I Once Was Lost But Now Am Found: Book Review of A Dim Reflection by Aleigha Israel

Blurb:

William Caverly can't seem to understand the unsettling feeling that has been nagging him for far too long. Memories of a baby sister are forever haunting his waking hours, and as he sleeps at night, he is repeatedly awakened by nightmares, confusing ones that he'd rather forget. His baby sister died. He saw her little body laid to rest beside their mother. But that doesn’t explain the dim remembrance he has of an event that happened not too long after that.

Charlotte Porter's days are full and busy as she diligently teaches her young art students at her mother's boarding school, and tries desperately to stay away from an annoying suitor. Painting has been her passion and dream ever since she could hold a brush, but lately she has begun to question her mission and calling in life. What is her real purpose? And why does she know so little about her father, who supposedly died before she was born?

William thinks he's discovered the hidden link that has kept him from his sister for over fifteen years. But then she's kid-napped, leaving William no choice except to find her and get her back. Once and for all.

Author Bio:

ALEIGHA C. ISRAEL writer of inspirational fiction and poetry is an author of multiple books and enjoys sharing God's love through the powerful art of storytelling.

Aleigha loves being a Community Assistant at the Young Writers Workshop and teaching writing classes to her talented students.

When she's not daydreaming about a new story idea or playing with her sidekick "Marley" (a Pomeranian mix) she can usually be seen traveling with her family's gospel bluegrass band, “Fret Not” or making personalized author swag for her business Literary Treasures.

She doesn’t have to search very hard for inspiration.

Living in the Israel household, it’s guaranteed there’s an adventure waiting around every corner!

My Review:

Following closely on the heels of “A Higher Ransom”, this sequel continues the story and takes the readers on a lively quest to recoup lost relationships and faith. “A Dim Reflection” calls to mind 1 Corinthians 13:12: “Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” This is a fitting title for a tale in which the characters are revealed for who they truly are, good and bad. It is also a reminder that the Lord knows us completely, even better than we know ourselves, and that He knows each person’s true character.

Although there is more action in this sequel, like its predecessor it is a character-driven novel. Aleigha Israel nicely constructs the circumstances to bring the various players together throughout the course of the narrative, creating a nice segue and unveiling more backstory for the central characters. William Caverly’s new life in the tranquil town of Chasahburough is haunted by recollections of his baby sister and what happened one fateful night so many years ago, and his pursuit of this shady period of his past brings him back in contact with Anna Haddington. Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Charlotte Porter has questions about her own past and faces a crisis of faith in the midst of great turmoil. A kidnapping sets everything in motion and establishes an ultimate collision point, testing everyone’s faith and courage.

Another charming, faith-filled book, “A Dim Reflection” speaks to the young and young at heart with universal Christian themes and plenty of Scripture, addressing issues that continue to burden hearts today. Charlotte’s struggle during an emotional trial is one to which so many of us can relate: “Everyone else seemed to have such perfect faith in God. They trusted Him fully, so why couldn’t she?” This story excels at driving home Scriptural truths in situations that we often find ourselves facing today, and the characters seem to step out of the pages and into readers’ hearts with their suffering and honesty. For pre-teens and grandparents alike, this series offers excitement, endearing characters, and most of all solid faith in the One who knows our hearts best of all.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.