The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel

The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel reminded me of why I love to read. Some books are so hard to grab my attention and keep it that it takes me days to read several chapters and sometimes weeks to finish the book. I started this book on a Monday and finished it by Tuesday at lunchtime. I love books like that!

****From the back cover:
The price of penance...and redemption.
After a difficult childhood, Kim has built a successful life for herself. She'd leave it all though, if she could be rid of her guilt over a tragic mistake she made years ago. When she meets Rick, she finds everything she needs, even a way for her to pay for her sins.

Kim and Rick's new neighbor, Joshua, knows more than Kim realizes about Rick, but Joshua has battles of his own to fight. Having already lost his wife and his job, he risks giving his in-laws the ammunition they need to gain custody of his daughter if he gets involved.

Debbie, who has saved countless women through the shelter she runs, has the power to help, but she might be as desperate for love as the women she serves. Ultimately, Kim must decide if her penance is more important than protecting an innocent life--and if she should dare leave Rick when he has the power to bring her hidden crime to light.

A gripping novel, The Weight of Shadows explores how the choices we make--and the courage we find to forgive--can touch the lives of others forever.****

This novel not only weaves together the lives of three people and their very different situations, but it reminds us of the power of forgiveness, grace and mercy. It was disturbing to read about the abuse Kim readily accepted, but it reminded me how much of that is going on around us. Alison writes with a tenderness about tough subjects. Her style is refreshing and her latest release is guaranteed to touch the deepest part of your heart and possibly push you to do something in your community to help those who need it the most.

This book was provided for review by Zondervan.

Thanks, Alison, for this CLEAN READ.