Hope Road

Widows and Orphans by Susan Meissner ***

For the most part, this is a pretty run-of-the-mill Christian novel in its writing style and quality. But the subject matter is unique and compelling. Rachael Flynn, a New York attorney, returns to Minneapolis with her husband and baby when her brother confesses to a murder. The story of how the truth comes out can become stagnant at times, and I am not sure whether the numerous unresolved sub-plots have the effect of enlivening or distracting the reader. However, the crisis point of the novel is extremely well-done; it is both poignant and powerful, a real tearjerker. For that reason, and for the original and well-researched subject matter chosen by Meissner, I give this novel 3 stars out of 5.

Recommended age level: 16+. The novel deals with very serious and important issues that need to be written about more often. But they are not suitable for younger readers.