The Woodland Series -- Review

There is no question: life has a way of kicking us in the gut at times, leaving us fighting for air. We kick and we flail, gasping for that needed oxygen. But sometimes, what we need is a little escape. A gentle reminder that hope can spring from the rubble at our feet.

What I’ve found in the midst of my own scrambling for breath is a peak into another’s life. Since voyeurism is unwelcomed, I’ve taken to fiction. While some will dive headlong into suspense, thrillers, or tragic tales, I’ve been immersed in romance.

Yes. I said romance.

I have spent the past weekend on retreat—in Saint Clair Shores, MI—where men and women struggle for their faith, to find peace with a God who seems unseen an silent at times, and even pastors who simply want to be known for their humanity as well as their calling to shepherd God’s church.

How did I do this? Isn’t this town smack in the middle of Detroit’s suburbs? Really? Why not the woods up in the Huron National Forest?

Well, Marianne Evans has crafted a series of books (4 total) that take us to the lush, almost serene atmosphere of Woodland Church, where its proximity to Lake St. Clair, offers a perfect setting for anyone to escape.

Pelican Book Group

In the first of her series, Heart’s Crossing we meet Collin Edwards and Daveny Montgomery. This pair is brought together by a church beautification project, but Collin has painful memories, guilt, and anger keeping him from being part of the church. His attraction to Daveny is called into question when she asserts that his separation from God is a deal-breaker. I won’t spoil it for you, but suffice it to say that those Collin feels he must protect the most from his painful truths, are the very people he needs most to help heal from said truths.

Pelican Book Group

Next in the lineup is Heart’s Surrender, in which Pastor Ken Lucerne is coming to grips with the death of his wife, but also fostering guilt over his wayward heart and his desire to strike the match to a sparking relationship with the beautiful Kiara Jordan. How can he betray his wife’s memory by moving into a new relationship? The two are drawn to each other, but both—for reasons of their own—fight against. What they find in each other is an amazing combination, a dynamic plan, set in motion by their God who teaches us all to set aside our own ideas of how life should play out and try to see it from His angle. 

Pelican Book Group

Heart’s Communion re-introduces us to Collin Edwards and his family as we meet his brother Jeremy. The instant Jeremy and Monica Kittelsky meet, sparks fly and hearts are kindled. He is captivated by her natural ability to connect with children and sets himself in full throttle forward motion to capture her heart for his own. What he is unaware of is the burden she carries that could destroy his hopes—dreams—of having a large and vibrant family like the one in which he grew up. Through his constant affirmation and steadfast devotion, she is able to see the truth—love hopes all things, believes all things, it never fails.  

Pelican Book Group

When Heart’s Key’s cover is opened, the familiar name, Amy Maxwell, (first introduced in Heart’s Surrender) is our focus. This is her story, and Tyler Brock’s. The two are re-united after years of following their own paths. As seen in the previous book, Tyler’s interest in Amy is beyond that of friendship. But now, Amy’s got baggage that keeps her from being able to accept that she is worthy to stand by his side. She and her daughter, Pyper, must work through trust issues and learn that regardless of bad decisions, there’s always hope in unconditional love and acceptance. (You can read my full review of  this installment here.)

Through each book, there unfolds the passion and intimacy we all crave. First with God, and then with someone to love and receive love in return. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, or in sequence. Revisiting each character throughout the series helps this reader to see how each member of Marianne's cast has grown from year to year and taken hold of their new-found faith in God and love. 

Marianne’s vision for presenting each story, each heartfelt scene, seems to leap from the pages. I love Ken Lucerne’s words, “I love to watch God’s plan unfold” (paraphrased). God’s plan will not always go our way, but will always surprise us with unspeakable joy.

 And quite frankly, this week has been one of those gut-wrenching weeks --personally-- and delving into the lives of these people has come as a refreshing tool. Sunbursts around the storm clouds.

Disclaimer: These books were purchased, and this review is not in any way influenced by the author or the publishing house.

Find this, and Marianne's other works, on Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble
Come Rain or Shine, Keep Dancin'

K. A. Jacobsen
Writer
southpawscribbler@gmail.com