Karen Wiesner, Shadow Boxing

Shadow Boxing

Karen Wiesner

Whiskey Creek, 2011, $17.95

ISBN: 9781611600131

Although Joshua and Justine Samuels have been married for eighteen years, she feels she does not know her husband nor him her. Justine concludes that in spite of almost two decades together, they share two common bonds: their love for their daughter Vashti and their faith in the Lord.

Looking back to when she was in high school while working and caring for her dying father, Justine recalls her only respite was time spent with her neighbor Joshua. When she became pregnant, both feared the reactions of their devout Christian families so they married and raised Vashti until now when she wonders if that is all there is their marriage. However, neither of her parents know how determined Vashti is to keep her family together. She signs up her mom and dad to partake in a mission in Mexico. They will either come back renewed in their marital vows and their belief in God or find their schism too great a leap of faith to overcome.

This Family Heirlooms inspirational family drama (see Baby, Baby) is a wonderful character driven tale that provides a profound look at a troubled marriage. The three Samuels are pious individuals, but in spite of the adults honoring their vows, their relationship appears at best dormant. Vashti intercedes praying to the Lord to guide her as she fears her family is going to split up due to the lack of real communication between her parents. Readers will appreciate this deep look at marital relationships though the mindsets of the Samuels' trio.

Harriet Klausner