Friday, October 14, 2011

THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE by Susan May Warren

A heartfelt story of learning to trust God through tragedy. This story was one of hope for two families who were both affected by a tragic shooting and how everyone in the family deals with the sorrow in different ways. I felt the author did a great job of getting inside Noelle and Eli (the husband and wife) and helping you feel their pain and how they started to grow apart. A good message on keeping communication open and letting your partner in on what you are going through.

The beginning line in the book described Noelle so well. "Noelle longed for the redemption that came with a fresh snow." She is struggling with the death of her daughter and a failing marriage. Then she finds herself in an accident and she has lost her memory of the last 25 years. Eli, her husband is also struggling with their marriage when he finds himself having to help his wife recover her memory and getting a chance to start all over again. I liked the way the author brought out the fact that, "faith wasn't about trusting God when it was easy. Faith appeared when God seemed farthest away." There were others affected by this tragedy, it was not just centered on Noelle and Eli and I fully appreciated the way each person was portrayed. I felt their pain and rejoiced in their healing. The ending, which ties in the title of this book, was also well done. It didn't have to have everything wrapped up and all the loose ends put together, but left you with the feeling that all things would work out for good. This was a story that will stick with you long after you read it. Good job Susan May Warren!

Thanks to Tyndale Publishing via NetGalley for sending me this book to review.

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (January 1, 2012)
ISBN-10: 1414334834
ISBN-13: 978-1414334837
Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches

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