On the eve of her
husband Paul’s 41st birthday Pamela receives news that will forever change
her life. After a dinner with friends – where Paul’s unusual almost rude
behavior ruins the evening, Paul aims an arrow of sin at his wife and shoots straight to
her heart. He’s been having an affair for the past six years, and now, he wants a
divorce. Seems Paul realizes he does not love her and probably never has. Their marriage
was a mistake twenty years ago, and he can’t live the lie any longer. Oh, the person
he’s having an affair with is Danae, another church member. As soon as the divorce is
completed, they will marry.
Angie, Pam and Paul’s
college-bound daughter, cannot believe her father is having an affair. It will not affect
her if he moves out of the home, because she feels he was never there for her anyway.
Always her mom took care of things, supporting and encouraging her. But, Angie is livid
with her father. How can he go to church and live such a hypocritical life?
Pamela holds onto
their marriage vow promise of ‘till death us do part,’ and is unable to believe
the man she’s loved most of her life no longer cares. Her earnest prayers seem to do
nothing. Paul says he never loved her. How can he believe the last twenty years have been
a mistake?
JUMPING INTO SUNSET
handles divorce, adultery and spiritual disobedience with the velvet hammers of God’s
discipline, grace and forgiveness. It is not an easy book to read. The sin is almost too
real. Unfortunately, the story could be one of many real tales in churches across America.
But, too often, Christian fiction gives reconciliation to divorce stories as the only
option. What happens when this isn’t possible? Many Christian marriages fall victim
to the lusts of the world and divorces are more prevalent then ever. While the book is
gritty, it is good, and I read it in one sitting.
Ms. Ringling shows
spiritual insight and applies the balm of God’s unconditional love to the ragged
wound of this couple’s sin. JUMPING INTO SUNSET is one book I highly recommend, for
your personal library. Pick up one to donate to your church library – there is
probably someone who needs it.
Reviewed by Linda
Mae Baldwin for The Road to Romance
September 3,
2003 |
