The Reason by William Sirls ~ review

"The Reason" was different kind of read for me, one that once I started reading I was loathe to put down. I will admit the first couple of chapters took a bit to get thru, but that was because we were learning all the characters in the story, but once I figured out who was who I was drawn in. 

When a severe thunder storm strikes a tiny Michigan town, part of the aftermath is that a fifteen foot cross that been a landmark, a beacon and symbol for so many that had been in front of St. Thomas church is has been damaged, leaving everyone in the congregation wondering how and if it can be repaired. About the same time a mysterious stranger happens into town, who wants to help repair the cross, but in the end he does so much more.

This is one of those stories that really portrays its characters as real people with real problems,easy to connect with. The character that really stands out for me was Kenneth.He always seemed to be wherever he was needed, and the message of just believe was one that was needed. While I was a bit dissapointed with the ending, overall I did enjoy this book. There is a reading guide included which would make this book perfect for book group discussion.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

The Choice by Robert Whitlow ~ review

"The Choice" by Robert Whitlow is a book that really grabbed me from the beginning.It's a thought provoking story about choices and how they affect our lives.The year is 1974 and Sandy Lincoln seem to have everything a young girl could want. She is a popular girl has her dream boyfriend and is a cheer leader. Her world is turned upside down though when she winds up pregnant. The choices she decides to make aren't easy, but she makes them none the less. 

Then we fast forward and the second half of the story becomes about a grown up Sandy, as a teacher she finds herself helping a teen girl in the same position she was in all those years ago."The Choice" is one of those books that once you start reading you really can't put down. I found myself drawn to the characters and what they were going thru. As a male reader of this story, I found myself thinking about the time period in which Sandy had to make her choice verses the difference in the way the world views things thirty years later when she is helping to guide someone else. Even though I hadn't heard of this author before picking up this story, I now will be looking for more of his work, because he certainly has a way of telling a story that will have it worming into your head and staying put even after you finish reading it.

This book was provided by Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.