Robert McGinn, ex-pastor, ex-father, is diagnosed with a terminal illness after years away from his family. Does he have enough time to mend all of the broken fences of his relationships, and if so, will anyone care?
This is an inspirational family drama that deals with some difficult family issues that may upset children, including early to mid-teens. It showcases some of the pressures that go along with being a pastor or the family of a pastor. It is a story of hopelessness, despair, depression, tragedy, hope, and overcoming. It has a strong gospel message.
Excerpt
April heard the sound of a child screaming and the soul-wrenching sob of “Dear God, no!” escaped her lips at the same moment the brakes squealed and crunched metal. The glass April had been washing shattered on the floor. Please, God, don’t let it be Cassie. Please, God, don’t let it be Cassie. Her heart seemed to pound in rhythm to her mind’s cry. She would always remember the ticking clock seeming so loud and slow while her heart was trying to pound its way out of her chest. Her eyes noted the time as she raced out the door, unaware of the dishrag she still held. The clock showed six-twenty-three. They had just finished supper, all except Robert, who was away--again.
Terror washed over her soul in waves; her feet felt like they were slogging through water while her mind was screaming and praying for her child to be alright, knowing at the same time that nothing would ever be alright again.
The driver of the car standing by the crumpled bicycle wrung his hands and wept. “I’m so sorry.” He tentatively reached out a hand toward April to comfort her. “I didn’t see. . .I mean, she came. . . it happened so fast.” He gulped and reached for April’s arm a second time.
Professional Reviews
D. Hauff
I was encouraged as I read this book. It was about a family with a lot of problems that were caused by a lot of unintentional hurt. It takes years to resolve, and it is a long road to forgiveness for all involved. I think many families can associate with the plot of this story, and can hopefully find that the Lord is truly our help in times of trouble. 5 stars
Arline Chase
"Unlike many fictional stories that are meant to be inspirational, but actually do little but preach, or blame, this one actually shows Christianity in action, and shows it the way Christ taught it. Here, you have a good, well-told story about people who find a way to live as Christians and forgive each other."
-- Arline Chase, author of Killraven, and Ghost Dancer 4 stars
Joan--Inspirational
I enjoyed reading the story and if I had any fences to mend I would be inspired to mend them. 4 stars
