Someone To Blame by C.S. Lakin, Book review

Publisher: Zondervan
ISBN-10: 0310327393

Synopsis:

In the wake of heartrending family tragedies, Matt and Irene Moore move with their fourteen-year-old daughter, Casey, to a small town. Their goal is to get far away from the daily reminders that leave each of them raw and guilt-ridden. Their hope is to find redemption, repair, and renewal. Instead, the threads that hold them together unravel even more. Breakers, a small community perched on the rocky coast of the Pacific Northwest, is draped with cold isolation that seems to mirror the hearts. 

As they settle into their new life, old grief settles with them. Matt is always on edge and easily angered, Irene is sad and pensive, and Casey is confused and defiant. They've once more set the stage for calamity. Into this mix comes Billy Thurber, a young drifter with his own conflicts, whose life unexpectedly entangles with the Moores'. His arrival in Breakers parallels a rash of hateful and senseless crimes, and soon the whole town -- eager for someone to blame -- goes after Thurber with murderous intent. 

Out of this dangerous chaos, however, the Moores find unexpected grace and healing in a most unlikely way. Author C. S. Lakin explores our need to assign reason and fix blame for the pain and grief in our lives. 

Though the circumstances are fictional, the emotions are real and universal, making Someone to Blame a great and inspiring read.

My thoughts:

From love to hate and every emotion in between, this is a novel that shines of God's love!

Dealing with tragedy is never easy for any family and for this particular one, it does not hit once, but twice. In fact, things seem to get worse all the time in 'Someone to Blame'.

Hoping for a fresh new start Matt, his wife Irene and their daughter Casey move to a small coastal town in Northern California. Small town living does not make life any easier however and unexpected complications arise.

Most towns people in Breakers are very decent yet some are not what they seem. And when Matt hires Billy, a young drifter to work in the family's small construction business, things start to unravel even more.

When Casey gets into an entanglement with the surly boy and thefts and arson occurs evidence dramatically points to the drifter. Billy does not trust anyone and carries a big chip on his shoulder.

As the story progresses sadness, anger and guilt overwhelms the three members of the family. A teacher, Matt's wife Irene gets deeply caught up in young Billy's troubled background, and at one point saves his life at the risk of her own. 

Bitterness engulfs everyone and tension is palpable in this book thanks to the author's creative writing!

But where is God when all this is happening?

As always with a little faith of course, God's plan is eventually revealed.

With its ultimate climax, this dysfunctional family finds once again each other and the peace they have been craving. 
As to Billy, you will have to find out for yourself!

A journey not to be missed, this book explores deep emotional drama and is well worth reading. 
Healing as we know never comes easy!

 5 stars!

About the Author:

The author of twelve novels C. S. Lakin is a well known novelist and writing coach who 'seeks the heart of human motivation, to uncover unmet needs, and show the path to healing and grace.'

Read more about her on  her website (here)

I received this book free from ZONDERVAN as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.