A story that will pull you in deeper, page after page
586744
A full and interesting story that takes it's time developing, but stays strong right through. The characters are complex and the conflicts are not obvious. The emotional development is smooth and gets deeper as the plot progresses. I had trouble putting it down to sleep, but was glad to return to it the next day. I'm looking forward to reading more stories by this author!
3244572
Every once in a while a book comes along where from the first page I am absorbed by the story itself.  Then, there are those books, which by the sheer beauty of the prose I am moved to the depths.  Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me, is the rare book where both the story telling and the beautiful writing add up to a compelling read.  It sounds cliche, but as I turned the pages I found myself laughing, crying, getting angry--all the while longing for redemption.  Cron did not disappoint.  I look forward to each successive book Ian writes as he moves into what promises to be a bright literary career.
4555716
This book is wonderful, masterfully written, it transports you to a new place on many levels. The story itself is crafted with love, hope and faith. The characters are developed slowly, in a manner that creates a relationship with each, you want to read on to see where the story takes you, venture with each character as they each journey on their individual paths. The self-discovery, intimate relationships, love, transition, growth, and loss draws you into the story. As you witness the characters come to terms with their emotions you realize you are reflecting on your own journey, your unique navigation through life. The Refuge allows you to explore your own feelings, investigate spirituality, faith and the many types of love that this story so beautifully illustrates. It is a stunning read just for yourself and/or thought provoking and rich with conversation starters and discussions for book clubs!
3905026
This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. It has feeling, emotion, love, loss and friendship of the truest kind. When I first started to read this, I was a little hesitant that it was going to be to sad, but I am so glad I read it. After the initial first chapter where Jessica is so eaten up by her grief, we see the start of the whole story coming together. We meet Alex who has her own concerns, and then we see the relationships between the characters develop. There are three main characters in this book, and in each one we can see their pain but also their incredible ability to love.

There was one part in this book, that made me miss a breathe for a moment. It took me totally by surprise and it was a key element to the story which for me brought it all together. This was the moment in the book where I knew it was a 5 star read and I would be thinking about it long after I had finished reading. There are many aspects which got me thinking in this book, aside from the characters and the plot. For me, this made me think about fate, and a saying that I was once told by someone special:

Whats for you, won't go by you!

As I read, the images on the cover of the book became more and more relevant, and although I liked the cover before I read the book, I really like it now that I have finished reading it.

The Author is a very talented and empathetic writer, her descriptive words create such images in the readers minds that I was totally encapsulated into this story and into Jessica and Alexs lives. Katy Hogan speaks with true spiritual wisdom, and her words will bring comfort to many who read this book. Just one example of many:

Distance is merely physical, she reflected. If you are close in your hearts, close in a spiritual sense, then no matter how far the distance, you are still together  always

There is so much I could say about this book, but I want to finish this review with a song that will forever make me think of this book. If you have read you will know. If you haven't read, GO READ!
To see my songvideo, go to: [...]
4869585
This was so emotional on so many levels.  The depth of the love Jack and Laurel share is so enviable, especially with the sorrow that envelops them  The sway of the story was somewhat obvious as so much of their marriage (but not their love), as the depths of sorrow and darkness began to take over Jack despite his devotion to his wife.  They try a brief separation but cannot exist without each other.  However, that brief separation gave Laurel a small taste of the world outside of Jack and her insular life.  She immerses herself in revitalizing her mother's neglected garden, and makes new friends, one her former soldier-PTSD-suffering Isaac, gets a part-time job, and begins to learn about herself.  It's at this point that I begin to wonder if Jack's intense love for Laurel isn't more a possession thing.  His claiming her "Mine, this is mine," touched off something hollow in me, even while I'm really rooting for this couple to make it.  The end of the book was beyond shocking in so many ways.  Jack's brutality and selfishness was unbelievably sad.  Ms Leo brings every possible emotion into her readers.  The friends, Dylan and Drea were such wonderful supporting characters in this story and help to round out Laurel's expanding and colorful world.  I'm sucked in now so I'm going to go straight into "Seed," the 2nd in this amazing Evergreen Series.
4867459
This book will stay with you for a long time.
4060367
For me, this book's greatest strength lies in the complex characters that the author has created. We see the world as they see it, we feel their pain and anguish. We share tender moments with them and we share scary ones. There is a lot of depth to this story and it stays with you long after you've read it. I would challenge anyone to walk away from this book unaffected by it. Thoroughly recommended.
2616821
I was given a copy of this book quite some time ago, but life got busy and I sat it aside and never got back to it.  Im kicking myself now, having read it this past week.  I thought perhaps I would write a review, given that I cant stop thinking about the characters circumstances and how, to a small degree, some of his challenges mirrored mine.  I have pondered and reflected on the story, which, for me, is the mark of a great book  the ideas, characters, and circumstances stay with me long after Ive closed the final page.  Because is that kind of a book.

As other reviewers have noted, the tale is a roller coaster of emotions.  It pulled me in and held me captive from the first to last page.  I found deep meaning to not only his enduring spirit and desire to overcome, but in his hours of despair  he spoke to me.  I will one day pick this book up again  the writer has transformed me for a day, and beyond.

I would recommend this to anyone facing challenges that are binding their spirit or slowing their course along lifes path.  There is real healing in the pages of this timeless story.  Im glad I took the time to let it impact and change me.
1870019
I must re-read immediately, so I can capture the deeper meaning beneath the story. And what a story it is!
1172714
This novel has writing intricacies so deep that you will be craving more after every page.
2652028
Not only a story within a story, but thought provoking
4885710
This story leaves me grieving for the characters, I miss them, I loved them, and I want to go back to their world.

Prepare youself as you read, this tale takes you through a labyrinth of twists and turns, surprises and shocks, tears and smiles. Follow the lives of Eleanor and her family, a story woven through the generations, with characters you want to hug, kiss, shake and scream at!
 Jason's style of writing cocoons you against reality, yet at the same time makes you pause to wonder.
The incredibly detailed writing makes you feel that the author has lived a thousand lives, and the even smallest details are beautifully researched, right down to a migraine description, that like many others who've experienced a migraine, felt myself nodding along and reliving the character's pain.

This was the most beautiful story I've read in a long time, and I was not expecting it!
2881852
Prose that sings, and a human story that resonates (even though I have to connection to any of its particulars), I feel a universal connection to this beautiful written and captivating story
2886288
Beautifully written story, wonderfully graphic with rich characterizations. Gritty and urban, it's contemporary vibe reads almost like poetry in the beginning. Lyrical and sad, it recounts a husband's great well of grief and the trip he takes inside himself to deal with it. Confusing at times, it is still deeply moving, with vivid imagery. Each character is so wounded, so lost, one gets caught up in their struggles and roots for them to find away out of the prison called life.
1911216
Every book from Heather Burch, which I am privileged to read, is a full ride of emotions that reach down deep into your heart and soul, grabbing tight and refusing to let go.  You become so attached and invested in the characters and see yourself as an extension of the story and In The Light of the Garden, is no exception.  This story is full of happiness, sadness and guilt as well as forgiveness and acceptance.  A well told story of family and unconditional love.  Do yourself a favor, pick up this amazing book and go on a personal journey with the main character, Charity as she comes to her own and grows as the story unfolds.  You will grow attached to her stories, memories and other characters that become part of this amazing journey you are on.  Heathers storytelling and descriptions are so vivid, you feel as though you are an extension to the story and surrounding areas.  You won't be sorry.
4969323
So compellingly written and packed with clever and intellectual wordplay that the humanity of the story snuck up on me. This is ultimately a very touching story of discovering and connecting with one's past, and about love, forgiveness, and reinvention. I was hooked by the opening chapter and intrigued by the unfolding story as it got richer, deeper, and more complex. The ending genuinely surprised me (I thought I knew what was going to happen...) both by the story itself and by how much it affected me emotionally. I have to admit that it was not until after I woke up the day after finishing the book that I finally pieced together the whole picture. The author doesn't feed us the story in a conventional manner. We get pieces of it at a time (and the occasional false lead), and in the end it's organically complete and satisfying. Highly recommended.
919346
This story will be one not soon forgotten, beautifully written, intricately woven. It takes you through so many different emotions.  But it leaves you knowing two things: 1. You'll figure this one on your own. 2. The importance and faithfulness of God especially when you have doubts.  The heroine was not who I would of sworn it was, great twist.