Presence: The Story of Adel

by Lana Wetzel

Adel Davis knows something has to change. Living with her parents after her husband left isn’t working out, especially where her son Noah is concerned. Ever since he arrived eight months earlier, Adel has been longing for space and independence. She longs for the family that God has written on her heart.

When Adel learns that she has inherited her grandparents’ old apple orchard in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, she knows exactly what she wants to do. She and Noah leave her parents’ home in San Francisco to discover a new life at Sweet Valley Farms.

What will she find when she gets there? Will living alone on a rural apple farm be more than Adel can bear? What about the attention she begins to receive from a few local men? As Adel learns what it means to run the orchard, she also discovers what it means to have a people, a place, and a home. A girl can start a new life; she just can’t do it alone.

311 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2021

About the author

As a writer of inspirational fiction and singer/songwriter, Lana offers a unique gift in service to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Characterized by her experiences growing up in rural Northeast Georgia and now as a wife and homeschool mother of four, her works reflect an honesty and a gentle natural beauty that is often missed and sorely needed in a culture saturated with transient entertainment and consumerism. Whether making meals, lesson plans, story arcs, or song lyrics, Lana is listening for the still quiet Voice to draw her nearer to where even messiness and failure can become a redeemed work of art.

Reviews

[Deana Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story drew me in when Adel talks about her grandparent’s farm. When I was growing up, every summer my family would travel to Oklahoma. We would stay at my grandparent’s farm for two weeks. It was the happiest time I had during my childhood. My granddad and I were very close. He would sit with me on the front porch and entertain me with stories till supper time. I loved the relationship Adel had with her grandparents and how she came to inherit their apple orchard.

What a brave move Adel made when she packed up her car, her baby Noah and set out to live at the place that once was a childhood memory. I would be very nervous doing this on my own, but I admire her determination to start a new life for herself as well as her son. As her new journey begins what lays ahead will be a test of her faith. With her hesitance to grow, I wonder if she was really prepared emotionally.

I liked the story and especially getting to know Nathan. He is such a nice and humble man. He is a hard worker and has no problem helping Adel out as she adjusts to her surroundings. I do feel like the author didn’t quite give us enough to connect with him though. He was always available but never really had any deep thoughts or took enough initiative to pursue Adel till almost to the end of the story. He mostly was just there in the background observing more than being part of the situation.

The author does give us a great character by the name of Doris. Oh my what a sweet lady. She becomes a big help to Adel and is always giving sound advice. I loved how she went to several houses and brought food to those in need. Her compassion was felt through the pages as she cared for others who needed a friend. I was encouraged by her to seek out people in my neighborhood who were lonely and needed someone to visit them. Doris is someone who I would welcome as a friend and feel comfortable talking to. She does help Adel understand that it is okay to ask for help and to trust God with her life.

The ending did seem a little rushed and I really wanted to see Adel become more independent and confident. She didn’t try very hard to do things on her own but then I remembered her relationship with her mother. All her life she has felt smothered by her mother and always had things done for her. No wonder she didn’t really know what to do once she moved to her grandparents place. I wish the author would have spent mote tine on this relationship and showed us about reconciliation. I liked the book and it had good lessons in it, but I wanted more depth and not such a predictable outcome.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Presence: The Story of Adel” by author Lana Wetzel is a poignant Christian contemporary fiction novel. I was invested in this story and its characters within the first few pages. The Blue Ridge Mountains made a lovely setting. As I read, I could feel the peace and tranquility of the mountains. It made me ready to go there.

This is truly the story of Adel. She is a young, single, restless mother. When an opportunity arises to move to an Apple Orchard/Farm, she decides to pack up her young son Noah and go. Her parents are very unhappy with this decision.

I loved the friends she made in the mountains. They were good, kind, Christian people. Some she remembered from her past. I absolutely adored Doris and Ace. They were the perfect neighbors, friends, and fill-in grandparents.

Her grandmother’s friends taught Adel much about everyday life, caring, and forgiveness. From learning how to bake for others to taking groceries to shut-ins, Adel’s world was expanded beyond herself. The quaint country church brought back childhood memories for me. This was a sweet, novel that drew me in, and I did not want to put it down.

There are life and faith lessons heavily sprinkled throughout this story. Adel blossoms as she realized that she can take care of Noah, but more importantly that she can rely on God. It teaches us that we must be present in our life and the lives of our family and friends. In today’s world of technology and urgency, this is important.

I highly recommend this book. Travel to the Blue Ridge Mountains with Adel and learn some things. I did. This would make a fun book club choice. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy a good Christian Romance book. I also enjoy reading books by Debut Authors. Presence: The Story of Adel by Lana Wetzel fits both of those categories. I was honored to read this book recently.

Adel Davis is a single mom to her 8-month-old son Noah. They have been living with her parents since her husband left them. She is longing for her own space and independence. Her ultimate desire is to find someone who will love both her and Noah. She is very excited to learn that she has inherited her Grandparents Apple Orchard in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. She immediately packs up to leave San Francisco and she and Noah head to Sweet Valley Farms in Georgia to begin a new chapter in life. Adel begins to settle into Farm Life and she discovers that she really enjoys it. She is also loving being a part of a small community. The only thing she still longs for is for someone to share life with and that will LOVE her and Noah. Will Adel find the man that she has been longing for? Will he be a farmer or a local from town?

I truly enjoyed this story. It did start out a bit slow and I didn't really get the storyline until Chapter 2, but once I did, I didn't stop reading. Adel is a strong woman who wants nothing more then to be independent and to find someone to live life with. I really enjoyed how she really focused on her own Growth, both for life and Spiritually, to be able to take care of her and Noah. The "city girl" really enjoyed the Farm. Her memories of growing up on the Farm with her Grandparents were very precious. The book focused on Adel becoming a mature young woman and I think the lessons learned from this storyline are important for today's young women. GREAT BOOK!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adel is a woman with many insecurities. She is young, a single mom due to a divorce, and very unsure of herself. I could definitely see all of these insecurities rising to the surface after her husband left her, especially as she was pregnant. Not a nice guy. To make matters worse, she moves in with her parents who basically smother her and Noah. Adel feels inadequate as a mother and does not know quite what to do.

Then her grandmother dies and leaves her everything. Her money and her farm. Her parents assume she will sell but Adel decides to step out of her very uncomfortable comfort zone and moves across the country to see if this city girl can turn into a country girl and run a farm. There were breakdowns and life's realities did come and knock Adel off her feet some. Now the question is, does she stay and continue doing things on her own or were her parents right that she was only asking for trouble and was going to make a mess out of her life?

Well, a little bit of both of those was true. Adel needed a support system. She could not do life just on her own with her baby. None of us can do life on our own. I enjoyed this sweet story of a young adult coming to age and growing up. Sometimes just because you are a certain age number does not necessarily mean you have matured. However, Adel does mature on her journey to independence.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is an adult coming of age story combined with finding true love. We experience leaving her parental home and venturing out to a new life through the eyes of Adel. We are along with her in the challenge of making new friends, facing unexpected disasters, and exploring potential romance (hoping she falls for the right guy). We get a good sense of the spirituality and culture of North Georgia, reading about snake handlers and areas of extreme poverty. We also get to experience the new friendships and joyful family celebrations along with Adel. But there is also the struggle of reconciling with the parents she left behind while setting a new path for life.

The writing style is very clear cut and straight forward. Sometimes I felt like I was reading a daily journal rather than a novel. The dialogue is precise, relating every single word said in a conversation. It seemed awkward sometimes as fiction usually abbreviates such dialogue for readability. Also, we have precise descriptions, sometimes with more information than we need. For example, we read Adel is given a paper with “information handwritten on it in blue ink.” (268) Does the color of the ink really matter?

This is a novel for readers who would like a fictionalized adult coming of age memoir. Although it is written a little too precisely for my taste, it is a good story.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presence - The Story of Adel, by Lana Wetzel is a story of a young single mom who inherits her grandparent's apple orchard. Needing to get away from her parents to have her own life with her young son, she makes the trip across country to the place she spent many summers as a child. Needing to have social contact, she reaches out to those she remembered from her childhood.
This is a wonderful story of starting over, claiming independence and moving forward with what is important in Adel's life. I admire the strength she has to make the changes in her life. When it would have been easier to have her parents take care of her and her son, she makes the move to independence. She has to learn to do so many things on her own, including cooking, cleaning and grocery shopping. One of the things that stands out to me in this story is the subtle teaching her neighbor gives while helping others. One Tuesday morning while helping deliver items to those in needs, her neighbor tells her there are so many more that need help but these are the ones she has connections with. That she can only do so much and her husband needs her too. This was such a meaningful comment to me, as we can often give so much to others that we have nothing left to give to our family.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it is the first of this author that I have read. I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this story, this is my honest review.

[Gail Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Independence with sweet memories

This was a different story for me but in a good way. It was told in the narrative of the main character, Adel. She had been married but her husband left her even before she found out she was expecting. Out of necessity she moved in with her parents. When Noah was born her mother basically took over treating her like a child and caring for her baby like it was her own. When Adel found out her grandmother left her the farm where she spent so many happy summers she decided it was time to move. She drove across country from San Francisco to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia.
I admired her courage to do just that with a tiny eight month old baby. She was alone, isolated and more than once questioned her decision. She faced many obstacles and muddled through them one by one. Making friends and finding her place in a small country church turned things around for her.
This was a sweet story of Adel growing up right along with her son Noah. She had strength that I can only dream about. And I enjoyed the author’s descriptions of the area and the outdoors. I could almost feel and smell and take deep breaths along with Adel. Quite a change from California to a small town in Georgia!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt this book had the potential to be an excellent read with better editing. I loved the story itself but felt it dwelt to much on long repetitive conversations instead of moving the story along. I admired Adel and her bravery to move cross country to her grandma’s farm to give her son a better life from her controlling mother but once there she seemed lazy. I’m a go getter so I couldn’t identify with her laying around of an evening instead of tackling things that needed done. Doris was my favorite character with her strong faith and putting it into action instead of lip service. I was glad she was an influence on Adel and helped her. Noah although a main character seemed content to be in the background and I wanted him more involved. All in all I enjoyed the story but felt it could be so much better as the concept was great. I especially loved the farm and wish I could experience it more through Adel eyes.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Connie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presence-The Story of Adel is written by Lana Wetzel. This is a new to me author, and I enjoyed her book. This is a book about growth. We have our main character, Adel Davis who went from her parents home to being married. She then goes through a divorce, and moves back into her parents home. She has not had much independence in her life. However, life changes when she finds out that has inherited land from her grandmother in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. So, she moves there with her son, Noah.

I admire her bravery. She packs up and heads to a place where she had great childhood memories. She was finally going to be on her own. What will await her? It will not be all sunshine and roses, and it will test her faith. We also meet Nathan. Nathan helps Adel get settled and helps out. I really liked his character. He made me smile.

The book is well written, the story flows nicely. The characters are realistic and well written. I enjoyed Adel's story.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, a change of scenery requires us to spread our wings and fly alone for a bit. As the mother of four, I find it hard to fathom the idea of running from everything familiar and my family to the other side of the country with a baby. But being a military wife, I had to do that several times. Fortunately, I was blessed to have my mother move with us.

I love the setting of this story in Georgia's the Blue Ridge Mountains. I loved watching Adel come into her own as a mother, a Christian, and in relationships. Honestly, this book pulls you in and makes you want to read more. Baby Noah provides the perfect addition to the story. Nathan and his family and other characters bring this story to life.

So if you enjoy sweet Christian romance stories, check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Miriam Jacob · Rating 1 out of 5]

Living with her parents and her eight-month-old son, Noah, after her husband left her, Adel longs for space, independence and the family that God has written upon her heart. When Adel inherits her grandparents’ old apple orchard in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, she and Noah leave her parents’ home to discover a new life at Sweet Valley Farms. This is a thoroughly refreshing story about beginning life again on its altered scale. It is engaging, enjoyable, relatable and perfectly relaxing to read. Lana describes the Blue Ridge mountains with vivid imagery. This is a gripping and appealing story that tugs poignantly at our heartstrings. It is a novel that is true to the word of God. It also addresses the hardships and challenges of life. The “presence” of faith is a pun on the title. The love of family and friends triumphs with humor. I highly recommend this heartwarming book.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presence-The Story of Adel is a fun novel that will wrap you up in the plot and throw you abruptly back to life when it’s done.

Adel is a single mom. She’s restless. Life hasn’t turned out how she wanted and she’s ready to run away. What she gets is a chance to do just that when she inherits a farm.

We get to watch her grow a bit and meet some fun and interesting characters. Doris is my favorite. She reminded me of my grandmother who happened to be named Dora.

I hope you get a chance to read this one. It’s good and you won’t regret it.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Hannah Hussain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presence - The Story of Adel is a refreshing story, perfect for readers looking for wholesome content and reminders of God's enduring presence in our lives. I was immediately drawn to the main character, Adel, because of the way Wetzel includes so many details relatable to any young mother's struggles. As a life-long Georgia resident, I was also enamored by Wetzel's descriptions of the beautiful North Georgia mountains throughout the book. The plot of the story includes just enough intrigue to keep the reader interested without feeling forced or too suspenseful, and the characters feel familiar and comforting. Although this is a love story, I appreciated Wetzel's focus on Adel's personal and spiritual growth foremost. If you are in need of a comforting, uplifting read, look no further.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this nostalgic, gently-paced story of healing and personal growth. "Presence - The Story of Adel" was a pleasant slice-of-life story that was as refreshing as the mountain scenery in which it takes place. It is well-paced with humor, inspiration, a bit of drama, and some light romantic tension in just the right places. It's the type of story you soak in as it unfolds leisurely, instead of rushing through. Ms. Wetzel did a wonderful job of creating characters who were relatable and authentic. By the time the story came to an end, I was sad to say goodbye because they felt like family. I highly recommend this sweet, uplifting story!

[Jody Britt-gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presence

The story of Adel was real. A single mom
changing her course in life and starting fresh with her infant son. Moving across country to her inherited apple farm, you connect with her from the very beginning. Relying on faith and scripture to see her through some of life's most difficult decisions. She is faced with disasters, sickness, and inexperience. With the help from neighbors and the local church, she gains the courage to keep moving forward. Vivid descriptions of her home and farm put you right there with her! Lots of adventures with some unpredictable twists and turns. Enjoyable story and a fun read!

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this story. Adel moving across the country as a single mom was such a brave move. Staying in place and feeling safe is hard to move away from even when you are feeling stifled.

I think the author did a great job with the characters and teaching lessons through her story. The romance was there but it wasn’t ‘in your face’ more sweet and slower. Life can take you in crazy directions and teach some hard lessons, this is a good showing of that.

4/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely, moving story with well written well thought-out characters. It is full of real life hard things and the beauty that God can bring from them. One of my favorite things about this book was the way it depicted living in a small close knit community. The story celebrates the joy of sharing life with people of all ages and learning from the wisdom of those with more life experiences. This book may appeal to many but I must say it spoke to me especially as a mom. The gentle wisdom of Ms. Doris made me want to move to Sweet Valley and live across the street from her!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presence: The Story of Adel is an entertaining story to read by Lana Wetzel. I found this a great debut for this author. I enjoyed taking this adventure with Adel and finding out what would she would find along the way. I felt like she was one character I was able to understand what she was going through. I thought the setting of the beautiful Blue Ridge was a perfect addition. I loved it.

I am giving Presence: The Story of Adel a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean romantic fiction. I look forward to find out where Lana Wetzel’s talent will take her readers to next.

I received a paperback copy of Presence: The Story of Adel from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story of a young debutante Adel, making a major decision to return to her grandparents farm where she spent many summers of her childhood. It was the place she loved and longed to return. With the twists and turns of Adel's adventures upon returning, Adel is able to see and know of God's presence, plan, and purpose in her life. It is a well written story, you will love the people of Sweet Valley!

[Stacy Krueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presence-The Story of Adel by Lana Wetzel is the type of novel that draws you in and you don’t want to put it down! I thoroughly enjoyed following Adel as the young mother faced challenges and learned to rely on the Lord. Wetzel’s use of imagery brought the Blue Ridge Mountains to life in a way that made me feel like I was actually there. If you are looking for a good, wholesome story to get lost in, I highly recommend this book!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Presence-The Story of Adel" by Lana Wetzel Book was a book that I had trouble liking at first but the more I read the better it got. I loved how Doris and Nathan helped Adel learn that she could do things on her own. I wished the book had more depth and that we were able to really feel more of these character's thoughts and feelings. The book is still a good read!

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Marie Kitchings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed and related to this book. Adel’s story was a compelling example of what it looks like to become more connected to the people in our lives. Adel set out on an adventure to a new place and a new life but the most daring thing she did was to connect with the family and friends in her community. Her bravery stirs up my own deep desire to be more present for the people that I love.

[Catherine Schempp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presence is a beautiful story that everyone can find relatable in some way. Lana intricately weaves Adel’s thoughts, struggles, and joys into a beautiful book that every woman, especially mothers, will relate to feeling at some point in their journey. Presence was such a refreshing and enjoyable read!

[Robert M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Story of Adel was so fun to read and it was hard to put down. Adel is such a sweet girl learning to find her own way, but throughout the story was a beautiful reminder that God was with her and had a beautiful plan for her life, though it wasn't what she had originally set out to do. This book would be a great companion to curl up with on a cozy afternoon!" -Jenn S

[Lori Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Presence is an absolute pleasure to read. Heartwarming and touching, readers will fall in love with the characters and setting of this story. In between tears and laughter is the reminder of the transforming power of the presence of God in our lives and how He masterfully uses community to bless and grow His children.

[Deb Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This book was a breath of fresh air! Encountering the tensions of tragedy and joy, sorrow and beauty, suffering and hope, the reader experiences a refocusing of the spirit on the important things in life.“
- D Richards

[Joann Milam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! It is full of wonderful life lessons that we all need. I would recommend this book for any age group. Draws you in and you want to keep reading! This new author is very talented and I can’t wait for her next book.

[Lee Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need more stories like this. Real world struggles with the Truth being told through it. God teaches us things through struggle and heartache that we are not able to learn any other way!

[Shirley Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect!

I loved every word. Good storyline and great characters. Such a refreshing view of people and the love they have for each other.

[Linda Aldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely gentle story that kept my attention. Just what I needed to read these past day or so. Great reminders of God’s presence and working in our lives in all circumstances