Reviewed by: Ceil Carey, ECLA co-president and long time book discussion leader

Introduction

Title: The undoing of Saint Silvanus

Author: Beth Moore

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Publication Date: September 20, 2016

Format: Hardcover

Length: 481 pages

OVERVIEW

Beth Moore, noted author of devotionals, has done a marvelous job on her attempt at writing fiction, even being nominated for the prestigious Christy Award.

Taking advantage of a free trip to New Orleans seems like a great idea to Jillian at the time of her estranged father’s death. She doesn’t really know why she agreed, they weren’t close, in fact she didn’t even like him, but a change of scenery might be just what she needs. Adella Atwater explained all expenses would be paid and she could stay at her grandmother’s apartment house where Adella is the manager. Ha! Apartment house? Saint Silvanus is hardly a house at all and the disparate bunch of strangers who live there would give anyone pause.

But as is the case in life sometimes, Jillian finds herself drawn into the drama and lives of the residents as the author calls them “the colorful collection of saints and sinners”, again rather like life in general.  Her father’s death is discovered to be a murder and Jillian becomes more entwined with the lives at Saint Sans as well as the police.

Many subjects, some considered taboo, arise in this book: abortion, tarot cards, drugs, use of God’s name in vain. The author has made it real for us and not pulled any punches while at the same time presenting Christianity.

The characters are intriguing, the story is compelling and changes of heart allow us to see Christ at work in people and their relationships.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

5

Suggested Audience

Adult Christian fiction readers

Christian Impact

God’s people receiving second chances is a strong theme in Saint Silvanus.

Used by the kind permission of the Christian Library Journal.

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