Time and Again is author Deborah Heal's contemporary look at time travel. This is neither sci-fi nor the usual syrup of Christian fiction. "Weaving History and Faith into Fiction" is Heal's mission and her gift. Shel has done her historical homework for the story's central Illinois setting.
Set in Brighton Illinois, a crumbling mid-western railroad town, the heroine "Abby" leaves her life of privilege to tutor the troubled "Merideth", as what begins as a college service project. Her job is to save this young charge from being held back in school. The story weaves through adolescent bratty-ness, serious family issues, and coming of age for the tutor, young student, and mother alike. Positive values and the message that everyone is a work in progress flow through these pages without any character being dismissive or judgmental. The adventure of discovery comes through a surprising and contemporary portal, connecting 150 years of history to modern lives. God is present and faith is celebrated in the lives of these characters who grow and develop throughout this well told tale. Time and Again is clearly written and interesting as both a story of fiction and a lesson in American history. "Time and Again" is a good and safe book for pre-teen readers yet enjoyable to adults too.
This is the first installment in a series and as such ends rather abruptly. The author is not done with this story. Thanks to the author for giving me a copy of her book in exchange for this review and trusting me with my own opinions.
The invitation to review this book came from an unsolicited email from Deborah Heal. She read the review of another book that I had written and offered a copy. I am clearly not the target demographic of this book. The appeal of the book is more for young women. Heal appeals to me through her marketing strategy. Her website, http://deborahheal.com/ , is comfortable and lacks pretense. Her "Good Books" shelf and ethereal book club have many of my personal must-reads. She is a writer with depth yet finds humor in herself and lacks any artistic pretense.
This depth shows through in the historical facet of this novel. Her research, difficult to dig up in a small town, was thorough. I am a 50 something pastor and history buff from the mid-west who lives in an old Texas railroad town and seldom reads a novel of any style. I found a connection and immediately knew these characters, right down to the little bullies and the guy at the snow cone stand. I also appreciate that she does not over play the heroine by making her perfect. Everyone in the story grows up a little.
Too many books have trashy agendas. Along with a good tale, the book teaches manners, personal hygiene, loving less lovable parents, Finding Christ at a pasty and boring church even when no one is looking, and peeling away the layers of a small town to find treasure in the manure piles. The story also teaches that in Christ you are not stuck where you are forever.
The story is overly romantic for my tastes and fairly predictable but I like the characters and I like the author. She is not bound to a publishing house and writes what God leads her to write with boldness. She also has a clear mastery of the social media in this brave new world of publishing. I appreciate how personal and generous her website it. She is very open in sharing her journey as an author and encourages everyone to tag along with her. I pray for her success and recommend this book and her future installments.
This book might be written for younger women but your review makes it sound interesting to an older woman. We, too, can learn and need to learn about the younger generation and what relates to them in order to teach and show the love of Christ in an unoffensive way. Can this book be helpful in that respect even though written as fiction?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Thoughtful Pastor, for taking the time to explore my book AND to write such a detailed and kind review. And in this brave new world of publishing positive reviews are essential for the indie writer. I'd really like it if you got the chance to read books two and three. It's a coming of age for me too! (Not that I've arrived.) I really appreciate your prayers for my little "weaving" ministry. Thanks
ReplyDeleteP.S. I think "not the usual syrup of Christian fiction" may be the best compliment I've ever received!
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ReplyDeleteThe anonymous comment asks two fair question. Can readers of all ages benefit from this book and can it be helpful in presenting Christ though it is fiction. First, answer yes. There is a broad age appeal for "Time". I had my mother read it, so far she likes it too. Second, I read very little fiction and am far to anal-lytical. Yet, Yes to the value of Christian fiction. I have seen people come closer to Christ through Lucado's fables, the "Shack", Girzone's "Joshua" books and many others. Far more than through the heavy mess that I poke through. The Gospel is an ancient story revealed through the lives of "prophets"/disciples who are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and interpreted into the lives of contemporary people. It is then passed on to the next generation. "Time" is not "offensive" or in-your-face with the good news but shares the rhythm that God has in the Bible. Live unaware-Catch the Word-Grow in Grace-live in Christ. I believe that the author done this intentionally....yes, it is wholesome, interesting and potentially beneficial. This book and genre won't move everyone but there is potentional here. I still think what I wrote but anyone who reads it will catch something.
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