Aunt Tweet was introduced in the first book of this series, Lean on Me, as she was beginning her descent into dementia. In this book, her deterioration comes quickly, but not before Tabitha calls a church near Rachel to send a minister to pray for Rachel and Aunt Tweet. The minister who shows up at the door is Nicholas Adams, a fine looking man with a gentle way about him and a deep faith. He reads Psalm 23 for Aunt Tweet and when he comes to the verse about the valley of the shadow of death, Rachel breaks down. She knows she is losing Aunt Tweet and she doesn't cope well at all.
Through the prayer ministry of the church, Rachel is introduced to some people who will become so important to her, especially Mother Jenkins. Mother Jenkins is a "take no prisoners" kind of woman who talks to God with expectation. She is also protective of Minister Adams, and warns him away from "Jezebels" who would destroy him.
Pat has shown through this novel that life is messy, even the Christian life. It comes with no promises of a rosy, well-ordered being that glides right on through to eternity. Almost immediately after surrendering her life to Christ, Rachel finds a lump in her breast that sends her on a tailspin into depression and denial, but Nicholas' steadfast presence in her life keeps her from capsizing entirely. I loved the way Pat handled Rachel's illness and her responses to the diagnosis and treatment. Rachel's actions and reactions were real for the situations she was involved in. Nicholas' attitudes and dedication to Rachel made him the perfect match for her, especially the way he kept her family in the loop about her health and well-being.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, but the reader will want to have a free afternoon/evening to read it. It is just that enthralling.
SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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