The Cross Gardener

I have just finished reading the newest book for Jason F. Wright, The Cross Gardener. What a wonderful story! Mr. Wright paints with words the beautiful picture of family. He takes us on a journey through the life of a young man, John Bevan, who has known such joy, in love and belonging, and pain as he searches for answers to the untimely deaths of his young wife and son. John is far from perfect and makes many mistakes but comes to accept the fact that there is a loving God who is watching over all who live on this earth. Knowledge that paints a peace for all who have suffered the loss of loved ones moving on to the next phase of their lives. The only thing that could make this book better was if it had come with tissues attached.

I have just finished reading "The Cross Gardener" while shedding many tears of sadness, hope, and comfort. This is a book that I will read more than once. I have loved Jason's other books, particularly "The Christmas Jars" which has inspired my husband and me to fill a jar this year. "The Cross Gardener" is a spiritual journey which is also full of anticipation for what's on the next page.

John Bevan has the family he always dreamed of. He married his high school sweetheart, has a young daughter and a baby on the way. His whole life is shattered as a result of a fatal car accident. John withdraws from life as he deals with his tragic losses. He places two crosses at the scene of the accident and visits on a daily basis. One day when returning to the scene he notices a stranger painting the crosses. He engages the stranger, only known as the cross gardener, and together they begin a journey to help John heal and rediscover what's important in life. John finds that even in your darkest moments, on your saddest days and through your toughest struggles, you're never alone. There is always someone to carry you and show you the way. I've read all of Jason's books and I think this could be his best yet. It's thought-provoking, inspirational, and spiritual but it's also a wonderful love story and has a hint of mystery. This one will stay with you long after you've closed the book and set it on the shelf. Each and every time you drive by a roadside cross you will come back to this book. You will wonder about the lives that were lost and about the lives that were left behind. Who were they, what were their stories? It will leave you asking yourself, "Who will be my Cross Gardener and who was theirs?"

A compelling emotional read--extremely realistic. Did the author personally experience sudden tragic loss, as I have? Thoughts and actions of grieving characters are REAL.. Jason F. Wright has used "The Cross Gardener", the puzzling companion during John Bevan's grief, to help lead him and daughter Lou Lou into healing, and a new life start. Survivor's grief, a REAL aspect of loss, is just one part of John's struggle. Overcoming takes time, more difficult when alone. Struggling alone is a theme here, but the reader must carry a part of the burden of loss. Wright's mental anguish descriptions cause that. With The Cross Gardener's help, a light can be seen despite the tunnel's length. Perhaps this book best serves those who have yet to abide their own white cross. Only the compassion-less will find it shallow. It's inspirational. Bevan's grief is set within a Virginia apple orchard. Parallels of struggle are read in "A Grief Observed" by C. S. Lewis. In Wright's new story, Bevan, literally born among road accident wreckage, is adopted by an orchard farmer. Life is good. Love with Emma Jane blooms and a second child is expected soon. Readers are immediately drawn into this harmonious family joy, requiring the reader to make their own emotional adjustments when tragedy strikes. This is not a spoiler; this portion is on the book's dustcover. The book is about the mourning of survivors...and recovery. Lou Lou loses the will to speak while John fails in his ability to cope. Whys? What ifs? Guilty? Angry? What next? All questions the bereaved face at any age. White apple-crate-wood crosses identify losses. Whose loss? At the accident site appears Cross Gardener, a man revealed only in sparse bits. Mysterious. A literary journey that converts to an internal experience. Is it mystery? Is it romance? Therapy? Inspiration? IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.