Song of Silence

Cynthia Ruchti tells stories Hemmed in Hope.  She's the award-winning author of 16 books and a frequent speaker for women's ministry events.  She serves as the Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, where she helps retailers, libraries, and book clubs connect with the authors ad books they love.  She lives with her husband in central Wisconsin.

Visit with Cynthia at cynthiaruchti.com.

You will also be encouraged and have fun connecting with Cynthia through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and GoodReads.

Music taught Lucy love and beauty.
Could silence teach her hope?

Lucy and Charlie Tuttle agree on one thing:  they're committed to each other for life.  Trouble is, neither of them expected life to look like this.  While Charlie retired early, Lucy is devoted to a long-term career...until the day she has no choice.

Forced to retire from her position as music educator in a small Midwestern K-8 school, Lucy can only watch helplessly as the program her father started years ago disintegrates before her eyes. As the music fades and a chasm separates her from the passion of her heart, Lucy wonders if her faith's song has gone silent too. The musical score of her life seems to be missing all the notes.

When a simple misstep threatens to silence Lucy forever, a young boy and his soundless mother change the way she sees - and hears - everything.

My Thoughts:
If you were to ask me how I would describe Cynthia Ruchti's writing, these are a few of the words I would use:  hopeful, encouraging, grace-filled, genuine, emotional, soulful...and I could go on, but I think you get the picture.  In our current time, Cynthia Ruchti's voice is one that needs to be heard.  Her stories are truly Hemmed in Hope!  I'm not sure there is another writer that reaches into the reader's heart quite like Cynthia.  Everything she has written is on my keeper shelf and will have multiple re-visits.
In her latest book, Song of Silence, Cynthia writes a captivating story that involves a look at family dynamics, the marriage relationship, friendship, crises of faith, disappointment, and personal worth and calling. Cynthia weaves these themes fluidly through each character in Song of Silence; even a little boy with Asperger's and his deaf mother.  On top of all this, Cynthia finds a way to seamlessly weave in humor at appropriate places throughout the book.  Yes; this is one story that draws you in with a good ole belly laugh on one page and tears streaming on the next.
I identified immediately with Lucy, particularly in her relationship with Charlie and felt like I had my own personal therapy sessions as I peaked in on Lucy's with Dr. Hanley.  And Lucy's son's wedding ceremony is still slaying my heart weeks after I've finished reading the book.  Everyone's story in Song of Silence is a heartfelt look at how we react to changing directions in life...when life doesn't turn out like we expected.
Some of my favorite quotes/passages were:

"Some days there won't be a song in your heart.  Sing anyway."

"Perspective is my specialty."  Dr. Hanley smiled.  "I'm glad you keep making appointments, Lucy.  Your crisis, crises rather, are still in their early stages.  I encourage you not to judge your final outcome by the first walk-throughs of the storm damage."

"Good musicians understand the crucial role silence plays in music." 

Rests.  Pauses.  These are important in music and in life.  Just as in music, what we do during and with the rests and pauses can make all the difference. Song of Silence  tells this story and will make a difference in your life.  I encourage you to buy the book and then pass it along to someone you may know who needs to be reminded that God isn't finished with them until He's finished with them.  What that looks like may be the unexpected.  Lucy finds this in the end and it is a beautiful discovery!

*I was provided a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of Song of Silence in exchange for providing an honest review.

Happy Reading Ya'll,
Jennifer