Book Review: "Saints In Limbo" by River Jordan

     When I won a copy of Saints In Limbo by River Jordan from an online Christian retailer, I really was not impressed by the title, or the author's name.  I really didn't know much about the book, so I wasn't sure what was in store for me.  To my surprise, I found myself drawn into a story that was not typical Christian fiction, but rather a refreshing modern tale with old fashioned values and a little science fiction thrown in!  I think this type of book could appeal to a wider audience than the usual Christian fiction fanbase.

     Velma True is a simple country widow from Echo, Florida.  She lives alone with Tomcat True, her faithful companion.  Due to an event in her past, she's afraid to leave home except via a backwoods path to a local convenience store.  She follows a series of colored threads tied from her porch to various parts of her front yard.  She misses Joe, her husband, while worrying about Rudy, their only child, now a grown man, who hasn't quite found himself yet.  She wonders if he ever will!

     One day a mysterious visitor comes to see Velma, and gives her a gift -- a small rock.  Velma soon discovers this rock has the ability to take her places (and times) her array of colored threads can't.  Her son and her one true friend, Sara, are skeptical . . . until they see what that rock can do for themselves.  But something dark is out there in the woods, and also knows Velma has the rock, and the evil creature wants it!  Her simple life is about to be turned upside down.

    What I love about this story is that it is not just a typical Christian work of fiction.  Many of those books are formulaic, stale, and just plain boring!  The author made a daring leap here -- she took some bold plot twists, and brought in some element of science fiction to the tale.  Her characters are not angelic do-gooders, but everyday folks like you and me, complete with flaws.  What she does with the story is share how we can take the past and ditch our regrets to make our lives better.

    Velma True had her colored threads.  What is tying you down today?  What is holding you back from a more fulfilling life? 

    The price of the book in the US is $13.99, a bit much in my opnion for paperback.  In Canada it goes for $17.99.  I think you could find a better deal online though.  ISBN 978-0-307-44670-1.