Review: Soul Painter by Cara Luecht

Soul Painter by Cara Luecht
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm probably going to be digesting this book for awhile!!! It's one of those that will stick with you for awhile.

We first meet Miriam, a very intriguing character, who hides behind the inner walls of her warehouse. She only comes out at night, in the fog. Everyone points and stares when they see her. She is also an accomplished painter and spends her time (when not wandering in the fog) painting faces. Her paintings are as mysterious as she is. She also never seems to finish a painting.

John is set to take his holy vows in the next few weeks. There is something about "Mary" (his name for Miriam until he learns otherwise) that draws him to look for her. What is it that she is lacking in her life that he may be able to help fulfill? She never comes to church but seems to be always looking for something.

Ione is a bright, young girl who is working hard to provide for her family. She would do anything for them! She makes some choices that lead her to being in need of Miriam and John's help. Will she ever be able to forgive herself and make things right again?

Michael, Miriam's solicitor, also finds that he has a need for John, Ione, and Miriam as well. They will all work together to solve a series of crimes in the town that are occurring that the police want to overlook. What will the paintings reveal in the end?

I do want to caution parents that this book would be more suitable for very mature readers. There are some very dark scenes/story lines that some might find offensive. The writer has created a very realistic story that could take place in any location, not just Chicago in 1891!

Many thanks to the publisher, White Fire Publishing, the author, Cara Luecht, and the Christian Fiction Book Alliance for providing a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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COTT: A Hot Button Novel Hot off the Presses

Ryan's Father is this month's champion at Clash of the Titles. Author June Foster is known for tackling complicated issues, and according to her fans, Ryan's Father fits the bill.
Enjoy this minipreview of a novel that tackles one of today's hottest issues.

About the Book:
The rippling influence of Ryan Reid’s immoral mother and absent father makes a mark on his soul leaving him to battle same sex attraction. When the young school teacher asks Jesus into his life, he thinks he’ll be free though no amount of prayer changes him. Ryan wants to turn away from the lifestyle, yet in his heart he knows he’s committed the sin.
Nurse Sandy Arrington still resides at home held captive by her secret fears. Her dream to be a wife and mother looks bleak.
When Sandy falls in love with Ryan, he’s powerless to return her love. Can Ryan dig his way out to find the freedom to love Sandy? Can Sandy find release from her fears?

Buy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble

June's motivation for writing Ryan's Father:
When my daughter was in high school, one of her friends told me privately he was attracted to another boy in our church. I was saddened to see this precious young man believe he had no control over the feelings and desires that brought him so much misery. I wrote Ryan's Father to offer hope to anyone in the lifestyle who wants to walk away. My prayer is that God will touch hurting hearts with the message of this book.

About the Author:
June Foster is a retired teacher with a BA in Education and a MA in counseling. June has written four novels for Desert Breeze Publishing. The Bellewood Series, Give Us This Day – February 1, 2012, As We Forgive – September 1, 2012, and Deliver Us – April 1, 2013, and Hometown Fourth of July – July 1, 2012. June's book, Ryan's Father, is available from WhiteFire Publishing January 2014. Red and the Wolf will be available April 2014. For All Eternity and Misty Hollow, God willing, will be published in the near future. June loves to write stories about characters who overcome the issues in their lives by the power of God and His Word. June uses her training in counseling and her Christian beliefs in creating characters who find freedom to live godly lives.

Here's a taste of the comments received for this month's clashers:
-This was one of the hardest choices in quite some time. They all sound wonderful and fit in with my reading tastes. Good work, June, Darlene, Lillian and Sylvia.

-Rebekah is my daughter's name and I love that spelling. But it makes it more meaningful know since we

know that was the way it was then. I love knowing the inside story of what went on in that Jesus time of history.

-Darlene, Looking forward to reading Homefront Dreams.

-I have enjoyed every book written by Lillian Duncan. They all have a great storyline!

-I love all of your books, June Foster, keep following God's direction in choosing your subjects and be blessed.

-Love the books from June Foster. They draw you in and make you think of some of your situations and makes me want to make changes in my life for the good. Great Job June keep up the great work.

-I love the "risk" that Ryan's Father is taking in Christian publishing. It's greatly needed!

-Sylvia Bambola...your book sounds Captivating! I am looking forward to reading this...sounds like this is about the holy Grail BEFORE the Middle Ages and knights were sent to find it. Love the historical backdrop your tale is told to.

-Darlene's writing is emotional and beautiful. I highly recommend her books!

-All interesting titles. Best of luck to Lillian Duncan. Your book sounds intriguing!

Stay tuned to Clash of the Titles for the latest in Christian fiction!