Lydia Eldredge longs to provide sanctuary for her young son, Nicky. But a constant threat comes from Nicky's drug-addicted father, who wants the boy and seems willing to do whatever it takes to get him.
Dr. Micah Hatcher faithfully serves the immigrant population of Queens, New York. But under cover of darkness, he has a secret mission that challenges everything he thought he wanted out of life.
When Lydia and Micah's paths cross, they are suddenly wrapped up in each other's callings. Together, they seek a refuge of safety-for Nicky, for themselves, and for the needy people God puts into their lives. Amid turmoil and discord, can hope and love prevail?
Sawyer knows exactly how to reach out and grab you. From the very first sentence she captures your attention and makes you fall in love with her characters. You want to find a pet for Nicky, a resolution for Lydia, and a home for Micah. As each roadblock comes into sight, you only want to reach peace that much more.
Yet that's the point of the book: that we don't choose our own endings because, as much as we'd like to think that we do, we aren't in control and we don't know best. Sometimes we have to walk the hard road of trust in order to see the wonders that God has planned for us all along. Micah has a way of sharing this resolutely but kindly just as Lydia becomes able to point out the glory in the plan afterwards, leaving you with an "Oh, yeah, now I get it," feeling.
Sawyer doesn't take the easy way out on this one, but she instead makes her characters walk a harder and harder path in every way - emotionally, romantically, parentally, and physically. There are troubles with characters whom you know and love and those far away whom you've never met. Sawyer has packed a powerful punch with this one - it's so tightly woven that her theme of trusting in God's providence is woven into every singe page.
I was surprised to read of Micah's connection to the Holocaust within these pages, especially since I've always considered Sawyer's books to be overwhelmingly sweet, but I love the way that she handles it: with tact, grace, confidence, and kindness. Micah's angle is also fresh and different.
Micah and Lydia are characters who will stand the test of time. Because of their strength, determination, and timelessness of their problems, you'll forget that you're reading about a long-ago era because if feels as if you're reading about your neighbors - and you'll want to walk over and help them out.
Don't miss out on their story.
You can read other reviews on this bloggy hop here; or, click here to purchase your own copy now.
Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of twenty-one novels, including several CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women's fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in central Kansas, and have three daughters and nine grandchildren.
I received a free copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
