When a personal crisis tested and strengthened her faith, award-winning journalist Beth Wiseman was advised by her agent to consider writing a Christian novel, particularly an Amish one. Encouraged by her agent’s urging, she began exploring the Amish lifestyle and soon developed a great appreciation for the more peaceful way of life. In 2008 Wiseman wrote her debut novel, Plain Perfect, featuring the Amish lifestyle within the context of a fictional love story. It was a bestseller, as have been all of the full-length novels and novellas she has written since.
Wiseman’s previous releases have held spots on the CBA (Christian Booksellers Association) and the ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) bestseller lists. In 2010, she received the INSPY Award for Amish Fiction (chosen by blog reviewers). In 2011, she received the Carol Award and was the Inspirational Readers Choice winner for her book Plain Paradise. Her novel Seek Me with All Your Heart was the 2011 Women of Faith Book of the Year. In addition, Wiseman has been a Retailers Choice Finalist, a Booksellers Best Finalist and a National Readers Choice Finalist. Prior to becoming a novelist she received many honors for her work as a journalist, including a prestigious First Place News Writing Award from the Texas Press Association.
Today, she and her husband are empty nest parents of two grown sons, enjoying the country lifestyle and living happily with two dogs, two cats, two pot-bellied pigs, two chickens and a single pygmy goat in a small community in South Central Texas. When Beth isn’t writing, she enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, and watching good movies. Her favorite pastimes, however, are painting (her paintings can be veiwed on her Fans of Beth Wiseman Facebook page) and spending time with friends and family.
Book Synopsis:
When big-city life threatens the safety of one of their children, Brad and Darlene Henderson move with their three teenagers from Houston to the tiny town of Round Top, Texas.
Adjusting to small-town life is difficult for the kids, especially fifteen-year old Grace who is coping in a dangerous way. Married life hasn't always been bliss, but their strong faith has carried them through the difficult times. When Darlene takes a job outside the home for the first time in their marriage, the domestic tension rises.
While working with special needs children at her new job, the widowed father of one of Darlene's students starts paying more attention to her than is appropriate. Problem is, she feels like someone is listening to her for the first time in a long time.
If Darlene ever needed God...it's now. Experience a family's triumph over lies, betrayal, and loss while still clinging to the One who matters most.
Hear Beth talk about why she ventured away from her "Amish roots" in her writing to write Need You Now:
My Thoughts:
I've never read Wiseman's Amish novels. To be quite honest, I was a little nervous not only to be reading a new author, but to be reading that author's first venture away from her usual genre. I was not disappointed in Need You Now! The story contained within the pages of this work of fiction was believable. There was a genuine tone to the story. Wiseman does an excellent job of drawing you into the lives of Brad and Darlene and the struggles of their family. The character development and description is superb. When I turned the last page, I found myself humming the tune to the hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness. According to Wiseman's website, she is already working on her second contemporary novel. I'll certainly be looking for it!
Need You Now can be ordered from Amazon.com by going HERE.
Thank you B&B Media Group for sending me a complimentary copy of the book for the purpose of this review.
Happy Reading,
Jennifer
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