Welcome back, Sharon, with book two from the Women of Valley View series. I've got to tell you, I didn't want to put this one down. It's precious! I can't wait for the next one already!
If you haven't heard about it yet, readers, take a peek:
Back cover blurb:
Despite a bustling day care center and a new foster child, Terri Hayes hungers for a family of her own. Then a plumbing mishap leaves her homeless and questioning God’s plan. Steve Evans’s gracious offer of his basement apartment as a temporary solution is an answered prayer.
Steve is a successful writer and a good father, but Terri is horrified when Steve’s book research leads him to a harsh confrontation with the parents of her foster child. She needs to distance herself from Steve, but her efforts fall short as his two scheming daughters plot to make Terri their new stepmother.
Will harsh words and sneaky plans drive Kelsey’s family further apart and put a wedge between Terri and Steve, or does God have another plan in store?
Excerpt:
Terri opened the door to the larger of her two spare bedrooms. The odor of fresh paint drifted out to greet them. This was the pride of her summer. She motioned her guest inside, aching to point out the highlights of what she’d worked so hard to accomplish, but she held her peace in the face of Ms. Wilson’s strident and silent inspection. More notes on the clipboard, murmurs, and hums. Approval or disapproval? How can I tell?
Inspection completed, Terri followed her visitor back to her sunken living room and made an effort to gain some control over the situation. “Have a seat, Ms. Wilson. I have iced tea or soda if you’d like something to drink.”
“No, thank you.” Ms. Wilson sat on the sofa and studied her notes. Her pen tapped an annoying beat as she read. Terri took a chair across from her and waited in helpless anticipation.
“It says here that your decision to apply to our program was motivated by a television show. Can you clarify that for me, please?”
Terri clasped white-knuckled hands in her lap. “It was a documentary. I cried for the whole hour. It broke my heart to see so much to be done and so few people willing to make a difference.”
“So this is an emotional decision on your part?”
“Yes…I mean no. I—”
Ms. Wilson continued. “Ms. Hayes, you’re a single young woman with a business to run. I’m told your day care center next door is a busy place. You spend every day in the company of other people’s children. By all reports, you do an excellent job. You’re already making a difference. I need you to tell me why you want to take it further.”
“That’s a difficult question to answer in a few words.”
“You need to try. I take my job very seriously. If I approve you for our program, it’s only going to be after I’m sure you’re proceeding for legitimate reasons, not a passing emotional whim.”
“Surely you’ve looked at all the paperwork I’ve already filled out.”
“My decision will not be based on your answers to a standard questionnaire. Lives are at stake here. You need to convince me of your ability to handle this job.”
Terri slumped back in her chair and exhaled a deep breath. Jesus, I need wisdom. With those four words she found peace. She pushed herself to the edge of her seat and leaned forward, elbows braced on her knees. “Are you a Christian, Ms. Wilson?”
“I like to think so, but I’m not the one being interviewed.”
“But you understand the power of prayer, the direction of God in our lives?”
Ms. Wilson nodded.
“That television show moved me in ways I still don’t understand. It was an emotional hour. Emotional because I desire God’s will for my life, and I finally had direction. I prayed for days before I made the initial call to your office. I have experience and a heart full of love to share. If you’re looking for a lifetime commitment to your program,”—Terri shook her head—”I can’t promise that. But I know God has led me to this place and time. Somewhere there’s a child, a family, who needs what I have to offer.”
The two women studied each other for a few heartbeats. Terri’s eyes held those of the social worker. It’s now or never, Father. This isn’t what I’ve pictured for my future. I always saw myself with a husband before there were children, but if this is Your will for me…
Cindy Wilson’s eyes cut back to her notes, and Terri swallowed hard. I blew it. “Ms. Wilson…”
A smile transformed Ms. Wilson’s forbidding countenance. She held out a hand. “Call me Cindy. You’re going to make a wonderful foster parent.”
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Review:
What a wonderful story! Ms. Srock made me laugh and cry, and brought a smile to my face with the final words even though I was sad to be finished.
Terri and Steve are both wonderful characters, people I would love to have in my own circle of friends. We all really need a Steve in our lives, someone who knows when to speak the hard truths. And I think we all have a bit of Terri in us - fearing how hard it is to hear those truths. I love the way these two interact and their lives weave together.
The children are wonderful too, and such an integral part of the story, just like in real life.
I can't say enough good things about this story! Pick up a copy, you'll love it!
About the author:
I live in small town Oklahoma with my Husband, Larry and two dogs. Together we have 6 children and 23 grands and great grands. I love to go on special vacations, read, cook, write, pan for gold, and watch NASCAR, not necessarily in that order.
I’ve worshiped at the same Pentecostal church for more than forty years. They are my forever family.
