Rating:
Jennifer Erin Valent, winner of the Christian Writers Guild’s 2007 Operation First novel award winner, does it again. Cotton Whispers, the sequel to Fireflies in December, continues the friendship between Jessilyn Lassiter and Gemma Teague. The summer of 1936 brings with it tragedy and heartache that threatens to tear their friendship apart. Gemma works for a local wealthy family where she falls in love with their youngest son. Jessilyn tries to come between the two, telling Gemma he is no good. When Jessilyn’s young neighbor girl is hit by a car and killed, it threatens to dissolve Jessilyn and Gemma’s friendship.
Jessilyn’s world comes crashing in when a sweet elderly friend is accused of the crime. After discovering who was actually responsible for the child’s death, Jessilyn discovers that coming forward could lead to her father losing everything. Jessilyn is in the midst of discovering what it means to become a woman and questioning what kind of God allows these tragedies to happen to good people.
Many times an author has one great book in them, Jennifer Erin Valent has many. After reading the first sentence “I’ve heard the dead whisper,” I knew I was not going to bed until I finished this page-turning book. Valent does a wonderful job in bringing her characters to life. Accented with deep southern language Valent has readers feeling like they can actually hear the frogs, cricket, and cicadas. Jessilyn’s struggle to understand a God who allows bad things to happen is something many of us struggle with on a daily basis. The testing of faith, the testing of a friendship, and adapting to life’s changes is what you will find while visiting the Southern town of Calloway.
Cottonwood Whispers can be purchased here.
About:
Jennifer Erin Valent is the 2007 winner of the Christian Writers Guild’s Operation First Novel contest for her book “Fireflies In December” (which I reviewed here). A resident of the South, in a family of Northerners. Her favorite books were anything Nancy Drew
She has spent the past fifteen years working as a nanny and despite writing articles for various Christian women’s magazines, she never saw her self as a writer. Jennifer’s sincerest hope is to glorify the Lord by writing quality Christian fiction that will inspire, encourage, and uplift readers of all ages. She still resides in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia. You can read more about Jennifer on her blog JenniferValent.com.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Wonderful review, Lori! I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of Jennifer's novel and her gift for storytelling. Thanks for highlighting her newest work!
Lori Stanley Roeleveld http://loristanleyroeleveld.blogspot.com/
Wonderful review, Lori! I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of Jennifer's novel and her gift for storytelling. Thanks for highlighting her newest work!
Lori Stanley Roeleveld http://loristanleyroeleveld.blogspot.com/