How Sweet The Sound

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing How Sweet the Sound David C. Cook (March 1, 2014) by Amy K. Sorrells

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

An Indianapolis native and graduate of DePauw University, Amy lives with her husband, three boys and a gaggle of golden retrievers in central Indiana. After writing and editing for her college newspaper, she combined a nursing degree with journalism and creative writing, which led to publishing and editing a wide array of medical and nursing writing and multimedia projects over the past 21 years, a position as director of communications of her church’s children’s ministry, as well as a weekly column for a local newspaper which ran from 2009-2012. She has been a two-time semi-finalist for the ACFW Genesis awards, and was the winner of the 2011 Women of Faith writing contest.

When she’s not reading or writing, Amy loves spending time with her three sons; spicy lunches and art gallery walks with her husband; digging in her garden sans gloves; walking her dogs; up-cycling old furniture and junk; photography; and friends.

Amy can be reached through the Contact link on her Website.

ABOUT THE BOOK

From a distance, the Harlans appear to be the perfect Southern family. Wealth and local fame mask the drama and dysfunction swirling through their family line. But as the summer heats up, a flood tide of long hidden secrets surface.

Devastation from a rape followed by the murder of two family members brings three generations of the Harlans together on their pecan plantation in Bay Spring, Alabama. Chief among them is Anniston, who by the time she turned thirteen thought she’d seen it all. But as her heart awakens to the possibility of love, she begins to deal with her loneliness and grief.

This tender coming-of-age tale, inspired by the story of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13, shows how true healing and hope comes only from God. Though our earthly family can wound and disappoint, our heavenly Father brings freedom to those long held captive through His mercy and grace.

If you would like to read the first chapter of How Sweet the Sound, go HERE.

My Thoughts:
How Sweet The Sound is a poetic, lyrical and sensory masterpiece.  Amy Sorrells has written a modern day parable drawn from the biblical story of Tamar in 2 Samuel 13.  Most poignant to me were the conversations between Comfort (Tamar's counterpart) and God...what lessons about God bringing beauty from ashes and His ability to transform the most tragic of situations with His scandalous love and amazing grace.
Ernestine was one of my favorite characters.  I can just picture her perfectly in my mind and her spiritual affirmations were a balm to my soul as I read:

"How do you do it, Ernestine?  How do you go on?  "You don't go on as much as you change direction.  And which direction you take, that part's up to you.  One way leads to forgiveness and peace.  The other leads down a road of bitterness.  Can't turn back from bitterness.  Not very often, anyway."  "You chose the right way, didn't you?" "Oui, child.  I think I have.  But sometimes I wake up in the morning, and I have to make the right choice again."

There were numerous places throughout the story that Sorrells caused me to stop and really meditate on the words she wrote...places like this:

"Before you laugh at those who limp, check the way you walk."

 And this...

"But Jacob's God - who is the One God and our God - wanted Jacob to know 'Bondye pa kite pep li a.'  He never leaves His people.  And He goes right along with them into uncharted territory."

There are also some yummy recipes included in the book that were referenced in the story.

Sorrells captures Southern family life perfectly and writes a beautiful and unforgettable story of God's amazing grace...an yes it is a sweet sound!

This one goes on my keeper shelf!  I'm just hoping for a sequel, because I want to know more of Jed and Anni's story!

Happy Reading,
Jennifer