Review: Life After

Life After by Katie Ganshert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Autumn Manning is a walking miracle, but she can't figure out why and it haunts her. She is the sole survivor of a train crash that killed everyone else aboard. The lives of the other twenty-two people have become an obsession, a way to search for meaning in the chaos of the tragedy. Paul Elliot lost his wife Vivian that day and he's been working hard to shepherd his two children past their grief. But when his daughter, Reese, becomes attached to Autumn, he wonders how they can move forward if they are still connected to the past.

Reading this book was effortless, it was beautifully written, with phrases that were at times spine-tinglingly lyrical. And the characters were likable and believable--people I felt like I could easily know myself. I loved Autumn's family, their meddling and their camaraderie, and Paul's protectiveness and love for his children made him incredibly relatable. The relationship between Autumn and Reese was a great blend of acceptance and awkwardness. The plot was very well done, although there was one small area that felt a little contrived to me, others may not even notice. I don't want to be specific because I feel like it would give away too much and everyone should be able to savor this book as it unfolds. It did not affect my enjoyment of the book at all. I also loved Autumn's journey, it was captivating. She was a survivor in more ways than one.

As good as the writing was, this book shined when it came to the spiritual. Life After is an exploration of "Why". Why me? Why not them? There are no easy answers and Katie Ganshert doesn't offer any, but the exploration of the questions themselves are deeply affecting and intriguing. This is a book that will stay with you long after you read the last page.

Life After is a beautifully written, thought-provoking book that confronts the reader with deep spiritual questions. Don't miss the opportunity to read this fascinating and inspiring story.


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Review: True to You

True to You by Becky Wade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Genealogist Nora Bradford spends her days at the historic village that she owns, looking into the pasts of others and trying to put her own behind her. With she crosses paths with former Navy Seal and medal of honor recipient John Lawson, she offers her services on a whim and to her surprise, he gives her a call. It turns out John has discovered an inherited condition that forces him to dig into his past as an adopted child to find answers. These two couldn't be more opposite, but the more time they spend together, the more they seem to fit somehow. But John's already dating someone else and Nora has scars of her own to overcome. Will their faith be strong enough to see them through the whatever lies before them both?

I absolutely sunk into this novel. The writing was enthralling, it was easy to get lost in the fictional world of Nora and John. I hated every moment I had to look away from the story!

Becky Wade is a genius at characterization. I felt like I knew Nora. I could see how she dressed and understood why. I got to know her sisters, Willow and Britt - and enough crumbs were dropped about them that I cannot wait to read their stories! I also think this author is so good at writing men who don't sound like a woman's idea of what a man sounds like. John's point of view sounded like a man, a man who was struggling and trying to problem solve, but still a man. All of the characters had depth. They were people who I could see hanging out with or being friends with.

Spiritually, there was a wonderful message in this book about trusting God when you can't see what He's doing. The message flowed naturally out of the characters themselves, so it didn't feel forced or preachy.

The story itself dealt with deep, and at times heart-breaking, issues but everything was handled gracefully, with several moments that had me smiling, others tearing up, and one that took me by complete surprise.

This is the kind of book you hate to close. It's one of those rare stories that manages to combine charm and poignancy in perfect measure. It's sweet and romantic, but with serious depth. Another winner for Becky Wade!

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