I love books about hope, but even more so I love books that have an underlying message. I really got a lot out of this book – probably more than the author intended and I’m ok with that! It was such a great story!! But I have to admit something. Don’t laugh.
When the character of Dom was introduced, Vin Deisel came in my mind (because of his character in Fast and the Furious). And so that’s who I pictured as that character throughout the entire book, which was too bad because the Dom in this book is one bad dude, and I happen to like Vin Deisel. There. Confession is over 🙂 Now onto the story…
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About the Book
Book: Finding Hope in Savannah
Author: Melissa Wardwell
Genre: Christian Suspense/Romance
Release Date: September 15, 2016
Elizabeth “Liz” Thompson liked her quiet, predictable life with her son. When she witnesses something horrifying and dangerous, they are forced into hiding. She seeks refuge in the small community of Isle of Hope, Georgia only to find that her life and her heart are still hanging in the balance.
Officer Jake Andrews, dedicated his life to protect and serve the people of Savannah. In the back of his mind always wondering “what if?”. The arrival of a young woman from his past forces him to face a long-buried secret, that will change how he sees his future.
As danger comes to Georgia, Liz & Jake must learn to trust God and each other, to see their way out of the situation.
My Perspective
What started out as a scary situation ended up being an overall beautiful story for Liz. This storyline reminded me that God can turn something bad into something good, just like the situation with Liz. Right off the bat I did not like Dom at all, and for good reason! I just wanted to shout at Liz for being so naĂŻve. But it didn’t last long. I really started to like her character once she moved to Savannah. She seemed to change a little bit almost immediately. From beginning to end she had wonderful character growth, especially on the spiritual side. I thought Ms. Wardwell did such a great job in presenting the gospel throughout the book. It was presented naturally and at exactly the right moments.
I enjoyed reading about Liz and Jake. I connected to Jake immediately – he’s just a likeable guy! He was so protective of Liz and her son, and was completely content to wait on Liz’s timing to make a move. It was sweet and endearing to see a character like that. Thinking of Dom versus Jake, I felt a reference here (not sure that it was the author’s intent, but just something I thought of). Dom reminds me of the black horse, or Satan in our lives. Just full of evilness and lies. Jake comes in on the white horse, like he was going to save Liz and her son. I’m sure he would have risked his life to save them. This reminded me of Jesus. Again, I’m not saying this was the author’s intent here, but when I sat back and thought about the book that is what I got out of it. Liz needed a white horse in her real world and in her spiritual world. Sometimes we need a person like Jake to come into our lives to remind us of our need for the Great White Horse. Intended or not, I thought it was a beautiful illustration.
Although there are a few bone chilling parts to this book, the overall feel is happy and loving. I hope you will enjoy not only the storyline, but the underlying message! I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
Melissa resides in a small mid-Michigan farm community with her husband and three children, all of whom they home school. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, taking photos, and motorcycle rides with her husband. Her hope is that each story touches your heart, gives you hope, or just gives you a moment away from the chaos of life
Guest Post from Melissa Wardwell
Finding myself though “Finding Hope in Savannah”
Writing this book opened my eyes to quite a few things about myself. It opened a door to a need to discover new places and try new things. To step outside of my shell and not be afraid to discover what I am capable of as a wife, mother, and a Christian Woman. In one scene, I have “Liz” talking about how she wishes she could be brave enough to face things without being so fearful of the outcome. I was reminded that when we are moving in Christ’s will for our lives, there is nothing to fear.
When I came up with the idea for “Finding Hope in Savannah” I wanted a location that was unlike any place I have ever been. All my other books take place in my area. So, I set out to find images of some place warm and southern. I came across images of this little community on the outskirts of Savannah Georgia called Isle of Hope. I loved the looks of this little haven so much, I made it the location of this book.
Writing the descriptions on the location was a bit of a stretch of my imagination. I hadn’t seen it, smelled it, or touched it in any way. The writing of this book just so happened to be the same year as when our family would be driving to Florida for a family vacation. After expressing my frustration in not getting the feel of the place right, my darling husband suggested leaving a bit earlier and spending some time in Savannah on the way down. I am so glad we did and I discovered for myself why it is considered the most beautiful city in the United States.
This book isn’t just a love story or a story about a woman in hiding, but about a single mother of a tween boy who is trying her best to find her way in this world. Having two teen boys of my own I know how fun, as well as gross, boys can be but to get the right mind set for “Liz” I had to do some homework. It took watching and talking to my friends who are single mothers, hear their concerns about life and managing their time. I admire those who have to play both roles every day and still have a smile on their faces. With my husband’s job, I am on my own with the kids part of the time, but it is only part time. I couldn’t imagine raising my three all by myself. My hats off to all the single mommies of the world.
Blog Stops
April 4: His Grace is Sufficient
April 4: Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting
April 5: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader
April 5: Christian Bookaholic
April 6: Daysong Reflections
April 6: A Bakers Perspective
April 7: History Mystery & Faith
April 7: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
April 8: Reading Is My SuperPower
April 8: Karen Sue Hadley
April 9: Moments Dipped in Ink
April 9: 100 Pages per Hour
April 10: Captive Dreams Window
April 11: A Greater Yes
April 11: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
April 12: Bigreadersite
April 13: Blogging With Carol
April 14: Carpe Diem
April 15: my site/autism mom
April 16: Quiet Quilter
April 17: Through the Open Window
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away one print copy of “Finding Hope in Savannah” as well as a $10 Amazon gift card!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b2b9
I loved your review. Having read and reviewed it myself, it was interesting to read another perspective from someone who seemed to love the story as much as I did, yet found different aspects about it to focus on. 🙂
Thank you!!
I enjoyed this book and reading your review! It’s fun to follow this tour.
I also love to read about hope. God said it does not disappoint. I pray to always have hope because I see what it does when you have none. Grateful for the hope found in my relationship with God.
Ever since I discovered that Melissa lives in a small town very near where I grew up in Michigan I have been wanting to read one of her books. And on top of that I am headed to Savannah for a few days the week after Easter. I think I am meant to win this book!