4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
My review of Sapphire Secrets by Dawn V. Cahill
Wow! Allow me to preface this by saying that this book thoroughly exceeded my expectations. It met every category that I love. This book is a Christian mystery/romance, but in reality, it's so much more!
The book starts out in a cemetery with a dramatic retelling of an Edgar Allen Poe poem. You can't get more spooky than that. Did I mention it was raining? Oh yeah, and it was dark as well. Are you feeling it yet? Okay, I'm moving on. So Livvy (Olivia) and her twin sister DeeDee (Diana) are both dancers that are fixing to open their own dance studio. Their mother died when they were young, but the twin sisters have differing memories of that time. DeeDee remembers clearly what happened, down to minute details. But Livvy doesn't remember anything. At all. Naturally, this is a cause for distress. Over the years, she tries to simply move on and forget about it, but she starts having dreams about her dead mother. Gradually, she comes to the realization that she has to pursue the truth. Along the way, two very different men come into her life. One is newly-divorced and a Christian, which is anathema to everyone and everything that she holds dear. The other is separated from his wife but clicks immediately with Livvy and the feeling seems to be mutual. Then, tragedy strikes. Livvy must rethink her whole life, and somewhere in the process, she begins to question everything that she has ever been taught. Will she realize that Jesus is real? And if she decides to believe in Him, how will her family react? Will she lose the man she loves, or does God have a bigger plan?
I honestly don't want to say more because it may spoil the book. I was astounded at how the author wove this story together. Most Christian authors are very careful about certain subjects. Ms. Cahill, on the other hand, dove in headfirst. In doing so, she has carefully crafted an amazing story of grit, determination, pain and the wonderful realization of the Father's love. As I have mentioned, there are several “touchy” topics. But the reality is that this is the world we live in. I fully appreciated all of the aspects of this story. There was nothing that felt unrealistic or too perfect. No, this is a story that shows all of the ugliness in the world and along the way, answers some very serious questions.
I have thought long and hard about this story. I stayed up till midnight reading it and when I woke up, it came to my mind immediately. I can't find any error with this book. The writing was excellent. The story line is engaging and moves along at a perfect pace. At first, it seemed like there were too many key characters in play, but it all came together magnificently.
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves Christian fiction, but also to anyone that is seeking for some truth. You may be surprised by what you find. Again, my congratulations to Ms. Cahill on a job well done! I give this book 4 out of 4 stars!
******
Sapphire Secrets
View: on Bookshelves (available to read free, click for details)
Like Paliden's review? Post a comment saying so!
