Blog? Want Free Books? Let's Chat.

Good Book

by Amanda Stephan

August 31, 2012

@amandastephan

When I read the blurb of The Widow of Saunders Creek, it grabbed my attention. Being raised in church by Christian parents, I already have my own, very strong beliefs. And, quite frankly, I wanted to know how this author would deal with these issues. Is it possible for the dead to come back and try to contact their left behind loved ones? Would this author have the nerve to teach things the way the Bible does, or would she hedge and skirt the problem? Would she try to please everyone ~ knowing that it's impossible? Knowing that someone, somewhere was going to be upset or be in disagreement with her?

We've all heard it. Goodness, I myself have heard it when my own uncle passed away. "I saw him the other day. Real as life. He's trying to give me comfort..." Having been taught since I was young to measure everything up to the Bible alone, this whole conversation was foreign to me.

Tracey Bateman did a good job writing this book. She caught the emotional turmoil the main character was going through during her grief as well as her growth. Eli was a great contrast in mannerisms to Jerrod, his deceased cousin. Without coming out and telling you Jerrod was selfish, she painted the picture and allowed the reader to decide for themselves. Was he just impulsive or did he have glory-hound tendencies? Was he selfish and immature? She lets the reader decide. I like that in a book. Don't tell me, let me decide. I think the way the author handled the relational situations between the main character and her in-laws was spot on and skillfully done. How many of us think ill of our in-laws? They're evil. They hate us. They deserve it. (Whatever.) Not in this book, and I found that refreshing. I enjoyed the way the in-laws behaved toward Corrie and, to be honest, there were several times I wanted to smack some sense into Corrie regarding them.

I even think Ms. Bateman did a good job in regards to the spirit. What would a young widow want it to be? If I was in her place and pining over the loss of my husband, you better believe I'd want it to be him. Would I be willing to listen right away to someone who was trying to take that away from me? Even as a strong believer, it would be difficult. Very.

As a picky mother of teenagers, I wouldn't have issues with the spiritual aspect of this book. They were skillfully done and well written. I don't think Ms. Bateman sugar-coated what was really going on, and she didn't try to gloss over the occult issue. I enjoyed this book, and I will read it again.