A rebellious preacher’s kid. A grieving widower. And a near tragedy that changes the course of their lives.Shame and guilt follow Vanessa Silverton everywhere. A preacher’s kid, she rebelled from her parent’s faith years ago and has since lived with the consequences of making one wrong decision after the other. After one fateful night, she severs all contact with her friends and flees to the … flees to the Sunshine Coast, longing to leave her past far behind. She escapes to a quaint coastal town finding work in a beachside cafe in an attempt to start afresh where no one knows her name or the past that haunts her dreams. But life doesn’t always go to plan, and soon her past catches up with her in a way she never anticipated.
The ocean is where Joel Ruthven finds solace from the grief that weighs heavy on his heart. Wrestling with God over the loss of his wife and daughter, he buries himself in his teaching job at the local high school and running the youth group at Seaside Fellowship. It’s better that way. Keeping busy means he doesn’t have time to entertain the melancholy that threatens to pull him under. He is inexplicably drawn to the new barista who serves up his daily coffee fix, yet is left questioning God about the fairness of life when her secrets come to light.
When a near tragedy brings past and present together, Vanessa and Joel must learn to surrender their fears and doubts to the One who holds them in the palm of His hand.
Ocean’s Drift is the third book in the Hope Rising Series – a series by Kristen M. Fraser exploring hope in the midst of life’s darkest moments. All books are standalone and can be read in any order.
Book 1 – River’s Edge
Book 2 – Valley’s Reach
Book 3 – Ocean’s Drift
more
Fear, humiliation and insecurities lead to an eight year estrangement between a teenage daughter and her pastor parents. One fateful night at a church youth event was all it took. A night where a sin so ugly, so violent, so cruel happened that the young teen couldn’t face her future, her church or her parents. As her life totally changed, she was left asking the question: Where was God? Where is God? Vanessa left her faith, struggling to live a semblance of life for eight long years. But, you see. Vanessa may have given up on God, but He didn’t give up on her.
In another part of the country was a young father and husband. He lost his whole world one fateful day. Yes, he questioned God in his grief, but he knew his healing only could come from his faith. Like Vanessa, Joel left his home to get away, to heal.
This is a journey of two people desperately needing hope. It’s a storyline showing how God, in His perfect timing, can heal all wounds and restore hearts. This is the story of Vanessa and Joel.
OBSERVATIONS:
Hard to understand how Vanessa’s parents didn’t try to find her. Ness was very young when all fell apart and she pulls away and finally just disappears from their lives. When they do meet again, eight years later, I would have thought more shock, emotion and detail would be given.
Four Stars for the storyline. It shows realistic insecurities and grief. It subtly shows how church people aren’t perfect and how their children can suffer the consequences of expectations.
Joel was great…. can’t think of a woman who wouldn’t want a Joel in their life.
The first six or seven chapters are slow but set the scene for the rest of the book. Less detail could have been used here. As indicated above, more detail and emotion would have been good at other times.
Does ‘Drew’ ever find out?????? I wanted to know more about Drew. I wanted to read his feeling and thoughts on what took place that night. Does he reap what he’s sowed? Is there a spinoff about Grace?
I found this a very inspiring read, God’s love and forgiveness is shown throughout this story, it brings out the message that no one is too broken or unforgivable for God. It is a beautiful story of Joel and Vanessa.
What a wonderful inspirational book! It is very well written and you can feel God’s power all through this book. No matter how bad you’ve messed up God is always waiting on you to turn to Him. Outstanding read. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is a wonderful book about learning to forgive oneself. It is a good read on God using His ordinary people to reach out in love to help someone who is hurting and needing to know that God can and does still love them regardless of poor choices made in the past. Family relationships are restored and new beautiful God honoring friendships are made. Thank you Kristen Fraser for continuing to bring honor to God through your stories. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but have freely shared my own opinions of this book.
Super book by this author. Running away never solves anything as Vanessa finds out. Well written. Highly recommend. I received an advance reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
Vanessa has been living with poor choices for years. When she gets fired and leaves town she can’t believe the people she meets. Kirsty is a wonderful person who is always willing to help people. Joel is trying to get his life together after the loss he suffered. When Vanessa stops at the White Caps she can’t believe that someone is so nice and willing to help her. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful story. Kristen Fraser is truly a wonderful inspirational author. I had the honor to review this book for her for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.