Last Chance For Justice: A Bloomfield Novel by Kathi Macias

5.0 out of 5 stars 

Book Description

Welcome to Bloomfield, where life is simple, love is real, and stories are shared.

Lynn Myers is still reeling from losing her husband of thirty-five years when word comes that her only sibling, an older brother, has also died. With no one else to settle the estate, she must return to her small hometown of Bloomfield, however briefly, to settle his affairs.

Lynn’s daughter, Rachel, has just graduated from Bible college and with no other commitments comes along to sort through her uncle’s huge old home, right next to the local cemetery.

It isn't long before Rachel has two men -- a handsome CPA and the youth pastor -- seriously vying for her attention. At the same time, Lynn's attention is drawn to a set of journals her brother has left behind detailing a long-standing Bloomfield mystery.

As they pursue solving this mystery, Rachel must make some personal decisions about her future, while Lynn is forced to face unexpected issues from her own past.

About the Author

Kathi Macias is a multiple award-winning novelist and was named 2011 Author of the Year at BooksAndAuthors.net. A popular speaker at churches, women's clubs and retreats, and writer's conferences, Kathi lives with her husband in Homeland, California.

My Review ~

Lynn Myers knows all there is to know about Bloomfield, and has no good reason to return until the unexpected death of her only brother. Upon inheriting her brother's estate, including an old mausoleum of a house next to the cemetery, Lynn and her young daughter, Rachel embark on an adventure. Just out of college, with no summer job, Rachel offers to help clean out the old mansion and satisfy her curiosity regarding the small town of Bloomfield where everyone knows everyone and everything. A recluse, her former brother's only friend was the odd caretaker of the cemetery, who lived in an old shack at the back of the property. A longstanding mystery adds an undercurrent of suspense to the story, and unsuspectingly brings the community of Bloomfield together.

Youthful perceptions are often premature, and looks may be deceiving. The two generations are faced with situations that are out of their comfort zones, and each must find ways to resolve the dilemmas they encounter. I loved Bloomfield and the quirky characters that appear at unexpected intervals. Lynn's faltering prayer life changed from whining to God to gratitude as new meaning in life's blessings unfold. Old hangups and mistaken beliefs are resolved through interaction and involvement in local community activities. Old accusations become challenges to disprove, and a sweet side of humanity evolves through new beginnings and the combined efforts of the most unlikely characters. Rachel's fresh outlook and strong faith are like a balm to her mother, and aid in her own decisions and choices as life opens up new opportunities to her.

Kathi Macias creates such sweet pleasure in small town America through the story of Last Chance for Justice, an anomaly that suddenly takes on new meaning. This was such a fun story to read, with so many unexpected events that kept me thoroughly entertained.