While her humanitarian husband Liam has been digging wells in Africa, Mara Jacobs has been struggling. She knows she’s supposed to feel a warm glow that her husband is nine time zones away, caring for widows and orphans. But the reality is that she is exhausted, working a demanding yet unrewarding job, trying to manage their three detention-prone kids, failing at her to-repair list, and fading like a garment left too long in the sun.

Then Liam’s three-year absence turns into something more, changing everything and plunging her into a sunless grief. As Mara struggles to find her footing, she discovers that even when hope is tenuous, faith is fragile, and the future is unknown, we can be sure we are not forgotten . . . or unloved.

With emotionally evocative prose that tackles tough topics with tenderness and hope, award-winning author Cynthia Ruchti invites you on a journey of the heart you won’t soon forget.

Whew. Let’s start this review by saying this is NOT my normal rom/com, light-hearted read. I knew that going into it, though, so I was prepared. Sort of.

There’s a reason why I’ve been avoiding this book–I was warned that it’s a tear-jerker, and the warnings didn’t lie. This is a HARD book, but it’s also full of redemption and hope. If you enjoy a strong Christian message, this book delivers; if you don’t, be forewarned that you’re going to get it.

Personally, the book was more introspective than I usually prefer (which may be why I didn’t connect with Mara right away), but that’s more of a reflection of my taste.

If you don’t mind a story of loss and redemption, I think you’ll enjoy this book.

Rated PG for difficult topics. Get your copy here!

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