Miracle in a Dry Season is a hopeful novel that was introduced with the novella Appalachian Serenade. I was glad I had read the novella, but you do not need to have read that story. Each book will stand on its own merits. This touching story tells how a small town learns the true meaning of forgiveness.Perla is a quiet mother to a captivating five year old, Sadie. Perla left her home to return to the small town of Wise, West Virginia. This is where her aunt and uncle live, and Perla lived there for a short time as a small girl. In order to feel useful, Perla offers to cook for her aunt and uncle who run the town's mercantile. Perla has a gift that when she cooks the food seems to multiply and everyone is filled.
Drought has come to Wise and we soon discover that peoples' souls are affected by a spiritual drought as well. The land waits for the rain, while people's souls wait for true forgiveness to break their hardened souls. This comes in some surprising ways. Renewal comes once there is rain and forgiveness. Some people are quick to forgive, while others take a bit more time.
This book was very insightful. I kept putting myself in place of the characters wondering if I would be quick to forgive. Thomas puts in some common struggles we all share and if you stop to ask yourself if you would forgive, you might be surprised to discover your answer. I know that I was taken by surprise.
The romance of the book is hinted at in the story and heats up to a quick resolve at the end of the story. I would have liked the romance to have had a bit more prominence in the story, but yet the lessons that I learned in the story about myself made this a story that was well worth my time. I look forward to reading more from this author.
My thanks to Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley for the e-book to read and review.
