MY REVIEW:
“The Face of the Earth” is an intensely emotional novel that chronicles nearly a year in a family’s life after their wife and mother disappears off “the face of the earth” after attending a teachers conference in another city. After Jill Brannon’s disappearance her family and best friend not only have the grief of her loss to deal with but also the questions of where she is, what kept her from returning home, and whether she is dead or alive. To add to Mitch’s distress, he finds himself growing increasingly dependent upon Shelley, Jill’s best friend and their next-door neighbor who has been such a help during the difficult months of searching for clues about Jill’s whereabouts. Can he remain faithful to the vows he made with Jill if she never returns home?
Deborah Raney did a remarkable job of depicting natural and believable reactions to an event like Jill’s disappearance. From the initial shock of her family and friends, their grief, their desperation to find her, refusal to believe she might not be alive, and guilt over any pleasure they might find during her absence, every emotion was realistic and moving to me as the reader. There were several directions the author could have taken for a conclusion but I believe she chose the logical solution. I decline to reveal any more in order to prevent spoilers. You will just have to read this excellent novel yourself in order to find out if there is a happily-ever-after.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Mitchell Brannon’s beloved wife of twenty years kisses him goodbye one autumn morning, he has little idea that his life is about to change forever. Mitch returns from work early that evening, surprised Jill’s car isn’t in the garage. Her conference in Kansas City is only a few hours’ drive from their little town of Sylvia, Missouri. But her voice on the answering machine makes him smile. “Hey, babe, I’m just now checking out of the hotel, but I’ll stop and pick up something for dinner. Love you.”
Mitch sets the table with their best china and lights some candles, looking forward to their first weekend as empty nesters.
But at eight o’clock, the candles have burned to stubs and Jill still hasn’t shown up. Mitch tries her cell phone only to get her voice mail over and over again. Their two college kids haven’t heard from their mom either.
At midnight, Mitch’s irritation turns to dread. And later, when the police and Missouri Highway Patrol have turned up nothing, the Kansas City hotel calls to say they’ve found property belonging to Jill in a hotel maid’s possession.
Mitch enlists the help of their next-door neighbor, Jill’s best friend, Shelley, and together they search for clues to Jill’s disappearance. As days turn into weeks and weeks into months, Mitch and Shelley’s friendship grows ever closer—and decidedly complicated with Jill as the tie that binds them together. Just when Shelley decides to finally reveal her feelings for Mitch, a clue to Jill’s whereabouts is uncovered. But every lead seems to be a dead end, and Mitch wonders how he can honor the vows he made to a woman who has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deborah Raney is the award-winning author of several novels, including “A Nest of Sparrows” and the RITA award winning “Beneath a Southern Sky” and its sequel, “After the Rains.” Deborah’s first novel, “A Vow to Cherish,” was the inspiration for World Wide Pictures’ highly acclaimed film of the same title, which in December 2004 aired on prime time network TV for the second time. Deb’s novella, “Playing by Heart,” was a National Readers Choice Award winner and a 2004 Christy Award finalist. Her novel for Howard/Simon & Schuster, “Yesterday’s Embers,” appeared on the ECPA Christian fiction bestseller list. Known for her sensitive portrayal of family struggles and relationships, Deb has also written nonfiction books and articles and often speaks at women’s retreats and writers’ conferences around the country. She and her husband, illustrator/author Ken Raney, have four children and make their home in Kansas. Find out more at DeborahRaney.com
Win a “Date Night” Prize Pack from Deborah Raney and RSVP for her 5/30 Facebook Party!
Deborah is celebrating with a fun “Date Night” Giveaway (win a $200 Visa Cash Card!) and an Author Chat Party on Facebook! {5/30}
One winner will receive:
- A $200 Visa Cash Card (Use that to catch up with a loved one – your spouse, friend, sister, mom…whomever!)
- The Face of the Earth by Deborah Raney
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 29th. Winner will be announced at the “The Face of the Earth” Facebook Author Chat Party on May 30th. Connect with Deborah for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Deborah will also be sharing a sneak peek of her next book and giving away books and fun gift certificates throughout the evening.
