Rachel Kaufman makes a promise to her son Justin when she
accepts a job as an assistant chaplain at a new hospital in
Sarasota, Florida. "Everything will work out; it will be
all right." Nothing had been right since her husband was
killed in a tragic accident two years ago. She and Justin
moved into the grandparent cottage and her late husband's
brother and his family moved into the farmhouse where
Rachel, Justin and her late husband lived. That's the way
things work in the Mennonite culture. Justin's uncle was
hard on him, and Rachel thought a change would be best for
both of them. A thousand miles from Ohio, Justin is not so
sure this move is the best thing. He doesn't make friends
easily, and kids in public school don't understand the
Mennonite culture. Justin makes friends with Derek, the
first boy who pays attention to him. But Derek is a con-
artist and a bully. Justin innocently thinks he is tutoring
Derek in math, but he's really doing Derek's homework for
him.
Rachel really enjoys her new job and immerses herself in
her work. She's on four months' probation and has to
complete a certification program. She's so busy with work
and classes that she isn't paying enough attention to
Justin and his needs. He tries to convey his unhappiness,
but Rachel continues to insist everything will work out.
Are things really working out in Rachel's own life? The
hospital administrator seems to be looking for Rachel to
make a wrong move so she has reason to let her go at the
end of her probationary period. Are her motives
professional or are they personal? Can Rachel keep her job
and find time for Justin? Does she really want to?
Although this is the third book in Anna Schmidt's
Women of Pinecraft series, it can stand alone as a
wonderful, inspirational novel. There are several subplots
that develop previous characters and introduce some very
relevant social themes. The characters are endearing and
the story development will keep you intrigued. There may
even be romance for Rachel, if she will allow herself to
meet her own needs. If you're a fan of inspirational
fiction, this is an excellent choice.
After her husband’s sudden death, Mennonite Rachel Kaufman
has promised her son, Justin, a fresh start. Will Florida
be
the balm to heal their gaping wounds? Dr. Ben Booker
stopped
trusting God when his niece became ill. Is Rachel just what
the Great Physician ordered to restore Ben’s faith? As
thirteen-year-old Justin struggles in his new environs, to
what lengths will he go to reestablish a sense of control
over his life? When a jealous coworker begins spreading
malicious gossip, Rachel’s career is jeopardized. Is her
faith enough to see her through?