MY REVIEW:
I was privileged to have the opportunity to read a pre-release galley of Sarah Loudin Thomas’ first novel “Miracle in a Dry Season”. I am almost at a loss for words to express how much I liked this book. I most assuredly will purchase a printed copy once it is available. I intend to add the entire series to my keeper shelf so that I can read them again.
I’m not absolutely certain what it was about this book that caused me to like it so much. The author’s way with words was extraordinary, her characters almost stepped off the page, the setting was perfect, and the story was filled with scripture without being heavy-handed. I absolutely loved Perla, a young mother who had never been married and who exhibited a certain unusual way with food that may have caused her more social problems than her obvious sin. Her constant willingness to serve others and her love for her daughter was inspiring. Then there was Casewell, who despite his initial reaction to Perla’s past, quickly found himself helping and standing up for her as she tirelessly worked to help feed their community during a severe drought. Casewell’s integrity and faith were a highlight of the story.
Oh, there are so many lessons in this story that apply to our own lives! And each lesson is illustrated in such a kind and gentle manner within the context of the story that it is nearly painless – that is until the reader realizes that the guilty character could be herself. Wonderful examples of faith, forgiveness, and servanthood permeate the pages of this book and could be examples for each and every one of us.
I could not find a thing about this novel that was not absolutely perfect. I believe it may be the best one I have read in a long time (and I read every day and have many favorites). I highly recommend this book and hope everyone will pick up a copy when it is finally released. Love, love, love it! 
A digital copy of this book was provided for review by
Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In a Drought, It’s the Darkest Cloud
That Brings Hope
It’s 1954 and Perla Long’s arrival in the sleepy town of Wise, West Virginia, was supposed to go unnoticed. She just wants a quiet, safe place for her and her daughter, Sadie, where the mistakes of her past can stay hidden. But then drought comes to Wise, and Perla is pulled into the turmoil of a town desperately in need of a miracle.
Casewell Phillips has resigned himself to life as a bachelor…until he meets Perla. She’s everything he’s sought in a woman, but he can’t get past the sense that she’s hiding something. As the drought worsens, Perla’s unique gift divides the town in two, bringing both gratitude and condemnation, and placing the pair in the middle of a storm of anger and forgiveness, fear and faith.
Read an excerpt from “Miracle in a Dry Season” HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sarah Loudin Thomas is a fund-raiser for a children’s ministry who has also published freelance writing for Mountain Homes Southern Style and Now & Then magazines, as well as The Asheville Citizen-Times and The Journey Christian Newspaper. She holds a bachelor’s in English from Coastal Carolina University. She and her husband reside in Asheville, North Carolina. Learn more at www.sarahloudinthomas.com.
