The Color of Light
Emilie Richards
Mira, Jul
28 2015, $24.95
ISBN 9780778318248
In Asheville, North Carolina, Charlotte Hale gave
her fortune to four women with the stipulation they use her money to help women
in need. The beneficiaries created
Goddesses Anonymous as they began assisting others. One of the recipients, Church of the Covenant
Minister Analiese Wagner might have married someone else who since died, but
always loved forbidden Father Isaiah Colburn.
Analiese meets the homeless Fowler family of four
from Ohio in need of shelter, food and medicine (especially for the diabetic
mom). She places them in the church
parish house. However, angry council
members believe she needed their permission and give her two weeks to find a
more suitable abode even as Christmas will soon arrive. The reaction of her church leaders upset
Analiese who cannot believe they would harm a family in need due to a power
grab. She wonders if she should forget
pastoring and return to journalism even as the love of her life Father Isiah
has returned to see her while at the crossroads between remaining a priest and
becoming a loving husband.
The fourth Goddesses Anonymous drama (see
Mountain Away, Somewhere Between Luck and Trust, No River Too Wide) is an
interesting inspirational in which the Fowlers (particularly young teen Shiloh)
steal the show; as they personalize the Depression (to them it is not a
recession). Reverend Ana feels
overwhelmed, depressed and considers quitting, but still believes in the Lord
and good deeds. The Father Isaiah
subplot augments the tale of the minister drowning under diverse pressure, but
refusing to give up the good fight.
Harriet Klausner
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