The Weight Of Shadows: A Novel [Paperback]

When this book was first released, Alison put a comment on her Facebook page saying she wanted others to review the book on Amazon when they were done reading. She also made it clear that we were to be honest about what we thought of the book, even if we didn't like it. With all of that in mind, I began reading with a somewhat critical eye, already not entirely enthusiastic about reading a "chick" novel, but willing just the same, since Alison and I are Facebook friends.

It is, therefore, with a great deal of relief that I won't have to feel awkward for saying what I disliked about this book...there really wasn't anything! As this story reached its climax, it literally kept me up until the late hours of the night reading. I couldn't put it down! It also helped reshape my personal point of view on domestic violence and abuse. Alison illustrates perfectly how women (and I imagine others as well) who become victims fall into it. Certainly it's not just a matter of an individual going out and looking for someone who will hurt her because it's what they're used to or they feel they deserve it. It's a slow process of intimidation and manipulation in which a person suddenly finds herself stuck in a place she never would have imagined. The rationalization comes as a result of domestic violence, but not always as the cause.

The only reservation I had about this novel comes down to a simple matter of opinion. There is a tense moment in the story between Joshua and his mother-in-law in which it seems to be implied that spanking is abuse. Within the context of the situation in the story, I agree that spanking would be abuse, but if the idea being illustrated is that spanking is abuse across the board, I would have to disagree. In any other regards, however, I thought this book was excellent and would eagerly recommend it to others.

I have now read all three of Alison's published books. I have enjoyed all three stories, but I have to say that I think "Shadows" is her best work yet. The only complaint I had after the previous two stories was that the ending seemed very fast and abrupt, and that seems to be resolved in this book. Alison has proven herself to be a very talented author of Christian fiction, and I am eagerly awaiting any future stories she may have to share. Three cheers to "The Weight of Shadows" by Alison Strobel!

If you're in the mood for a light, fluffy read you probably won't want to read this book but if you want a dramatic, gritty, realistic book, pick up The Weight of Shadows! This is my first encounter with author Alison Strobel's work and I'm really glad that I had the opportunity to "meet" her through blogging and reading her book.

As a person who knows someone who is currently dealing with a domestic violence I can say that Alison's portrayal of Kim's story is very authentic. I couldn't help but cry for Kim and Anne and their abusive situation. The secondary characters are very well written too. Even though they are trying to help Kim, they have problems of their own, which in my opinion, makes this story even more true to life.

The story grabbed and held my attention so much so that I could barely put it down and considering that it isn't a romance or historical book, that's a miracle! I look forward to reading what Alison pens next.

*i received my free review copy from the publisher.*

What's holding you back from living your best life? From being you?

We don't forgive ourselves. We did something, in our past, that we just haven't gotten over. God has forgiven us. The person we hurt has probably forgiven us. But we haven't forgiven ourselves. And because we haven't - we're stuck. We fell that we're not worthy of something better or we feel that we're getting what we deserve. Or both. So we have stopped living in the moment, and continue to live in the past. This hurts us and it hurts our families and friends.

Off-topic: I used to volunteer when I was in high school and college. I don't know exactly how I stopped, but I've been having a hard time getting started back up. Ya know - single mom, more than full-time job, not a lot of free time, nor money for a sitter, and on, and on. But I was only a few pages into this book when I opened my computer, did a search on Google, found what I was looking for, and shot off an email. I sent it to the director of a non-profit organization offering my time for a few hours each week. I just needed a little nudge, and this book gave it to me. No excuses. Not anymore, anyway. We'll see where it goes, but I've taken the first step. By the time this post is up on my blog, a couple of months should have passed, with some progress made.

Back on-topic: This book was so real. It wasn't over-the-top. It wasn't missing any details. It was just exactly right. For me, anyway. My favorite parts were the "starting over" parts. Each of the characters had something that was holding them back from living in the moment. Something in their past they were afraid to give up. For Joshua, it was the death of his wife. For Kim, it was a tragic occurrence when she was a foster child. For Debbie, it was the last conversation she had with her sister before her sister died. But they each also have someone who is rooting for them. They just don't realize it. And the ending has an oh-my-goodness! twist that I wasn't expecting - at all!

This is a Christian fiction book. If that scares you, then this book isn't for you. If you simply don't understand Christianity, then you should take a look, since the characters will try to break-it-down for you. But it's not in-your-face. I like that.