April 24, 2012
NEED YOU NOW BY BETH WISEMAN

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!




You never know when I might play a wild card on you!




Today's Wild Card author is:

Beth Wiseman

and the book:

Need You Now


Thomas Nelson; 1 edition (April 10, 2012)


***Special thanks to Rick Roberson, The B&B Media Group, for sending me a review copy.***





I was reading through Need You Now on my kindle a couple of days ago, and the read-out said 80% finished. As I finished a pivotal chapter, I read the words "End of Part 1!" There was nothing else; I was horrified because at this point I was involved in the book and couldn't believe that I didn't have the end! Thankfully, I checked my net-galley account and found that I had 2 copies so I downloaded the second one, and it was a full edition! Happily, I finished the book that very night!

The Henderson's have moved from Houston to the small town of Round Top, hoping it is the best thing for the entire family. When trouble arises with one of the kids, things quickly unravel. Brad and Darlene's marriage suddenly doesn't seem as strong, and both make some unwise choices. Will their marriage survive the crisis, and will their daughter find the healing she needs? This book follows the family drama through some intense situations.

By reaching out to a new neighbor, Darlene helps lead her back to the Lord. Then their roles reverse as Layla counsels Darlene through her trials. The change in Layla happened a little fast, although it was explained well (and I liked the explanation). My other complaint would be that there was a lot going on; the book maybe could have become a series or a least 2 books getting a little deeper on the different events: Darlene's job working with special needs children, Layla's change of character, Grace's issues, Darlene's poor choices, etc.

I did enjoy the book. As I said in the beginning, the story drew me in, and I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen. The characters were realistic with true emotions, motivations, and actions. This family could be yours or your neighbors. Friendships and relationships were nicely developed. There were some beautiful scenes depicting our need for prayer and a relationship with the Lord in our everyday lives. The theme was strong and important, and the book made me think and pray about the people out there that are dealing with similar situations.