraging story for anyone who struggles to find herself. Both Emily and her husband Trevor make strides to lean less on their own thoughts, understanding, and indecisiveness and to trust fully in God... which also is a lesson observed and adopted by daughter Audra.

For the fans of Christy Miller and Sierra Jenson, it will be a treat to revisit them in "Haven Makers" series. I know Robin Jones Gunn through her "SisterChicks" books, but now I want to read more. I give Becoming Us 5 stars and look forward to reading future books about these friends.

I received a copy of this book at no cost to myself as part of the WaterbrookMultnomah Becoming Us Launch Team. All opinions are my own.

RobinGunn.com
WaterbrookMultnomah.com
Becoming Us on Amazon