Beneath a Southern Sky

Camfield Legacy #1

by Deborah Raney

"Deborah Raney reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways…but His paths lead to fulfillment and joy.”
--Angela Elwell Hunt, author of The Note and The Heirs of Cahira O’Connor series

Her Second Husband Healed the Sorrow of a Tragic Loss.
Her First Has Just Returned from the Dead.
Which Man Has the Right to Claim Daria’s Heart?

After two years of serving as a missionary in a remote area of South America, Daria Camfield has returned to the States to mourn her husband, reportedly killed while providing medical aid to a neighboring Colombian village.

One family discovers how God can redeem any tragedy.

At first, Daria finds comfort only in the daughter born to her after Nate’s tragic death. As she begins to heal, she also finds a listening ear and a tender heart in her new boss, veterinarian Colson Hunter. Determined to move forward with life, Daria ignores the still small voice calling her to wait and accepts Cole’s marriage proposal. But after the wedding, Daria’s new dream life turns into a nightmare with the arrival of an unbelievable
“Nathan Camfield found alive. Flying into K.C. Int’l. via Bogota…”

Now two men have the right to her daughter, her life, and her love. Will Daria return to her beloved first
husband, abandoning Cole? Or will she reject Nate and choose the only man her daughter has ever called “Daddy”--a man she has come to cherish with all her heart?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks, Audiobook

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Tamera Alexander's, A Lasting Impression, I was browsing her blog and found a list of "Books I wish I could erase from memory and read again for the first time (since I loved them so much)," and on that list was Deborah Raney's, Beneath a Southern Sky. Since Tamera is one of my favorite authors, and I trust her book recommendations, I decided to pick this one up for my Kindle -- and I'm so glad that I did!

Oh. My. Word. I LOVED it! I've never read another book quite like it, and found it to be very unique. Deborah Raney takes difficult circumstances, and weaves a story that is realistic and touches the heart. The messages of forgiveness, sacrifice, and God's will are so well done, and beautifully written. Oftentimes, it seems that faith messages are an afterthought in Christian fiction, but Deborah has woven these messages perfectly into the story. The characters deal with real issues of faith that I think most Christians can relate to. The dialogue and narrative are very well done, so much so, that you can truly feel the emotions right along with the characters. The characters are flawed, and they face real, human struggles, making them easy to relate to.

I personally didn't find the story predictable, though I did have a preference for how the story would turn out. I had no idea how Deborah would reconcile the circumstances, so I was very intrigued to see how things would play out. I was literally weeping at the end -- which is a good thing for me! I'm one of those readers who likes a good cry in a book, and for me, there's just something wonderful about a book that can touch the heart in that way. This was a very satisfying read for me!

Beneath a Southern Sky won the 2002 RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, and it is a book that I would highly recommend.

[Emilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intriguing plot! I had no idea how this would play out. I love how it did though. The dialog was a tad bit old fashioned but the story line was extremely easy to follow. The message in this book is beautiful and heartbreaking all at once! I was intrigued, encouraged, and moved emotionally by this story. I wouldn’t consider this a feel-good or romance more women’s fiction. I’ll probably wait a while before I read the second book.

[Kerstin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raney sticks to her roots of writing stories with heart wrenching plot lines with believable challenges. She does not pull the trigger until it is too late for a "pretty outcome". I did not like that the main plot twist is disclosed in the book description (I did not read it so for me it was a true surprise) and it is hard to review this book without spoilers. So without spoiling it let's just say that the choices we make can create impossible circumstances for which there are no perfect solutions. This is a book about obedience to God's calling, and trusting that God timing is always best. I understand that Raney wanted to portray flawed people who love God but I would not describe anyone, except Nate, as a committed believer. Whenever a character prays it is only because there are no other options and the prayers are so Christianese that they did not seem authentic. The resolution to Nate's dilemma however, was authentic. The series continues with Natalie's character, the epilogue taking us 25 years into the future.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

Beneath A Southern Sky had an interesting and emotional plot. As a reader I tend to have a habit of immersing myself in the characters and placing myself in their shoes. In this case it was a very hard place to be. I struggled to read Beneath A Southern Sky because I just could not relate at all to the character’s mindset. I not only disagreed with many of her choices and responses in this book, but felt downright angry at Daria Camfield/Hunter. I felt that she was a character who didn’t really know herself. She was led into things by the men in her life and never really took control of her own identity. I was frustrated and unable to truly get behind her as a reader.

I felt like the author was trying to steer me in a direction I didn’t really want to go. If I believed the love of my life was dead only to find him alive I would not view it as a tragedy. Daria’s decision to move on after Nate’s death was not my problem. Love happens. Often it comes unplanned, but at a time when it’s most needed.

My issue was with her response upon hearing that Nate was alive. Her choice to stay with Cole or return to Nate was immaterial, she saw his life as a tragedy. I couldn’t understand that. At the least she should have felt thankful for the miracle of his survival regardless of the obstacle or inconvenience it created for her personal life. I just didn’t feel her compassion for Nate. I also wasn’t pleased with the “romance” between Daria and Cole. I just didn’t like him as a character at all. He was mean, controlling, impatient with Daria’s daughter and just unlikable. Cole also kept a very huge secret from Daria well into their marriage. To me, that alone would have been a deal breaker. I couldn’t root for them.

This is a well written book. The author does have a talent with words, but I failed to get behind her direction in this story. I thought her characterization was also a little weak. Bottom line, I didn’t enjoy this book. It isn’t a story I’d place on my list of books to recommend. In the future I will look at other books written by Deborah Raney because she can weave a story. Beneath A Southern Sky just wasn’t the story for me.

[Linda Klager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was a powerful novel about sacrificial love!

Nate was called by God to be a missionary and a doctor in Columbia. His wife Daria taught children in the village. They were very happy to be serving God although Nate needed to travel to remote areas to help people. On one such trip Nate was trying to doctor people affected by a so called virus. Many were dying and one of those was the chief's son. This angered the chief and because these people were very superstitious, the chief decided to burn the hut where the sick ones were quarantined. Nate was in there doctoring these ill people.

Daria was waiting and waiting for Nate to return, but alas, he did not return. The villagers said that Nate was burned and died in the quarantined hut. Daria returned to the United States heartbroken and pregnant with Nate's child. Nate did not know his wife was expecting.

The parents of Nate and Daria were not at all thrilled for them to minister in Columbia and they were so very saddened when they were told that Nate had died. Nate's parents were especially upset. When Daria delivered Natalie, both sets of parents were so happy to have a part of Nate back.

Daria needed to be self sufficient and moved out of her parents' home. She also found a job with a veterinarian. In time Daria fell in love with Cole who worked at the vet clinic. Cole fell in love with Natalie and Daria decided to marry Cole.

Then an unexpected thing happened. Nate was not dead! This caused so much upheaval. How would Daria and Cole handle this situation? How would anyone?

The author did bring out that Daria did not follow the Lord's leading and so Daria became very guilty that she caused this situation.

Also Daria and Cole were to be parents of their own child. Wow, more complications!

The author described the village in Columbia so well. I can imagine the beauty of the land and the love of the people. I can also imagine that there could be danger lurking with drug trafficking along the river.

In the end there was a really good picture of Jesus and his sacrifice portrayed in this story. I highly recommend this book.

[Alice Chittock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! I think this is some of the best Christian Fiction I have ever read. Partly because it doesn’t just focus on the characters coming to faith, but on their life after faith, the mistakes that are still made and the constant need for redemption.
This is not a typical love story, it will make you feel sad, and even angry at times, but isn’t that real life? And doesn’t god work through our real life messes?
Sorry if this review is a bit of mess, but I just had to stay up to finish it... and then leave a quick review!

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! If you want a good clean stomach clencher...this one is it. You can't put it down. If you don't like tears...don't read. Good ending though :)

[Sandy Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets 5 stars from me, not for the amazing writing but for the impression left on my heart. The author leads us to consider the deep meaning of love, marriage, family, and sacrifice. I love books that force me to think deeply or that cause me to ponder what MY response would be in similar circumstances. This book certainly fits that bill. Thank you, Deborah Raney, for this gift!

[Deena Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has an interesting premise, and the desire to know what decision the female lead character would make in her impossible situation kept me turning the pages. I couldn't imagine what choice she would make and be able to live with it. I was pleasantly surprised at the resolution, although it was still heart-breaking.

One thing about the read I didn't like was the author's continuous use of several of the characters' last names. I see mentioning their full names in the beginning of the book, but not continually throughout, especially when a scene was in the female's point of view and the last names of her parents were mentioned over and over.

Aside from that, I enjoyed this story and it was worth the read.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised that this author was able to weave together such an interesting and complicated story. I was doubtful through a section of it wondering how the author was going to resolve the issues. Written with intelligence and well thought out. A solid 4 stars

[Ellen Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daria is very much in love with her husband, Nate. They are both Christian missionaries in South America when he disappears and is assumed dead. She heads back to the United States certain she is carrying Nate's child. After giving birth, she gets a job in a veterinarian's office and falls in love with her new boss. A little voice in the back of her mind tells her to wait but ignoring it she accepts his proposal and gets married. Unknown to Daria, Nate didn't die. He was very sick and held prisoner in South America. He's never stopped loving Daria. Daria's world starts to fall apart when Nate returns.

Beneath a Southern Sky is a Christian romance that I really enjoyed. The characters are very believable and unlike some Christian novels, they aren't perfect. They have faults and those faults make them all the more lovable and endearing. The story is very well written and I could easily feel all the emotions Daria experienced mourning her first husband and the torment she felt when her first husband came "back from the dead". It wasn't an obvious choice between the two men and I had a really hard time figuring out what her choice would be.

This is a really good book that will appeal to lovers of romance and Christian books. It's not an overly preachy book or one where everyone is spouting salvation stories every other page. I think this would appeal to people who don't regularly read Christian stories as well as those that do.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A missionary wife, widowed in the jungle, leaves for the states, mourning her husband’s loss. But after two years pass, bringing with the birth of her daughter, Danica moves on and remarries, only to have her “dead” husband reappear from the grave.
The description of this book really made me sit and up listen. How could a story with this magnitude be brought to a satisfying conclusion?
Deborah Raney is a masterful storyteller, bringing to life characters and their situations until you feel as if you stand beside them, battling their same struggles. My heart just broke several times during the novel, hurting so desperately for the situations Danica found herself in. I read this book in a little over a day unable to put it down until the last page was turned and as I put the book on my “keeper” shelf, all I could think about was leaving those characters, their situations and all they had been through. And the ending, one I never say coming, never could have predicted. This book is truly a stunning example of masterful storytelling. The kind that will “stick to you” and continue to reel you in with its marvelous craft and lesson. A must read for all fiction lovers, you will not be disappointed in this novel!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Beneath a Southern Sky an impossible situation is created when a deeply Christian woman, Darcia and her husband, Nathan while missionaries in Columbia have the worst possible thing happen. He is a doctor and while away at another village, he is captured and she is told he is dead. She returns to the United States expecting a baby and after a couple of years meets another man and goes on with her life. Then her husband is found and returns.

This emotional situation is hard when Darcia must face she has two husbands and must find a way to resolve this while she loves both of them. The plot is full of good people with a very difficult and emotional problem to solve and they do solve it for the satisfaction of everyone. This is a story that I will remember for a long time because of how the emotions of each of all the characters was clearly written with a great deal of empathy and understanding.

[Ana Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book from a new to me author.
The storyline is obviously a very interesting plot with Daria being led to believe that she was widowed, getting remarried and then her presumed dead husband being found very much alive.
I thought the author did a great job in writing this complicated and complex story.
I think that this book perfectly showcases how we always need to get God’s direction and guidance before we do anything because if we don’t we can end up doing huge mistakes that He was trying to prevent us from doing. Because in this story, Daria didn’t consult God about marrying Colson instead she just dived into it ignoring God’s warnings which caused her to become very distant from God and her faith.
I did like how Daria came to understand that she had been wrong to ignore God and she was able to return to her faith.
I will say that I didn’t fully like who she ended up with but I can also understand the reasons behind it.

[Aistė Šopa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Netikėtai pradėjau klausyti šią knygą, kuri man priminė visai neseniai jau girdėtą. “One True Love” buvo tokio pat siužeto, kur moteris yra priversta pasirinkti ar likti su dabartiniu mylimuoju ar grįžti pas “iš mirusių prisikėlusį” vyrą. Tik šioji (Beneath the Southern Sky) yra krikščionišką tikėjimo žinutę. Tikrame gyvenime retai kada taip būna, bet manau pasitaiko, kad dingęs žmogus atsiranda gyvas ir sveikas, kai tuo tarpu jo aplinkiniai jau gyvena naujai susikurtus gyvenimus. Abi knygos savaip jautrios ir įdomios. Kadangi esu tikinti, “Beneath the Southern Sky” man buvo artimesnė, labiau palietė širdį ir privertė susimąstyti.

[Jamie Serna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know that the writing deserves 5 stars but the plot certainly does. I was left with questions of what I would do in the situation. The decisions made in the book left me in awe sacrifices of love The final decision of one of the characters truly brought home the meaning of love, and even more importantly, the ultimate love of my Heavenly Father.

[Jaymie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe 3 because it makes you think what you would do in this situation. I Read this a few years ago and forgot to review.

[Staci · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was engaging, but I found it difficult to believe the turn of events.

[Linda Martin]

DNF after 4 chapters because it is way too depressing for me to read. Terrible! The author may have meant well but this was not good for me to read.

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had an interesting premise- what happens when your husband is presumed dead and you marry again- but then find out he is alive?! In Christian Fiction!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a blog tour (that actually features another book, which will be reviewed later in the week). I hadn't heard of Deborah Raney before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Long story short: I'll be looking to read more of Raney's books, because this one was GOOD.

I like how this is a Christian book, but it's not preachy. The references to God and the praying in the book felt natural - they fit with when I'd find such things in my own life. I like the natural Christianity in the book, rather the the oftentimes overly preachy references in other Christian fiction.

The plot was good. It showed that the consequences of not listening to that still small voice often are quite painful - not just for those refusing to submit, but also for their loved-ones. The choices we make in our walk with God aren't just about us - they affect everyone we know to some degree or another. Those most dear to us likely are most affected by it. This book served as a good reminder for me to make sure to be in tune to God's prompting in my heart, and to strive to be in His will.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Beneath a Southern Sky"(2001) by Deborah Raney really captured my attention and wrenched my heart. I couldn't rest until I knew what would happen and that everything would be alright. I literally cried through about 1/3 of this book. Sometimes in agonizing sorrow, sometimes in sheer happiness.
I thought about it all day while I was at work, read through my lunch hour and hunched over it late at night until I was finished. This is a story of disobedience, redemption, heartache and true love.
After Missionary Daria Camfield's husband is reported dead, she returns to the United States as a widow with their unborn child. Several years later, after having remarried and begun her life anew, she receives the news that her first husband has been found alive in the wilds of Colombia. If you truly love your spouse, you will agonize with Daria as she has to make the hardest decision there is.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys being emotionally involved in their reading. You won't be able to remain detached from this story!

[J. Florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike Heather, I loved this book from the get-go. I thought each character was well thought out and each had their own personality. Yes, Cole was a little strict with Natalie, but then again I agreed with his making her mind, and she loved him.

Now let's go back. Nate and Daria was married and went to Columbia as missionaries. Being a doctor Nate went to another village to help and things didn't go as planned. Daria was told he died, so she went back home. Throughout her pregnancy she stayed with her parents, but realized that she needed a job and a place of her own to live. Cole gave her a job and eventually they fell in love and got married.

Two and a half years later, news arrive stating that Nate was still alive. By this time Daria was pregnant with Cole's child. She goes to the hospital and her and Nate talk.

That's as much as I am saying. I will say that with God's help they worked thing out.

This was one great book and I really loved it. I loved how it ended.

Without God in your lives people would be lost. This book kind of tells that story.

[Martha Groeber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daria and Nathan Canfield are missionaries to Colombia. Nathan goes to a remote village to stop an epidemic and is supposedly killed in a fire. Crushed, Daria returns to her home in Kansas to heal, have her baby, and rebuild her life. She meets Colson Hunter, a vet at the clinic where she gets a job, and they fall in love and get married. But Daria's world turns upside down when Nathan is found alive after 2-1/2 years. Only God can clear up the mess and heal everyone's hurt.

Deborah Raney does a splendid job bringing her characters and setting to life. The plot, which could be preposterous in someone else's hands, works well and is believable. She explores the topic of following God's leading to direct your life in a challenging way. She also shows how God can clear up any mess of our creation, even if it is not what He had desired for us.

[Lorna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't particularly impressed with the first half of the book -- seemed like the usual Christian romance but eventually the plot got complicated and challenging, making me eager to see how they were going to resolve the difficult situation. By the end of the book it had evolved into a moving story of sacrifice and redemption, with a challenge to trust seek God and seek His guidance throughout all our lives. I would have given it 4 stars if it hadn't taken so far into the story before it got interesting.

[Debb Hackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I'm an emotional wreck. Such a powerfully written book. I don't want to give anything away so let me just say this - it wasn't until the epilogue I was convinced of how this book would end. Deb Raney writes beautifully. This story broke my heart several times, a testimony to her significant skill with words. The characters were clear to me as was the remote village of Timonae and the rainforest's beauty.

This is the first full length novel I have read by Deb Raney. It certainly won't be the last.

[Joyreader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed watching the characters struggle through such a terrible dilemma presented in this book. The writing was great and the emotional aspect will stick with me a long time. 2 problems though that made me only give this 3 stars:
1) Just could not believe someone would fall so quickly for someone else and marry them after losing a spouse they loved so deeply 2) The protagonist doesn't solve her own problem!! (And I didn't like how it was solved)

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

About half way through the book I realized I didn't like any of the characters, which is sad. In a book like this, that can tug at the heartstrings, I should have felt sorrow/compassion/SOMETHING for the characters but all I felt was annoyance. I didn't like how it ended either. It seemed like the easy way out instead of Daria having to make the decision on her own.

[Robin Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Missionary husband and wife team in South America. Husband killed tragiclly. Wife, Daria returns to the States pregnate. Falls in love and remarries her boss. Dead husband on mission field found alive! Love the ending. Super book.

[Brenda Poulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Letting God Lead

What a beautiful story of love and sacrifice. I admit to crying through much of it...tears of joy and love for our Heavenly Father.