I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Published by Stonewater Books on October 10th 2017
Source: Litfuse Publicity Group
Genres: American, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Holidays, Social Issues
Pages: 208
Arson wasn't the only fire that ignited between them.
Promises shattered.
Lies spoken.
She was arrested.
He returned to the safety of his wealthy parents.Almost ten years later, Hadley and Monroe are both specialists in the field of speech therapy. They meet again . . . thrown together to help a four-year-old-girl rendered mute after being rescued from a fire.
Years of secrets and anger beg to be set free as Hadley and Monroe try to push aside past hurts and find common ground in order to help the traumatized child and her family.
Can the love of Christmas past drift into the present, bringing healing and hope for all?
One word, WOW! I’m usually not crazy about contemporary fiction but this book was amazing. I’ve never seen a book that explores speech problems and selective mutism. In fact, I’d never heard of selective mutism until therapists sprang it on me that they thought my daughter suffered from it. Long story short, my daughter had been injured while having a mold removed for orthotics and she stopped speaking in certain social situations. She spoke (and very well) at home but spoke not a single word in public or during therapy sessions.
Additionally, this book explores the world of foster care and the struggles that children will carry on into their adult lives. For Hadley and Elliot, there are lifelong feelings of abandonment and trust issues, anger even. Not to mention the stigma they face for having been in foster care.
These characters were heartbreaking, authentic and genuine. I was pleasantly surprised by how beautifully Cindy and Erin pulled this story together. These were characters I loved to love and a couple that I wanted to hate.
Overall, I would suggest this book to others who love Cindy Woodsmall’s fiction. This is so different from her Amish books but every bit as good. It’s different. The themes are so different from any other contemporary book that I’ve read to date.
About Cindy Woodsmall
Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times and CBA best-selling author who has written nineteen (and counting!) works of fiction and one of nonfiction. She and her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud, coauthored the nonfiction, Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women. Cindy’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life. In June of 2013, the Wall Street Journal listed Cindy as one of the top three Amish fiction writers. – Learn more about Cindy at: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com
About Erin Woodsmall
Erin Woodsmall is a writer, musician, wife, and mom of three. She has edited, brainstormed, and researched books with Cindy for almost a decade. She is very excited about their first coauthored book.
An excellent review! I’m starting this book today, and it was very helpful reading this review. Now, I’m more excited to start this book. ?
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! :)