"Lead Me Home"

by Amy K. Sorrells

Description

Amid open fields and empty pews, small towns can crush big dreams. Abandoned by his no-good father and forced to grow up too soon, Noble Burden has set his dreams aside to run the family farm. Meanwhile, James Horton, the pastor of the local church, questions his own calling as he prepares to close the doors for good. As a severe storm rolls through, threatening their community and very livelihood, both men fear losing what they care about most . . . and reconsider where they truly belong.

Biography

Amy is an award-winning author and occasional poet writing words of hope for a hurting world. Amy got her start in journalism, has written for medical publications, and enjoyed a three year stint as a weekly op-ed columnist for her town newspaper. A graduate of DePauw University, Amy lives with her husband and three sons in central Indiana.  

My Thoughts ~

I found the premise of this story very familiar, having grown up in the country, surrounded by small farms and small churches. Life was tough and the farm work long and arduous. Nonetheless, farmers and their families persevered through numerous hard times. I loved the realism portrayed in Lead Me Home. This book is honest, earthy and not sugarcoated. It represents what farm families did with what they had.

The characters are depicted as typical, rural people. Every type of individual is portrayed authentically, and there were some real "characters!" The Burden family is to be cherished for their honest and realistic presence. Family loyalty is presented in a very sensitive, loving and admirable approach.

Reverend James Horton lost his wife in a tragic auto accident, and was left to single-handedly raise his daughter, Shelby. Teenage issues leave James shaking his head and wondering what he could do better. At the same time his congregation has dwindled down to a handful of congregants, and the future of his church is hanging in the balance. 

I enjoyed this down-t0-earth, honest book even though at times it moved somewhat slowly. At times I wondered when the pace would pick up. I look back now and realize how much I enjoyed that pace that represents the issues in the book. Relax with a copy of this book. It's a wonderful taste of reality. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network's For Readers Only program in exchange for my honest review. All expressed opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

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