The Edge of Light

What a wonderful debut novel from author Ann Shorey! "The Edge of Light" is the story of a young pregnant widow, Molly McGarvie, living in Missouri in 1838. Through circumstances beyond her control,she must take her children and find a future in the wilds of Illinois. Loss and disappointment continue to follow her as surely as her shadow. Molly must deal with issues of trust, hope, forgiveness, and mercy. I enjoy reading about women in the frontier during the 1800's, but find a lot of books tell the same basic story. In this novel, though, things I thought would happen didn't, and events surprised me as they unfolded. Ann Shorey spun a tale that kept me reading until midnight for several nights. Part of me wanted to speed read to find out how the story ended, but the saner part of me desired to slow down and savor the rich words and concepts that the author wove throughout the book. I can't wait for the next book in the series to be published. Write faster, Ann!

The Edge of Light is an engrossing story about a strong woman whose faith and stamina are both tested by the tragic events in her life. Told with skill, compassion and strong emotions, the story also has many interesting details about life in the 1830s. There is also a touching subplot about a slave with an important lesson for the heroine about the real meaning of freedom. I'm looking forward to more books about Beldon Grove.

Molly McGarvie is suddenly thrown into maturity beyond her years as her husband returns home with cholera. She has three children and another due soon. Betsy her childhood friend lives with them and together they fight the odds against them in the frontier. Molly's husband Samuel has a business and Molly believes that she and her children can handle it, until...her brother-in-law legally takes it and their farm from them. She must move back to Kentucky where she can raise her family. She is unable to take Betsy with her and is devastated, firmly resolving help bring her back with the family. Molly deals with guilt and anger at having chosen the wrong doctor for Samuel and believes if only Doctor Spengler had been there, maybe Samuel would have lived. Not only that but he was responsible for the loss of her son and she will never forgive him. The young mother has determined that she can raise her family alone with no help from any male and she spurns everyone, including Dr. Spengler who has tried everything to get her attention. This was a wonderful read and I became so involved with the characters, I didn't put it down....Jim made his own dinner that night! Ann Shorey did a great job and I recommend this book to women of all ages. Paulette Harris www.pauletteharris.biz comeandsitawhile.blogspot.com

Molly is a woman I can relate to. Molly is pregnant with three young children and a loving husband when disaster strikes. Her husband dies unexpectedly, and she is left a widow. Molly is left without means to support her family. Since it's 1834, she's expected to rely on men to help her put her life back together. But she faces life head on and works to keep her family together. Not only that, but with every tragedy that comes her way, she clings to faith in God to combat it. This woman will not give up no matter what life throws her. I was amazed to find out this was Ann Shorey's first novel. I want to read more of her work. This is the best novel I've read this year.

The Edge of Light is a seamlessly written story of faith, courage and survival. The story begins in 1838 with Molly McGarvie, who lives in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri. When her husband, Samuel, dies she must find a way to provide for herself and her family. A woman of spirit and strength, Molly believes for the impossible and sets out on a journey that takes her and readers on a quest for a new life and a miracle. Ann's captivating writing style draws readers into the lives of Molly McGarvie, her companion Betsy who is more a friend than a slave, and Doctor Spangler who carries a burden only God can lift. There is also an interesting cast of characters you'll pray for and cheer with, and some you'll want to strangle. Ann's attention to detail and her elegant writing style will draw you into every scene. You'll experience emotions and encounters right along with her characters. The Edge of Light is a fabulous first book! Once you read it, you'll forever be an Ann Shorey fan. I am.