Title: Before I Saw You
Author: Amy K. Sorrells
Publisher: Tyndale House
Genre: Inspirational Fiction
Folks are dying fast as the ash trees in the southern Indiana town ravaged by the heroin epidemic, where Jaycee Givens lives with nothing more than a thread of hope and a quirky neighbor, Sudie, who rescues injured wildlife. After a tragedy leaves her mother in prison, Jaycee is carrying grief and an unplanned pregnancy she conceals because she trusts no one, including the kind and handsome Gabe, who is new to town and to the local diner where she works.
Dividing her time between the diner and Sudie's place, Jaycee nurses her broken heart among a collection of unlikely friends who are the closest thing to family that she has. Eventually, she realizes she can't hide her pregnancy any longer--not even from the baby's abusive father, who is furious when he finds out. The choices she must make for the safety of her unborn child threaten to derail any chance she ever had for hope and redemption. Ultimately, Jaycee must decide whether the truest form of love means hanging on or letting go.
About Amy Sorrells:
A long time believer in the power of story to change lives, Amy got her start in journalism and medical writing. Her work has been featured in a wide array of publications including newspapers and medical journals. Her novels have been shortlisted for the 2014 Inspy awards, semi-finalists for the ACFW Genesis awards, and a winner of the 2011 Women of Faith writing contest.
An Indianapolis native and graduate of DePauw University, Amy lives with her husband, three sons and a gaggle of golden retrievers in central Indiana.
My Thoughts:
This book is a powerful, emotional roller coaster of a book. I have no experience or knowledge of street drug abuse other than what I've seen on the news so this book was a huge eye opener. I got immersed in the story immediately and I became invested in Jaycee, Sudie, and Gabe's story.
The story is timely with real characters who have lost hope, need grace, and feel lost. Readers who have no first hand knowledge of street drug addiction will be pulled into the story and on some level be able to relate to the characters, because we have all felt hopeless, in need of grace, and lost at one time or another. Ms. Sorrells does a fantastic job of showing that grace, hope, and being found can only come from Christ.
My Bottom Line:
If you enjoy books that are full of emotion, and pack a powerful punch to your soul then look no further. This book will have you invested in the characters and story line. The subject matter is tough and will have you reaching for a Kleenex from time to time. Ms. Sorrells shows the pain of losing your childhood as well as feeling completely hopeless. While the book hit me hard it is also one that I will remember for a long time. These characters will not be forgotten anytime soon!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publishers. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
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