Travelers Rest by Ann Tatlock

A YOUNG WOMAN determined to honor her commitment . . .

AN INJURED SOLDIER convinced life is no longer worth living . . .

A RETIRED DOCTOR certain it's too late to be forgiven . . .

Jane Morrow has a dilemma. She's engaged to Seth Ballantine, a member of the National Guard's 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and he's returned from Iraq severely wounded. Jane hasn't seen him for nearly a year, and with trepidation, she heads to the VA hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, where he is being treated.

Seth isn't happy to see her. He'd asked her not to come. He wants to end the relationship. But Jane loves him, and despite his injury, she's determined to convince him that they can have a life together. Her faith has never been strong, yet she hopes God will answer her prayers and tell her what to do.

Travelers Rest takes readers on a journey through pain and tragedy to a place of hope and redemption.

My Review:
What a dilemma! Jane Morrow, the protagonist, engaged to a victim of the Iraq war finds herself in the middle of a complex problem. Seth Ballantine, once an able-bodied man, but now a quadraplegic, decides that the only solution is for Jane to stay away; after all, he is no longer the man she knew. Stay away or remain at Seth's side?

The character of Jane is compelling; despite Seth's efforts to discourage her, she plugs away, hoping somehow it will all work out. Jane questions her future life with Seth and wavers. She wishes that somehow she could be confident in her choice.

The storyline is believable and unfortunately, quite timely. Even though the topic is depressing, the plot is not. Props to Ann Tatlock for keeping the balance.

One character provides an ongoing theme: “Life’s gearshift’s got no reverse, so you have to just keep moving forward.” Readers watch as Jane moves forward. This is a book that will challenge the reader to think about life's choices.

Thank you to Bonnie at Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Bethany House Publishers for my copy.

If you would like to read the first chapter, click here.

If you would like to buy a copy, click here.