When I Close My Eyes

By Elizabeth Musser

Published by Bethany House Publishers

Beautifully told

Nora

Nora’s REVIEW:

…”I steadied my Glock, and took aim…In the same moment I heard a voice at the end of the alley call out, “Ms. Bourdillon! You forgot—” and the lady turned as my bullet laced its way silently through the air, so that it hit her on the right side of the head instead of full force in the back, as was my intent. But I saw her fall to the ground, lying in a puddle of blood, as the voice turned into a piercing scream. I disappeared around the corner…..”

This story is beautifully told as this author tackles tough topics, keeping matters honest, non-preachy and true. The author shows how the lies we believe and tell others creates a web around us that’s hard to break. Issues touched on are suicide, mental illness, depression, friendship, love, acceptance, faith, trust, hope, and forgiveness all wonderfully shared through her soul-searching characters. Musser was able to have readers look at tragic events from a few different angles, sharing through compassionate, loving and graceful eyes. (John 8:31 – 32 Jesus said… you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”)

I appreciate the author’s bravery and transparency in writing this story. These topics people don’t like to talk about and/or even think about. I liked how Josephine realizes the lies she’s believed about God, herself and others.

“I had to get to the end of myself before I could figure out how to live again. I thought quite literally and horribly and morbidly that the end of myself was dying. Depression does that, and don’t let anyone tell you differently. We sensitive souls feel everything so deeply. Everything matters, and I could not differentiate between the really big deals and the big deals in my heart that tormented me time and time again.”

This is a surprising, engaging, hopeful read that will bring much discussion for your book club group. The author includes 15 discussion questions to help you go deeper in discussing this novel. This author pens a remarkable story you won’t want to miss.

BACK COVER:

Henry Hughes was hired to kill a well-known author, but the TV news anchor says she isn’t dead. Henry won’t get paid unless he finishes the job, and he really needs the money. But how will he get close to Josephine Bourdillon when the hospital is crawling with cops?

Josephine’s 17-year-old daughter, Paige, isn’t sure what’s going on. Her mom is in a coma, and the police are asking questions. Amid the stress and emotional upheaval, she wonders why this is happening to her family. Her mother has received disturbing reader mail in the past, but would someone really want her dead? And there’s the odd man in the waiting room, whose young son desperately needs surgery. She wishes she possessed her mom’s faith, but faith has been ebbing from her life for some time. . . .

Set against the flaming hills of North Carolina, this is the story of two families struggling with dysfunction and finding that grace is stronger than anything the mind can imagine

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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”

Nora St. Laurent 

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The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org