The Name I Call Myself by Beth Moran (Lion/Kregel Fiction)

On the cover of Beth Moran's, novel are these words to describe the novel. "...chick-lit as it should be." If Chick Lit is no longer trending in bookstores, that is sad. "The Name I Call Myself" is great. Along with lighthearted days, there are very serious situations taking place in the novel.  This Christian novel is basically about survival and song.

Yes, the wedding gown is part of the novel, not a big part. I think the cover of the book and the blurb on the back might mislead readers. Don't look to read much about a wedding trousseau.

The most important part of the novel is that a dangerous man named Kane is getting out of prison. It is possible he might harm Faith and her brother, Sam, again. He has already caused the family tremendous physical pain and loss.

With all that is going on in her life, Faith continues to attend church and to take care of her brother who has drug and mental problems. Faith is in the church choir. The church choir becomes her emotional support group. She makes friends with Hester and another lady named Polly. Polly is also living inside of an abusive situation.

 It's a good day when Faith meets Pastor Dylan who ministers to her in such a way that she opens her heart to him. This is wild because she can't voice any of her fears to Perry, her fiancee. Perry always seems caught up in making the big bucks. After all is said and done it's  a quiet Christian novel. I had to really keep my eyes open for mentions of grace and prayer.  When Beth Moran mentioned "Amazing Grace,"  I felt happy that the words of the hymn came back to me. I put the book down and began humming it to myself. 

I did have a question. What exactly happened to Sam? Did Kane cause his death, or did Sam die another way? This felt unclear to me. Yet it's a very important part of the novel. However, more important is reinforcing the fact that friends, God and noticing the small things in life can see us through the worst of times. http://www.bethmoran.org/

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