A review by Spencer
by Sarah Loudin Thomas |
It tasted like childhood. Like the days when she still imagined anything was possible—a happy marriage, children, a long life filled with love and laughter. ~Appalachian Serenade
WWII
has ended, and Delilah Morrissey, a childless widow, has a difficult time
living on her own in Chicago. Her job has been phased out due to the flood of
returning soldiers, so an offer from her sister Charlotte, inviting her to come
back home to Wise, West Virginia to stay with her and her family, provides a
huge sense of relief. Once there, she
realizes her sister’s small home is cramped and her presence is causing
problems with Charlotte’s husband. She longs for a job so she can make it on
her own.
Delilah’s
innate ability to sense the townsfolk’s wants and needs lands her an unexpected, exciting opportunity to work at Thorntons’ store. She frequented the store when she was a youngster, particularly fond of their caramel cream
candies. When Robert, the storeowner, offers her a few pieces of her beloved
treat, a seed of belonging is planted, and a wonderful friendship blooms.
Appalachian Serenade is a prequel novella of the Appalachian Blessings series, by Sarah Loudin Thomas. This is Ms. Thomas’ first publication, and I’m eagerly awaiting her first Novel, Miracle in a Dry Season.
I’m
excited about this series. At first glance, Appalachian Serenade’s cover art is gorgeous and telling, (although I wonder why one of the woman's arms is white and the other appears to be black. Heh.) The cover shows a woman in a
country-style dress, carrying a suitcase. Perfect! Because it demonstrates what
the story is about, a young widow escaping her dreadful past and returning home
to a new life in her rural town.
For
a light novella, the story is heavy in depth and brimming with interesting,
memorable characters. I love the awkwardness of Robert, the uncertainty of
Delilah, the impetuous behavior of Suzanne (Delilah’s new friend) and the diverse, charming, and fickle townsfolk. I enjoyed the original twists and story progression. The
author’s fluid writing style is easy to read and difficult to put down. I can’t wait to
sink into more Appalachian Blessings tales.
Book Rating:
On the same page?
Publisher:
Bethany House Publishers
Page
count: 115
Purchase link: Amazon
Next in the series, Miracle in a Dry Season, releases August 2014. |
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