Moon Over Edisto: A Review

After a slow start featuring too many characters to keep up with, Moon Over Edisto picks up the pace and delivers a beautiful tale of the hurt of betrayal and the peace forgiveness brings. When Mr. Bennett leaves his family for a younger woman, one who happens to be his daughter Julia's best friend, the family is fractured forever, and he passes away before Julia can reconcile with him. When the new Mrs. Bennett becomes ill and Julia is the only one who can come watch her three children, the past comes back demanding attention.

The book switches point of view between almost every character in the book, which makes for a rocky start. It was hard to keep up with everyone that quickly. However, once I remembered who each person was, I loved this book, especially the chapters from Etta's point of view. Etta is one of Julia's half-sisters, the one who loves painting as much as Julia and their father and also the one who refuses to speak. Her thoughts were deeper than her age.

The character development moves quickly, and the author does a great job of balancing all the different characters while maintaining the common thread of forgiveness and healing.

Fans of Christian fiction will enjoy this book.

I received this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts are my own.

Sunrise on the Battery: A Review

Slow Read with a Rushed Ending!

I know the title of my review sounds misleading, but that's how this book was for me.

Mary Lynn and her husband Jackson grew up with very little, and as a result, they feel they have to ensure their three daughters experience everything they never had: culture, college, influential friends, and social status. The pressure to measure up has a negative effect on their oldest daughter Catherine, so when Mary Lynn begins to go to church, she prays her family will come to know Jesus like she does. When Jackson finally accepts Christ, he dives in head-first, and Mary Lynn begins to wonder what exactly she prayed for.

The first three-fourths of the book dragged out...lots of reflection and old memories. The last part has so many character changes that it seems unbelievable. For example, Catherine just suddenly overcomes a serious problem without the parents finding out, and a minor character who was a supportive friend randomly wants more. I enjoy books told from different points of view, but I found myself skimming a lot of the book because I just didn't really care what happened because the characters weren't well-developed.

The storyline has a lot of potential, especially Catherine's struggle. The book just spent too much time with character's reflections instead of their growth or some action.

I was given this book in exchange for my review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.