Thirteen-year-old Loyal Raines is supposed to stay close to home on a hot summer day in 1934. When he slips away for a quick swim in the river and finds a dead body, he wishes he’d obeyed his mother. The ripples caused by his discovery will impact the town of Beverly, West Virginia, in ways no one could have imagined.
The first person those ripples disturb is Loyal’s absentee father. When Creed … When Creed Raines realized his infant son was deaf, he headed for the hills, returning only to help meet his family’s basic needs. But when Loyal, now a young teen, stumbles upon a murder it’s his father he runs to tell–shaping the words with his hands. As Creed is pulled into the investigation he discovers that what sets his son apart isn’t his inability to hear but rather his courage. Longing to reclaim the life he abandoned, Creed will have to do more than help solve a murder if he wants to win his family’s hearts again.
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The Wrong Place at the Wrong Time!
Being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, causes 13-year-old, deaf, Loyal Raines, to find a recently dead body. In shock, he stumbles to the cabin of his estranged father. Loyal’s life is turned upside down as he tries to figure out the identity of the killer, only to discover his life is in danger, too.
Additionally, his father is back in his life. Will his parents reconcile? Has his dad been gone because of Loyal and the fact he is deaf? Should Loyal admit the rest what he saw?
This amazing story packs a punch with the twists and turns that are taken to find the murderer, you will be surprised who did it. On top of that, the tale of his parent’s relationship will captivate you from the beginning, and keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen. Will Loyal ever feel he is normal and, not have to prove it to himself, his father, or the rest of the town? Can he untangle his parent’s complicated relationship?
I highly recommend this 5+ star book. It is a clean tale, from a Christian viewpoint, that will keep you engrossed from the first page, until you reluctantly come to the end of the tale. There is mystery, family skeletons, puppy love, bullying, and surprising friendships between the covers of this book. Older teens and up will enjoy this tale.
Bethany House Publishers has provided Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, The Right Kind of Fool, for the purpose of review.
The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas is a story about family. 1934 may see a depression gripping a nation, but for the Raines family, they are still navigating the fallout from the illness that left their son deaf. Loyal, now thirteen, wants to his family to be whole, but even more so, he wants to be a man, even if he can’t hear like everyone else.
The murder of an out-of-town government man shakes up the town and the Raines family. Especially since Loyal is a prime witness and his father used to be sheriff. The current sheriff enlists his father’s help, but Creed Raines is determined to keep Loyal as out of the investigation as he can. Something that doesn’t sit well with Loyal.
The story twists and turns like a summer river as Creed and Loyal both take matters into their own hands. While the murder mystery ties the story together, and keeps a reader guessing, it isn’t the heart of the story. That belongs to the Raines family dynamics. Loyal and his parents and Creed and his wife Delphy.
As much as I love historical fiction and mysteries, The Right Kind of Fool is not the type of book I would usually pick up. It’s still not my favorite type of book, but that says nothing about how well The Right Kind of Fool is written. It is an excellently crafted book! The pacing, the tone, the way it grabbed the heart. So good!
So. Whether this type of book is the kind you would pick up without thinking twice or not, if you’re willing to take a chance on a story, The Right Kind of Fool is definitely worth it.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
What an exquisite, captivating story! This is the first of Sarah Loudin Thomas’ books I’ve read, but it won’t be the last. She does a beautiful job of writing from the unique perspective of Loyal, a young deaf teenager in 1934 rural West Virginia. I loved the way she was able to incorporate sign language into the story! When he accidentally discovers a dead body one summer day, a whole chain of events is set in motion that changes how everyone sees him – his parents, his friends, the community, and even himself.
While the mystery keeps the plot moving, the richly engaging characters are the stars of the show. Loyal’s growth throughout the book is compelling, as he is forced to make some hard choices. I loved the way he and his father begin to see each other from a new perspective and learn from each other as the story progresses, and Loyal and Rebecca’s growing friendship provided more touching moments. I highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, especially Joanne Bischof’s Blackbird Mountain series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the kind of book that I request when authors ask what one wants to see more of in available Christian fiction-a book where the main character isn’t perfect. The boy is deaf…this means more to me now as I’m learning sign language. I’m learning it because I rarely have a voice. The main characters family isn’t perfect either, yet they work through grief and grow.
It’s wonderful to be able to communicate with other humans…and it is incredibly hard when we struggle to do that. I never realized what limitations are on someone who doesn’t audibly speak. It’s even more if they can neither hear nor speak the language of those around them. Don’t misunderstand, the deaf do speak. It’s just that what is said with hands and facial expressions isn’t understood by many. My daughter is learning with me,but if she isn’t with me, I push hard to whisper. I love how Loyal’s world is told by the author.
This book took me in quickly, and I finished in one sitting. I loved the families, the kids…it was the characters that really had me in this novel. The plot is an interesting one as I enjoy a mystery read…always have.
With vibrant, lifelike characters, beautiful setting, and a fascinating plot this story really held my interest. Loyal held my interest…the author does a fantastic job in serving the reader a novel meant to be savored and enjoyed from an incredibly interesting perspective.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Right Kind of Fool is the first book I have read by Sarah Loudin Thomas. I am so glad that I gave this story a chance. I fell in love with Loyal, Creed, and Delphy right at the beginning. Not only were the characters highly interesting, but their unique family situation and town culture drew my attention. Add in a murder and my interest was hooked. Even though it took me nearly a week to read through the book, I never lost interest or forgot where I was in the story. Every evening, it felt like a treat when I picked up this novel to read.
Surprisingly, I empathized and identified deeply with Loyal Raines, a deaf teenage boy on the cusp of becoming a man. Both his and his parents’ struggles and character development felt authentic. As their complicated relationships strained and strengthened, I rooted for things to work out for all involved. To my surprise and pleasure, plots twists that felt natural and right kept things fresh. I appreciated the inspiring themes of loyalty, honesty, and overcoming fear that permeated this novel.
I recommend The Right Kind of Fool to readers who enjoy historical fiction driven by relationships possessing tension, growth, and commitment. I found this book fascinating and I look forward to reading more novels by Sarah Loudin Thomas. 5 Stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
This one just worms its way into your heart and stays there. I would have finished it in one setting if I hadn’t just had cataract surgery and had inflammation that kept me from reading much at one time. I’m kind of glad as it gave me a chance to savor the beautiful story and ponder on it. I loved the second chance that Delphy and Creed have at putting their marriage back together and how it is woven seamlessly into the main story of Loyal their deaf son who finds himself stretching and growing after finding a dead body. Adding sweet Rebecca was genius as she added something special to Loyal’s story. The story flows effortlessly like the Tygart River. It was a joy to picture this story as I lived in Beverly in the late 1950’s as a small child. The time, place, and characters all resonated with me. This should be a must read as this author never disappoints and just keeps getting better with each inspiring story she pens. Exceptional read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
4.5 stars
“Any fool can play a trick. Courage is holding your head high when they do.”
Loyal Raines has survived his share of tricks, along with whispers behind his back, over-long stares, and even cruel indifference. A childhood fever took his hearing, but in no way did it affect his ability to communicate if a person truly wanted to hear him out. For years Creed Raines’ guilt over his son’s disability had driven a wedge right down the middle of Loyal’s family, but on a hot summer day Creed was the first person Loyal ran to tell . . . . . . about a dead body.
The murder of an outsider has rocked the small town of Beverly, West Virginia. Creed Raines has been deputized in the search for the killer, and Loyal’s knowledge of the case has been erroneously marginalized; no one considers how much he might have seen that day along the river bank, so they haven’t even asked. As the investigation takes multiple twists and turns, Loyal is forced to make some of the most difficult decisions of his young life while carrying an underlying desire to make his father proud, and to show both of his parents that he is not a child anymore. Can a tragic event actually become a blessing for a family that so desperately needs restoration?
Blending the nuances of mountain culture with the unshakable truths of honesty and justice, this lovely story merges story and character so perfectly that its readers will want to climb the mountain themselves in order to move from the audience to the stage.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
I really love these Appalachian stories and Sarah Loudin Thomas is one of the best writers for this type. I fell in love with the characters right away especially Loyal. He just wanted to fit in with kids his age that lived in the area but his mother was way too protective. Being deaf from an illness when he was younger left him frustrated when he wanted to communicate with others. His mother made him stay in their house and yard but one hot, stifling day he decided to go to the river to swim and cool off. That changed everything for Loyal and several in their small town.
I thought it was fun that the local sheriff, Virgil, played the hick role, but was actually very smart and fooled many people. He and Loyal’s dad, Creed, worked together to find out what happened to an outsider that was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The growth of the characters throughout the story was wonderful to see, especially Loyal’s parents, Delphy and Creed. And Loyal most of all grew up right before their eyes.
This is a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher but was not required to write a review.
“Maybe he didn’t have to be normal. Maybe all he needed to be was the person God made him.”
Loyal is deaf and struggles to fit in with the hearing world. He longs to make his father proud; but his father, Creed, is absent much of the time. Greed feels guilt about the fever that took his son’s ability to hear.
In 1934 West Virginia, this story follows the Raines family as they try to capture what is normal after a man is found shot in the nearby woods.
This was a very easy to read story that pulled me in from the first page. It was underpinned by a Christian World View and told how a young teen found his place in his family and his community. Rich with description of a time gone by, it showed how neighbors interacted and how a boy could make friends by first being a friend.
As with all books by Ms. Thomas, this was well worth the read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*
You wouldn’t be foolish reading this wonderful story!
Creed, Loyal’s father, had been all kinds of a fool for leaving his wife and deaf son. Even if he felt responsible for the loss of Loyal’s hearing. When Loyal came to him for help after discovering a dead man, he began to realize that. Only a fool wouldn’t see what a kind, clever, and brave young man his son had become. And only a fool wouldn’t humble himself and do all he could to woo his wife back into loving him. And only the right kind of fool would take a chance to undo his mistakes.
The Right Kind of Fool is a deeply emotional story about broken people working to put the pieces of their lives together. It is told from the perspectives of all three members of the Raines family, Loyal, Creed, and Delphy. I loved the lessons each of them learned as they dealt with the repercussions of the murder.
I felt that I was able to understand Loyal’s world of only four senses. He was so kind, capable, and courageous. He understood that the world around him experienced things he didn’t because he couldn’t hear and yet that never stopped him from wanting the freedom to simply be a boy. Or from wanting to be treated like the independent young man every thirteen-year-old boy feels he is!
The mystery deepened as Loyal and Creed attempted to solve it. And though I thought I knew exactly what happened – I realized I couldn’t be right! The mystery played a prominent part in this story even though it was much more about the Raines family dynamics.
Anyone who enjoys historical fiction wouldn’t be foolish taking time to read this wonderful story!
Read my review of The Right Kind of Fool by Sarah Loudin Thomas at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Maybe all he needed to be was the person God made him. – Loyal
Loyal is a 13 year old boy, who is just a little different than his friends, having lost his hearing as a young child. A very smart young man, he still feels like he doesn’t fit in, something his dysfunctional family life only compounds. His mother is overprotective and his father, Creed, is mostly absent. There is plenty of guilt and blame filling the chasm between his parents.
Finding a dead body certainly would scare anyone and Loyal is no different. In helping with the investigation, he and his parents learn that he is capable of so much more than they give him credit for. — You are braver than I ever was. I’m proud for folks to see that – Creed to Loyal
The author has done a fabulous job of taking us inside the world of the deaf, showing us just how difficult it is for them to communicate and yet subtly teaching us how we can facilitate conversation with them. After all, we are all different, hearing or non-hearing. May we all be ready to learn new ways of understanding others.
A copy of this book was received through Bethany House Publishers and Baker Publishing Group. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
There is something very special about Sarah Loudin Thomas’ novels. Her characters are always unique and written in such a real way I almost feel I’m inside their heads. When Loyal was a young boy he went on a camping trip with his father, Creed. He developed a fever that led to deafness. This seriously shook Creed’s confidence in being a father so he spent the next ten years mostly in a cabin up the mountain, away from his family. When a traumatic event sends Loyal, now thirteen, in search of his father, it begins a time of great change for the Raines family. Creed has much to learn from Loyal, including how to communicate with him. He also has to earn the trust of his wife, Delphy. She has her own issues to work through so she can stop being over protective of Loyal and come to terms with her part in Creed’s leaving. Loyal craves his father’s approval. In the midst of all this is a mystery to solve that introduces the reader to some very colorful secondary characters. The setting of Beverly, West Virginia and the surrounding area plays a large part in the book. The author’s books always make me wish I could visit West Virginia. The Right Kind of Fool is a delightful novel I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.
Sarah Loudin Thomas’ book The Right Kind of Fool is more than a book about a thirteen -year-old boy, Loyal, who is deaf finding a dead body. It’s a book about a family finding each other and learning who they are in themselves and with each other. Each character in the book learns something about themselves that makes them grow and appreciate the people around them.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Oh man, this book! This book! Right from the get-go it totally tugged at my heartstrings. I’m totally a character-driven reader, so if you don’t give me good characters, you’ve lost me. Well, with this book, there are so many characters to absolutely fall in love with. There’s 13-year-old Loyal, who is bright and loving and wants to fit in despite being deaf–and who also wants to both make his parents proud and do whatever he can to help them. There’s Creed, Loyal’s father, who blames himself for Loyal’s deafness and has retreated from his family, living and working on a nearby mountain and only visiting his family periodically. There’s Delphy, Loyal’s mother, who is desperate to protect her son and who wishes her husband would come back while simultaneously wishing she didn’t care about him so he couldn’t let her down again. It’s tough to pick which character to love the most; they all were so REAL and their pain and worries and hopes were so vividly portrayed. Take such beautiful characters and weave them together, and wow, what a great start to a story. I loved reading every single one of their interactions, as the three of them are trying to figure out how to interact with each other. They’re all good people who are trying hard so you know it’s going to turn out all right in the end, but it was still so touching to read each moment.
So, take amazing characters (I won’t get into the secondary characters other than to say they were great, too) and then add in a really interesting plot (I couldn’t wait to find out whodunit!) and a setting that is so well-written that you just immediately feel like you’ve slipped into West Virginia in 1934, and you’ve got one heck of a book!
This is one of those books that will stick with you. I adored it from start to finish. This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year!
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I loved this story, a mama bear with her claws out, no a human mother that wants to wrap her thirteen year old son in a tight cocoon, and why? Well, Loyal is deaf, he seems to be brilliant, but because he can’t hear his mother protects him constantly. I can see why she is feeling that way, but this boy is now stumbling on manhood, and the first time he spreads his wings, he ends up finding a body.
You will love Loyal’s Dad Creed, and see the blooming relationship between father and son, and why now? He feels responsible for the loss of his son’s hearing.
This story is rich in small town life, and during a time of revitalization in this country, and greed.
I loved how this boy blooms and spreads his wings, including making friends, and making others see him beyond his disability!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
I thought MS. Thomas’ last book, “When Silence Sings” was her best but this one surpassed it! It kept me on the edge of my seat because I wasn’t sure what would happen next. I loved the characters and how they grew throughout the story, which is about a deaf boy named Loyal, who discovers a dead body. He runs to his absentee father and tries to tell him but his father never tried to learn how to communicate with his son, which makes it hard for him to understand. The more time Loyal and his father spend together trying to solve the murder, the more they learn about each other, and the more I found myself wanting to know how to sign the words he was trying to convey. I bookmarked a page on American Sign Language online so I could continue to look up the words. Not only was I entertained by the storyline , I learned something, too. This is an amazing book!