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Young newlywed/widow Deborah Haskin meets Gideon Claremont at her husband Andy’s funeral. Gideon served with Andy in Korea. He begins to take the young widow under his care. Gideon comes to the farm to do remaining chores left undone by Andy’s death. It’s not long before feelings develop between the two and Gideon proposes.
Gideon’s secret seems innocent enough at the beginning. Deborah voices her concern a few times. But, when it’s evident Gideon’s behavior will effect everything about their family, Deborah battles with a tangle of feelings: doubt, shame, and anger. She turns from the One who truly can help because Gideon’s secret shadows everything. Deborah is unable to stop the crack in the foundation of their lives and when the dam finally bursts Deborah is helpless to stop the devastating flood.
Only God can rescue Gideon from himself, only God can heal the pain in Deborah’s heart; but God can, only if they ask Him. Will they be able to see beyond their own issues to reach out for the love balm He offers?
BEYOND THE SHADOWS is a heartwarming, heart wrenching read. Written from a few different points of view, we have access to the thoughts of not only Deborah but also her parents, their Pastor, some neighbors…folks who should have been tuned in to see the problem, strong and caring enough to address the problem yet did nothing. Nothing until it was almost too late. Isn’t that the way it often goes? We church goers are masters at hiding pain, addictions, and social faux pas. It’s not the way we want to be, but we’re so fearful of being judged and condemned we seal our secrets in and pray it always stays secure.
Any reader can identify with the situations/characters and plot in this book. The gripping writing compels us to read on, hoping the situation will get better, but loops and turns Ms. Hatcher spins in the plot leaves us breathless at the end.
Ms. Hatcher offers more than a story. At the end of the book are discussion
questions and an interview with the author, who reveals her own shadows
and the basis for the book.
I don’t have to say it – but I highly recommend this book. It should be in the library of every church. It should be read by anyone who has ever felt the burden of keeping a secret that has shadowed their lives.
Reviewed by Linda Mae Baldwin
for The Road to Romance
June 7, 2004
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