Ann Tatlock Things We Once Held Dear

Things We Once Held Dear

Ann Tatlock

Bethany House, Jan 2006, $13.99, 400 pp.

ISBN: 0764200046

Almost three decades ago, Neil Sadler left Mason, Ohio, following a suspicious looking death, in which the locals, including his beloved friend Mary Beeken, hold him culpable, though the law did not. He vowed never to return home and successfully forged a new life. Twenty seven years later, Neil mourns the sudden loss of his, wife with an obsession to go home to learn what really happened that drove him away, though he doubts the welcome reception, even after all this time that has past.

Mary has also come home to Mason looking for solace. Her life is not a happy one, as her husband, a battle fatigue syndrome cop, takes out his frustrations and anger on her. Neil is shocked that he still desires Mary with the tragedy hanging over their heads and some more recent baggage to keep them apart. Already doubting God and feeling sorry for himself, he begins to wonder if he is the modern day Job, as he knows he can never have his Mary, even if she loves and believes in him.

This is a terrific inspirational that uses a tragic mystery and more recent traumas to paint a tale of a Doubting Thomas whose only shred of belief is that God is testing, or simply punishing him, if he exists. As Neil and Mary reconnect they look back at what happened to break them apart. Hooked grateful fans will wonder whether Neil will find salvation with the Lord, what did occur years ago? and what will happen between Mary and him? Ann Tatlock inspires her audience with her deft touch.