Embrace Me by Lisa Samson

About the Book: Biting and gentle, hard-edged and hopeful...a beautiful fable of love and power, hiding and seeking, woundedness and redemption.

When a "lizard woman," a self-mutilating preacher, a tattooed monk, and a sleazy lobbyist find themselves in the same North Carolina town one winter, their lives are edging precariously close to disaster...and improbably close to grace.

My Review: I've mentioned before that I love Lisa Samson and this book is no exception. If you enjoy a novel with rich characterization, unique voice, and hope then this book is for you.

I remember when I was very little going to the state fair and seeing the many sideshow booths set up. I was interested in one that involved a human but my sister pointed out..."what would you say to them?" I don't think I really understood that it was a real person on display at my age and that drove the point home. I opted to see a tiny horse instead.

This book takes a look at the lives of some of those people at the sideshows.
I have to admit, it took me a little while to get into it at first. The novel weaves together two different stories from two separate first POV characters in two different timelines. This can feel a little disjointed at first but you'll easily see how the stories come together and that will help tremendously. Samson's themes of social justice are strong in this book as well and she once again provides many unique looks at the various parts of the Body of Christ. Additionally, if you read and enjoyed Songbird, you'll be happy to know that Charmaine is a fairly significant character in this book as well.

Once you get into the book and caring about the characters, it all unfolds beautifully with so much heart and grace. It's a powerful story of healing and forgiveness.

Check out Embrace Me on Amazon.

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