Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Travelers Rest


By Ann Tatlock

Bethany House Publishers, 2012
352 pages

When I read, many factors play into how I’ll rank a novel, but three typically stand above the rest: prose, character, and story. It’s a rare novel that meets all three criteria and an ever rarer novel that excels in all three. When an author achieves this, the result is a page-turning, prose-savoring novel that draws the reader in emotionally, making you care deeply for the characters.

TRAVELER’S REST by Ann Tatlock is one such novel. It’s no surprise for me, though, as Ann Tatlock’s work frequently end up on my Favorites list, as this one has. This is definitely a book I will read again and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy thought-provoking fiction.

Story Description

A YOUNG WOMAN determined to honor her commitment...

AN INJURED SOLDIER convinced life is no longer worth living...

A RETIRED DOCTOR certain it's too late to be forgiven... 

Jane Morrow has a dilemma. She's engaged to Seth Ballantine, a member of the National Guard's 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and he's returned from Iraq severely wounded. Jane hasn't seen him for nearly a year, and with trepidation, she heads to the VA hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, where he is being treated. Seth isn't happy to see her. He'd asked her not to come. He wants to end the relationship. But Jane loves him, and despite his injury, she's determined to convince him that they can have a life together. Her faith has never been strong, yet she hopes God will answer her prayers and tell her what to do. The answer she finds may not be at all what she expected...

About the Author

Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy-Award-winning novel All the Way Home. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association "Book of the Year" in fiction for both All the Way Home and I'll Watch the Moon. Ann lives with her husband, Bob, and their daughter, Laura Jane, in Asheville, North Carolina.

Visit her website at www.anntatlock.com.

8 comments:

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    1. I could read this book over and over ... Ann Tatlock is such a gifted author!

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  2. Brenda, This sounds like a book I'd enjoy - your criteria is so like mine:) Bless you for sharing this. I've long been an admirer of the cover!

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    1. Laura - It is a beautiful cover, isn't it?

      I know you'd enjoy Ann's writing. I've enjoyed all her novels, but this book is especially poignant and timely.

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  3. I interviewed Ann at a writer's conference. She was very impressive and made an impact on how I view my writing before the Lord.

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    1. Steph - I would love to meet and learn under Ann. She's teaching at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (next week) along with many more of my favorite authors. Wish I could be there!

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  4. Oh my goodness, Brenda -- I just finished this two days ago and felt bereft. Like, "Well, fine, but what am I going to do now that it's over?!" The dialogue is amazing, the layers, the depth, the, the, the....sigh. I may weep in mourning the rest of the day. It was that good.

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    1. Wasn't it beautiful, Kav? When I grow up I want to write like Ann Tatlock! :)

      I've just begun another book that I know you've read, My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade. Loving her voice!

      I'll be watching for reviews from you.

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