I am pleased to be a part of the book blog tour featuring Marlo Schalesky's new book, "Shades of Morning."
And in a flash, Marnie’s life was changed. The letter from Taylor, who was now an attorney representing her sister’s estate, goes on to inform her that she had been made guardian of her sister’s son, Emmitt, a child Marnie had no idea existed, and that Taylor was sending Emmitt to live with her.
Just when you think you’ve got things figured out, and things are going well – life throws you a curve ball and suddenly your peaceful, quiet existence is turned upside down.
This is what happened to Marnie Wittier. Escaping a painful childhood growing up in foster care, Marnie had fled her hometown in Maine, cut off communication with her older sister Rose, and recreated a life for herself in Pacific Grove, California.
Fifteen years had past, and Marnie was now the owner of Books and Brew, a combo coffeeshop/bookstore where friends were like family and she was relatively happy.
Then she receives a letter from Taylor Cole, an old flame from her past, which began –
“Dear Miss Wittier – We regret to inform you that your sister has passed away.”
And in a flash, Marnie’s life was changed. The letter from Taylor, who was now an attorney representing her sister’s estate, goes on to inform her that she had been made guardian of her sister’s son, Emmitt, a child Marnie had no idea existed, and that Taylor was sending Emmitt to live with her.
With her emotions in turmoil, Marnie is swept back to the past as memories of her difficult sister Rose and her sudden illness, being with Taylor as he helped her track down their birth mother, and the painful events that caused her to run come rushing back. And when fifteen year old Emmitt arrives, Marnie is shocked to find out that the boy has Down Syndrome, and while a charming child, he is quite a handful for Marnie to deal with.
Marnie accepts her new responsibilities and as she begins to get to know Emmitt, she comes to love his inconsistent but happy ways as he manages to wiggle into her heart. And letters back and forth with Taylor, who had been a part of Emmitt’s life since his birth, are slowly healing her heartache over their breakup. Letting go of regrets and finding forgiveness seem to be within Marnie’s grasp.
But just as things are beginning to even out, a secret from the past threatens to shake up the fragile foundations of family that have begun, and Marnie’s new life as a single mom may be altered forever.
In Marlo Schalesky’s novel, “Shades of Morning,” life and love are thrown into a twist as a painful past and the tenuous future collide in the present, changing lives and hearts forever. A Christy Award winning author, Schalesky adeptly draws her readers into the heartwarming story that features romance, heartache, sorrow and happiness. Her characters are realistic, and her conscientious treatment of the Down Syndrome storyline is lovingly and well portrayed.
The moral lesson of forgiveness and redemption found within the story of “Shades of Morning” are gentle reminders to be open to what God sends your way. This charming story is full of love and joy, and is sure to be a blessing to those who read it.
About The Author:
Marlo Schalesky is the author of several acclaimed novels, including Christy Award winner Beyond the Night. A graduate of Stanford University, Marlo also has a masters of theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. She’s a regular columnist for Power for Living and lives with her husband, Bryan, and five children in California. Check out her website at http://www.marloschalesky.com/ for more information on current and future projects, plus a delightful blog.
My thanks to Kelly Blewett with KBK Public Relations for arranging the review copy of this book, and the blog tour stop. I was not compensated for my opinions.
