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The setting: 1945 Cat Lake Mississippi,
The Players: Seven year old Missy Parker, her brother Bobby and their friend Junior Washington.
Demons inhabiting water moccasins
God
Fear and faith
Young Junior is a new believer and concerned that his friends know the love of Jesus and that they will go to heaven when they die. Junior is also very afraid of snakes. Missy Parker is a spark of a child destined to do great things for God and the Enemy is primed to prevent her. When the attack comes, on the safe lake where the children often played, Junior saves his friend from the venomous water moccasins who are driven to kill the girl. And, that is how the story begins.
In College Missy dates the Christian Man on Campus, but his faith is superficial and he is easily persuaded by demons that coerce him to rape her. Seminary student David Patterson intercedes and a new storyline are born in the form of his brother Pat. The suspense between people, involving faith, romance and spiritual warfare is strong and intense.
Another aspect of the story is the racial tension. In 1945 Mississippi racial tensions were ripe and friendship between blacks and whites was almost non-existent. However, the white Parkers and black Washington families are forced to join in faith to be strong enough to stand against the assault of the enemy.
Snakes, demons, angels, fear, grace and love all in one book. The writing is lean and compelling, the story is scary and yet draws us right in. The outcome is sad and sweet. And the best part? To be continued. A must read for any fan of truth, and spiritual warfare.
(Abiding Darkness was first released as Black or White)
Reviewed by Linda Mae Baldwin
for The Road to Romance
July 9, 2006
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