Unforeseeable by Nancy Mehl - REVIEWED

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Unforeseeable Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2013) by Nancy Mehl

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband Norman and their dog, Watson. She’s authored thirteen books and is currently at work on her newest series for Bethany House Publishing.

All of Nancy’s novels have an added touch – something for your spirit as well as your soul. “I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing,” Nancy says. “It’s a part of me and of everything I think or do. God is number one in my life. I wouldn’t be writing at all if I didn’t believe that this is what He’s called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan especially for your life, and there is nothing you can’t overcome with His help.”

She and her husband attend Believer’s Tabernacle in Wichita.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mystery, Romance, and Suspense Seamlessly Combined in a Mennonite Small-Town Setting Callie Hoffman knows she has a good life in Kingdom, Kansas. She's thrilled to be engaged to Levi Housler, the new pastor of Kingdom Mennonite Church, and she spends her days working with her friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law, Lizzie Housler, at Cora's Cafe. However, Callie's idyllic life is interrupted when a body is discovered on the road outside Kingdom and the deceased turns out to be a victim of a serial killer. As Washington County's new sheriff begins questioning Kingdom residents, Callie and the rest of the town are appalled at the prospect of a killer among them. The very reason Kingdom exists is to protect the people from the temptations and dangers of the outside world, but all the town founders' attempts to plan ahead couldn't prevent a threat like this. Unsettled at this unforeseen danger, Callie is concerned when it appears Levi knows more than he's telling. Desperate to find answers for herself, Callie never expected that she'd have to face some of her own past's skeletons. As Callie and the residents of Kingdom fear this danger for which they never planned, they must learn anew that only God knows the future and their trust must always lie in Him.

My Thoughts:

“I felt a storm coming.  One from the heavens and one from the hearts of men.  At that moment, I wasn’t sure which one was the most dangerous.”   (p. 118)

The point at which Callie Hoffman, makes this particular observation, it has become blatantly obvious that the Mennonite town she calls home is also home to a serial killer.  As isolated from the modern world as most Mennonite communities live out their daily lives, little else could be more terrifying.  However, the fear of the past is something almost as terrifying for Callie.  She has caught only glimpses of this fear, but those she loves, and who love her, know that she is emotionally fragile.  That is not the optimum place to be when one is engaged to become the wife of the pastor  of Kingdom, Kansas!

Nancy Mehl has created a very multi-layered mystery in her latest novel, Unforeseeable.  The very first page reveals a murder, and several more occur within the scope of the story.  There is a new sheriff in town – Brodie Timmons – and the townsfolk of Kingdom are reluctant to trust him.  Perhaps they will trust their new pastor, Levi.  Good idea initially, until suspicion is cast his direction!  This story contains everything from hidden family secrets, mistreated children, and crippling blizzards…all in addition to the gruesome murders being committed!  There is truly something for everyone in this fabulous book, and every reader that comes to its pages will be emotionally and spiritually engaged as they get to know the people that are so haunted by so many different things.

Truly, what sticks out most to me in this story, is the fact that God is at work in the hearts of the people of Kingdom, Kansas.  As relationships are transformed in the crucible of fear, it becomes clear that God is asking His children to trust Him even when it is unclear where the road will lead them.  Will they trust Him for the answers they need?  Or will they remain ever fearful of what others think about them?  It is a twisted and complicated path that presents itself to each character in the story.  You will be pleased that you chose to walk beside them until the truth is revealed!  A GREAT story!!!

If you would like to read the first chapter of Unforeseeable, go HERE.