My Review:
It was supposed to be a normal Labor Day weekend for the Brannon’s, which includes steaks on the grill. Jill Brannon was on her way home after a teacher’s conference, and her husband Mitch was preparing to cook the steaks. Hours passed and Jill still hadn’t returned home. The police were contacted, and every bit of information was thoroughly checked to no avail. Jill seemed to have disappeared off the face of the earth.
I found this story to be a realistic look at what a family might go through in a similar situation. The worry, the frustration, the despair, and then giving the situation to God, knowing He is ready and able to listen to and comfort His children. I found the characters to be realistic and very likeable people who could very possibly be next-door neighbors. As I read, I became emotionally attached to the characters and experienced many of the same ups and downs that they had.
A story of love and loss, and learning to lean on the One who is able to carry us through the difficult times, and Who is able to turn our mourning into dancing. Just remember to keep the tissue box handy, because, if you are like me, the tears will be rolling down your face as you read this story.
About the Book:
When Mitchell Brannon’s beloved wife of twenty years kisses him goodbye one autumn morning, he has little idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised Jill’s car isn’t in the garage. Her conference in Kansas City is only a few hours’ drive from their little town of Sylvia, Missouri. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. “Hey, babe, I’m just now checking out of the hotel, but I’ll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you.”
Mitch sets the table with their best china and lights some candles, looking forward to their first weekend as empty nesters.
But at eight o’clock, the candles have burned to stubs and Jill still hasn’t shown up. Mitch tries her cell phone only to get her voice mail over and over again. Their two college kids haven’t heard from their mom either.
At midnight, Mitch’s irritation turns to dread. And later, when the police and Missouri Highway Patrol have turned up nothing, the Kansas City hotel calls to say they’ve found property belonging to Jill in a hotel maid’s possession.
Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill’s best friend, Shelley, and together they search for clues to Jill’s disappearance. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, Mitch and Shelley’s friendship grows ever closer—and decidedly complicated with Jill as the tie that binds them together. Just when Shelley decides to finally reveal her feelings for Mitch, a clue to Jill’s whereabouts is uncovered. But every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.
Would you like to purchase a copy?.
Meet Deborah:
Deborah Raney is the award-winning author of several novels, including "A Nest of Sparrows" and the RITA award winning "Beneath a Southern Sky" and its sequel, "After the Rains." Deborah's first novel, "A Vow to Cherish," was the inspiration for World Wide Pictures' highly acclaimed film of the same title, which in December 2004 aired on prime time network TV for the second time. Deb's novella, "Playing by Heart," was a National Readers Choice Award winner and a 2004 Christy Award finalist. Her novel for Howard/Simon & Schuster, "Yesterday’s Embers," appeared on the ECPA Christian fiction bestseller list. Known for her sensitive portrayal of family struggles and relationships, Deb has also written nonfiction books and articles and often speaks at women's retreats and writers' conferences around the country. She and her husband, illustrator/author Ken Raney, have four children and make their home in Kansas.
Deborah invites you to visit her website to learn more.
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Deborah is celebrating with a fun "Date Night" Giveaway (win a $200 Visa Cash Card!) and an Author Chat Party on Facebook! {5/30}
- A $200 Visa Cash Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one – your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
- The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney
Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 30th!
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Blessings,
** The Face of the Earth Deborah Raney was provided for me free as an Advanced Reading Copy (ACR) by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.
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