A Book That I Could NOT Put Down!!!

"Skip Rock Shallows"
   By Jan Watson
Jan outshines herself in this novel. Her description of her characters is outstanding in making you see people as they really are. Some appear crusty, rough and tough, but lovable in their own way. Others are the easy to love, soft, caring and kind. You experience all of those emotions when meeting the characters in this book.


The plot keeps this book in your hand until you are done!!  These characters who have installed themselves in your heart go through trials and challenges that most of us have never encountered and NEVER will, yet you can feel them deep within your heart.  Jan has the strength in her writing to colorfully describe each character and action  as it occurs. The plot twists and turns and exhibits a story of real life family love..In spite of never being even near a coal mine, I could clearly see the story unfold.


Synopsis: Lilly, the main character, has just graduated from medical school and accepts an internship in the  coal camp of Skip Rock, Kentucky. Her fiance, Paul, is doing his residency in a fine community in Boston and fails to understand Lilly's choice of working in a backwater, rough coal town. Lilly had grown up in the mountains thus felt something calling her back to her roots. God works in mysterious ways!!  She is drawn to these tough, hard working people who die in their job and their wives know their place and toil in their own way. Lilly has to overcome many challenges , as a female doctor , but after saving a man's life, her trust is gained by many. 
Complications arise within the coal mine and within Lilly's heart. She is torn between two young men- her intended in Boston and a handsome miner. How could she choose two such different men?? God has a plan for her life . Will Lilly follow it?? She wrestles with her decision and her mixed feelings about this rough life she would have to live in . She also wonders what he is hiding. Something just isn't right.  
Tragedies in the mine occur, mysterious happenings begin. Who is responsible? Can God supply the needs of these poor people who are struggling to make ends meet?


Wow!! A super book!!  Jan, I can hardly wait for another from you.


This book was supplied by Tyndale Press in exchange for an honest review.