AUTHOR: Gloria Repp
DATE: 2012
STARS: ****
The paperweight—a summons to courage . . . A new home, new love, new fears . . . and a mystery. How will she face the challenge? And what does God have in mind?
Madeleine, a young widow, is determined to break free from her paralyzing memories and controlling family. Her father’s gift spurs her to declare independence, and she joins her aunt’s house-restoration project in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. Two men enter her life, bringing joy, conflict, and danger. She’ll need courage to fight the treachery she discovers and faith to step into a new life of promise. Can she do it?
Because I’d read the second of this series first, I looked for familiar names as I began to read. The lack of surnames in the opening scene confused me a bit, and I was relieved when it was revealed the Madeleine was also known as Mollie. That grounded me in the story, and the rest was an emotional and enjoyable journey.
While The Forever Stone employs a slightly slower plot than Deep Focus (book 2), the depth of each character drew me in, and the secrets and discoveries kept me riveted. The author deals with deep grief gently and unflinchingly. I learned a great deal through this story, as it took me through grief, hope, puzzlement, anger, joy and understanding. I will carry these characters in my heart for a long time.
I received a copy of The Forever Stone from the author; all opinions are my own and unsolicited. I truly enjoyed this story and give it a strong four stars. Recommended.