Beyond the Storm~ by Carolyn Zane

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Beyond the Storm Abingdon Press (October 2012) by Carolyn Zane
My Review:  I must say I was completely surprised by this book.  It began with a snapshot into the lives of several residents in Ralston with Abigail, a seemingly shallow salon owner, at the center.  There was an introduction into each of the resident’s stories that while entertaining was not something that left me hungering for more and then the storm hits.  From the moment the storm begins to form the book had me hooked.  The description of people’s fears, reactions, internal turmoil, and the descriptions of the aftermath was so gripping that I felt like I had been through this tragedy with the characters.  I found myself holding my breath as they looked for their loved ones and tried to put their lives back together.   I thought this book was an amazing testimony to the sovereignty of God and how even through the darkest of circumstances He provides us with the hope that can see us through.  I highly recommend this book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author of 35 books, wife, mother and yes…hot (flasher) lives with her fabulous husband, Matt and their 5 children and 3 dogs in the scenic Willamette Valley in Oregon. When asked to describe her family, Carolyn likens her crowd to the Brangelia Bunch saying modestly, “Only we’re better looking.” Right now,Carolyn is back in the saddle with her new title: Beyond The Storm, coming out in October 2012! In the mean time, be sure to catch her on the critically acclaimed TOOHOTMAMAS Blog where Carolyn and Wendy tackle Marriage, motherhood and menopause: How to do all three and stay out of prison! They are hilarious! You'll wet yourself, guaranteed! Visit them at: www.toohotmamas.wordpress.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK

After a tornado rips through her town, store owner Abigail comes across a piece of fabric from a wedding dress among the devastation. Abigail is moved to start collecting other swatches of fabric she finds – her neighbor’s kitchen curtains, a man’s necktie, a dog’s bed – which she stashes in shopping bags. As she pursues her seemingly absurd quest, horrible realities spark the question, “What kind of a God would allow such tragedy?” 

As she struggles to reconcile her right to happiness amidst the destruction, Abigail begins piecing together a patchwork quilt from the salvaged fabric in hopes it will bring some peace. But a new relationship with Justin, a contractor, may require too much of her fragile heart.  Will her pain and questions of faith give way to the courage to love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Beyond the Storm, go HERE.