Love conquers all?
Maybe for some people.
When Samantha flies to Italy to gain distance from a disastrous affair with her childhood best friend, the last thing on her mind is romance. But Teo Anderson is nothing like her philandering ex-husband or her sailing buddy, Jack, who, despite his live-in girlfriend, caught her off guard with his flashing black eyes.
Teo has his own scars, both physical … own scars, both physical and emotional, that he represses by writing mysteries—until one strange and compelling vision comes to life in the person of Sam. Seeking answers, he offers friendship to this obviously hurting woman, a friendship that threatens to upend his fragile peace of mind.
But not even sailing the cobalt waters of the Mediterranean can assuage Sam’s guilt for destroying Jack’s relationship and hurting another woman. Soon the consequences of her behavior escalate, and the fallout threatens them all.
Sailing out of Darkness is the haunting story of mistakes and loss…and the grace that abounds through forgiveness.
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Sailing Out of Darkness was a lovely book. Although there was the ubiquitous Damsel in Distress theme, this book had a fresh approach. First of all the primary characters were not in their twenties or even thirties. They were parents and even grandparents. This made the various relationships more nuanced. The setting of the Mediterranean and sailing was delightful. I wanted to go there. There was also a thread of suspense that was unexpected and interesting. Finally I appreciated the Christian influence, which seemed honest and not preachy. I will be looking for more books by this author and in this series.
Enjoyed the journey of the two characters, both flawed and hurting, as they found a way to heal.
I found it haunting in a way. A life made so messy by pain, unforgiveness, blaming self for everything. But then a life that found true love when she turned all over to Jesus to let Him have the wheel. But don’t just read my words! Read Sam’s story and how she came back to Jesus. She will keep drawing you further and further into her life and those around her!
This is the 2nd book I have read by this author and thoroughly enjoyed it. The descriptions of Italy and locals are great and are similar to the experiences I had when I lived in this county for a year. A story of Samantha journey from the Carolina’s to Italy and finding a second chance for happiness. There is a bit of mystery to this story. I will keep reading books by this author.
Favorite Quotes:
Divorce was such a harsh word. She’d purposefully left it out of her vocabulary, hoping it might never happen.
Tootie was an elf on steroids: hair that changed color on a whim, earrings that dangled past her chin, clothes in hues that popped…
Waved swelled against the pebbly sand, rolled over rocks and touched the rim of her sneakers. She left prints, voids that filled once she had passed. Her own empty spaces didn’t fill. They echoed and wailed like specters near a grave.
Trust is very hard. And I find that we often have an enemy that comes to live in our head. You agree? A whisper who makes us remember only that which is not good about ourselves.
He felt like the aging star of some stupid melodrama, the old guy they were dumping in favor of the young stud, killed off in this crazy way ‘cause the script writers had used up their quota of bullet holes, car wrecks, and heart attacks.
My Review:
Sailing Out Of Darkness was an atmospheric, angsty, and melancholy read, yet it was also highly relevant in featuring real world concerns. Samantha was a middle-aged woman in turmoil following a devastating divorce and poorly timed rebound relationship with a childhood friend. The storyline will undoubtedly have many women seeing reflections of their own foibles, disappointments, missteps, and long ignored issues flashing before them, I know I did, although I sincerely wished I could have taken a leisurely soul-searching jaunt through Italy while trying to shake my mid-life crisis. While I had no wish to suffer the personal losses that lead to her escape, I was chartreuse with envy over Samantha’s travel experience.
Ms. Fischer’s writing was insightful, keenly observant, highly emotive, and adroitly detailed in such a manner that kept a pensive heaviness or tension in my chest as I read. I was intrigued by their dreams, as that is where we humans are always the most unguarded. I was also curious about the occasional ethereal or supernatural type elements, or the vague visions or thoughts that could have been viewed as either otherworldly manifestations, the intervention of a higher power, or merely flights of fancy conjured up out of a combination of fatigue, loneliness, and an over-active imagination.
Samantha was at her weakest point and wallowing in her disappointment, humiliation, and guilt – with her downward spiral ultimately sending her into depression and straight on into an unhealthy self-absorbed misery. She was either uncommonly graced by luck, or destined by the fates to cross paths with Teo during her sojourn. Teo was such a kind, compassionate, and gentle soul – and I adored him head to toe. I quickly defined him as her perfect remedy; it just took her awhile to get there too.
Loved this book.
This was a very good book – loved the characters and … interesting way to show the need to forgive others and … especially yourself. Would recommend this book and, while I couldn’t wait to get back to reading it, I was sad to have it end.
There was at least one character that I would have strangled if I’d met face to face, but otherwise it was a great read. The characters are a bit unusual. I enjoyed the story tremendously. *S*
Enlightening.
Really enjoyed this book!!!
Contains some excellent wordcrafting. Some interesting twists and turns.
It is wonderful to read a book without page to page swearing for no apparent reason. It is a uplifting story with day to day life events that take the character on a journey toward a happy ever after….or does it ?? Read to see.
My definition of Haunting made be different than yours. The main character runs from her problems, as we all do sometimes when we think our life is in danger. What was fascinating though is how she realizes she was letting herself be victimized and even more things happen that had nothing to do with the beginning. Maybe we should all take a look at what we let happen in our lives and what we could change.
Loved this book. There were great characters ,lots of suspicion, exciting . Holding my attention to the end. Highly recommend !
A well developed character combating faith, guilt and self-reliance.
Could have been a tad shorter and still be effective
The story ebbs & flows, making it a “have to read now” to “ok, I can take a break”.
Makes me want to visit Italy, maybe go sailing, but with an experienced friend.
Well written, engaging, thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Just finished this book last night. I’m going to miss these characters. Really loved the settings and the story line.
Excellent story! Wonderful characters and great ending.
Not an ordinary romance. Unusual plot, unusual prose.