Darkness Before Dawn

Darkness Before Dawn
Ace Collins
(Abingdon Press)
ISBN: 978-1426714672
March 2013/352 pages/$14.99
On the same night she discovers she is pregnant, twenty-eight-year-old nurse Meg Richards’ husband is killed in an auto accident caused by a drunken teen. James Thomas, the teen, comes from one of the most influential families in the community. He’s a star athlete and glamour boy at the local high school. Angered by her senseless loss, Meg blames God for what has happened and considers a decision that could change her life even further—until the D.A. intervenes.

The results of the brutal trial enrage Meg, leading her down a frightening path of retribution. When the opportunity for revenge comes unexpectedly, will Meg follow through? Or will the remnants of her faith lead her in a different direction?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bestselling author Ace Collins has written more than fifty books including novels Farraday Road, Swope’s Ridge and Words of the Father, as well as the nonfiction Stories Behind The Best-Loved Songs of Christmas, grAttitudes, and Lassie A Dog’s Life. His books have become movies and network television specials. He has appeared on Good Morning America, the NBC Nightly News and The Today Show and has been featured in the Distinguished Lecture Series at the National Archives in Washington D.C. Ace Collins has sold more than 1.5 million books during his career.

His latest book is the Christian fiction, Darkness Before Dawn.

Visit Ace’s website at www.acecollins.com.

Connect with Ace via TWITTER and FACEBOOK

MY THOUGHTS

Ace Collins boldly tackles a variety of difficult and painful issues in this gripping novel as he portrays the desperation of a life that turns away from God at its darkest hour. Meg's grief is palpable but rather than finding comfort in her faith, she turns her back on God and embarks on a quest to mete her own vengeance on the teen whose night of drinking left her a newly-pregnant widow. Collins digs deep into the human heart to bring to light the raw anger, heartbreak, and single-minded focus that consumes Meg's life. Suicide, abortion, and the justice system are also touched on in this story that will cause readers to examine their own hearts, and Meg's distress, especially in the early days surrounding the funeral, is instructive for those who are quick to offer a Pollyanna platitude or perfunctory scriptural quote to anyone experiencing such deep sorrow. While the subject matter and the emotional impact make this novel a bit difficult to read at times, it is simultaneously impossible to put down! (I only have one caveat for other readers with nursing backgrounds: several of the scenes and interactions in the hospital made me a little crazy because they are a bit unrealistic. While they don't diminish the overall story, they are somewhat distracting to someone in the profession.) This would be a great novel for book clubs and youth groups to read and discuss. Highly recommended!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an advanced copy of this book free from Abingdon Press and Pump Up Your Book Promotions. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”