cover image The Mother Keeper

The Mother Keeper

Paula Scott. West Butte, $12.99 trade paper (358p) ISBN 978-0-692-88531-4

In a departure from her historical romances, Scott (California Rising series) delves into contemporary dangers with this inspirational novel about the power of secrets. In Colorado Springs, Colo., Jenny and Ken McBride believe that they are happy, strong Christians. But after their unborn child is killed in a car accident, the deep emotional and physical scars left on Jenny and Ken slowly bring their relationship to the brink of collapse. In Sutterville, Tenn., 17-year-old Ellie Ryan discovers she’s pregnant. Although she is happy about the news, she also fears her dreams of singing in Nashville will need to be put on hold. When the Klein family, who are active members of their church’s crisis pregnancy center, decides to take her in, she must adjust to the wealth and the strong faith of the new people around her. As Ellie becomes closer to the Kleins, she begins to believe some of them are hiding secrets, but decides to keep quiet. Then Jenny meets Ellie on a trip to Tennessee, and both women begin to again believe that their dreams are worth fighting for; Jenny starts to emerge from her depression, and Ellie continues her pursuit of a singing career. But after hidden addictions and affairs are finally revealed, characters must struggle with their own values in search of redemption. In this powerful story, Scott elegantly considers the difference between faith and trust. [em](BookLife) [/em]