Sanctuary (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Popular Christian author Lewis and her husband collaborate here for the first time, refreshing Lewis's trademark style with a welcome edge of suspense. Protagonist Melissa James has a secret that has become the underlying dread that defines her life. An unexpected glimpse into her past causes her to flee her expensive home and pen a farewell note to her husband, Ryan: "Please trust me... don't look for me.... " What Melissa doesn't know is that Ryan, an investment manager, has made disastrous choices that could cost them their marriage. One of the keys to unlocking their elaborate facades lies in Melissa remembering the "language" of flowers she learned from her father. Although the Lewises craft some beautiful settings and show more restraint in the use of dialect here than in former titles, the pace is often slowed by overly descriptive passages and italicized text (a single page has 22 italicized words). Some scenes don't ring true, including one of spiritual warfare and another of a high school romance turned sour. It is also contrived that Lela, a Pennsylvania Dutch "Plain" woman, feels led to pray about opening her home to someone in need just as Melissa stumbles down a Lancaster road looking for a place to stay. However, the Lewises throw in some artful plot twists and adeptly avoid the trap of a fairy tale ending. The final choices made by Ryan and Melissa will satisfy Beverly Lewis's devoted readership, as will the salvation message that holds the story together. (June)Forecast: Lewis's novels have sold more than 1.5 million copies combined, and her faithful readers will be more than content with this latest offering.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"...dramatic and well-written story. Fans will enjoy this tender tale with a twist." -- RomanticTimes.com, June 2001 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House (June 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764225103
• ISBN-13: 978-0764225109
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #705,370 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blew my socks off!, March 18, 2004

By	Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Melissa James has been looking over her shoulder for her entire life, and now her past is about to catch up with her. Running for her life, she suddenly spots a "Room For Rent" sign at a quaint little home. There, living with Lela Denlinger, an Old Order Mennonite, she begins to find a feeling of sanctuary. But, is she bringing danger with her to her new friend? If only she could have the peace that Lela has in such abundance.

And then there's Ryan James, a successful stockbroker. He's had it all - money, position, a beautiful wife - and then his wife ups and disappears, and his whole world begins to slide out from underneath him. His old friend, Dennis Franklin, always talked about God, but Ryan was always hazy on the concepts of good and evil. However, as Ryan begins to unravel the secret of his wife's disappearance, he begins to discover that evil exists, and quite close to home.

I have seen Beverly Lewis's books before, but this is the first one that I have actually picked up. I must admit that this book blew my socks off! I enjoyed the way that the authors intertwined the intrigue and suspense with views of faith. The story is gripping, while at the same time uplifting. Personally, I liked the characters and the story, and the authors' portrayal of faith in action. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mysterious Love, June 7, 2001

By	Kay S. Walsh (Harrisonburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Teaming with her husband to write Sanctuary, Beverly Lewis's usual style of romance, intrigue and discovery is enhanced by adding mystery, making this a thriller. Melissa James, the main character, runs scared from her secret past, leaving her husband with no warning. She finds sanctuary with a Mennonite woman living in a plain community. Her husband, Ryan, is left in the dark. The plot revolves around Melissa and Ryan individually trying to discover what has happened. Individually they are also faced with their relationship (or rather non-relationship) with God. Their love story is revealed in flashbacks. The plot takes many complicated twists, weaving its way to a surprise ending. Just don't read the end first!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Real Treat for Beverly Lewis Fans!, January 9, 2002

By	Christian Bookshelf "Christian Bookworm Reviews" (usa) - See all my reviews

Beverly Lewis fans and new readers alike will encounter a real treat with this novel. Beverly and her husband, David, create a suspenseful, but inspirational story line --- at times hard to believe --- but very engrossing.

From the first paragraph, readers are taken on an emotional roller coaster as Mellisa "Mellie" James runs for her life from a mysterious visitor from her past. Mellie's husband, Ryan James, is left baffled by his wife's sudden disappearance. While Ryan sets out to search for her, Mellie finds comfort right in the middle of Amish country (Pennsylvania). While hiding out, she befriends one of the residents in the land of simple life, Lela Denlinger. Lela's comforting presence and prayers for Mellie are an example of how Christian's are to be a light in a dark world.

As more is revealed about Mellie's past, the reason for her sudden flight becomes apparent. Even more shocking is how Mellie's husband fits into her past. The match between good and evil is played out very well in this novel!

--- reviewed by Ty for Christian Bookshelf