Bobbi Smith writing as Julie Marshall, Miracles

Miracles

Bobbi Smith writing as Julie Marshall

Leisure, Feb 2006, $6.99

ISBN: 084395647X

No one, not even a religious leader would blame the members of the Holy Family Church's prayer group if they believed God abandoned them. George suffers from advanced cancer with no more than a few months of life left. Investigative reporter Lydia struggles with a new editor who pressures her to find only the dirt and the seamier side of life, even as the journalist already looks at the worst behavior of humanity's fallen. Bonnie's animal shelter is on the brink of being closed down. Jim wants to be in with his peers, but that includes drinking under the influence. Others are suffering too. Collectively the prayer group understands first hand how Job must have felt.

Adding to that feeling of siege is a sniper killing people randomly. Police Detective Steve leads the investigation. He has seen plenty of the evil mankind does to one another, but the indiscriminate killers are some of the worst yet, as he or she murders the innocent and terrorizes the city. His faith is teetering, but George, Lydia, Bonnie, Jim, and the others, especially the reporter, give him the conviction that their prayers will be answered.

MIRACLES is an inspirational tale that focuses on seeking the light even when engulfed by the dark. The storyline contains a warm glow, as each member of the prayer group battles with personal demons that make them question their faith, yet each one still finds the courage to seek the light. Though the ensemble cast takes away from any character becoming fully developed, readers will want to join these caring individuals at their next prayer group meeting.