Widows & Orphans

Everyone should read everything Susan Meissner has written. Great author. This was ordered from an email stating I had a free book to select. I selected this because it was one of the author's books I hadn't read. I was billed for it. Big disappointment.

This is the first book in the Rachel Flynn Series. Josh, Rachel's brother has been arrested, which isn't surprising. He's been arrested several times, usually as part of his mission to save the world. However, there is a different twist now. Josh has confessed to a murder Rachel is sure he didn't commit. She sets out to prove his innocence, but Josh won't discuss it with her, and the people she suspects know what happened won't talk either. Rachel has a new baby, a home business, and a brother who will soon go on trial for murder. The police are sure he's guilty, so they aren't looking for anyone else. She calls on Trace, her husband, and his fellow artists to help. The results even surprise her. This is the first time I've read Susan Meissner's work and I'm looking forward to the next one. Widows and Orphans is a strong, suspenseful story with complex characters. The faith message is skillfully woven in.

While Rachael Flynn is home enjoying matenity leave, her beloved brother Joshua confesses to murder. Years ago, an evangelist laid hands on him and prophesied that Josh would take care of widows and orphans a la the Bible verse, James 1:29, the definition of pure religion. Devoted to the call, Josh has always been a bit of a social renegade, often in legal trouble for defending the downtrodden. But murder? Is it possible? And he won't let New York attorney sister, Rachael, or anyone else defend him. Rachael's husband, Trace, a commercial artist, and his artist friends sketch possible scenarios of the murder scene--including the presence of evil personified. And the murder scene involves young Vietnamese girls being horribly abused for profit. Which scenario is closest to the truth? Are any of them? Rachael is convinced Josh is lying to protect someone. But Josh never lies. So, how could he commit murder? The heavy theme is balanced by Rachael's darling baby daughter, McKenna, Rachael's supportive if stressed husband, Trace, and Trace's kooky artist friend Fig, who calls Rachael "kumquat." Together, the well-rounded and humorous characters and the gripping story make a five-star novel--and a great forerunner to the second in the series, _Sticks and Stones_.

Susan Meissner's thoughtful and introspective voice brings the perfect tone to this story of darkness and hope, good intentions and flaws, determination and mistakes. Joshua, since age 12, has been determined to serve widows and orphans - but his zeal has led him into some troubling directions. Now that Joshua, an adult, confesses to a murder, his sister Rachael is convinced it is her job to vindicate him. In her quest, she employs the same kind of tunnel vision Joshua has always had. The characters are complex and interesting, and some of the supporting cast, like Fig, are particularly endearing. The dilemma of the story grabbed me, and I couldn't stop reading. Highly recommended.

Widows and Orphans is the first book written by Susan Meissner I've read, but it won't be the last. From the first chapter to the last I was drawn into the story. I was only sorry that my life got in the way too many times, causing me to take way too long to read through to the end. Meissner has a way of connecting the reader with her characters so much so they become real. Even Fig was likable. First described in Rachael's (the heroine) inner thoughts as a friend of her husband Trace's from his art school days who irritated her to no end, I was prepared to not like this unique guy. But, as Meissner developed his character through the story, I came to like him as even Rachael seemed to do as well. In fact, none of the characters remain static in who they are, especially Rachel and her brother. The mystery surrounds Rachel's brother and his commitment to fulfilling his calling from God--providing for and protecting widows and orphans. He's gotten himself into a real jam. One Rachael, a defense attorney, can't seem to help him with, nor does he seek her help. The tension of the mystery builds as Rachael seeks the ever-elusive truth. Throughout the story, the darkness surrounding her brother's predicament is delightfully balanced by periodic scenes with Rachel's three-month old daughter McKenna. Interaction between mother and baby provide sweet release. Something all babies do, real or fictionalized. A wonderful countering technique. This is a great read. The second in this new series is due out in early '07 and I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!