Riding Through Shadows by Sharon Ewell Foster

Title: Riding Through Shadows

Author: Sharon Ewell Foster

Pages: 350

Year: 2001

Genre: Christian Fiction

Publisher: Multnomah

Format: Paperback

About the book:

     Living in one of the most tumultuous decades of America’s history, an eight-year-old African American girl experiences the anguish of real-life heartache: she loses her beloved father in the Vietnam War, endures the dissolution of her family, and faces the challenge of integration. Yet, through a wise and eccentric old woman, she also discovers the tenacity of joy. A powerful, eye-opening read!

My review:

     This is an incredible thought provoking story!

     Most of the way through this book I wanted to just wrap my arms around Shirley and comfort her. She had more problems and heart ache than I could even imagine. The author did an amazing job of making the difficulties that African Americans dealt with in the late 1960s come alive for me. I had heard some of what they faced but now I have a much deeper understanding of it.

     I loved Mother Johnson. She was an amazingly wise woman. I was fascinated by the fact that though she was a black woman living in Tyler, Texas in 1969, there were white people that came to her with their problems seeking wisdom. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the scripture (without references) and discussion of God that came out in this book. I found many things that were an encouragement to me for my own life.

     I borrowed this book from the library of a small church that we have started visiting occasionally. I’m really glad that I did. I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it if you are able to find a copy.

Brittle Diamonds by Hilary Walker

Title: Brittle Diamonds

Author: Hilary Walker

Pages: 294

Release Date: July 4, 2018

Genre: Christian Fiction

Publisher: CKN Christian Publishing

Format: eBook (also available in Paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     Father Peter is the beloved parish priest of Brotherton village.

     But when allegations of misconduct mysteriously surface against him, his parishioners are thrown into turmoil. What should they believe?

     Father Peter’s own faith starts to crumble when a close priest friend commits suicide. Then bizarre circumstances throw him together with Matt Goldworth, a non-believer.

     Matt finds himself helping a clergyman of the very Church he despises and discovering a solution to the mystery no one could have foreseen.

My review:

     A thought provoking look at life in a country town.

     This book is set in a small town in England. There is talk of fox hunts, horse shows, and other country activities. There is a wide variety of characters just like you would expect to find in any town. The way they interact with each other is expressed very well. 

     The problems that the characters face are varied and easy to understand. Some of them I was able to relate to more than others. One of them I just shook my head and thought, “What were they thinking.”

     I loved the parish priest, Father Peter. He has his own problems facing him and yet he is willing to help everyone that comes to him. As his problems loom larger and larger I was amazed at the way he handled himself and continued to encourage others around him. His faith in God and the Catholic Church was inspiring.

     It was interesting to see who rallied around him and who turned their backs on him.  The way that the truth came out was great. 

     I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

     I have decided to give this story a 5 star rating. I am recommending it. It does address a couple of deep topics that take some time to consider.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*