First Circle

by Jim Fenton

Retirement from her University faculty position should've brought relaxation; instead, Bernice Langdon deals with an aggressive cancer while harboring a secret that could save her life. That secret may also save others who gather to help the ailing professor embrace her treatment and the resulting journey of physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. First Circle follows six individuals who enter Bernice's life with collective purpose soaring well beyond the reason each first visits her home. Each member of the First Circle shoulders individual challenges. Collectively, they navigate the bends in life's road as they unknowingly come together to help Bernice through her illness. Little do they know, they have a collective goal beyond Bernice. Someone needs their help even more. From the youthful, fast-paced environment of Ridgewell Associates to the stained-glass grandeur of the Bedrock Hills church sanctuary, First Circle spins from city to suburbs. From the elegant Dane & Caldwell law offices to the University Medical Center corridors, a hand from afar provides guidance to the group. Their individual faith journeys are tested repeatedly as they seek the purpose behind the unsolicited messages and work to solve the puzzle. Who is the sender? And to what end are they called?

392 pages, Paperback

First published May 4, 2021

Reviews

[Jen Lowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that matters.

I'm sure there's been a time when you've read a book and it stays with you for days. Now, you know what it's like after reading First Circle by Jim Fenton. The character development was absolutely beautifully written and the point of view switching didn't stray me away from the circle, but brought me closer in. I was taken by surprise a few times in the novel and found myself eager to finish to see the resolution, but also with twinges of pain to say goodbye to the cast of characters I fell in love with. This book is about the power of connection and the thread that holds us all together. It is a book that matters and will be on my list of recommended reads!

[Peter Fenton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in a day! Every page had me turn to the next to see what would happen. Jim Fenton’s prose is charming, he has a very unique way with words and an inclusive view of humanity and what makes the world a better place. I can’t wait to reread it.