Review of The Joy of Falling by Lindsay Harrel

The Joy of Falling by Lindsay Harrel

The Joy of Falling takes you on a journey with two women who have both lost their husbands in the same accident. The two sisters-in-law share the loss, but their grief and lives are very different. They, along with their husbands’ friend, decide to do an ultra-marathon that their husbands had signed up for in New Zealand. Neither are prepared for the challenges that this trip and marathon will present them with. Not only do the physical challenges of a multi-day 155-mile race hit them, but they must face fears, lost dreams, an unknown future, anger, and grief. Both ladies have hurts and memories, and must reconcile their past and present before they can face whatever the future brings. Their stories stir emotions and give a face to the pain that is lived out in the midst of loss. The New Zealand setting is vivid and realistic. (You may wish to travel there!) The story will touch your heart, and even as you feel their pain, you sense the hope found in faith and move forward with the characters in to a new and fuller life.

Review of The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate

I had a hard time starting this because it tackles some hard issues. But as I read, I got immersed in the stories and in the characters’ lives. The details in this story deepen the story and make it real. This book is exquisite in taking 2 timelines and making them both go full circle to totally relate to each other. I had never heard about the lost friends published in a newspaper so past slaves could find family and others. This is a slice of history that is sad, but also showed people of incredible fortitude and strength who never gave up. It also shows people who truly care about others, both in the past and in more recent times. I can’t stop thinking about the story and all the characters in it. They have become real to me. It is a must read.