Beautiful Music (Sal's Place #2) by Marianne Evans

5.0 out of 5 stars A Heavenly Interlude!

Book Description Escaping the black residue of her past, Callie Phillips finds sanctuary at Queen of Angels Church. The reformed rebel is a middle-school choir teacher by day, and music director on the weekends, mingling with parish members over breakfast at her favorite after-church haunt, Sal’s Place.  Luke West embraces a devout belief in the sacredness of human life. An EMT, he takes charge of life-and-death situations and acts as guardian for his ten-year-old niece, D awn West who has a child’s zest for life and a God-given gift for music.  When Callie takes the little girl under her wing and becomes a mentor and surrogate mother to Dawn, Callie and Luke are thrown together. She’s drawn to the dynamic and handsome EMT, but her sullied past threatens any future she and Luke might share.  Despite Callie’s former life, can Luke’s love teach her there’s nothing God’s mercy can’t wipe clean? Will Luke forgive even the bleakest form of sin and desperation in order to embrace the love of an extraordinary woman?

Biography

Marianne Evans loves to tell a good story. In fact, she’s been enthusiastic about writing ever since she could string sentences together. Joining White Rose Publishing gives her the opportunity to combine two of her greatest passions – love of the Lord and exploring the world of romance.

She’s seen a number of her books published. Kensington Publishing purchased her first book, Friends & Lovers. Her second contemporary romance, Right Hand Man, followed shortly thereafter. Her third release from Kensington, Hannah’s Heart, won critical acclaim in The Oakland Press. Her fourth book, a novella entitled With This Kiss, is her first offering at The Wild Rose Press. Hearts Crossing is her first inspirational romance and marks her debut at White Rose Publishing.

A resident of suburban Detroit, she’s happily married with two kids and a family that never fails to support and encourage. An active member of Romance Writers of America, she’s a long-time member of Greater Detroit RWA where she served the chapter in a number of capacities, most notably as treasurer and two terms as president.

My Review ~

Callie Phillips failed to meet her parents' expectations and took the rebellious route to adulthood. Unfortunately her rebellion resulted in a predicament more painful than she imagined possible. Five years later she is still battling demons that plague her as she seeks peace in her life. Teaching choir and her position as music director at Queen of Angels church allow her to glorify God through music. Divine providence places Luke West into Callie's life as Luke's niece is captivated by Callie's music. Luke's compassionate nature as an EMT serves as a bastion to Callie as she unburdens her past to him, fearing that he might balk at her indiscretions. Luke's reaction to Callie's confession is forgiving and supportive as he reassures her of God's mercy and grace, and the gift of forgiveness as he encourages Callie to forgive herself. 

The characters in Beautiful Music represent human frailties and brokenness, compassion and love, devotion and faith, through overcoming the complexities that accompany adversity. Forgiveness, acceptance and the sanctity of life play important roles in this beautifully written story of trials where God's mercy and grace are significant. Revisiting Sal's Place is like returning to a place where everyone belongs. Marianne Evans is a very gifted author who has a passion for Christ, and her love for the Lord is evident throughout her writing. I've read many of her books and am left somewhat speechless by the impact that her writing has on me. She is a beautiful example for Christian authors. I look forward to reading more books by this talented author.

Disclaimer: The author supplied me with a PDF copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.