Wake

by Rachel Runnalls

Jon finally feels like he has a place where he can get a break from the weight of having to be Pastor Pete’s good son. But the opioid pills he’s using to manage his pain are changing his behavior in ways he won’t be able to hide for much longer. It isn’t even his biggest secret: no one knows the real Jon White, and he’s terrified if the full truth of himself comes out it will cost both the love of his earthly dad and his heavenly Father. Cary has one last hurdle to leave years of childhood abuse behind him: the trial at which he has to testify against his abuser. But his decision to speak up has splintered the remains of his family and his former best friend seems bent on self-destructing. Cary's going to need everything he’s learned along the way to snatch Jon off the ledge. It's never been more obvious the journey from walking wounded to wholeness isn't meant to be travelled alone.

585 pages, Paperback

Published November 24, 2020

About the author

I'm a mom, a youth pastor and a writer. I'm passionate about journeying towards wholeness, and finding peace in our relationships and in ourselves. I love growing things and inviting others into our home to share a feast made with food out of our garden. I am grateful every day to be married to Logan, a man of peace and hope. I am the proud mom of Nevin and Nora, who I hope will one day forgive me for making them pastor's kids.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cary's been staying with the White family all summer, but his friendship with Jon is anything but good. Jon blames Cary for Cary's sister's death as much as Cary does, and Jon's addiction to opiates isn't helping. When Cary finally confronts Jon about his addiction, he puts Pete's job at risk, and soon Cary isn't sure he still belongs at the Whites' house. Will a road trip help patch Cary and Jon's friendship?

What a powerful conclusion to this trilogy! It isn't often that recovery (from abuse, in Cary's case, and addiction, in Jon's) is chronicled as the bumpy road it is. There are small victories and bigger setbacks, and for a while Jon especially is in a dark place. Cary proves himself to be so strong, doing what he believes is right as he comes to terms with his new relationships cracking. I wasn't sure about his relationship with Kadee, but she also changes for the better. Jon's arc, coming through addiction and self-harm, blooms with finally coming out to Cary and to his father. There were so many soft moments to temper all the dark moments - all I wanted was to give these boys a hug!