Title: The Weight of Shadows
Author: Alison Strobel
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication Date: May 7, 2010
Paperback: 320 pages
ISBN: 978-0310289456
Genre: Fiction

and 1/2

About the Book:

After a difficult childhood, Kim has built a successful life for herself, but she’d leave it all if it meant being rid of the guilt she harbors over a tragic mistake she made years ago. When she meets Rick, she finds everything she needs—including a way to pay for her sins every time he hits her. Kim and Rick’s new neighbor, Joshua, knows more than Kim realizes about Rick’s abusive behavior, but Joshua has battles of his own to fight. Soon to intersect Kim’s and Rick’s lives is Debbie, who has saved countless women from abuse through the shelter she runs but might be as desperate for love as the women she serves. Meanwhile, as Rick’s wrath extends to their baby, Kim must decide if her penance is more important than protecting that innocent life—and if she should dare leave Rick when he has the power to bring her hidden crime to light. A gripping, gritty novel, The Weight of Shadows explores how the risks we take for those we love can touch the lives of others forever.

My Review:

The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel is a beautiful and heart-wrenching novel about the redemptive powers of forgiveness and love. Kim meets Rick at a party, the first guy she has ever dated and falls in love and it is not too long before he becomes abusive, yet Kim believes she deserves the abuse. Debbie Truman runs the Safe In His Arms shelter for women of domestic abuse. While she helps women every day she is unable to unburden herself of the guilt she clings to surrounding her sister. Joshua Miller is dealing with his wife’s recent death, raising their 4-year-old daughter by himself, losing his job and now his in-laws want to prove him unfit and gain custody of their granddaughter. Strobel writes a deeply moving novel, rich in character description, depth, and imagery. The reader will feel rather close to Kim, Debbie, and Joshua as they each struggle with their own personal demons. While The Weight of Shadows is a Christian novel, it is not in your face preachy, rather is an extraordinarily beautiful and at times heart-breaking story of three average people caught up in circumstances they would prefer not to be in as they do the best they can to overcome their situations. Strobel appears to have done her research as scenes are very detailed and the emotions of the victims are very realistic. I truly enjoyed reading this book and I would highly recommend The Weight of Shadows to any adult or discussion group.

About the Author:

Alison Strobel writes novels that explore life, love and faith. She lives in Colorado with her husband and two daughters. Visit her website for more information.

Contest: Alison Strobel is hosting a contest. On July 18th, which is one week after the close of the tour, she will choose one commentor from a randomly selected blog to receive either autographed copies of my first three books or a gift card to their favorite bookstore.

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I received a complimentary copy of The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel from the author. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.