The Time Under Heaven

by Laurinda Wallace

Forced to leave her beloved Kenya because of illness, missionary Ruthanne Carroll begins a painful journey to reconnect with her estranged sisters. The façade of perfection, her sister Elizabeth is so desperate to maintain, crumbles when Ruthanne unexpectedly shows up on her doorstep. Melody’s life is floundering, sinking deeper into the abyss of debt, divorce, and hopelessness. Faced with the seriousness of Ruthanne's prognosis, the sisters begin a faltering reconciliation with unexpected results. A journey into the past reveals Ruthanne's long-kept secret which will change each sister forever. Laurinda Wallace’s debut novel is an uplifting tale about family and faith, a sweeping story of three women coming to terms with their shifting roles as daughters, sisters, or mothers. Join her indelible characters on a journey of discovery and reconciliation as the steady, inexorable rhythms of life play out. - Rosebud Communications Wallace's storytelling captures the reader's emotions and attention with characters that have heart and soul and settings with vivid realism. An absorbing story that rings with authentic characters who struggle with life-changing problems. --Francine Biere, Author

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2012

About the author

Laurinda grew up in rural Western New York and was either reading mysteries or writing short stories when she wasn't horseback riding. A career in administration eventually led to freelance writing assignments in 2005, after she and her husband moved to the high desert of southeast Arizona. Her devotionals have been published in The Upper Room, Christian Devotions, and Faithwebbin. She's written many articles for magazines and in 2012 published both a novel and devotional book. Inspired by the Scripture from Ecclesiastes 3, The Time Under Heaven is a story of three sisters and their bittersweet journey of reconcilation. Gardens of the Heart, a 30-day devotional are observations of biblical truths from her years of gardening.

Variety is the spice of life and 3-Mice Productions published her first mystery in the spring of 2013, entitled Family Matters. Set in her native Western New York, the adventures of Gracie Andersen and her Labrador Retriever, Haley will be a series sure to entertain mystery lovers.

Stop by SimplyLife, the author's blog to discover what's happening in the high desert. You never know if it will be some Wild West history, current events, inspirational thoughts, or fond memories.

Reviews

[Barbara Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurinda began her story one lead character at a time…first was missionary Ruthanne Carroll in a hot and humid waiting room of Doctor Hawkes office in the village of Maasai, Kenya in Africa. The scene was easily imagined with Ms Wallace’s vivid description of the village people in their colorful native garb and beads, flies, sweaty bodies, sick and whimpering children and a very nervous Ruthanne waiting to hear the results of the MRI she had taken. She did not receive news she wanted to hear, instead what the doctor reported to her would change the entire course of her life and her sister’s lives immediately.

Melody, the youngest sister, is not blessed with the finer things of life she wishes for. Her husband Dennis is her biggest problem and is not employed in a job or otherwise at taking care of tasks and chores at home. They live the seamier side of life with little money, but find funds to provide for cigarettes and beer. Their loveless marriage is full of volatile arguments, rough abusive comments, and daily exhaustion on Melody’s mind and body through her work as a nurse’s aid in a home for the elderly. Melody has no faith in God, due to the upbringing her father imposed upon her. She could see nothing loving about Christianity as her father demonstrated. Have her dreams of becoming an RN fading into forever?

Elizabeth, the middle sister, and her husband Tom are parents of two grown children Paul and Corinne. Elizabeth is romantic about gardening and knew each flower’s fragrance by memory. The past years of happy marriage and family life had been undaunted with major problems until recently when Tom and daughter Corinne had a major blowup over her boyfriend Trevor. Corinne fled to parts unknown with her choice sweetheart. They did enjoy being grandparents and Elizabeth often cared for her grandbabies while their mother, Sonya worked. Elizabeth now knew unusual stress and even resentment toward Tom for being so unreasonable and chastising of Corinne, causing her disappearance. Elizabeth and Melody were close, but the relationship wasn’t always easy due to Melody’s co-dependence on Elizabeth’s kindness. Their lives were quite opposite in Christian belief and lifestyle – and their knowledge of Ruthanne’s life was almost nil.

All three sisters were raised by a strict protestant minister with constant and continuing negative attitudes toward his daughters; a weak submissive mother with her own problems of no real identity of herself, although artistic and creative in nature. She tried to protect her daughters from their father’s temperament to show loving support. Their relieving grace came from grandparents that were affectionate, understanding and provided positive reinforcement of help. The sister’s best memories were of time spent with their fun inspired grandparents, especially grandma, at their beach home in Cape Cod. The people of their formative years are now gone, but the memories are still ever present.

It was Ruthanne’s phone call to Elizabeth informing of her arriving soon in the States because of her health that began the highly active changes in everyone’s lives. Ruthanne is facing major problems of loss in the area of her ministry where she has made her home from a young age….everything becomes uncertain. Secrets of each sister were now in danger of revelation. Coincidences, which I prefer to refer to as Godincidences began happening as paths crossed and God’s plans for each character took them in different directions physically and emotionally in a miraculously cohesive nature.

Among the multitude of Laurinda’s stylistic finer points was allowing the reader to hear the thoughts of each character easily….learning more of who they really were by the time the story ended. I can’t leave out one of my favorite persons in this story – Nan, the Southern Lady – a key friend to all with so much insight into the problems and situations each sister was growing through. She added fun and humor with unconditional love. Was she actually an angel in disguise? It made me wonder.

Ms Wallace’s characters are excellently developed. She obviously loved each character and developed traits insightfully into each one. I became more endeared to each sister as the chapters flew by. This story spoke deeply and emotionally to me of like problems throughout my lifetime of raising children, serious health issues and working toward improved marriage relations, and more – I easily became personally involved. Laurinda adds enticement into her writing flow that is highly entertaining.

Faith in God, choices, secrets, mistakes, redemption, change and growth; the core concept of this story is scripturally based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. I pray you will keep these verses in your consciousness as you read Laurinda’s novel A Time Under Heaven. Every verse provided a story line into each sister’s search. So, there is a time for searching and revealing in all seasons of our lives. How many secrets have been kept to haunt each character? Laurinda brings to my own personal thoughts these times and seasons of my life.

The Time Under Heaven is a true reminder that life cycles in sameness – the problems and crises are not new…only to each generation. My favorite quote “If God brings you to it – He’ll bring you through it.” is proven true once again through Laurinda’s insightful writing about human and spiritual nature. This story ended just as it was beginning. Is it possible Laurinda has in mind a continuation story for this family? Thank you Laurinda Wallace for sharing your faith and delightful writing with us. Friends, for an engrossing read – do yourself a favor and compliment the author by getting your copy now. You will both be blessed!

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went blindly into reading this book not really knowing what to expect. I was definitely NOT disappointed! This book incorporates many of my favourite features of a great read. It had characters that were likeable right from the moment you met them as well as characters that were less than likeable. The thing I like best about this book was the flow of the story. Initially it was like reading 3 separate stories (one for each of the Carroll sisters) and then once you get to know each character you get to see how their stories merge together to form one shared story.

I was pleasantly surprised by plot turns and twists throughout the entirety of the book with a great ending as well. I felt as though the characters were people that I actually knew and I felt every emotion that they felt. I was drawn into the story and held captive in it (in a good way).

The reality and depth of the situations the characters face was believable and that helps to keep the reader engaged. I felt like I was watching a movie in my mind while reading this book and that's worth its weight in gold to me!

Also, I think it's important to note that this was not like most Christian fiction I've read before. This book wasn't all Happy Go Lucky and religious. The religious portions in the book fit beautifully with the character of Ruthanne as well as with situations that arise within the book without being too "preachy". That is an important balance to keep in mind when looking at reading Christian fiction. Sometimes books can feel like they are shoving religion down your throat, but that's not so with Laurinda's book. I think that the scriptural quotes only add to the beauty of the story.

Thank you Laurinda Wallace for writing such a heartfelt, dramatic, and simply beautiful book! I look forward to reading more of Laurinda's works and I encourage you to pick yourself up a copy of The Time Under Heaven.

[Gail A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful story of three very different sisters reuniting. each with their own heartaches, tragedy and blessings. Their healing is infused with faith and truth often harsh as they rediscover their loving sisterhood. The writer is skilled in character development and strong story line. A heart wrenching and heart warming read.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three sisters separated by distance and their own lives. When illness brings the one home, they rally together. Friendship and bonds of love are reunited and strengthen during this time. Her books are always good to read.

[Paulette Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of faith and the power of prayer.

A story of a family and the trials that go with sin interrupting people's lives. The ending is spectacular a real praise moment.

[Trinity Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Time Under Heaven by Laurinda Wallace is a very good book. This is the first time I’ve read any books by Laurinda and I’m glad she found me.
The time Under Heaven is a story about three sisters who are so very different from each other. They only corresponded at Christmas and hardly stay in touch.
After Ruthanne finds out she has a very serious health problem and is forced to go home does the sisters start becoming friends again and they learn about each other and in the process they learn about themselves.
The sisters and a close friend of Ruthanne’s are very likable characters and have very different lives. I like how they become good friends again and try to help each other out.
The things I didn’t care for in the book is so many things seemed like they were left up in the air. Like there should be another book to answer some of the questions I have. I wasn’t really pleased with the ending, because I thought it should be different and more upbeat. I didn’t think the daughter would have changed that quickly and we didn’t find out why she was so cold toward Ruthanne. I don’t want to say to much about the ending and give it away, but I wasn’t overly pleased with it.
Still I recommend you to read this book. It has very many interesting parts and full of love and compassion. A very easy read.


Thank you to the Author/Publicist for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Older sisters seem to have so many secrets. Although, some secrets in the past are never meant to be revealed, facing a life-threatening illness causes Ruthanne Carroll to reevaluate this decision. Telling the truth to her younger sisters and moving past the storm of “why were we never told?” issues was challenging enough. But the journey that follows could break her beyond repair. Ruthanne’s resilient spirit and steady faith, along with the support of her family, keep her moving forward. The journey weaves the lives of these women together as they meet head on some very difficult real life challenges.

“The Time Under Heaven” is a great read for a day at the beach or a rainy afternoon at home. Expect to get caught up in the story as the characters are authentic and engaging.It reminds me of a modern day “Little Women” as these sisters struggle with their relationships, especially those who seem to have “perfect lives” have perhaps the hardest trials to face. Overall a wonderful story of faith, family, and relationships that will make you laugh, cry, and glad you spent the time with the Carroll sisters.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book and I felt connected to Ruth, Beth and Mel; the emotional pain they were going through leap off the pages and I wanted to be there to comfort them. Even though there was pain there was also great joy, healing and forgiveness. One thing I learned from this book was that it is very important for us parents to be careful that we don't alienate our children and we must trust and rely on the Lord to lead us in everything. If you were thinking about buying this book and was not sure I would say please get a copy, because you will not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the author for my honest review.

[Enid L. Lapham · Rating 5 out of 5]

True Heroines

Three sisters living very different lives can still connect and love one another through difficulties. From Africa to Manhattan, the descriptions drew me into the story. I don't think I could live in the village where Ruthanne lives, but she has been called to this mission. The medical diagnosis at the beginning gave me pause, as I didn't want to read all the details, but this is a story of redemption and healing.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good book though it seemed a bit rushed at the end and one of the side stories seemed not to mesh with the main story. I didn't understand where the author was taking this little side story with Corinne because it seemed to end abruptly and unresolved. All in all, it was alright, it didn't quite move me enough to recommend it.