The Basics of Watch Over Me
Title: Watch Over Me
Author: Christa Parrish
Publisher: Bethany House, Minneapolis
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0554-5
Genre: Christian fiction
Plot of Watch Over Me
Abbi and Ben's marriage hasn't been the same since he returned from Afghanistan. Now Ben fights to integrate into civilian life, but he struggles with his memories. Abbi longs for her husband back, but they don't trust each other anymore.
In the midst of their struggles, Ben discovers an abandoned newborn. He and Abbi decide to serve as foster parents. Their love for Silvia draws them together again, but they soon discover that old problems still linger, both in themselves and in their marriage. What will happen to their marriage if the police find the parents of Silvia, and Abbi and Ben lose her?
Why to Read Watch Over Me
Parrish examines problems that are affecting large numbers of our population with the years of conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq. The implications of war affect families and people of all types. Faith doesn't make troops immune to those effects. Parrish has brought this issue close to readers with an intimate look into the lives of one such family.
Despite the sad nature of the story, Parrish has successfully written redemption and hope into Watch Over Me. The hope she weaves into this novel doesn't diminish the severity of Ben and Abbi's problems, but it does show a positive side to the issue—whereas some secular stories with similar themes leave behind nothing but despair. In my opinion, the world doesn't need more despair. We're already too full of it.
Furthermore, Parrish ends this poignant but tender story with a satisfying ending. She answers the major questions readers may have and wraps up each plot line succinctly.
Cautions
Though Parrish isn't terribly graphic, the intimate nature of some scenes and the intensity of the subject matter might make Watch Over Me inappropriate for some younger readers.
People Who Could Benefit from Reading Watch Over Me
Women with loved ones in the military may find comfort in reading Watch Over Me. Of course, men may also read it, but women seem to be the primary audience for the novel. Readers with an interest in marriage and family may also find this story appealing.
Rating by No-Spoilers
4.5 out of 5
Preview or read other reviews of Watch Over Me.
Note: Bethany House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.
1 comments:
I read this book and agree with your comments. I passed the book onto the wife of an ex-Marine who spent time in the Middle East, and she remarked that she couldn't put the book down because it spoke so deeply to her heart.
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