Dust

by Eva Marie Everson

Can an ordinary life leave an extraordinary legacy? In 1976, when nineteen-year-old Allison Middleton accepts a proposal of marriage from Westley Houser, she eagerly accepts, having no idea the secret Westley carries--a secret that will change Allison's life forever. But Allison rises to the challenge of raising Westley's toddling daughter as though she were her own. Over the course of their lifetime together, Allison, Westley, and Michelle form the strong bond of family. As Allison struggles with infertility and finding her way during a time of great change for women, others--some she knows and others whom she never meets--brush and weave against the fabric of her life, leaving her with more questions than answers. From teen bride to grandmother, Allison's life chronicles the ups and downs of an ordinary woman's life to examine the value of what we all leave behind.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction

481 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2021

About the author

Eva Marie Everson is a best-selling, multiple award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction. She is the CEO of Word Weavers International and the director of Florida Christian Writers Conference. She enjoys teaching and speaking at writers events across the US. Eva Marie was the 2022 recipient of the Yvonne Lehman Legacy Award and the 2022 recipient of the AWSA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023 her book, The Third Path, won the Golden Scroll Book of the Year.

Reviews

[Emma Filbrun · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book. The description sounded very good, and it said that it was “clean with some Christian elements.” That is the type of book I really enjoy, so I signed up for the review copy. I was very disappointed, however, when I started reading the book. I made it to 68% before giving up, and by that time there had been 14 times when s*x was mentioned, either directly or indirectly, including lustful thoughts and descriptions of n*ked bodies. That is not clean, in my opinion, and I finally decided that this book was not good for me.
I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

[Soha Ashraf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Halfway through the book, I was adamant to give it two unobtrusive stars on the rating scale. The story started as being extremely monotonous to the point where I felt like giving up. The extra characters didn’t have separate identities; just a few names used for filling in the story. However, towards the end of the book, I started developing a little bit of affection. Mainly because the story of Allison started from her being a teenage girl and ended with her as an elderly woman.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a touching story. Author Eva Marie Everson shares characters who instantly grabbed my attention with their imperfections, and places them in situations that realistically mirror many of our own lives. Dust shows how one reckless action can alter the lives of many, and leave lasting consequences forever. I was especially drawn to Allison and her overwhelming love for another woman's child; Allison, who can never carry her own child, but will eagerly raise another as her own. As she devotes herself to being a wife and mother, and surrounded by people she considers overachievers, Allison often questions her own self-worth and her purpose for being born. How many of us have done that very same thing? Is it possible that "all we are is dust in the wind"?

This is a stunning novel of hope and love, with the powerful reminder that you don't have to do great things to leave a lasting impact. I found myself eager to keep reading, but reluctant to see it end. I recommend Dust to all who enjoy contemporary romantic fiction.

I voluntarily accepted an advanced reader copy of this book. There was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own opinions.

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dust by Eva Marie Everson starts out with Allison Middleton, a young nineteen-year-old girl receiving a proposal from Westley Houser in 1977. The couple gets married are immediately struggling as Westley tells Allison that he already has a child from a one-night-stand with Cindie. Allisons helps Westley raise his daughter, Michelle, as her own child, while she deals with infertility. She also goes from a young bride to grandmother throughout the book.

Everson writes beautifully in Dust. I have read her books before and truly enjoyed them. However, even though I think the writing is beautiful and the story flows wonderfully, I have to admit I didn't honestly LIKE this story through much of the book. I didn't like how Westley and Allison's marriage started out with him not being truthful to her. I didn't like Cindie and how she lived her life--as well as some of the other people she connected with. At the same time, I thought the book was realistic in that these sort of relationships really do happen. No one is perfect and life isn't perfect. We also sometimes love people in spite of the things they do wrong. In that way, I thought Dust seemed to be true to life.

I did like how Everson wrapped everything up at the end. It was an ending that gives pause to reflecting on both the characters throughout the book, as well as a bit on your own life. The book's title, Dust, is based on the Kansas song, Dust in the Wind, which is a song I know and like. At the beginning of the book, Westley and Allison talk about this song as it is on the radio as they start their new life. They also talk about Genesis 3:19 about how we are dust and shall return to dust. I could understand how Allison reflected on her life and wondered if she really accomplished much. As the question on the back of the book says, "Can an ordinary life leave an extraordinary legacy?" I thought it was great that Michelle overcame so much and used her life for good because of Wesley and Allison's example. However, it doesn't always work out that way.

As far as spirituality, there are a few references to going to youth group and church. Also, Allison's sister, Julie, marries a Christian man that there are a few references to but otherwise there isn't a lot of spiritual talk going on through the book either. Instead, I think Dust is a book where life lessons are mainly learned through the story itself.

I received a copy of Dust courtesy of the author through JustRead Tours. All opinions within this review are my own.

[Jennifer Sienes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today I finished Dust by Eva Marie Everson. One of the things that drew me to this novel is the setting. It starts out in Georgia in 1977 with characters Allison Middleton and Westley Houser. It brought back a lot of my own memories from that time period (although I was younger than Allison in 1977). The title is actually taken from the Kansas song “Dust in the Wind,” a personal favorite of mine.

Ms. Everson does a beautiful job weaving several characters’ stories together, although Allison’s is the only first person POV—the others are done in third person. There were times in the story I wondered why this character or that character was given a POV, but it all made sense in the end.

This novel spans the years from 1977 to the present, while focusing on the romance, hardships, and heartaches of Allison and Westley’s marriage. I’m not spoiling anything by telling you they marry—it’s on the back cover copy. Allison’s opening line is, “When I think back on it, I realize I never received a formal proposal of marriage. Not really, anyway.”

I was drawn immediately into the book and found it difficult to put down. The emotions are rich and true—both the good and bad. And I love how the characters (or most of them anyway) grew throughout the story. And that’s what it was—a realistic story. No big mysteries, no heavy emotions, nothing earthshattering. I think a lot of women would identify with Allison, who never had any dreams bigger than being a wife and mother, even when her friends went off to do amazing things. But when we come near the end of our lives, it will be hard for us not to question our purpose and value—especially as a servant of the Lord. And yet, Ms. Everson ends the story beautifully with a hope we can all cling to.

The only thing that tripped me up (and most likely won’t even be noticed by most readers) is how Ms. Everson tagged the dialogue. It was unnecessarily telling. She often used “said” along with the characters movements when the movements were all that were needed. It bogged down the flow and caused me to stumble. This may be a stylistic preference, and I do tend to be concise with my words, so do not let that keep you from picking up this novel and reading it for yourself. I have no d

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva Marie Everson is a new to me author. "Dust" is her newest novel and I had the opportunity to read it recently.

The year is 1976 and Allison Middleton is smitten by Westley Houser and eagerly accepts his marriage proposal, even though she is only 19yrs old. She finds out later that Westley has a toddler daughter, but Allison loves his daughter as her own. Allison is never able to have a child of her own with Westley due to infertility issues. The 70's were a time of change for Women in the world and Allison has some great support to help her navigate the changes of life, including her "barren" womb.

I did enjoy this book a lot. The author really has a great writing style, including mentioning sensitive topics, like infertility, with grace. The love and bond of the 3 main characters, Allison, Westley and Michelle was a joy to read. The book really focuses a lot on Allison as she grows through the challenges of life beginning with her late teen years through marriage and family. FANTASTIC BOOK!

[Raechel Lenore · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I don't think I was this books exact target audience, I still enjoyed the authors writing style. It was engaging, and flowed easily, without seeming too heavy or getting stuck or caught up on the span of time that the book covered."Dust" is a story all about life, and the unexpected, and expected, twists and turns it may take us on. Specifically the journey it led main character, Allison on. All of the characters were realistic and pulsed with life, each having their own story that was uniqually their own and yet still affected and entwined with those around them.For me, personally, I found this book to be be a little too focused on giving detailed descriptions of sex - between unmarried and married couples alike. No, sex is not shamefull especially in the bounds of marriage, but I also don't think it needs to fill every page with such detail as it did in this book.There was also no clear faith-strand. There were some hints at it, at God being involved in their lives, but really nothing....moving in that department. At least for me.As I said, I might not have been the target audience after all. The writing style was great, and Iliked aspects of the novel and thought it was well done. Just not my favorite cup of tea.
*I received a copy of the book from the author. All thoughts expressed are my own.

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate when I have to write a review on a book that was not my favorite. This was definitely not a book meant for me but I know that it may be for you. This was my first book by this author. I have heard great things about her so this won't be the last book I read by her. I am definitely giving her books a chance this particular one was just not my "cup of tea". I think a big part is that I could not connect to the characters at all. The story is mainly told from Allison's view point. The marriage between Allison and Westley starts out to me as a disaster. After all he is being dishonest with her right from the beginning. Now I completely understand that this is a realistic viewpoint and one we should see in stories to get that redeeming arch. In that respect the author did a great job at making the storyline believable.

Here is where I have issues with the story. This again is supposed to be a Christian Fiction story and there was barely anything that referenced God as a redeeming God. There were many opportunities to bring this up. Yes, there were slight references to the title of the book regarding Genesis 3:19 and also references to youth group and church but this could have been such a powerful book to bring forth a true arch of redemption, hope and strength that we can only gather from God. I also had a HUGE issue with the way that the bedroom scenes are handled. I found that although they are closed door they may have been a bit too racy even in mentioning them.

Maybe I am too much of a conservative christian and for that I will never apologize so for me this book missed the mark. For me this book should not be considered Christian Fiction but rather Women's Fiction. Overall I think the author did a great job at writing a believable story. The beauty of reading is that not one size fits all so I hope you enjoy this book should you choose to read it.

I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you in advance to the author, Eva Marie Everson, for providing a complimentary review copy through JustRead Tours. A positive review was not requested or required, and all words are my own.

This is my first introduction to the author, and what a stunning introduction it is. Stunning in good ways and bad ways.

The cover is subtle and yet beautiful, very simple – much like the tone and plot of the story.

The title and story is inspired by Kansas’ “Dust in the Wind” where the main narrator, Allison, wonders what we all leave behind. Though, I will state that most of the plot and story is given away by the blurb on the back. Very few things come as a shock in the course of reading it.

The main characters are: Westley/Allison and Patterson/Mary Ellen with Cindie to connect both couples. Allison’s POV is told in first (1st) person, while the other characters are in third (3rd) person.

Everson carefully, and at times heartbreakingly so; crafts an emotional, poignant, descriptive, dramatic, realistic, and reflective story. At times, the chapters are short, the writing and plot line is realistic and authentic to the times. All of this is done in a standalone read that is complete from the first page to the last.

At times, since I was born around the time this story begins, it was a unique look back on the time I grew up in which was what drew me to the book.

While this is classified as a Christian book – there are only a few references to God. There is some questionable language (sl-t is used), there are some crude but never descriptive intimate references, some nudity referred to. There are very few prayers or references to biblical quotes.

But, after a little bit more research on this book, I learned that Everson; while widely known for her Christian fiction; wrote “Dust” with more of a moral message that she hopes will extend to those outside the church, while also reaching those inside the church with similar experiences as the characters depicted.

In addition there are some heavy trigger/content warnings:

** Infertility references
** Mention of abortion
** Miscarriage
** Emergency Hysterectomy
** Pre-marital Sex
** Extramarital affair
** One character **COULD be perceived as a sexual predator
** Mention of the current pandemic

Readers who have issues with the topics might want to pass this book up as it is very visceral and realistic with regard to them.

The book stars off about 11 years earlier with Patterson Thacker and his marriage to Mary Ellen. And, to be honest, I didn’t know how this couple was going to connect to Allison (Ali) and Westley (Wes). Immediately I was wondering who they were in this story. Patterson returns sporadically, more so in the final chapters of the book.

I did enjoy the Barry Gibb reference since I LOVED the Bee Gees’ music and still do.

Ali is, as mentioned, a teen bride (19) who has no clue about Wes’ daughter by Cindie (a one-night liaison). Even Wes’ family doesn’t know about the girl until just before the wedding. DiAnn (Wes’ sister) knows though. And, soon one of the motives behind the marriage is made clear.

While Ali’s parents are happy for her marriage to Wes, they don’t like her sister’s husband Dean (“the bum”). And, readers will be happy to find out how this relationship pans out over the course of the novel though there is very little interaction between the two.

And, Everson clearly illustrates who the “villain” is in Wes and Ali’s relationship – Michelle’s mom, Cindie. It is either funny or tragic at how many people know she’s beautiful, but not bright. She wants to believe she is in control of her and Wes’ “relationship” with using Michelle, though clearly she isn’t.

Ali doesn’t find out about Wes’ daughter until halfway through the story. It is there that the story picks up with regard to the plot.

Michelle and Ali form a bond and Ali, as the blurb says, deals with infertility. Though it is never explained as to the reason. And, the struggle takes place during Ali and Wes’ lifetime together, but not as long as the reader might think.

Their lives weave and connect with Cindie whose life connects with Patterson and Mary Ellen’s in a not-so-surprising way.

The first 75% of the book is more centered in the late 1970’s to early 1990’s. It isn’t until that 75% that the book moves forward to 1982, and from there hops to 1998, 1993, then current (obviously 2020).

While the characters have interesting changes and development. It is clear to see that they remain true to who they are at the very core. Everson’s writing is slightly predictable in this manner but she does so in a way that the reader will likely keep reading it to see where the story goes.

Readers who enjoy cleaner and more Christian tones might not enjoy this book. Those who don’t mind “light” Christian references with a realistic story, might enjoy this book. There is no foul language and no descriptive “intimate” scenes.

I wouldn’t exactly say I really wanted to read this, given the subject material. I did enjoy it and it was a rather introspective read. One thing that did hamper it, was the slowness of the story.

While classified as a “contemporary” romance, it could border on historical fiction. 50 years is considered a good minimum according to Celadon (https://celadonbooks.com/what-is-hist...).

I definitely enjoyed the TV and music references –

Dallas (I really loved that show – it was one my grandmother, mother, and I watched)

Phil Collins – “In The Air Tonight”
Eagles
Fleetwood Mac
Van Morrison
Carole King

Even some product mentions that I know far too well – Foster Grants, Coke. Though I never recall my mother telling me about “Ma Bell” (the now defunct Bell Phone Corporation) being free after 9pm.

Everson also highlights the older views on marriage and a woman’s “place” in it. Some modern-day readers might take issue with the views.

There is a slightly personal, interesting note here: my maternal grandmother’s name was Eva Marie, she went by Marie. The author included a family by the name of Edwards, which is my family name. My family also drank sweet tea at dinner in Tupperware cups. It was a cute little reminder that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Fans of the author will no doubt enjoy this novel. This ends slightly how it begins which is a unique idea in and of itself.

One of my favorite quotes from the book – “Our history is what shapes us”.

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a book! And a great way to start off my Bookish relationship with Eva Marie Everson!
Its hard to know where to start in regards to this book. So many emotions rolled into this story, from tears, to laughter, I stopped several times just to reflect over what I had read, and the scenes kept playing over in my mind leaving me wondering how I would have handled the situations that Allison found herself in. Needless to say, I think Allison handles herself very well and I enjoyed how Eva Marie Everson developed her character throughout the story. This story left me wondering and questioning where and how it would end. I definitely recommend reading it! 5 out of 5 stars!

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deriving its title from Kansas's famous song Dust in the Wind, this book follows the lives of four people and the way that other people's choices, as well as their own, affect their lives.

The characters realistically jump off the page in all their flawed glory, drawing me into their lives through the ups and downs, as well as the triumphs and struggles. I think that the author did an amazing job of creating credibly real characters, mixtures of misguided good intentions, dreams, jealousy, and pain. She doesn't shy away from the more adult situations, including multiple scenes that while not overly explicit, you do get the full gist of what happened, so I would not recommend for younger readers.

The book's main character is Alison, a young housewife forced to cope with the bombshell dropped by her new husband. I found it easy to be drawn into her story, as we follow her through the years and decades of her life. I loved her friendship with Rose Beth and Aunt Justine, who were 2 of my favorite characters. Westley was an interesting character, almost predictable and unpredictable in the same breath. I didn't like reading Cindi's parts of the story, and downright disliked Patterson's chapters.

Overall, this is a poignant read with realistically raw characters, brought to life almost tangibly, in a way that had me riveted to the pages. I think that the ending does a great job of tying everything together in a satisfying way that really pays off, though there were times that I found the storyline to be so disheartening and depressing that I wondered if I would make it through. Honest and heartbreaking, yet inspiring in the ordinary and everyday choices. Recommend for older readers who like Women's Fiction, and don't mind more adult content.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right from page one and from Westley's non-proposal proposal, I could tell that Dust was going to be a story unlike any other I'd read. The unique writing style of the writer was clearly evident from the start, offering a realness to the story that drew me in. I found myself feeling as I was right there where the characters were---seeing what they were seeing and really truly getting to know who they were too. While a work of fiction, Eva Marie Everson did such a great job of sharing Westley and Allison's story that it felt like it was based in truth.

Dust is a story that reminds us that life is messy. We don't always make the right choices and those choices we make don't only affect us but the life of those around us as well. Being messy means that it is perhaps not as clean cut as one might expect from a Christian novel. Don't get me wrong, there was nothing hugely inappropriate or given in great detail... but just MORE than your typical Christian read. But that more is also more true to life... as again real life is not all that squeaky clean, is it?

Overall, this was a captivating read that will have you laughing and crying throughout. I would certainly recommend checking it out.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books are packed with plot and suspense and twists and turns while others meander through life. Dust falls in that second category as Eva Marie Everson takes readers through the joys, pains, disappointments, struggles, physical aspects (closed door), and triumphs of marriage.

Told mostly through Allison’s eyes, this novel starts with a starry-eyed girl who falls in love and marries young throughout her marriage until she is a grandmother. While the majority of the book is centered on her early marriage—the secret, the struggles, and the reactions—Allison is a character I couldn’t help but emphasize with.

Sometimes I just wanted her to come out and yell at Westley or stand up for herself, but her gentle, loving heart doesn’t allow it. No, she’s not perfect. She deals with temptation, jealousy, doubt, and discontent but she also loves well.

Eva Marie Everson delivers an emotion-packed read that is relationship-driven and took me through a gamut of emotions.

Content warning: While the bedroom scenes are closed door, there are many mentions of what is about to take place—both in Allison’s marriage and with another couple of characters in the book who are engaging in an affair. This book is not recommended to younger readers or those sensitive to such themes in a book.


Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Ane Mulligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I didn’t write today. I read—all day. I didn’t cook today. I read—all day. I didn’t eat today. I read—all day. Dust, by Eva Marie Everson is an epic story. I loved it as much as I loved A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford. It’s Everson’s best book ever!" – Ane Mulligan, bestselling author of Chapel Springs Revival.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual..

Excellent. I don’t know what I expected, but a story about infertility and life without really romantic storyline was something I enjoyed. I didn’t want to put it down.

[Amanda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everson's books are always wonderful and hard to put down. Dust was no exception! I was sucked into the story from the get go, cringing a bit when Allison rushes into marriage with Westley at the beginning, since it was hard to get past the warning signs. I love that Allison sticks by her vows to her husband, even when she finds out that he was not forth coming with some pertinent information. I love how this story covers the years and their story. This is a wonderful book to pick up!

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved Eva Marie Everson's books for years, and her newest, Dust, is a rich and wonderful addition to her works. Everson has the ability to create memorable and multi-layered characters that engage her readers and draw them along in her stories, as we are eager to discover what lies along their paths.

In Dust, we meet Allison, who's taking a gap year to figure out what exactly she'd like to study in college and do with her life. One day, sick with a sore throat, she's given a prescription, little knowing that the pharmacist who fills it will change the course of her life completely. Westley sweeps Ali, as he nicknames her, off her feet into a December wedding, giving her only a couple of months of planning. There's only one...or maybe there are two...problems. Neither of which he's told her about. He's planning to move them to another small Georgia town, while Ali had imagined getting used to married life in the same community that she'd grown up in.

The other is that he is a parent. Of a tiny girl. So Allyson won't just be becoming a wife; she'll be a co-parent, or stepmother, to baby Michelle. Whom Westley doesn't have custody of, just yet.

Michelle's biological mother, Cindie, has no idea that Westley is getting married. Although her pregnancy was the result of their one inebriated night together, she has hoped and wished that the father of her baby would marry her. Once she realizes that won't be the case, after a conversation with a random customer while serving at a diner, she begins to plan for changes to radically alter her life.

And then, there's Patterson. He had married the girl of his dreams, Mary Helen, and settled down into his career as a college professor in 1970. Inevitably, the three lives will eventually touch each other.

Dust is told over the course of fifty years, from the points of view of three very different individuals; Allyson, Cindie, and Patterson, as each of them walks through various stages of their lives. Experiencing marriage, intimacy, careers, heartaches, joys, and sorrows, and sometimes, faith.

Everson expertly weaves all these moments together to create a satisfying portrait of the ways our lives touch and impact others' lives, and our choices sometimes collide with, and change, others' choices, whether bad or good. It's a lovely, sometimes heartbreaking book, beautifully interwoven with mentions of the music from each decade.

I received a digital copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa's Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This emotional and dramatic story is centered around the life of Allison. She’s an innocent, sheltered young lady who has fallen for Westley. They haven’t dated long, but one night he casually asks her to be his wife. She accepts and is thrilled to be engaged to him. As this story is set in the 1970’s, Allison’s parents are very old-fashioned. Allison has committed to marrying as a virgin. Her parents are of the era when women must do whatever their husband says.

Westley and Allison plan to marry soon. Westley has a long-range plan and marrying Allison is the main part of the plan. The book spends a great amount of time discussing how they are lusting after each other and can’t wait to be married. They don’t spend much time really getting to know each other and she is missing out on some big red flags.

Westley has secrets. One of those is his one-night-stand which resulted in an illegitimate daughter named Michelle. He hasn’t told Ali nor his parents. He decides to tell his parents the night before the wedding. His brother knows and tells Westley that he must tell Ali, because it’s not fair to hide it from her. Right before the wedding Ali’s mom tells her to obey Westley and not embarrass her parents.

After the wedding Westley tells his new innocent young bride. She is devastated but decides to follow her mother’s advice. Although Westley tells her that he’s going to try and get custody of Michelle, he doesn’t even ask Ali about it. He makes all the decisions on his own and expects her to raise Michelle as their child.

He doesn’t actually get full custody of her because the mother isn’t unfit, though she is of very low character. An older professor at a college in Atlanta spots her as an easy target. He’s had other mistresses and now wants Cindi to be his new mistress. He succeeds and he and Cindi have an apartment together. This relationship is discussed in detail in the book.

There are many dramas that occur as the book continues. The various characters speak throughout the book so that you can see what’s happening from their perspective. Ali begins to love Michelle as her own daughter, but worries about her when she is under the influence of such a poor example in her mother, Cindi. You can read the rest of the book and find out how everything turns out for Westley and Ali and all the other characters. Will Ali have a child of her own? Will the other characters find God, or will they continue to make terrible decisions in their lives?

I was provided an ebook and voluntarily reviewed the book. All opinions are my own.

[Debra Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva Marie Everson has been gifted with words—not merely words the eyes see and comprehend, but words that relate a story so rich, they weave their way into our hearts, to the very depths of our souls. In Dust, Mrs. Everson’s latest and, in my opinion, her best work, she relates a story of family, a bit of faith, and . . . life. Real life. Not merely the prettier sides of life, but life in its darkest, most-threatening moments. Her characters are real, their emotions often so raw, you’ll find yourself talking to them as if you’ve known them personally. Cliché as it may be, you may feel you’ve walked in their very shoes. Dust will touch hearts across many generations. For some, Dust will be a walk down Memory Lane with descriptions spanning the years between 1965 and the present that are absolutely spot-on. My personal favorites were the songs mentioned. Mrs. Everson has done it again … written a timeless treasure.

[Deanna Beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva Marie Everson once again took me on a welcomed journey down memory lane in her new novel, DUST. Songs that her characters mentioned took me back to a different era — a different me. The main character’s reflections of the past form pieces of a puzzle that come together at the end. I totally connected with Allison’s consideration of her influence on others and how we can fail to view what is directly in front of us. I purposefully put the book down before reading the last chapter, to avoid saying goodbye to the characters I had fondly considered to be my friends. When I did finish reading the last chapter, I was encouraged and satisfied. Deanna Beaver, award-winning author.

[Ava Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dust is more than a mere work of fiction. Eva Marie Everson has crafted a story that touched my spirit in ways I did not anticipate. The lives of her characters not only intertwined with each other, they also resonated with me. I was drawn into their messy, tender, and flawed lives. Each chapter beckoned me to the next until the final, satisfying resolution. But even after I read the last page, I had to stop and process (with a few tears!) what I’d read, not just for the characters, but for myself, too.
I highly recommend this book!

[Kathleen Bruner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Dust and really felt a part of the characters’ lives and unusual circumstances. This book has significance and is not just “dust in the wind”, but rather a must read. It makes you think of how we would deal with similar difficult circumstances, and the effect our actions and words have on others. At the end I was anxiously waiting to see how the relationship of Allison and Michelle played out. Everson crafted a winner!
I received an advanced copy without being required to write a positive review.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning!

Eva Marie Everson’s Dust is stunning, pure and simple. As someone who, like her characters, married in the 70s, the setting, the imagery rings true. Dust is about life, the good, bad, and ugly of life. How beautifully she wove the lives of her characters into something that takes hold of the reader and doesn’t let go. And the ending. Oh, that ending that speaks of the impact a mother has on her child. Simply stunning to this woman, privileged to raise two children birthed by other women. Thank you, Eva Marie!

[Robin Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Dust in the wind, All we are is dust in the wind.” Lyrics by Kansas, Point of No Return, © 1977

I remember that song, I remember the despair of it. I believe all of us wonder, seek our purpose in life. And Ms. Everson has written a profound story that asks—and answers—that question. She reaches deep into the soul, and digs deeper still.
It almost reads like “The Life of…” chronicling Allison’s life, both major life events and daily trivialality—and the heartbreak that befalls her.
As the years pass, and people come and go in her life, she asks “that” question. And in the way that God so often does—subtly and without fanfare, almost unnoticeable—He answers.
While Allison’s life may have seemed mundane and ordinary, Ms. Everson’s characters certainly were not. From quirks and habits, strengths and weaknesses, the people in this story are authentic and genuine.
Westley, though, annoyed me to no end, keeping his secret from Allison as he did. Otherwise, he was a great guy, likeable, tender and caring with her.
Ms. Everson is a master at weaving a story that tugs at the reader’s heart, holding you captive.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Dust, Eva Marie Everson, JustRead Publicity

[Amanda Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book with the same feeling as the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life". One of those books that you can't put down but cry the entire last chapter.
The shuffling between POVs were confusing at first, but in the end, it all made sense.

The message of this novel is inspiring and beautiful, without the embellishments that most fiction brings. Instead, this is a story of real life, hard but, as the main character, Allison, says, "wonderful".

Side Note: I'm not a fan of Westley. But the story told through Allison's eyes was beautiful, and her choice of husband lead her to motherhood, which seemed to be the best part of her marriage.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Westley Houser proposes to nineteen-year-old Allison Middleton. She eagerly accepts He has secrets. Allison rises to the challenge of raising Westley’s toddling daughter as though she were her own and forms a strong family bond.

Relatable characters with an interesting plot. I found myself wanting to know each person in this story. Having lived through the '70s, this book brought back memories. A message of forgiveness and perseverance. I loved it.

[Claire Fullerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful! I had the great pleasure of reading the advance review copy of Dust and highly recommend it! Beautiful, lyrical writing, a woman's story and then some including life and love and marriage and the choices we make in pursuit of a meaningful, fulfilling future. It's all here, in this lovely saga. Fans of women's fiction, contemporary fiction, and literary fiction will relish this story!

[Richard Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

I’ve been a fan of Eva Marie Everson for many years and have enjoyed all of her books. But this one is special.

[Barbara Latta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rollercoaster of time

Wow, what else can I say except get a tissue and get ready for a ride. A ride back through time, traditions, emotions, and people. People like all of us who are dust and leave our imprint on the dust we leave behind.

[C.J. Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not the likely candidate for the particular audience for this type of book ... or, I'd imagined. Early 30s career gal with zero interest in family (just yet), but I received an advanced copy without being required to write a positive review, and I never say no to a beautiful book.

However, I instantly found myself drawn into Allison's story and more so, the stories that weave around hers ... for it felt real and an every woman kind of tale. It's a searching, questioning, introspective tale subtly prompting around familiar fears and decisions that haunt a woman at every stage of her life, on a backdrop of family-drama, small town secrets, and passionate loves that can make or. break us. Allison was a wonderful main character that - for me - portrayed those facets of womanhood beautifully, I found myself responding to her, and seeing myself in her journey, understanding or lamenting her decisions as I probably have and would my own. Again the characters surrounding Allison really added to the journey and the tension. The characters were truly the soul and life blood of this novel.

I HAVE to add this ... as for the world, time, and aesthetic of the book - felt I was living it. I think I've a secret wannabe 70s kid in me - likely my mother's influence - and it felt like I'd been inserted in that time period. A wish fulfilment and definitely the most fun for me. That on its own practically sold the book.

Writing is superb, but I'd expect no less from a master in her field. I've read other titles by this author and her writing style and voice never disappoint.

I'd really recommend this soulful book for any woman, particular those who have treaded hurdles and faced the tribulations of romance in all it's complexities, and the heaviness of family drama wrapped up in secrets. It's like a little heartfelt note of wisdom from one woman's heart to another. Gorgeous book. All the stars!!!