Facing the Dawn by Cynthia Ruchti

 This is a very "heavy" book.  It is written in an almost dark tone.  It deals with some very serious issues that evolve around unexpected deaths.  There is a lot of criss cross emotional confusion among characters.  The family struggles with anger, sorrow, bitterness and guilt.  The book's slow progress towards resolution matches the processes involved in the stages of grief.  While at times this book has a feeling of hopelessness it eventually breaks forward into acceptance, strengthen ties and new life.

I received this book from the publishers but was not required to write a positive review.

Miriam's Song by Jill Eileen Smith

 

I found this book hard to stay focused with.  It started with 5 year old Miriam’s conversations with her mother being way above her years.  It was frustrating to read dialogue that seemed unrealistic to me between a 5 year old and adult.  I had to push past that frustration to read the rest of the book.  It appears the author was trying to reconcile the seemingly harsh judgements of God on infractions of the law with His deep and intimate relationship with Moses.  However, the scenes depicted made it appear as if God has favorites.  This was disturbing to me.  I can appreciate the author’s motives but this story just didn’t resonate with me.  It was disappointing compared to her other books.

I received this book from the publisher but was not required to write a positive review.