Review of "A Stillness of Chimes"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Meg Moseley always delivers novels with heart, depth, and complexity.  True to the style set by her previous two novels, "A Stillness of Chimes" encompasses a spectrum of emotions in a multi-faceted plot. An air of mystery prevails throughout the novel, and every character has a story that becomes a cohesive part of the bigger story.  Moseley steers readers directly into serious subjects and immerses us directly into life in Prospect, Georgia.  "A Stillness of Chimes" certainly has its share of pain and less-than-happy realizations for the characters, but it is a beautifully written novel with a prevailing sense of hope and happiness.

The novel's central mystery surrounds the presumed death of Elliot Gantt, but a web of connected mysteries is revealed as the plot unfolds.  Elliot's daughter, Laura, and his protege, Sean, are left to uncover both past and present truths.  With both of Laura's parents gone, there are no straight forward answers to the mounting questions, just assumptions and childhood memories.  Moseley's storytelling kept me interested throughout the book's entire emotional journey. The characters are fully developed and even Laura's parents, who are only alive in Laura's and Sean's memories have complexities that make them three-dimensional.

"A Stillness of Chimes" is novel that will touch reader's hearts.  Moseley ventures far beyond predictability to create a Southern tale of love, forgiveness, and truth.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Click Here to Read Chapter 1.

Summary from Waterbrook Multnomah: What if the pain of the past revealed an unknown sacrifice that changes everything?

When teacher Laura Gantt comes home to Prospect, Georgia to settle her recently-deceased mother’s household, the last thing she expects to encounter is a swirl of rumors about the father she lost to the lake twelve years ago—that he has reportedly been seen around town. Elliott Gantt’s body was never found and he was presumed dead.

Reeling from the sharp loss of a parent, Laura must now grapple with painful memories surrounding her father’s disappearance and the sense of abandonment she experienced after his death. Life-long friend and former beau Sean Halloran wants nothing more than to protect Laura from the far-fetched stories of Elliott’s resurrection and to care for her, but he has his own reasons, troubling echoes from his childhood, to put Elliott’s disappearance to rest.

Working together, Laura and Sean begin to uncover the truth, one mired in the wooded peaks and deep waters of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Prospect. Can they fathom how many secrets the steep hills hold? With surprising facts revealed, will Laura be able to understand the sacrificial choices made that forever changed her life? And can love and a peace with God be rekindled in her heart after so much time has passed? 

About the Author: Meg Moseley is still a Californian at heart although she's lived more than half her life in other states. Holding jobs that ranged from candle-maker to administrative assistant, Meg eventually contributed human-interest pieces for a suburban edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Contemporary fiction remains her real love, and she's the author of When Sparrows Fall and Gone South. She lives in Atlanta near the foothills of the Southern Appalachians with her husband.  Read More at http://megmoseley.com/

Review of "Gone South"

Rating: 4 Stars

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Review: Journey to the old and new south in Meg Moseley's new novel "Gone South." Southern flavor accents every aspect, from the cover to the characters and plot. The novel is relatively sedate in regards to action or romance; it is more focused on forgiveness, self-discovery, acceptance, and love. "Gone South" is told from the perspectives of three main characters: Leticia "Tish" McComb, George Zorbas, and Melanie "Mel" Hamilton. Tish and Mel are both outcasts in the quaint southern town of Noble, Alabama.  As a new resident, Tish is ostracized because of her family history.  Mel is a life-long resident who faces prejudices resulting from her past rash behavior. George and his endearing Maltese are the first residents to extend friendship to Tish and Mel.  Each of the three characters were well-developed, but I was more drawn into Mel's story. Her struggles with her past and her family are emotionally engaging.  The ending of the novel glosses over Mel's portion of the plot, and I wish more time had been devoted to tying up the story lines in more detail.

"Gone South" progresses with the refined, leisurely quality of southern life, but it is never dull.  Moseley keeps readers engaged through the lives and emotions of her characters. With "When Sparrows Fall" and "Gone South," Meg Moseley has established herself as an insightful contemporary Christian Fiction author. I will definitely be on the watch for her next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Multnomah/ WaterBrook Press through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Summary: Leaving frosty Michigan for the Deep South was never a blip in the simple plans Tish McComb imagined for her life, dreams of marriage and family that were dashed five years earlier in a tragic accident. Now an opportunity to buy her great-great-great-grandparents’ Civil War era home beckons Tish to Noble, Alabama, a Southern town in every sense of the word. She wonders if God has given her a new dream— the old house filled with friends, her vintage percolator bubbling on the sideboard.
 
When Tish discovers that McCombs aren’t welcome in town, she feels like a Yankee behind enemy lines. Only local antiques dealer George Zorbas seems willing to give her a chance. What’s a lonely outcast to do but take in Noble’s resident prodigal, Melanie Hamilton, and hope that the two can find some much needed acceptance in each other.
 
Problem is, old habits die hard, and Mel is quite set in her destructive ways. With Melanie blocked from going home, Tish must try to manage her incorrigible houseguest as she attempts to prove her own worth in a town that seems to have forgotten that every sinner needs God-given mercy, love and forgiveness.

When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: Miranda Hanford is a widowed mother of six children, living under the strict guidance of her pastor, Mason Chandler. For several years, Miranda has felt trapped by the teachings and lifestyle practices enforced by Mason.  When Mason announces a plan to move his flock to another state, Miranda questions his plans and his authority. Sensing the obstacle that Miranda poses to his carefully laid plans, Mason threatens to unearth past secrets that could destroy Miranda's family.

An unfortunate accident and subsequent recovery leaves Miranda unable to care for her children.  The arrival of Miranda's estranged bother-in-law, Jack Hanford, is both a help and a complication.  As a comparably worldly college professor, Jack questions the family's ultra-conservative lifestyle.  His presence makes waves in Miranda's home and with Mason, but he also opens the doors to truth and freedom.  Can Miranda's body, mind, and soul heal in time to break free of the shackles that have bound her so tightly?

Review: When Sparrows Fall is a story of fear and loss, secrets, freedom, love, and faith.  Moseley tackles the heavy subject of cult-like religious practices with gracefulness and splashes of humor.  While the novel conveys the unyielding framework and psychological shackles of religious extremists, it remains enjoyably introspective and engaging.  Moseley introduces well-crafted characters, including a cast of charming children, whose antics lighten the mood. The message of When Sparrows Fall is uplifting and thought-provoking and will be a wonderful novel for reading groups as well as individuals.  I highly recommend When Sparrows Fall and look forward to other books by Meg Moseley.

When Sparrows Fall is available for purchase at the following locations:
Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Multnomah/ WaterBrook Press through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”