Beyond Molasses Creek by Nicole Seitz

Three lives are bound by a single book . . . and the cleansing waters of Molasses Creek.

Having traveled to the ends of the earth as a flight attendant, Ally Green has finally returned to the Lowcountry to bury her father as well as the past. But Vesey Washington is still living across the creek, and theirs is a complicated relationship—he was once her best friend . . . and also part of the reason she’s stayed away so long. When Ally discovers a message her father left behind asking her to quit running, it seems her past isn’t through with her yet.

As Ally’s wandering spirit wrestles with a deep longing to flee again, a young woman on the other side of the world escapes her life of slavery in the rock quarries of Nepal. A mysterious sketchbook leads Sunila Kunari to believe there’s more to her story than she’s ever been told, and she’s determined to follow the truth wherever it leads her.

A deep current intertwines the lives of these three souls, and a destiny of freedom, faith, and friendship awaits them all on the banks of Molasses Creek.

My Review

I have mixed reviews about this book. I really did want to love it, but I had the hardest time getting through it! The characters of Molasses Creek were lovely, vibrant and entertaining. And while I thought they were a memorable bunch, they didn't finish the novel as such. Perhaps that was the biggest problem for me, the ending. It didn't make sense and frankly was out of character for many of those involved. But at least I finished it, which didn't seem likely in the beginning. Overall I though Seitz's writing style was nice, but not enthralling. It was simply lacking in a way I cannot explain. A solid three stars for me.

Sweet Sanctuary by Shelia Walsh

Back of the Book


Wren has tried to shelter her only son from the tumult of the world. Now she's about to find sanctuary . . . in the last place she ever expected.


In tiny Cottage Cover, on the coast of Maine, Wren Evans is raising her gifted son, Charlie. A single mom, she's fought hard to give Charlie a stable, secure home life. When a prestigious music academy in Boston expresses interest in Charlie's talent, Wren is willing to move them again to make his dreams come true.

But Wren doesn't know that Charlie has been praying for her. And the answer to her son's prayers will change both of their lives. As Wren plans their move to Boston, life in Maine begins to fall apart. Her job is threatened with budget cuts, and Wren's grandmother, Ruth, arrives unannounced, with an outlandish request.

Ruth wants the family gathered together one last time, at the summer home where, years before, an accident shattered Wren's peaceful childhood. In the tumult, Wren finds a friend in a handsome, kind-hearted local, Paul Callahan.

When the family gathers in Cottage Cover, old wounds will be healed, new love will blossom, and the innocent prayers of a child will be answered in a most unexpected way.


My Review


This novel was a step away from my typical genre of historical fiction. While I often read faith inspired fictions, I rarely read those set in contemporary times. For once I'm glad I stepped away from my norm.


I found the author to be a wonderful, descriptive writer who's characters easily captured my heart. Oftentimes I find characters fall flat, especially in Christian novels, and are one sided. Either they are inherently, unwaveringly good or they are the epitome of evil. Ms. Walsh's characters, especially the one of Wren Evans came to life, flaws and all. 


The story itself was a bit predictable, unfortunately, and therefore I did not give it a full 5 stars. Also, I found the big reveal to be a let down, the suspense aspect of the plot was not my favorite and it did not wrap up in as 'big' of a way as I would have liked, but all in all was a worthy read. I would recommend this novel to a friend, but more likely insist they borrow my copy rather than run out and buy one for themselves.


I was graciously given a copy of this book for free from BookSneeze® for this review, but was in no way compelled to write a positive review.

Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs

What I love about Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs is the incorporation of the biblical stories of Ruth and Naomi in a historical Scottish setting. While you can't say it's a modern interpretation, it's definitely a fresh spin on the story.


The novel centers around the Lowlander family and takes place in the year 1745. Ms Curtis Higgs writes a rich, descriptive novel that deeply inserts the reader into the setting. I did have to use the glossary at the back of the novel, a lovely addition, when Scottish dialect was used to supplement the story.


I have to admit that this novel was a bit slow at times, especially in the beginning, which is why I'm only giving it 4 stars. I'm an avid reader, but the starting pace along didn't help this large novel (450+ pages) move along as quickly as I would have liked. Even so, I think its a captivating novel and I would recommend it (and the sequel) to anyone seeking a strong, Christian fiction.


I was graciously given a copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, but was in no way compelled to write a positive review.