Arms of A Sister

Book: The Weight of Shadows
Author: Alison Strobel
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication Date: May 7, 2010
ISBN: 9780310289456
Pages: 320
Price: $14.00
Category: Christian Fiction

From the Back Cover

After a difficult childhood, Kim has built a successful life for herself. She’d leave it all, though, if she could be rid of her guilt over a tragic mistake she made years ago. When she meets Rick, she finds everything she needs, even a way for her to pay for her sins.

Kim and Rick’s new neighbor, Joshua, knows more than Kim realizes about Rick, but Joshua has battles of his own to fight. Having already lost his wife and his job, he risks giving his in-laws the ammunition they need to gain custody of his daughter if he gets involved.

Debbie, who has saved countless women from abuse through the shelter she runs, has the power to help, but she might be as desperate for love as the women she serves. Ultimately Kim must decide if her penance is more important than protecting an innocent life—and if she should dare leave Rick when he has the power to bring her hidden crime to light.

A gripping novel, The Weight of Shadows explores how the choices we make – and the courage we find to forgive – can touch the lives of others forever.

My Thoughts

What’s holding you back from living your best life? From being you?
We don’t forgive ourselves. We did something, in our past, that we just haven’t gotten over. God has forgiven us. The person we hurt has probably forgiven us. But we haven’t forgiven ourselves. And because we haven’t – we’re stuck. We fell that we’re not worthy of something better or we feel that we’re getting what we deserve. Or both. So we have stopped living in the moment, and continue to live in the past. This hurts us and it hurts our families and friends.

Off-topic: I used to volunteer when I was in high school and college. I don’t know exactly how I stopped, but I’ve been having a hard time getting started back up. Ya know – single mom, more than full-time job, not a lot of free time, nor money for a sitter, and on, and on. But I was only a few pages into this book when I opened my computer, did a search on Google, found what I was looking for, and shot off an email. I sent it to the director of a non-profit organization offering my time for a few hours each week. I just needed a little nudge, and this book gave it to me. No excuses. Not anymore, anyway. We’ll see where it goes, but I’ve taken the first step. By the time this post is up on my blog, a couple of months should have passed, with some progress made.

Back on-topic: This book was so real. It wasn’t over-the-top. It wasn’t missing any details. It was just exactly right. For me, anyway. My favorite parts were the “starting over” parts. Each of the characters had something that was holding them back from living in the moment. Something in their past they were afraid to give up. For Joshua, it was the death of his wife. For Kim, it was a tragic occurrence when she was a foster child. For Debbie, it was the last conversation she had with her sister before her sister died. But they each also have someone who is rooting for them. They just don’t realize it. And the ending has an oh-my-goodness! twist that I wasn’t expecting – at all!

This is a Christian fiction book. If that scares you, then this book isn’t for you. If you simply don’t understand Christianity, then you should take a look, since the characters will try to break-it-down for you. But it’s not in-your-face. I like that.

About the Author

Alison Strobel writes novels that explore life, love and faith. She lives in Colorado with her husband and two daughters. Visit her at www.alisonstrobel.com. Her other books include: Worlds Collide (2005), Violette Between (2006), and That’s Where God Is (September 2010).

The Giveaway

Zondervan and Alison Strobel have allowed me to offer 1 copy of this great book as a giveaway! Thanks y’all!
How to Enter: Please leave a separate comment for each thing you do.
Giveaway Ends: July 16, 2010
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Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are 100% mine.

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