Nancy Moser, Crossroads

Crossroads

Nancy Moser

Tyndale, Mar 2006, $12.99

ISBN: 1414301618

One century ago, her ancestors founded Weaver, Kansas, but now the place is dying. Town matriarch elderly spinster Madeline Weaver detests that her heritage is slowly eroding. She loathes how people drop spouses as if they are tossing the garbage. Finally she hates the constant people moving out, as nothing seems stable except the decline of her hometown.

Madeline has decided to do something to save Weaver. She buys up all the property and holds a contest, in which she gives away land one lot at a time. Her plan is simple to control who lives in her town and how they live. At first the winners feel kind towards their benefactor, but as the rules become enforced, many wonder if a mean spirited dictator runs their lives. However, Madeline has a past too, that she has kept secret and that is about to be revealed, leading to either redemption or humiliation depending on how she reacts.

This is an interesting character driven tale, as Madeline and an assortment of supporting players are at the CROSSROADS of their lives while coming together in Weaver, Kansas to start over. Madeline is an intriguing protagonist, as the septuagenarian tries to cling to her heritage not expecting that part of it is a secret she prefers left concealed because it shames her. Fans will enjoy this fine look at people struggling with difficult decisions, as no option is all right or all wrong with most containing pros and cons.