ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Courtney Walsh is a published author, scrapbooking expert, theatre director and playwright. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, was released in February, 2012 by Guideposts Books, and will be followed by two additional novels in the series. She has also written two papercrafting books, Scrapbooking Your Faith and The Busy Scrapper and is currently working on her third, The Scrapcrafter’s Idea Book (F&W Publications, February, 2013.)
Courtney has been a contributing editor for Memory Makers Magazine and Children’s Ministry Magazine and is a frequent contributor to Group Publishing curriculum, newsletters and other publications. She has also written several full-length musicals, including her most recent, The Great American Tall Tales and Hercules for Christian Youth Theatre, Chicago. Courtney is a member of ACFW and is the current PR Manager for Webster’s Pages, a scrapbooking manufacturer. She lives in Colorado with her ultra creative husband and three children.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Suzanne's daughter, Campbell, journeys there in search of answers to her questions about her mother's history.
Suzanne's three friends-Lila, Jane, and Meghan-were torn apart by long-buried secrets and heartbreak. Though they haven't spoken in years, each has pieces of a scrapbook they made together in Sweethaven.Suzanne's letters have lured them all back to the idyllic lakeside town, where they meet Campbell and begin to remember what was so special about their long Sweethaven summers.
As the scrapbook reveals secrets one by one, old wounds are mended, lives are changed, and friendships are restored-just as Suzanne intended.
My Thoughts:
This is a contemporary story that deals with tough emotional situations that each of us can relate to in one way or another. I'm walking through a very similar problem in my own life that one of the characters faces in this book, and it was difficult for me to read in that respect. But it really is a great read. Walsh alternates between characters until they are all blended, and then takes the reader through some type of resolution or growth depending on the character. The spiritual struggles are real and relevant and will challenge you to seek God's will about any challenge or trial that you are facing.
I was touched by the strong relationships in the story, and it made me realize anew that God uses His people to encourage, pray for and help us through some pretty dark trials. As I stated earlier, I had a hard time reading this book in some aspects, but in the end, could see God's hand in having me read the story.
One particular sentence sort of slapped me in the face: "Worry is faith in the enemy." (p 45) Wow! Talk about stepping on my toes! Ouch! GREAT book! One that I can recommend without hesitation.
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Sweethaven Homecoming, go HERE.
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