Book Review: Of Stillness and Storm by Michèle Phoenix


"I felt torn between two worlds..."


Title: Of Stillness and Storm
Author:   Michèle Phoenix
Publisher:  Thomas Nelson
Release Date:  December 6, 2016
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Fiction


"I felt torn between two worlds. Each with its own mystery. One more captivating than the other, but the other more real and breathing."

 It took Lauren and her husband ten years to achieve their dream---reaching primitive tribes in remote regions of Nepal. But while Sam treks into the Himalayas for weeks at a time, finding passion and purpose in his work among the needy, Lauren and Ryan stay behind, their daily reality more taxing than inspiring. For them, what started as a calling begins to feel like the family's undoing.

 At the peak of her isolation and disillusion, a friend from Lauren's past enters her life again. But as her communication with Aidan intensifies, so does the tension of coping with the present while reengaging with the past. It's thirteen-year-old Ryan who most keenly bears the brunt of her distraction.

 Intimate and bold, Of Stillness and Storm weaves profound dilemmas into a tale of troubled love and honorable intentions gone awry.



Of Stillness and Storm by Michèle Phoenix' synopsis starts off with "I felt torn..." Yes, that really is the gist of the emotional struggle our main character Lauren felt throughout, and frankly me too. It's a powerful story. It delves into the emotional world of a missionary family from hopes and dreams of the beginning to times of despair, frustration, and loneliness.  It felt so real and constant, yet I know it's truly possible. When the soul is weak and battered by the internal storm, it's the stillness of within that finds a way to deal. It's hard. The story is hard, the struggles are hard, the marriage is hard and in all, it's hard to say I love this story, because I don't and I can't. It's one of those that takes so much out of you to read it, because after reading it, you let it linger for some time. It's brilliantly written, beautifully envisioned, and poignantly envelopes a reader's mind. I am torn as well. I can probably point out every little thing or character, but then, that's exactly why I can't let it linger more. It's complicated.


Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.

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Born in France to a Canadian father and an American mother, Michèle Phoenix is a consultant, writer and speaker with a heart for Third Culture Kids. She taught for 20 years at Black Forest Academy (Germany) before launching her own advocacy venture under Global Outreach Mission. Michèle travels globally to consult and teach on topics related to this unique people group. She loves good conversations, mischievous students, Marvel movies and paths to healing.

TO CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR: Website | Facebook | Twitter 



                                                                                                                                                                      


Thank you for reading my posts. For full blog information and links to giveaways, head over to the blog: http://justcommonly.blogspot.com.

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