Courage of Fear
Barbara Boyer
Angela is a Pulitzer Prize winner with a posh LA home and a
handsome and successful husband Jackson who loves her a lot. Her life
is perfect. Then, a disaster strikes, her husband leaves her and she
returns to New England, her hometown.
I was really confused while reading the first few chapters. In
one chapter she was with her husband Jackson, all happy and content and
in
the next chapter she is devastated and unable to think straight and
decide what to do with her life. This alternating of situations
and
time really left me confused. This goes on for at least 8-9
chapters
I really didn't understand what was going on. At one time I was going
to give up. But I didn't. I had a hunch that this book is more
than
your usual romance book.
But after about 50 pages or so, the book and the writing really
blossomed. I starting liking Angela and also started sympathizing with
her. I liked the secondary characters too. There is Leo, a high school
boyfriend, still stuck on her and there is Culann, the caretaker
of her estate. I found Culann very interesting and likable. Even
Lizzy, her childhood friend who is not in talking terms with her
anymore, is very likable.
With the help of her friends and Martha, who brought her up after her
parents death, Angela finally comes to terms with the loss and the
grief. She realizes what GOD wants her to do with her life.
I don't want to reveal any more for the fear of spoiling it for anyone
who hasn't read it. And yes, I loved the end; it was so unlike what I
expected.
Before every chapter, there is a quote from Angela's book, 'Wrestling
with the demons'. They are like gems sprinkled in between pages. I
found the author, Barbara Boyer's writing full of practical wisdom.
She preaches without preaching. I just wish it was a little more
polished.
I think people who like reading Inspirational or Christian fiction
will love this book. But that does not mean others would not like it.
Here are some of my favorite quotes/ sentences from the book: (No
Spoilers)
--Many who are physically, emotionally, and spiritually pained believe
they must find the ending to create a beginning.
--There are always other ways back across the water, burnt bridges or
not. Whether I choose to go around, wade, swim, or build another way
to repair what appears broken or burnt, if I need to.
--"I am a moon who has lost her sea."
Culann smiles, "Why is it the Ocean doesn't lose its current during
the brightness of the day? Our moon doesn't disappear, Angela. It is
till very much a part of the sea. Just because you cannot see
something, does not mean it does not exist."
--Surrendering is not giving up, it is merely moving over to the
winning side.
--…just do not give up before the miracle happens.
Okay, clearly I do not know where to stop. Read it if you want to read
something inspirational and uplifting.