Copyright 2006 - 2007 Susan Sleeman
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The Restorer: A Novel By Sharon Hinck / Nav Press 
Reviewed by Karri ComptonOne of the best novels I've read all year.Susan doesn't think she can cope anymore. Playing wife and mother to four children has sapped her energy level to zero and sky-rocketed her stress to the moon. Where is the meaning in sorting laundry, cleaning the kitchen and providing incessant transportation? So much for joy. But hubby Mark comes to save the day. He creates an attic retreat/no kids zone for Susan's refreshment. During her first visit she sees a shadow, hears voices, and is suddenly sucked up into a swirling vortex of energy. What she finds when she regains consciousness will changer her forever. No longer just a soccer mom, Susan is thrust into the role of a lifetime-in another world. Tristan and the People of the Verses are looking for a Restorer, one who can help them battle the evil that has pervaded their land. But how can a woman unfamiliar with the ways of a strange world help at all? It's hard to compare this novel to any others out on the market, although several fiction titles dealing with parallel universes or time travel may coincide in some manner. The only book series I can think of that even remotely parallels this one concerning modern life vs. a medieval-type alternate world is Ted Dekker's Circle Trilogy. But that's a very sketchy comparison. The Restorer starts out with a "mom-lit" feeling, but quickly changes into pure fantasy. As such, it proved to be one of the best novels I've read all year. Like me, readers will relate to Susan's lethargy and depression in regards to real life. If only we could learn lessons and overcome obstacles as she did without adventuring into a new world to do it. I think the author begs us to realize that we can find meaning and purpose in our lives, no matter what our station in life or how ill-prepared we think we are. God is for us and with us, no matter what the circumstance. I highly recommend this book for its extraordinary writing style, loveable characters, thematic content and elements of suspense. It's like fantasy for people who don't read fantasy. And for those of us who do. |
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About Karri Compton View this review and more at: www.kcreviews.blogspot.com |
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The Restorer: A Novel By Sharon Hinck / Nav Press
Reviewed by Jill HartThe story holds you on the edge of your seat and a number of twists keep you reading.The Restorer takes us into the life of frustrated soccer mom, Susan Mitchell. Her life has become a series of hum-drum events and she longs to serve the Lord in a mighty way. Susan inadvertently stumbles into an alternate universe and a string of adventures like none she has ever dreamt of. The country she finds herself in is in the midst of a turbulent struggle for its own survival. Susan must find a way to survive this foreign world and find a way back home. Befriended by strangers whom she fears, but is forced to trust, Susan leans on the Lord for strength. But, is God present in this strange place? Sharon Hinck, the author of the mom-lit Becky Miller books enters a new genre with The Restorer, the first book in The Sword of Lyric series. Hinck blends her traditional mom-lit with fantasy and the end product is a unique blend of genres that is refreshing. Readers will find that The Restorer appeals to a wide range of reading tastes. One of the most enjoyable elements of fantasy is that you never know what to expect. The Restorer is no different. The story holds you on the edge of your seat and a number of twists keep you reading. |
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About Jill Hart View this review and more at: www.cwahm.com To sign up for Jill's weekly email newsletter visit: newsletter.cwahm.com |
Christian Suspense
To Die For
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