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Knocking
Robin Merrill, author
How do you walk a tightrope when it's unraveling beneath your feet?
Tonya is a tireless pastor's wife, but when her daughter plays a prank on their reclusive neighbor, her orderly life blows up. Is her husband really having an affair? Who is this neighbor, and why won't she come out of her house? How can she get her daughter to come back home? Does Tonya even have a home anymore?
Meanwhile, seven senior ladies are starting a church down the street. What are they thinking, taking on such a venture at their age? Tonya is tempted to roll her eyes at them, but she might need them.
The ladies don't know it yet, but the whole town needs them. And with God's help, they are up for the challenge.
Reviews
Merrill (The Prima Donna) kicks off the New Beginnings series with a potent tale of betrayal, faith, and forgiveness. When long-suffering pastor’s wife Tonya Mendell discovers her husband is having an affair with a congregant, it is the couple’s preteen daughter, Emma, who feels the brunt of the trauma. After being humiliated by a best friend turned mean girl, Emma gets into a fight with her parents, storms out of the house, and is welcomed into the home of the neighborhood recluse, Fiona Patterson. While Emma’s parents continue their marital charade in an attempt to keep Roy’s pastoral position, Emma finds solace with Fiona and the Puddys, a “weirdo” homeschool family she is forced to spend time with but previously disregarded, who prove to be more reliable than Emma’s own family. Meanwhile, in a separate story line, seven elderly women have been told their diocese is shuttering their church. In response, they start New Beginnings in a dilapidated old building. The services are unconventional, but they just might be what Tonya, Emma, Fiona, and the Puddy family need. Merrill’s theological insight on God’s grace amid difficult circumstances resonates and will have readers anticipating the next installment. Fans of Francine Rivers should take a look. (Self-published)
