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One Smooth Stone #2
A Tumbled Stone
Andrea Calvert had to run away. She couldn't stay on the farm with her foster parents, shaming them before their neighbours and legalistic church. She couldn't face going to live with strangers in her condition, as her foster mother had arranged. But she couldn't face being pregnant and alone. She would have to take care of this in her own way. But when Andrea arrives at Evie's Rocky Road Diner, she sees an opportunity for work and decides to stay. Evie's gentle advice begins to change her heart. She shows her the stone tumbler set up in the basement of the diner and gives Andrea a stone pendant, saying, "God is always doing things in our lives, but it takes time. He knows exactly when to take the pressure off or increase it. He knows just how much tumbling we need." As she struggles to make decisions that will change her life, Andrea discovers her foster mother's diary and the wrenching story that reveals the deep reasons for the dysfunction in their family. Meanwhile, a figure from Andrea's past has hired investigators to find her. Is Andrea's life at risk at Evie's Diner?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2012
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Marcia Lee Laycock
36 books20 followersSquirreled away in the attic of my parents' house, I began writing short stories for my dolls. They didn't complain so I kept writing. Then I got to go to school where some wonderful teachers encouraged me.
I published my first piece of writing in grade ten under the watchful eye of a rather unorthodox nun. In my last year of high school another teacher managed to stop me from writing for a while, when she said, "If you have nothing of significance to say, don't you dare write!" I decided I had to go out and find some significant things.
That led me to travel and to experience life's ups and downs across this broad and beautiful country. I've explored almost every province in Canada, including the territories, lived in four of them. Been to Europe and Israel a couple of times, but my heart is split between the wilderness of the Yukon and the jungles of Papua New Guinea.
I am captivated by the lure of large bodies of water and mountain vistas. My heart pounds with the rhythm of a galloping horse, flies with the frenzy of a hummingbird, whirs with the mystery of a dragonfly. I write to reveal the glory of God in this world and in my life.
Tag Line - Writing with the rhythms of a galloping horse, the mystery of a dragonfly, the beauty of a hummingbird
I published my first piece of writing in grade ten under the watchful eye of a rather unorthodox nun. In my last year of high school another teacher managed to stop me from writing for a while, when she said, "If you have nothing of significance to say, don't you dare write!" I decided I had to go out and find some significant things.
That led me to travel and to experience life's ups and downs across this broad and beautiful country. I've explored almost every province in Canada, including the territories, lived in four of them. Been to Europe and Israel a couple of times, but my heart is split between the wilderness of the Yukon and the jungles of Papua New Guinea.
I am captivated by the lure of large bodies of water and mountain vistas. My heart pounds with the rhythm of a galloping horse, flies with the frenzy of a hummingbird, whirs with the mystery of a dragonfly. I write to reveal the glory of God in this world and in my life.
Tag Line - Writing with the rhythms of a galloping horse, the mystery of a dragonfly, the beauty of a hummingbird
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 14, 2012
A Tumbled Stone is an unfolding story discovering the unconditional love of God. This is an amazing story of a Andrea, foster child who has always felt misplaced. She runs away from the lies and silence of her parents, into the arms of a gentle and loving woman. Evie gives Andrea a job and allows her to make informed choices regarding her unborn baby’s future.
This novel covers themes of fostering, adoption, teen pregnancy, abortion and infant death.
A Tumbled Stone is the sequel to One Smooth Stone, Marcia has written A Tumbled Stone so well that I didn’t realise it was a sequel until I researched Marcia Lee Laycock after I read her book.
Thoughts while reading…
Lies and silence are a hindrance and in no way help heal pain. The truth will set you free.
I highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
This novel covers themes of fostering, adoption, teen pregnancy, abortion and infant death.
A Tumbled Stone is the sequel to One Smooth Stone, Marcia has written A Tumbled Stone so well that I didn’t realise it was a sequel until I researched Marcia Lee Laycock after I read her book.
Thoughts while reading…
Lies and silence are a hindrance and in no way help heal pain. The truth will set you free.
I highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
March 9, 2018
A Tumbled Stone is the second book in a two book series by Marcia Lee Haycock. One Smooth Stone, the first book in the series, won the Best New Canadian Christian Fiction Author Award.
Both stories feature Alex, a young man, abandoned by his parents as a child and then brought up in foster care where he suffered sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Not surprisingly, he has some rage and anger management issues but as Alex matures and meets positive and supportive people, he begins to turn his life award.
In this second book Alex is newly married to Kenni, who was introduced in the first book. The plot revolves around Kenni and Alex’s attempts to find Andrea - Alex’s sister who he just recently learned of her existence.
The story is a mystery but it is not of the thriller genre with lots of twists and turns. Rather it is a story that the author slowly develops. Despite the slower pace, the author kept me wanting to read more and I enjoyed reading what she had written. Laycock introduces a number of interesting, multi-dimensional characters. Most characters are every day folk, who live in rural Manitoba - farmers and their families who work hard and love the land. Andrea was raised by foster parents on a farm in the rural countryside and loves all that it entails. She loves nature - the animals, birds and landscape and also the chores and helping her foster parents run a family farm. As with many families, problems sometimes and secrets withheld from other family members. Being a Christian Fiction book there is a strong emphasis on Christianity, but in this particular story, it is a Christian faith rooted in fear and rules - one of the primary causes of the family differences, along with lack of communication and sharing one’s vulnerability and feelings.
Issues of abortion, adoption, alcoholism, workaholism, extra-marital relationships, and lack of communication, sharing and showing affection, wanting to be loved and appreciated are all topics that Laycock raises in an open and caring dialogue. She strongly counterpoints a loving and compassionate Jesus with the punitive, unforgiving God preached about in some churches, including the one Andrea’s foster parents attend. The book is not preachy and though Laycock occasionally uses biblical quotations, they are quite suitable and well integrated into the story. I think readers, who do not share the beliefs of a Christian faith or any faith, would still enjoy the story and appreciate its messages. For example, Laycock cleverly uses a reformed alcoholic turned Christian to advocate for prayer and asking for Jesus’ love and direction. This very likable character, a former Private Investigator, has settled in rural Manitoba and become a farmer himself. His likeability and ability to read people and to reach out in a comfortable way enables him to help others when they need it, in a loving and non-preachy way.
I enjoyed the read and rated it 2 1/2 stars, primarily because I was looking for a bit more tension and mystery. After reflecting, I have decided to round up to 3 stars because I found the story filled with wonderful characters and I really enjoyed being taken on a slow journey of a mystery that unlike many others, was not kinetic and stress producing, but rather languid and it seemed to feed my soul. There were so many different loving relationships in the story and I enjoyed reading about each of them. As a character-driven novel about people and relationships, A Tumbled Stone definitely 3 star worthy.
Both stories feature Alex, a young man, abandoned by his parents as a child and then brought up in foster care where he suffered sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Not surprisingly, he has some rage and anger management issues but as Alex matures and meets positive and supportive people, he begins to turn his life award.
In this second book Alex is newly married to Kenni, who was introduced in the first book. The plot revolves around Kenni and Alex’s attempts to find Andrea - Alex’s sister who he just recently learned of her existence.
The story is a mystery but it is not of the thriller genre with lots of twists and turns. Rather it is a story that the author slowly develops. Despite the slower pace, the author kept me wanting to read more and I enjoyed reading what she had written. Laycock introduces a number of interesting, multi-dimensional characters. Most characters are every day folk, who live in rural Manitoba - farmers and their families who work hard and love the land. Andrea was raised by foster parents on a farm in the rural countryside and loves all that it entails. She loves nature - the animals, birds and landscape and also the chores and helping her foster parents run a family farm. As with many families, problems sometimes and secrets withheld from other family members. Being a Christian Fiction book there is a strong emphasis on Christianity, but in this particular story, it is a Christian faith rooted in fear and rules - one of the primary causes of the family differences, along with lack of communication and sharing one’s vulnerability and feelings.
Issues of abortion, adoption, alcoholism, workaholism, extra-marital relationships, and lack of communication, sharing and showing affection, wanting to be loved and appreciated are all topics that Laycock raises in an open and caring dialogue. She strongly counterpoints a loving and compassionate Jesus with the punitive, unforgiving God preached about in some churches, including the one Andrea’s foster parents attend. The book is not preachy and though Laycock occasionally uses biblical quotations, they are quite suitable and well integrated into the story. I think readers, who do not share the beliefs of a Christian faith or any faith, would still enjoy the story and appreciate its messages. For example, Laycock cleverly uses a reformed alcoholic turned Christian to advocate for prayer and asking for Jesus’ love and direction. This very likable character, a former Private Investigator, has settled in rural Manitoba and become a farmer himself. His likeability and ability to read people and to reach out in a comfortable way enables him to help others when they need it, in a loving and non-preachy way.
I enjoyed the read and rated it 2 1/2 stars, primarily because I was looking for a bit more tension and mystery. After reflecting, I have decided to round up to 3 stars because I found the story filled with wonderful characters and I really enjoyed being taken on a slow journey of a mystery that unlike many others, was not kinetic and stress producing, but rather languid and it seemed to feed my soul. There were so many different loving relationships in the story and I enjoyed reading about each of them. As a character-driven novel about people and relationships, A Tumbled Stone definitely 3 star worthy.
November 6, 2017
A Tumbled Stone by Marcia Lee Laycock
Book starts out with Andrea in the Saskatchewan wilds where she lives with her foster parents.
She's in charge of the farm animals and they are cruel and it's hard work.
Desolate prairies and barren lands and she's pregnant from her boyfriend and she will be leaving for a year to stay with the sister of the foster mother.
Story also follows Alex and he's on his way to find his sister-he assumes she was also put in foster care when they were younger.
Alternating chapters and Andrea learns from her new location that God is not mad at her and she has friends who help her understand God.
Alex and his wife are on the trail and know where she was prior to leaving the area...
Andrea brings them all together over time and she has choices and many options from all directions. Like that the characters are not all thrown together in one big lump but gradually so you can get their story down before others are introduced.
Like the fact that family matters and how it helps here. Love how they list the pro and cons of the situation and it helps clear her mind, also praying to God.
Love what the stone does for her...Story has a bit of everything for your reading pleasure: romance, travel, family situations, mysteries, and forgiveness.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author via The Book Club Network and this is my honest opinion.
Book starts out with Andrea in the Saskatchewan wilds where she lives with her foster parents.
She's in charge of the farm animals and they are cruel and it's hard work.
Desolate prairies and barren lands and she's pregnant from her boyfriend and she will be leaving for a year to stay with the sister of the foster mother.
Story also follows Alex and he's on his way to find his sister-he assumes she was also put in foster care when they were younger.
Alternating chapters and Andrea learns from her new location that God is not mad at her and she has friends who help her understand God.
Alex and his wife are on the trail and know where she was prior to leaving the area...
Andrea brings them all together over time and she has choices and many options from all directions. Like that the characters are not all thrown together in one big lump but gradually so you can get their story down before others are introduced.
Like the fact that family matters and how it helps here. Love how they list the pro and cons of the situation and it helps clear her mind, also praying to God.
Love what the stone does for her...Story has a bit of everything for your reading pleasure: romance, travel, family situations, mysteries, and forgiveness.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from the author via The Book Club Network and this is my honest opinion.
October 9, 2025
This is a tale of past trauma, beginning and going on throughout the book to be overcome by God's grace. The story-telling was compelling and the main character was easy to like and relate to as she goes through her own healing from trauma, along with her adopted family. It's a lovely picture of how God can work with our messes and make good happen in our lives if we allow Him to, leading to an ending which is not simplistic, formulaic, or perfect but feels natural to real life. And all the characters do end up moving towards a happier, open-ended future which felt satisfying! Makes you want to know what happens next (if there is another book coming into this series).
January 5, 2018
A Tumbled Stone is the intense, heartrending sequel to the author’s equally compelling novel, One Smooth Stone. While it could be read as a standalone, I think readers will appreciate A Tumbled Stone much better if read after One Smooth Stone. The characters are engaging and likable, with realistic dialog and faith challenges. The changes in the lives of Kenni, Alex, and Stan are astounding. I was happy to see them again! This novel focuses on Andrea and her foster parents.
Alex Perrin learns he has a younger sister, and from that moment, he and Kenni, who had tracked him down, search for her. The now-retired detective, Stan Sorensen, who had once sought Alex in a criminal matter that he was found innocent of, is a PI. They pool their various sources to find Andrea, who could be anywhere. As they begin the search, Alex feels a sudden urgency to locate her as soon as possible.
Andrea has had an okay life with her foster parents. Earl and Edna have not demonstrated love or affection between themselves or for Andrea who is currently is being sent to her aunt’s for a few months. Unbeknownst to Earl, she is pregnant, and the plan is for her to carry the baby, give it up for adoption, and return home. The baby’s father is out of the picture.
Andrea left on her own, going as far by bus as she had money for. She miraculously meets Evie, owner of Evie’s Rocky Road Diner when Evie needed a waitress. She gets the job, and employees are allowed a room to live in upstairs in from the diner. Edna is crushed to find Andrea has left, however, she and Andrea may be able to bond in a most unique way while they are apart.
Watching the characters throughout this book is like seeing the kind of people who came to Jesus in the New Testament. Whether or not they know they are broken, their needs are plain to the Master, and He shapes each tumbled stone through their circumstances. Some circumstances were especially emotional for this reader as there were feelings and moments mirroring past snippets of my life and I would guess, probably those of other readers. The characters are drawn with care with regards to soul, spirit, mind, and body!
The most outstanding feature of this novel is how the Lord is glorified throughout. The author designs characters who are just like many readers, certainly many Christians, broken in ways that lead them to think that they are beyond the help or love of God. She shows how God can take what is left when we come to Him and use it for His kingdom purposes, for His glory. The plot twists and miracles bear His signature. Each chapter was unpredictable, there were very pleasant surprises of God’s work and surprises that could break one’s heart in the very next chapter. I was very satisfied with and astonished by the ending, and highly recommend this to any Christian who appreciates well-written Christian fiction.
From a grateful heart: I was given this eBook by Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review.
Alex Perrin learns he has a younger sister, and from that moment, he and Kenni, who had tracked him down, search for her. The now-retired detective, Stan Sorensen, who had once sought Alex in a criminal matter that he was found innocent of, is a PI. They pool their various sources to find Andrea, who could be anywhere. As they begin the search, Alex feels a sudden urgency to locate her as soon as possible.
Andrea has had an okay life with her foster parents. Earl and Edna have not demonstrated love or affection between themselves or for Andrea who is currently is being sent to her aunt’s for a few months. Unbeknownst to Earl, she is pregnant, and the plan is for her to carry the baby, give it up for adoption, and return home. The baby’s father is out of the picture.
Andrea left on her own, going as far by bus as she had money for. She miraculously meets Evie, owner of Evie’s Rocky Road Diner when Evie needed a waitress. She gets the job, and employees are allowed a room to live in upstairs in from the diner. Edna is crushed to find Andrea has left, however, she and Andrea may be able to bond in a most unique way while they are apart.
Watching the characters throughout this book is like seeing the kind of people who came to Jesus in the New Testament. Whether or not they know they are broken, their needs are plain to the Master, and He shapes each tumbled stone through their circumstances. Some circumstances were especially emotional for this reader as there were feelings and moments mirroring past snippets of my life and I would guess, probably those of other readers. The characters are drawn with care with regards to soul, spirit, mind, and body!
The most outstanding feature of this novel is how the Lord is glorified throughout. The author designs characters who are just like many readers, certainly many Christians, broken in ways that lead them to think that they are beyond the help or love of God. She shows how God can take what is left when we come to Him and use it for His kingdom purposes, for His glory. The plot twists and miracles bear His signature. Each chapter was unpredictable, there were very pleasant surprises of God’s work and surprises that could break one’s heart in the very next chapter. I was very satisfied with and astonished by the ending, and highly recommend this to any Christian who appreciates well-written Christian fiction.
From a grateful heart: I was given this eBook by Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review.
February 20, 2019
In A Tumbled Stone, author Marcia Lee Laycock placed me solidly into the shoes of young Andrea Calvert, whose dysfunctional foster parents barely acknowledge her existence. When Andrea’s unplanned pregnancy becomes obvious, her foster mother decides to send her away from their prairie farm to give birth and relinquish the child for adoption, all to prevent gossip and judgement from neighbors and the local church, where the pastor lives up to his name, Castor. Unable to deal with the pervading sadness and a loveless future, Andrea flees to Regina, determined to end her pregnancy.
Evie, owner of the Regina diner where Andrea gets a job waitressing, creates stone jewelry as a hobby. I love her remarks to Andrea as she offers a stone pendant to the desperate young woman. “God is always doing things in our lives, but it takes time. He knows exactly when to take the pressure off or increase it. He knows just how much tumbling we need.”
But how can Andrea trust a God who allowed so much pain and loneliness? How could she believe in His love when no one else had ever loved her? Wouldn’t it be better to end the pregnancy than give birth to another unloved child?
A Tumbled Stone is a tale of deep sorrows, hidden pasts, and fear-filled future, but through the “tumbling” of God, it is also a story of redeeming love and bright hope.
I love this novel and award it five stars. I bought A Tumbled Stone from the author; all opinions are my own.
Evie, owner of the Regina diner where Andrea gets a job waitressing, creates stone jewelry as a hobby. I love her remarks to Andrea as she offers a stone pendant to the desperate young woman. “God is always doing things in our lives, but it takes time. He knows exactly when to take the pressure off or increase it. He knows just how much tumbling we need.”
But how can Andrea trust a God who allowed so much pain and loneliness? How could she believe in His love when no one else had ever loved her? Wouldn’t it be better to end the pregnancy than give birth to another unloved child?
A Tumbled Stone is a tale of deep sorrows, hidden pasts, and fear-filled future, but through the “tumbling” of God, it is also a story of redeeming love and bright hope.
I love this novel and award it five stars. I bought A Tumbled Stone from the author; all opinions are my own.
January 6, 2018
This is a story that touches on so many issues of our society today--abusive parents, foster care that doesn't always work, teen pregnancy, abortion, and the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness that young people often endure. Author Marcia Laycock has been able to convey all of this in A Tumbled Stone but I would never label it as a book that depresses because, along with these relevant issues, we are offered a glimpse of the power of God's love and His unfailing Grace. I loved the analogy of rough stones held in our hands that are made smooth by the constant rubbing of our fingers. No matter how flawed we are and no matter how deep the ruts in our lives may be, we can be made smooth and perfect through the constant presence of God. He knows each one of us and He holds each of our lives in His Hands! I appreciate that even as the author offers readers this assurance she is able to do it in a "non-preachy" manner. I recommend this A Tumbled Stone to anyone who enjoys stories with a message.
I received a complimentary e-book from the author and Book Club Network but I was not obligated to submit a review.
I received a complimentary e-book from the author and Book Club Network but I was not obligated to submit a review.
January 31, 2022
I received new HOPE in facing troubled times
Life is complicated, and while A Tumbled Stone is only a fiction story, a figment of an author's imagination, if you will, it is also a medium to have the reader reflect on life. Marcia Laycock has done a masterful job of interweaving plot and character to expose our tender hearts, the wounds therein, and to suggest to the reader that all is not lost when God is involved.
Life is complicated, and while A Tumbled Stone is only a fiction story, a figment of an author's imagination, if you will, it is also a medium to have the reader reflect on life. Marcia Laycock has done a masterful job of interweaving plot and character to expose our tender hearts, the wounds therein, and to suggest to the reader that all is not lost when God is involved.
May 23, 2021
An excellent read. Marcia Laycock is a capable writer. Her story-lines are moving, evoking the reader's emotion, and her characters are complex and three-dimensional. I read this long after One Smooth Stone (for which this is the sequel) and recommend reading them closer together for continuity.
June 23, 2012
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
A Tumbled Stone by Marcia Lee Laycock
A Tumbled Stone continues the life of Alex Donnelly and his now wife Kenni. At the end of “One Smooth Stone,” Alex finds a baby picture of him, and an even younger baby girl, which has to be his sister, one he never knew he had. Now Alex’s main mission in life was to find his sister Andrea, the only tie to his real family.
Andrea Calvert’s life has been somewhat good, but there’s just been something missing. Her foster mom and dad had just never acted right, but Andrea couldn’t put her finger on what the problem was. And now Andrea has added to that problem by being in the situation that is now in. And because she didn’t want to spend the next 9 months to a year with her mom’s sister, she runs away from her home and parents. She lands in the closest nearby town, Regina. Eating at a restaurant and kind of making a joke about the owner needing help because they were so busy, she was surprised and happy that Evie did need help and offered her a job at Evie’s Rocky Road Diner. She even had a room above the restaurant for Andrea to live in. It was all coming together for Andrea, for now, until Evie found out about the pregnancy.
Meanwhile Alex had hired a PI to try and find his sister, since he had no idea where to look for her. For some reason, Alex knew he had to find her, and find her fast. Though he didn’t know why, he couldn’t shake the feeling.
I don’t want to give anything else away about either of these books, because it will ruin the reading for you. This book, as well as the first book in the series, is so full of life, good and bad excitement, along with the many twists and turns you will be glued to its pages. I love everything about Alex and Andrea’s story, from the first meeting with Alex on through to meeting all of the many people along the way and all of the details in-between. And I really appreciate the way Marcia incorporates the Lord in her stories, just as we should in our everyday lives. And she writes it in a way that is not offensive to anyone because it is just a way of life for the characters.
Again, Marcia Laycock gives us another book that will capture your heart as you continue to follow the life of Alex. And again, Marcia delivers a message of hope to those who have faced the many difficult situations that are mentioned here. To be able to take on the difficulties caused by losing ones parents at an early age, horrific foster care, abusive foster parents, bitterness and hurt, teen pregnancy, abortion, autism, the secrets and lies of Andrea’s adoptive parents, whew, and so much more, then pull it all together and come up with a story like this, well it takes an awesome intelligent, gifted and professional writer. And that is just what Marcia Lee Laycock proves she is in her two books. I am not sure if this is the last book in this series, but I am ready for more of Alex and Andrea. And I am sure looking forward to any other books Marcia will be writing.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author, Marcia Lee Laycock for me to read and review. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only. Awesome book, and very well worth your read.
A Tumbled Stone by Marcia Lee Laycock
A Tumbled Stone continues the life of Alex Donnelly and his now wife Kenni. At the end of “One Smooth Stone,” Alex finds a baby picture of him, and an even younger baby girl, which has to be his sister, one he never knew he had. Now Alex’s main mission in life was to find his sister Andrea, the only tie to his real family.
Andrea Calvert’s life has been somewhat good, but there’s just been something missing. Her foster mom and dad had just never acted right, but Andrea couldn’t put her finger on what the problem was. And now Andrea has added to that problem by being in the situation that is now in. And because she didn’t want to spend the next 9 months to a year with her mom’s sister, she runs away from her home and parents. She lands in the closest nearby town, Regina. Eating at a restaurant and kind of making a joke about the owner needing help because they were so busy, she was surprised and happy that Evie did need help and offered her a job at Evie’s Rocky Road Diner. She even had a room above the restaurant for Andrea to live in. It was all coming together for Andrea, for now, until Evie found out about the pregnancy.
Meanwhile Alex had hired a PI to try and find his sister, since he had no idea where to look for her. For some reason, Alex knew he had to find her, and find her fast. Though he didn’t know why, he couldn’t shake the feeling.
I don’t want to give anything else away about either of these books, because it will ruin the reading for you. This book, as well as the first book in the series, is so full of life, good and bad excitement, along with the many twists and turns you will be glued to its pages. I love everything about Alex and Andrea’s story, from the first meeting with Alex on through to meeting all of the many people along the way and all of the details in-between. And I really appreciate the way Marcia incorporates the Lord in her stories, just as we should in our everyday lives. And she writes it in a way that is not offensive to anyone because it is just a way of life for the characters.
Again, Marcia Laycock gives us another book that will capture your heart as you continue to follow the life of Alex. And again, Marcia delivers a message of hope to those who have faced the many difficult situations that are mentioned here. To be able to take on the difficulties caused by losing ones parents at an early age, horrific foster care, abusive foster parents, bitterness and hurt, teen pregnancy, abortion, autism, the secrets and lies of Andrea’s adoptive parents, whew, and so much more, then pull it all together and come up with a story like this, well it takes an awesome intelligent, gifted and professional writer. And that is just what Marcia Lee Laycock proves she is in her two books. I am not sure if this is the last book in this series, but I am ready for more of Alex and Andrea. And I am sure looking forward to any other books Marcia will be writing.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author, Marcia Lee Laycock for me to read and review. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only. Awesome book, and very well worth your read.
June 4, 2012
A Tumbled Stone by Marcia Lee Laycock is the much anticipated sequel to One Smooth Stone and it doesn’t disappoint. Laycock is a gifted writer and has written a flawless story that tackles many issues such as teenage pregnancy, abortion, forgiveness and even autism.
Andrea Calvert has run away from home because she couldn’t stay on the farm with her foster parents, shaming them before their neighbours and their legalistic church with her pregnancy. She couldn’t face going to live with strangers, as her foster mother arranged either. She had to start a new life and do what she wanted to do. So she hops a bus and ends up at Evie’s Rocky Road Diner where she takes a job as a waitress. Lucky for Andrea, Evie is a Christian and realizes that God has sent her to her restaurant for more than just a job. Andrea is frightened, alone and confused and is considering her options for the future, one of them being abortion.
In the meantime, Andrea’s brother Alex is looking for her. His journey eventually takes him, his wife Kenni and the same detective in One Smooth Stone, right to Evie’s Diner. But, not everyone is happy with this turn of events and one person will make a decision that may cost Andrea her life.
The author draws you into the story almost immediately and never lets you go. I loved the way she brought in the subject of forgiveness and God’s love without making it too preachy. This story will touch your heart and provide a valuable lesson along the way.
A Tumbled Stone is available wherever Christian books are sold. You can contact the author through her website at http://www.vinemarc.com/.
Andrea Calvert has run away from home because she couldn’t stay on the farm with her foster parents, shaming them before their neighbours and their legalistic church with her pregnancy. She couldn’t face going to live with strangers, as her foster mother arranged either. She had to start a new life and do what she wanted to do. So she hops a bus and ends up at Evie’s Rocky Road Diner where she takes a job as a waitress. Lucky for Andrea, Evie is a Christian and realizes that God has sent her to her restaurant for more than just a job. Andrea is frightened, alone and confused and is considering her options for the future, one of them being abortion.
In the meantime, Andrea’s brother Alex is looking for her. His journey eventually takes him, his wife Kenni and the same detective in One Smooth Stone, right to Evie’s Diner. But, not everyone is happy with this turn of events and one person will make a decision that may cost Andrea her life.
The author draws you into the story almost immediately and never lets you go. I loved the way she brought in the subject of forgiveness and God’s love without making it too preachy. This story will touch your heart and provide a valuable lesson along the way.
A Tumbled Stone is available wherever Christian books are sold. You can contact the author through her website at http://www.vinemarc.com/.
June 8, 2014
Marcia Lee Laycock's A Tumbled Stone offers a cast of amazing characters, each flawed and struggling for a better understanding of God and a better life. The root of the conflict comes from a pastor that preaches about a God who judges and condemns. The characters are like stones, rough and jagged, tumbled in God's hands with love and care, until in the end they become gleaming gems.
The story revolves around Andrea, a timid high school graduate who becomes pregnant by her first love, an "all or nothing" type of guy, as he calls himself, who dumps her before either of them know what (or who) they started. When Andrea's fate becomes obvious, her foster parents try to avoid judgment and ridicule from their church by making a plan to send Andrea away to a relative whom she's never met. The tension and lack of support at home are too much, and Andrea runs away before the day she's supposed to leave. Her journey to family, love, and acceptance begins on a bus going anywhere.
A Tumbled Stone had me captivated, one sentence to the next, as I wanted to know what happens and felt connected to the characters. My only complaint is that there are no discussion questions at the end of the book (at least there weren't any on my Kindle version.) A Tumbled Stone is ideal for a group discussion. The characters have history and are multi-dimensional, which make their decisions worthy of debate. This is a book you want to ponder, the lessons of faith are powerful and run deep.
The story revolves around Andrea, a timid high school graduate who becomes pregnant by her first love, an "all or nothing" type of guy, as he calls himself, who dumps her before either of them know what (or who) they started. When Andrea's fate becomes obvious, her foster parents try to avoid judgment and ridicule from their church by making a plan to send Andrea away to a relative whom she's never met. The tension and lack of support at home are too much, and Andrea runs away before the day she's supposed to leave. Her journey to family, love, and acceptance begins on a bus going anywhere.
A Tumbled Stone had me captivated, one sentence to the next, as I wanted to know what happens and felt connected to the characters. My only complaint is that there are no discussion questions at the end of the book (at least there weren't any on my Kindle version.) A Tumbled Stone is ideal for a group discussion. The characters have history and are multi-dimensional, which make their decisions worthy of debate. This is a book you want to ponder, the lessons of faith are powerful and run deep.
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