BOOK BY: Cynthia Ruchti
This book.
What a tremendous read. It’s one of those books that will make you think and wonder at how life can still go on when there is so much tragedy that falls to one person. It’s a story that takes the reader deep into the muck and mire of heartache after heartache until rock bottom, when Hope reaches down.
Facing the Dawn is a powerful narrative of living through grief and the friendships of those who truly love us. It’s about facing the deepest of sorrows, living life one day at a time when we just don’t want to go on.
Mara is tired. She’s a mother of three whose husband is living his dream job, serving others across the ocean. He’s been gone for three years and has one more year left of his contract.
Mara has spunk and is full of sarcasm, which serves her well throughout the entire novel. The opening scene is one of the funniest passages I’ve ever read. The principal of her son’s school called her in because he “took my Rice Krispies Squares to a team of lawyers.” The reader at once is drawn into Mara’s world with that scene. The first chapter gives us a glimpse into Mara’s struggle to be the sole parent for two teenagers and a tween.
Then tragedy strikes. TISSUES REQUIRED to get through the first half of the story.
There are so many parallels to Bible stories one can draw from the rest of the story – Job, Ruth and Naomi, the servant who leaves all behind to serve, even the Prodigal Son. And a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Ashlee is Mara’s forever friend who inserts herself into Mara’s grief. Ashlee suffered a similar loss so understands exactly where Mara is and what she needs to work through the pain. She is a pushy, but faithful friend – the kind of friend everyone needs.
Sol is a new friend who lives up to his name of wisdom. Everyone could use a Sol too.
A beautiful story of how lives can change even through the worst of circumstances. Grief, suicide and life-altering illness are handled with much care, sensitivity and in a way that speaks hope to the reader.
Thank you, Cynthia Ruchti for tackling some of life’s hardest circumstances and pointing readers to the One who carries us through it all.
I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.