How the Light Gets In by Jolina Petersheim

How the Light Gets In is an unorthodox retelling of Ruth from the Bible.  Ruth has experienced the worst life has to offer as she struggled in a broken marriage and then lost her husband, Chandler, without the chance to fix it. Chandler runs from his struggling marriage only to lose his life in a bombing at the hospital he was serving at. Ruth decides to take her two daughters back to his hometown Mennonite community in the states for the funeral.  She connects and grieves with her mother-in-law, who is staying with Chandler's cousin, Elam. Slowly a tentative relationship forms between Elam and Ruth. Can she learn to love again or will everything be tested when Chandler is found alive?

 First of all, I was completely blown away by the unexpected ending.  This unique plot was well developed on an emotional level.  I laughed, I cried, and my jaw dropped multiple times. I was completely enveloped in the story even as the story took a turn that my emotions did not agree with. I loved the Biblical values on marriage, love, and healing that even challenged the way I looked at the world and life. Something deep was stirred inside as I looked at my husband in a different light.  The book challenged me to be the best wife that I can be for him. Check this book out. You will not be disappointed. 

(I received this book for free from the author in exchange for a review, and this is my honest opinion after reading the book.)