AUTHOR: Marcia Lee Laycock
DATE: 2007
PUBLISHER: Castle Quay Books
STARS: *****
This novel tells the story of Alex Donnelly who is running and trying to hide from nearly everyone. He has picked a good place to do it - the Yukon - but is pursued by friends, enemies, and most effectively, by God. Burning with the need to know about his parents, Alex returns to his birth-city, Seattle, where he discovers that his mother tried to abort him. The trauma sends him on the run again only to find out God has orchestrated a divine appointment for him back in the Yukon. The story is filled with miraculous healing, struggles with rage, and an obsession with revenge for a childhood abuser. It shows that God never gives up on those whom He has chosen. His mercy and grace extend to those who consider themselves unworthy, and even more so, to those who are considered unworthy in the eyes of the world.
Winner of the 2006 Best New Canadian Author award, One Smooth Stone grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. I was hooked on the first page by the author’s vivid descriptions of the Yukon wilderness and the lead character’s powerful secrets. Marcia Lee Laycock layers compelling personalities, intense drama, and harrowing revelations purposefully, to show God’s love and care through the worst circumstances.
I could not put this book down until the very end, which added yet another twist. This is not an easy read, though. Its gritty realism hurts the soul, but its message of hope and redemption brings joy. One Smooth Stone will stay with me for a long, long time. It easily earns five stars. Highly recommended.
Disclaimer: I purchased this book directly from the author.