I am not sure what I was expecting when I decided I wanted to read this book. It is one of the most depressing books I've ever read. The story begins with Mara being called in to the principal's office of her youngest son's school, her daughter's profligate ways, and her oldest son's drug addiction and arrests. On the heels of all of that, she is being asked to work double shifts at the cheese factory sales room, the sump pump in the basement has quit working, the dishwasher needs some help, and her husband is in Africa working with a company to provide clean water for remote villages. Mara is not a very pleasant person to be around due to her reactions to her situation. When word comes that her husband has been killed due to a rather unfortunate accident, Mara's world falls apart at the seams. A month later, her youngest son dies of a drug overdose. The rest of the book is filled with Mara's dealing with her overwhelming grief and trying to hold body and soul together for her remaining two children.
Cynthia Ruchti writes about the hard things in life. I've read several of her books and truly enjoyed them, but this one left me cold. There are redeeming parts to the tale, Mara reconnects with her two oldest children and her forever friend, and she comes to resolve some of her issues--especially her issues with God. Three stars.
Revell Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
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