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They Almost Always Come Home
When Libby's husband Greg fails to return from a two-week canoe trip to the Canadian wilderness, the authorities soon write off his disappearance as an unhappy husband's escape from an empty marriage and unrewarding career. Their marriage might have survived if their daughter Lacey hadn't died . . . and if Greg hadn't been responsible. Libby enlists the aid of her wilderness savvy father-in-law and her faith-walking best friend to help her search for clues to her husband's disappearance...if for no other reason than to free her to move on. What the trio discovers in the search upends Libby's presumptions about her husband and rearranges her faith.
300 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2009
174 people are currently reading
2337 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Ruchti
38 books967 followersCynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed-in-Hope through her novels and novellas, nonfiction books and devotionals, and through speaking for women's and writers' events. Her books have been recognized by many top industry readers', reviewers', library, retailer, and other honors. Cynthia is the Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and a literary agent with Books & Such Literary Management. She and her plot-tweaking husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five (to date) grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 251 reviews
January 6, 2023
The highly original plot and stunning ending make Ruchti's book hard to put down. Tender spiritual discoveries will assist readers with their own faith journeys.
Libby and Greg's marriage hasn't been good for a while. When he fails to return from a solo canoe trip in Canada, Libby thinks maybe he has left her. The police concur, but when Libby does some research, she grows afraid something terrible might have happened to Greg. Along with her father-in-law and her best friend, Libby sets off to retrace Greg's steps and discover why her husband did not come home.
Libby and Greg's marriage hasn't been good for a while. When he fails to return from a solo canoe trip in Canada, Libby thinks maybe he has left her. The police concur, but when Libby does some research, she grows afraid something terrible might have happened to Greg. Along with her father-in-law and her best friend, Libby sets off to retrace Greg's steps and discover why her husband did not come home.
March 5, 2021
A husband disappear and his wife tries to find him. Sounds like a beginning of a thriller but it really isn't. It's a journey through the characters, their marriage and issues. Did he go off by him self or what happened? That's the question but it's the journey, I feel that is the heart of the novel. I really enjoyed it, didn't know what at expect going into it but it was a very pleasant read
October 19, 2012
What a pleasant surprise, this book.
A Christian fiction novel about a middle-aged couple with marriage problems? Not my usual read. I bought this book because the ebook was free for a while and because the title and cover intrigued me; I read it because a favorite blog recommended it and interviewed the author, who came across well.
The voice of the main character and narrator, Libby, is unique and rather delightful. Witty, somewhat whiny and bratty, true-to-life, and darkly humorous. (I don't care for what seems to be the new thing: attempts at breezy humor.) I was disappointed when the book switched to Greg's point of view, mostly because I just wanted to listen to smart-mouthed Libby. Their marriage and problems seem very real, though I hope my marriage never gets to that lethargic point.
The ebook I have has many formatting errors, especially in dialog, which makes it hard to know who's speaking at times. The countless figures of speech are almost too much- they jerked me out of the story with their cleverness- but I enjoyed them immensely nevertheless. The story line has enough tension to keep you biting your nails and I felt sure the author walked every step of the wilderness paths Libby traveled.
I will definitely read this author again.
A Christian fiction novel about a middle-aged couple with marriage problems? Not my usual read. I bought this book because the ebook was free for a while and because the title and cover intrigued me; I read it because a favorite blog recommended it and interviewed the author, who came across well.
The voice of the main character and narrator, Libby, is unique and rather delightful. Witty, somewhat whiny and bratty, true-to-life, and darkly humorous. (I don't care for what seems to be the new thing: attempts at breezy humor.) I was disappointed when the book switched to Greg's point of view, mostly because I just wanted to listen to smart-mouthed Libby. Their marriage and problems seem very real, though I hope my marriage never gets to that lethargic point.
The ebook I have has many formatting errors, especially in dialog, which makes it hard to know who's speaking at times. The countless figures of speech are almost too much- they jerked me out of the story with their cleverness- but I enjoyed them immensely nevertheless. The story line has enough tension to keep you biting your nails and I felt sure the author walked every step of the wilderness paths Libby traveled.
I will definitely read this author again.
November 4, 2010
You know those books that change your life, stick with you long after you've reached "the end," and you know you'll read them over and over? This is one of them.
Women's fiction is not my favorite genre - I'm a romance junkie - so I always start out reading these books a little "skeptical"... well, by about page three Ruchti had grabbed me with her character's voice and the unique beginning of this tale. "I couldn't put it down" sounds so cliche, but it is SO TRUE about this book!
THE STORY: Libby Holden and her husband Greg have a twenty-three year long marriage - but it's on the rocks, thanks to a tragedy in their past and growing distance between them. Libby's even been contemplating leaving. So when her husband fails to return from a Canadian wilderness trek - his first solo trip - her first reaction is to think *he's* left *her*. Until the evidence starts coming in...
From the beginning, the reader knows that Libby is suffering from an event in the past, and that it's caused a big distance between her and her husband - and the reader feels every poignant emotion *with* Libby. That's the way Ruchti writes - deep so that you *are* the character and what happens to her changes your heart too.
The visuals in this book are SO descriptive and filled with deeper meaning; they make your breath stick in your chest. There is just so much I can say about this book - it is a fast-paced, emotional roller coaster that is just wonderful.
Highly highly recommended. I'm going to be buying copies of this book for Christmas gifts this year.
Women's fiction is not my favorite genre - I'm a romance junkie - so I always start out reading these books a little "skeptical"... well, by about page three Ruchti had grabbed me with her character's voice and the unique beginning of this tale. "I couldn't put it down" sounds so cliche, but it is SO TRUE about this book!
THE STORY: Libby Holden and her husband Greg have a twenty-three year long marriage - but it's on the rocks, thanks to a tragedy in their past and growing distance between them. Libby's even been contemplating leaving. So when her husband fails to return from a Canadian wilderness trek - his first solo trip - her first reaction is to think *he's* left *her*. Until the evidence starts coming in...
From the beginning, the reader knows that Libby is suffering from an event in the past, and that it's caused a big distance between her and her husband - and the reader feels every poignant emotion *with* Libby. That's the way Ruchti writes - deep so that you *are* the character and what happens to her changes your heart too.
The visuals in this book are SO descriptive and filled with deeper meaning; they make your breath stick in your chest. There is just so much I can say about this book - it is a fast-paced, emotional roller coaster that is just wonderful.
Highly highly recommended. I'm going to be buying copies of this book for Christmas gifts this year.
March 6, 2021
It took me a while to get used to this author's writing 'voice'. But, when I did . . . I couldn't turn pages fast enough. I loved how Libby learned what it needed to look like for her to fully trust God, and to forgive her husband, and also herself. To learn what it was that she wanted.
I really enjoyed both Frank and Jen, Jen especially. She had a vibrant, trusting faith in Christ that I aspire to.
This was my first book by Cynthia Ruchti, but it definitely will not be my last.
I really enjoyed both Frank and Jen, Jen especially. She had a vibrant, trusting faith in Christ that I aspire to.
This was my first book by Cynthia Ruchti, but it definitely will not be my last.
February 4, 2018
Love this book!!
Rutchi's book is filled with adventure, scripture and mystery with a constant reminder that Jesus is with us no matter what life brings.
Rutchi's book is filled with adventure, scripture and mystery with a constant reminder that Jesus is with us no matter what life brings.
September 14, 2021
I listened to the audio version of this book on a road trip and it kept my attention the entire drive. I enjoyed the interaction between the characters, especially the friendship between Libby and her best friend, Jen. Libby's father-in-law was a great addition to the story and the narrator did a good job with his character.
Descriptions of their experiences in a canoe, trekking through the woods, setting up a tent, and more, transported me straight into their world. I highly recommend this book.
Descriptions of their experiences in a canoe, trekking through the woods, setting up a tent, and more, transported me straight into their world. I highly recommend this book.
January 31, 2022
Read this one twice. A brilliant debut novel. Serious topic, but tinged with humor and humanity. I loved the main character and her honest approach to life and marriage.
January 11, 2022
This was a treasure trove find in the Audible Plus catalogue and I think it's actually Cynthia Ruchti's debut novel! How cool is that? It's a stretch out of my usual reading comfort zone but I was immediately captivated by Libby's dilemma from the very first chapter. The author has a unique gift for drawing a reader into the broken, messy lives of her characters and creating something beautiful and healing and true from the tattered remnants and that's what she did with Libby.
I didn't know a whole lot going into this story, just the brief outline from the synopsis and, because it's not my usual genre, I wasn't sure what to expect. So I was unprepared for the force of emotion that assailed me right from the start. Libby isn't always likeable -- she's a bit sharp, caustic, sarcastic. Bitterness has invaded her heart as she's pulled away from God. Her marriage is on shaky ground and when her husband goes missing she prepares for the worst...only what does that look like? What kind of outcome is she dreading...or hoping for?
A deep dive into characterization enhances the plot as Libby's search for her husband leads her to rediscover her faith. What a powerful, redemption story! Forgiveness, acceptance, trust and ultimately hope replace the bitterness that has been darkening her days for far too long.
I don't want to say too much more because Libby's journey, both the physical one and the spiritual one, should be unique and fresh for each reader. I will say that They Almost Always Come Home makes for a compelling, contemplative and at times edge-of-your-seat read. I couldn't put it down.
I didn't know a whole lot going into this story, just the brief outline from the synopsis and, because it's not my usual genre, I wasn't sure what to expect. So I was unprepared for the force of emotion that assailed me right from the start. Libby isn't always likeable -- she's a bit sharp, caustic, sarcastic. Bitterness has invaded her heart as she's pulled away from God. Her marriage is on shaky ground and when her husband goes missing she prepares for the worst...only what does that look like? What kind of outcome is she dreading...or hoping for?
A deep dive into characterization enhances the plot as Libby's search for her husband leads her to rediscover her faith. What a powerful, redemption story! Forgiveness, acceptance, trust and ultimately hope replace the bitterness that has been darkening her days for far too long.
I don't want to say too much more because Libby's journey, both the physical one and the spiritual one, should be unique and fresh for each reader. I will say that They Almost Always Come Home makes for a compelling, contemplative and at times edge-of-your-seat read. I couldn't put it down.
March 9, 2019
The books that boost me out of reading slumps get a special place in my heart...this one did just that. A few short days extend through this book, but lead to many questions, many fears, many revelations of God's working through the difficulties of Greg and Libby's marriage. I loved this story because it wasn't the often typical "girl meets girl, there's tension, and they get together at the end." There was a realness to it that I truly appreciated. While there are a lot of emotions waring throughout this book, there are moments of joy and times of surprises.
I highly recommend and look forward to reading more by this author!
Content: Several statements about "the call of nature", one brief reference to a "gay" man, but the reference to it made since and it was not condoning that lifestyle, a flashback scene of a couple's night together (possibly awkward for some, but worded discreetly), and some longing to kiss/be together.
I highly recommend and look forward to reading more by this author!
Content: Several statements about "the call of nature", one brief reference to a "gay" man, but the reference to it made since and it was not condoning that lifestyle, a flashback scene of a couple's night together (possibly awkward for some, but worded discreetly), and some longing to kiss/be together.
June 7, 2010
THEY ALMOST ALWAYS COME HOME
Abingdon Press
ISBN-13: 9781426702389
Publication Date: May, 2010
Author: Ruchti, Cynthia
Retail Price: $13.99
From the publisher: When Libby’s husband Greg fails to return from a two-week canoe trip to the Canadian wilderness, the authorities soon write off his disappearance as an unhappy husband’s escape from an empty marriage and unrewarding career. Their marriage might have survived if their daughter Lacey hadn’t died…and if Greg hadn’t been responsible. Libby enlists the aid of her wilderness savvy father-in-law and her faith-walking best friend to help her search for clues to her husband’s disappearance…if for no other reason than to free her to move on. What the trio discovers in the search upends Libby’s presumptions about her husband and rearranges her faith.
My review: The premise, “She would leave her husband…if she could find him” is best heard in Cynthia’s droll tone. I was privileged to hear her tell about her debut novel at a recent conference. As a fellow Wisconsinite, I looked forward to reading this story.
After a family tragedy, Libby and Greg Holden find more spaces in their marriage than woven threads. Libby cannot get over the loss of their daughter and Greg cannot fill the empty places or fix their broken hearts. And that’s really the theme: seeking and leaning on the Lord – the only one who will never leave us or forsake us no matter what struggles we face.
Greg not only loses his youngest child but blames himself. The loss is the final straw in a life of futility. Always the good provider, Greg has given his life to make sure his family has what it needs, even at the cost of his dreams. How can he tell Libby how desperately unhappy he is and that he’d like to pursue a different career when she’s shut him out?
When Greg takes a typical vacation in the wilderness but doesn’t return on time, Libby has to decide what she really feels about her faith, her marriage, her losses and herself. With the help of her best friend and her father-in-law, a wild search and rescue week in the wilderness she’s always shunned forces Libby to face all her demons head-on.
Cynthia’s grumbly-chic tone was a hoot. Half the time I felt like I was reading myself. And I like camping. But I’ll think about it twice after this story.
Lisa Lickel
http://lisalickel.com
"What if" stories with a twist of grace
https://reflectionsinhindsight.wordpr... - book giveaway through June 18 for commenters
Abingdon Press
ISBN-13: 9781426702389
Publication Date: May, 2010
Author: Ruchti, Cynthia
Retail Price: $13.99
From the publisher: When Libby’s husband Greg fails to return from a two-week canoe trip to the Canadian wilderness, the authorities soon write off his disappearance as an unhappy husband’s escape from an empty marriage and unrewarding career. Their marriage might have survived if their daughter Lacey hadn’t died…and if Greg hadn’t been responsible. Libby enlists the aid of her wilderness savvy father-in-law and her faith-walking best friend to help her search for clues to her husband’s disappearance…if for no other reason than to free her to move on. What the trio discovers in the search upends Libby’s presumptions about her husband and rearranges her faith.
My review: The premise, “She would leave her husband…if she could find him” is best heard in Cynthia’s droll tone. I was privileged to hear her tell about her debut novel at a recent conference. As a fellow Wisconsinite, I looked forward to reading this story.
After a family tragedy, Libby and Greg Holden find more spaces in their marriage than woven threads. Libby cannot get over the loss of their daughter and Greg cannot fill the empty places or fix their broken hearts. And that’s really the theme: seeking and leaning on the Lord – the only one who will never leave us or forsake us no matter what struggles we face.
Greg not only loses his youngest child but blames himself. The loss is the final straw in a life of futility. Always the good provider, Greg has given his life to make sure his family has what it needs, even at the cost of his dreams. How can he tell Libby how desperately unhappy he is and that he’d like to pursue a different career when she’s shut him out?
When Greg takes a typical vacation in the wilderness but doesn’t return on time, Libby has to decide what she really feels about her faith, her marriage, her losses and herself. With the help of her best friend and her father-in-law, a wild search and rescue week in the wilderness she’s always shunned forces Libby to face all her demons head-on.
Cynthia’s grumbly-chic tone was a hoot. Half the time I felt like I was reading myself. And I like camping. But I’ll think about it twice after this story.
Lisa Lickel
http://lisalickel.com
"What if" stories with a twist of grace
https://reflectionsinhindsight.wordpr... - book giveaway through June 18 for commenters
July 9, 2015
“Do dead people wear shoes? In the casket, I mean. Seems a waste.
Then again, no outfit is complete without shoes!”
The first sentence startled me, but kept me reading. I was so happy to receive a review copy of Cynthia’s thought provoking and honest debut novel.
Libby’s husband Greg, went camping and hasn’t returned. How long do you wait to report someone missing? Cynthia Ruchti has the reader experience all the emotions and thought process someone might go through when they discover their husband is missing; but Libby has a little bit of a twist to her tale—honestly, she wanted to leave her husband before this camping trip. Libby thought she’d kept this little secret hidden. Now this might reveal it!
Jen, Libby’s best friend, tells her the police have come to her door and asked questions. Libby’s worried and wants to know exactly what they asked? They can’t discover what Greg and her relationship was really like! Would she be a suspect?
The police think Greg might have left Libby for another woman, it’s a natural conclusion. Libby thinks this, “If he were planning to leave me, couldn’t he have had the decency to tidy up after himself and clear out the closet?”
Frank, Greg’s father says he’s starting a search for his son--something’s wrong… he had to get to the bottom of it. Libby goes along with things because, after all, isn’t that what a caring Christian wife would do? No one would have to know she was miffed at the fact she didn’t get to leave Frank first!
There was more to this story than I suspected. Cynthia kept it suspenseful and had me guessing about Greg—the whole novel, I wondered if he was alive or dead. She did an amazing job of making me care for and understand Libby, as she goes back over things she wished she would have done differently and finally discovers what’s important in a relationship with God and her husband. This is powerful!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Then again, no outfit is complete without shoes!”
The first sentence startled me, but kept me reading. I was so happy to receive a review copy of Cynthia’s thought provoking and honest debut novel.
Libby’s husband Greg, went camping and hasn’t returned. How long do you wait to report someone missing? Cynthia Ruchti has the reader experience all the emotions and thought process someone might go through when they discover their husband is missing; but Libby has a little bit of a twist to her tale—honestly, she wanted to leave her husband before this camping trip. Libby thought she’d kept this little secret hidden. Now this might reveal it!
Jen, Libby’s best friend, tells her the police have come to her door and asked questions. Libby’s worried and wants to know exactly what they asked? They can’t discover what Greg and her relationship was really like! Would she be a suspect?
The police think Greg might have left Libby for another woman, it’s a natural conclusion. Libby thinks this, “If he were planning to leave me, couldn’t he have had the decency to tidy up after himself and clear out the closet?”
Frank, Greg’s father says he’s starting a search for his son--something’s wrong… he had to get to the bottom of it. Libby goes along with things because, after all, isn’t that what a caring Christian wife would do? No one would have to know she was miffed at the fact she didn’t get to leave Frank first!
There was more to this story than I suspected. Cynthia kept it suspenseful and had me guessing about Greg—the whole novel, I wondered if he was alive or dead. She did an amazing job of making me care for and understand Libby, as she goes back over things she wished she would have done differently and finally discovers what’s important in a relationship with God and her husband. This is powerful!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
March 7, 2012
I'll begin this review simply...I loved this book!
Never having read anything by Cynthia Ruchti, I wasn't quite sure of what to expect. The story description sounded interesting so I dived in...glad I did.
Libby's husband, Greg, has gone off on one of his wilderness encounters in Canada, camping out, enjoying the outdoors--everything Libby tends to avoid. When Greg doesn't arrive home on his expected date, Libby becomes concerned and contacts Greg's father. When more days pass and Greg remains missing, Libby, her father-in-law, and her best friend, Jen, embark on a rescue mission of their own.
Although Frank, Greg's father, is experienced in surviving in the great outdoors, Libby and Jen are not. At first, the days of paddling the canoe and carrying the canoe and supplies to the next put-in point take their toll, leaving the women with aching muscles, and a weariness past anything they had known before. They push on and find to their amazement, that they are stronger than they thought and begin to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings and to understand why Greg was drawn out here.
Underlying the search to find Greg is Libby's battle with her faith and her relationship with her husband since the death of their daughter. Libby's thoughts are shared with the reader throughout the story--from the beginning where she is planning her husband's funeral and contemplating whether to sell the house to the end where she is battling to regain her faith and praying to find her husband.
This story furnishes the reader with an introspective view on a woman trying to come to terms with a child's death and does it extremely well.
Thumbs up!
Never having read anything by Cynthia Ruchti, I wasn't quite sure of what to expect. The story description sounded interesting so I dived in...glad I did.
Libby's husband, Greg, has gone off on one of his wilderness encounters in Canada, camping out, enjoying the outdoors--everything Libby tends to avoid. When Greg doesn't arrive home on his expected date, Libby becomes concerned and contacts Greg's father. When more days pass and Greg remains missing, Libby, her father-in-law, and her best friend, Jen, embark on a rescue mission of their own.
Although Frank, Greg's father, is experienced in surviving in the great outdoors, Libby and Jen are not. At first, the days of paddling the canoe and carrying the canoe and supplies to the next put-in point take their toll, leaving the women with aching muscles, and a weariness past anything they had known before. They push on and find to their amazement, that they are stronger than they thought and begin to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings and to understand why Greg was drawn out here.
Underlying the search to find Greg is Libby's battle with her faith and her relationship with her husband since the death of their daughter. Libby's thoughts are shared with the reader throughout the story--from the beginning where she is planning her husband's funeral and contemplating whether to sell the house to the end where she is battling to regain her faith and praying to find her husband.
This story furnishes the reader with an introspective view on a woman trying to come to terms with a child's death and does it extremely well.
Thumbs up!
May 18, 2015
Deb’s Dozen: Canoeing for clarity. Lightning for light? Faith and family are everything!
I bought and read Cynthia Ruchti’s book, They Almost Always Come Home, about a year ago after reading an advance copy of and loving All My Belongings—and was equally entranced.
Libby’s husband, Greg, is missing. He’s not come back from a wilderness canoe trip. Things were a bit rocky before he left on the trip and she’s left wondering if he’s left her for good. Greg has never gone on a solo trip before—Libby is greatly concerned, and upset, and angry, and all manner of other emotions as she waits to hear something. I’ve always wondered if I would have Libby’s faith and fortitude in similar circumstances.
She says, “I don’t know. I want to leave my husband, but I have to find him first.” Libby and Greg’s dad and Jenika, Libby’s best friend, set out on a trek through the wilderness to find Greg. What they learn about themselves on the journey is life altering. Will they survive? Will they find Greg? Is he alive? Why didn’t he come home? How could God allow this? You’ll definitely want to read this one! Description and dialog at their finest, along with action and suspense. 4 Stars!
To quote her bio, Cynthia Ruchti is an award-winning author and speaker who tells stories hemmed in hope. They Almost Always Come Back was her debut novel and has recently been re-covered and reissued. She’s authored thirteen more since that one came out (See review for All My Belongings). Find out more about Cynthia at Cynthia Ruchti.
Abingdon Press and the Litfuse Publicity Group gave me another copy of this novel for my candid review.
I bought and read Cynthia Ruchti’s book, They Almost Always Come Home, about a year ago after reading an advance copy of and loving All My Belongings—and was equally entranced.
Libby’s husband, Greg, is missing. He’s not come back from a wilderness canoe trip. Things were a bit rocky before he left on the trip and she’s left wondering if he’s left her for good. Greg has never gone on a solo trip before—Libby is greatly concerned, and upset, and angry, and all manner of other emotions as she waits to hear something. I’ve always wondered if I would have Libby’s faith and fortitude in similar circumstances.
She says, “I don’t know. I want to leave my husband, but I have to find him first.” Libby and Greg’s dad and Jenika, Libby’s best friend, set out on a trek through the wilderness to find Greg. What they learn about themselves on the journey is life altering. Will they survive? Will they find Greg? Is he alive? Why didn’t he come home? How could God allow this? You’ll definitely want to read this one! Description and dialog at their finest, along with action and suspense. 4 Stars!
To quote her bio, Cynthia Ruchti is an award-winning author and speaker who tells stories hemmed in hope. They Almost Always Come Back was her debut novel and has recently been re-covered and reissued. She’s authored thirteen more since that one came out (See review for All My Belongings). Find out more about Cynthia at Cynthia Ruchti.
Abingdon Press and the Litfuse Publicity Group gave me another copy of this novel for my candid review.
August 11, 2011
"Do dead people wear shoes? In the casket, I mean. Seems a waste. Then again, no outfit is complete without the shoes."
So the question is: Who’s dead? The answer: No one. But Libby’s husband is late returning from a solo canoe trip. Right from the beginning, I could relate. Tell me I’m not the only one who starts worrying about the worst case scenario way too soon! Well, me and Libby. After all, They Almost Always Come Home.
But here’s the big difference between Libby and me. Libby is just plain annoyed that her husband doesn’t show back up. The nerve. After all, she had every intention of walking out on him as soon as he got home, but she can’t leave him if he isn’t even there. They’ve drifted apart since their daughter’s death three years before, but she never saw this coming! How dare he?
Libby, her best friend, and her father-in-law head north from Wisconsin into Quetico Park in Ontario, trying to find out what happened to Greg. As they start the trip, Libby isn’t sure whether she hopes to find him dead or alive. The physical journey is only part of the tale–the other part is her spiritual journey through dealing with the grief of losing a child and, possibly, a less-than-cherished spouse.
They Almost Always Come Home is a tender, funny, provocative story. I think you’ll enjoy the ride.
So the question is: Who’s dead? The answer: No one. But Libby’s husband is late returning from a solo canoe trip. Right from the beginning, I could relate. Tell me I’m not the only one who starts worrying about the worst case scenario way too soon! Well, me and Libby. After all, They Almost Always Come Home.
But here’s the big difference between Libby and me. Libby is just plain annoyed that her husband doesn’t show back up. The nerve. After all, she had every intention of walking out on him as soon as he got home, but she can’t leave him if he isn’t even there. They’ve drifted apart since their daughter’s death three years before, but she never saw this coming! How dare he?
Libby, her best friend, and her father-in-law head north from Wisconsin into Quetico Park in Ontario, trying to find out what happened to Greg. As they start the trip, Libby isn’t sure whether she hopes to find him dead or alive. The physical journey is only part of the tale–the other part is her spiritual journey through dealing with the grief of losing a child and, possibly, a less-than-cherished spouse.
They Almost Always Come Home is a tender, funny, provocative story. I think you’ll enjoy the ride.
August 3, 2010
Cynthia Ruchti's debut novel is a deeply moving and honest exploration of one woman's physical search for her husband while confronting a painful examination of her own heart. With compelling and beautiful prose and one of the best first person voices I have read, Cynthia shares deep insights into Libby's pain over the loss of her young daughter, the estrangement from her husband and the rendering of her faith. As Libby, her devoted friend and gruff father-in-law tackle the magnificent Canadian wilderness in the hope of finding Greg, Libby learns that small discoveries can bring hope and healing to the darkest, most hidden pain of the soul. While the ending felt a little rushed, it did not detract from the poignancy of emotions and penetrating characterisation that make They Almost Always Come Home an essential read.
August 1, 2022
Ruchti pens stories with the most unusual plots and themes, this one was a bit too far fetched for me. Told in somewhat the same tone as "Facing the Dawn", I could not warm up to Libby's character, her wandering thoughts were erratic and disjointed. There is a major plot point, namely their deceased daughter Lacey, that is not given enough attention, and does not adequately explain the rift in their marriage. The whole "Canadian Wilderness" wasn't really necessary, it could have been any wilderness. Adding the sick father-in-law, his bickering 2nd wife, the two other sons, the friend with cancer; it was all too much. Nevertheless I do enjoy her prose and will continue to work my way through Ruchti's extensive published works. So far this has been the only one that did not resonate with me.
August 19, 2019
This was my first Cynthia Ruchti book and I can assure you it won’t be my last.
June 19, 2019
This debut novel has similar qualities as Ruchti’s book As Waters Gone By. There is an absent husband causing angst on the part of the wife. There is an issue of a child lost and a couple’s infertility. And like Ruchti’s other book this is full of symbolism and a great friendship that helps to carry the load of another.
They Almost Always Come Home is full of authentic action, as a father; a wife and a friend go looking for a missing man, in the Canadian wilderness. This book has a better balance between the inner anxiety of the wife and the action of the story. If As Waters Gone By had the same balance I would have rated it 5 stars.
They Almost Always Come Home is full of authentic action, as a father; a wife and a friend go looking for a missing man, in the Canadian wilderness. This book has a better balance between the inner anxiety of the wife and the action of the story. If As Waters Gone By had the same balance I would have rated it 5 stars.
March 30, 2021
Would like more epilogue but was a good story and makes you think about relationships and their importance.
September 19, 2021
Every wife should read this. Very powerful and eye opening on how are thoughts can determine our decisions.
April 26, 2024
A bit slow at the start, but it gets better.
June 15, 2010
They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti
Genre: Christian Fiction
ISBN: 9781426702389
Rating: DNF, 3
Greg goes on a trip into the Canadian wilderness—and never comes home. But Libby was thinking about leaving him anyway… so should she care that he's missing? Should she find him? Libby sets off with her best friend and her step-dad on a journey to find Greg. But for Libby, the journey is more than to find her husband. It's a journey of faith.
They Almost Always Come Home had potential to be amazing. Maybe the ending was amazing… but I didn't get that far. The plot was great—there were a lot of different things woven together to make it complex. It was more than "husband is gone, wife isn't sure if she wants him back but she goes to find him anyway." There is a lot of complexity to the situation, and a lot of background to see how Libby got to where she is now. It was good, and I liked it. It didn't move fast enough for me, but it was still good and I liked it.
However, other aspects of the book took away from the story line, and the main one was the writing. I feel like I have more to say about the writing than anything when it comes to They Almost Always Come Home.
This book reads rather depressing. As I read it, I can hear the voice of the character in my head, feeling tired and broken and uncaring and bitter, and it's very emotionally demanding to read. Since the character is going through so much, I can understand why that is: that's how she feels, that's how you are supposed to feel. It certainly isn't a sit-by-the-beach-with-sweet-tea kind of book.
Also, occasionally (as in the case with every Meg Cabot book I've ever read) an individual has a great original idea for a novel. What they should have done, would be to find someone who could write well and let them write the story, and co-author it. But no, they insist on writing it themselves, even though they can't write. Sadly, this is the case with They Almost Always Come Home. In some cases the mediocrity of the writing doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the book, but in this case, it got to the point where it wore me out and aggravated me, and I had to put it down. After this happened several times, I never ended up picking it back up. The writing was made up of poor sentence structure, and the sentences that were actually sentences weren't organized very well. The interior monologue of Libby's thought-life was even less organized. Yes, I understand that our thoughts are not perfectly organized like Dostoevsky's dialogue, but Libby's mind was just hard to follow.
The other thing that took away from the book was the main character, Libby. I didn't like her. Maybe if I'd gotten to the end and seen her change (because I just know she's got to change—why else would Ruchti write a story like this?) then I 'd like her. But as it were, I was rooting for Greg. Poor Greg who was stuck with her for twenty-five years, and who got out easy (at least that's the way it looked from where I stopped). I know that isn't the way I'm supposed to feel, but I kept thinking "Libby… honestly…(mutters to herself)…" how can you read a book about a character that you don't like?
Again, this book had a lot of potential. Sadly I didn't enjoy it enough to finish it. I give it three-stars for the good pacing at the beginning, and the tangible emotions of the character (who I didn't like…?).
Check out amazon (as of today, 17 five-star reviews) and goodreads for reviews of They Almost Always Come Home. You will see that I am in the minority.
Genre: Christian Fiction
ISBN: 9781426702389
Rating: DNF, 3
Greg goes on a trip into the Canadian wilderness—and never comes home. But Libby was thinking about leaving him anyway… so should she care that he's missing? Should she find him? Libby sets off with her best friend and her step-dad on a journey to find Greg. But for Libby, the journey is more than to find her husband. It's a journey of faith.
They Almost Always Come Home had potential to be amazing. Maybe the ending was amazing… but I didn't get that far. The plot was great—there were a lot of different things woven together to make it complex. It was more than "husband is gone, wife isn't sure if she wants him back but she goes to find him anyway." There is a lot of complexity to the situation, and a lot of background to see how Libby got to where she is now. It was good, and I liked it. It didn't move fast enough for me, but it was still good and I liked it.
However, other aspects of the book took away from the story line, and the main one was the writing. I feel like I have more to say about the writing than anything when it comes to They Almost Always Come Home.
This book reads rather depressing. As I read it, I can hear the voice of the character in my head, feeling tired and broken and uncaring and bitter, and it's very emotionally demanding to read. Since the character is going through so much, I can understand why that is: that's how she feels, that's how you are supposed to feel. It certainly isn't a sit-by-the-beach-with-sweet-tea kind of book.
Also, occasionally (as in the case with every Meg Cabot book I've ever read) an individual has a great original idea for a novel. What they should have done, would be to find someone who could write well and let them write the story, and co-author it. But no, they insist on writing it themselves, even though they can't write. Sadly, this is the case with They Almost Always Come Home. In some cases the mediocrity of the writing doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the book, but in this case, it got to the point where it wore me out and aggravated me, and I had to put it down. After this happened several times, I never ended up picking it back up. The writing was made up of poor sentence structure, and the sentences that were actually sentences weren't organized very well. The interior monologue of Libby's thought-life was even less organized. Yes, I understand that our thoughts are not perfectly organized like Dostoevsky's dialogue, but Libby's mind was just hard to follow.
The other thing that took away from the book was the main character, Libby. I didn't like her. Maybe if I'd gotten to the end and seen her change (because I just know she's got to change—why else would Ruchti write a story like this?) then I 'd like her. But as it were, I was rooting for Greg. Poor Greg who was stuck with her for twenty-five years, and who got out easy (at least that's the way it looked from where I stopped). I know that isn't the way I'm supposed to feel, but I kept thinking "Libby… honestly…(mutters to herself)…" how can you read a book about a character that you don't like?
Again, this book had a lot of potential. Sadly I didn't enjoy it enough to finish it. I give it three-stars for the good pacing at the beginning, and the tangible emotions of the character (who I didn't like…?).
Check out amazon (as of today, 17 five-star reviews) and goodreads for reviews of They Almost Always Come Home. You will see that I am in the minority.
July 1, 2023
An unusual storyline that packs an emotional wallop. A good read and listen.
November 30, 2011
Cynthia Ruchti's THEY ALMOST ALWAYS COME HOME is a fascinating tale of a woman's journey from despair to hope and from bitterness to forgiveness. Ruchti is a talented author and her writing grabbed me from page one as she introduced Libby Holden as a wife and mother burdened with the overwhelming pain of her daughter's murder a few years ago.
After twenty years of marriage, Greg and Libby Holden lose their daughter to a mindless act of violence. Faced with incredible pain and grief, their marriage and relationship begins to crumble. Now, a few years later, Libby is ready to leave Greg. Greg takes off on one of his many camping trips, but this time he doesn't come home. Libby is faced with many questions. Did Greg leave her before she had a chance to leave him? Had he made a clean break from their remains of a marriage? Or, did something horrible happen to him?
While the police are doing all they can, Libby joins her friend Jen and Greg'd dad Frank on a journey up north to travel the exact trip Greg would have taken in hopes of finding him. While the trip is interesting, even more important is the journey Libby takes as a person. She'd been ready to leave Greg, blaming him for their daughter's death and also blaming him for not grieving the way he should have. But, on the trip, Libby learns the truth about herself, about Greg, and about the nature of grief and forgiveness.
Objectively, this is a great novel. Great story, great voice, wonderful message, satisfying conclusion. Subjectively, I thought the novel dragged a bit as Libby carried on an internal dialogue. If you think about it, nothing much really happens. Husband doesn't come home, Libby goes to look for him. That takes up a vast majority of the book, so what remains is Libby's personal journey, which at times moved a little slow for me. Also, I don't really think the author convinced the reader of the wisdom of Libby, Jen and Frank looking for Greg on their own. I guess they had an idea where he might be, but I really just had to assume that.
Overall, I was immediately impressed with Ruchti's writing, and then the story won me over as well. Libby and Greg are strong Christians struggling with grief and the spiritual message is strong throughout the novel, but not overly preachy.
After twenty years of marriage, Greg and Libby Holden lose their daughter to a mindless act of violence. Faced with incredible pain and grief, their marriage and relationship begins to crumble. Now, a few years later, Libby is ready to leave Greg. Greg takes off on one of his many camping trips, but this time he doesn't come home. Libby is faced with many questions. Did Greg leave her before she had a chance to leave him? Had he made a clean break from their remains of a marriage? Or, did something horrible happen to him?
While the police are doing all they can, Libby joins her friend Jen and Greg'd dad Frank on a journey up north to travel the exact trip Greg would have taken in hopes of finding him. While the trip is interesting, even more important is the journey Libby takes as a person. She'd been ready to leave Greg, blaming him for their daughter's death and also blaming him for not grieving the way he should have. But, on the trip, Libby learns the truth about herself, about Greg, and about the nature of grief and forgiveness.
Objectively, this is a great novel. Great story, great voice, wonderful message, satisfying conclusion. Subjectively, I thought the novel dragged a bit as Libby carried on an internal dialogue. If you think about it, nothing much really happens. Husband doesn't come home, Libby goes to look for him. That takes up a vast majority of the book, so what remains is Libby's personal journey, which at times moved a little slow for me. Also, I don't really think the author convinced the reader of the wisdom of Libby, Jen and Frank looking for Greg on their own. I guess they had an idea where he might be, but I really just had to assume that.
Overall, I was immediately impressed with Ruchti's writing, and then the story won me over as well. Libby and Greg are strong Christians struggling with grief and the spiritual message is strong throughout the novel, but not overly preachy.
April 14, 2010
When I first received my copy of They Almost Always Come Home, I thought it sounded like a good story. When I first started reading it, I was intrigued, for a little while. I soon found the story slow and I started to get bored. I was actually on the verge of giving up and not finishing the book, but a little voice told me to keep going. I mean, I really did want to see how it would send, so I kept reading. I can honestly say that if I had quit reading the book, it would have been a huge mistake. The slow spot passed and I found myself turning pages and not wanting to put the book down.
They Almost Always Come Home is a powerful story about love, forgiveness, healing, and God’s grace – all the really good stuff! Greg and Libby’s marriage was on the brink of disaster and Libby’s faith was running on empty when Greg went missing in the wilderness of Canada. Libby gets past her anger at Greg for leaving her, or so she thinks, long enough to go looking for him. What she finds will change her life and her faith forever.
This book really had me taking a hard look at my marriage and had me asking questions like, “If my husband were to go missing, would his annoying little habits really seem all that annoying?” and “Would are problems really be that big?” The answer is no. This story puts perspective on those little things that seem like big things at the time. I honestly think this book can do for marriages the same thing the movie Fireproof did for marriages. God has a prominent role in this story as He guides His children where He wants them to go.
I thought for a short time that I would not be writing a favorable review for this book, but I’m so glad I did not give up on it. The premise of this story is original and the message will have a huge impact that will stay with you. I highly recommend this book and if you come to the slow spot and feel the same way I felt, please, do not give up on it. It really does not stay slow for long and you will be thankful you read the book.
They Almost Always Come Home is a powerful story about love, forgiveness, healing, and God’s grace – all the really good stuff! Greg and Libby’s marriage was on the brink of disaster and Libby’s faith was running on empty when Greg went missing in the wilderness of Canada. Libby gets past her anger at Greg for leaving her, or so she thinks, long enough to go looking for him. What she finds will change her life and her faith forever.
This book really had me taking a hard look at my marriage and had me asking questions like, “If my husband were to go missing, would his annoying little habits really seem all that annoying?” and “Would are problems really be that big?” The answer is no. This story puts perspective on those little things that seem like big things at the time. I honestly think this book can do for marriages the same thing the movie Fireproof did for marriages. God has a prominent role in this story as He guides His children where He wants them to go.
I thought for a short time that I would not be writing a favorable review for this book, but I’m so glad I did not give up on it. The premise of this story is original and the message will have a huge impact that will stay with you. I highly recommend this book and if you come to the slow spot and feel the same way I felt, please, do not give up on it. It really does not stay slow for long and you will be thankful you read the book.
June 11, 2011
As I'm reading this, I'm getting the sense of the Canadian wilderness. The trek through the woods while slapping at mosquitoes. The discomfort of sleeping on the ground. I can picture as they pause in their row boats on the lake and the stillness that is only interrupted by the sound of an animal.
Libby's husband Greg was suppose to return from a solo trip to this wilderness. Because he didn't, she, a friend and Greg's father make the trip to discover what they can. He signed in at the station but didn't sign out but signing out isn't mandatory. Did he get hurt somewhere out in the vastness or did he despair of their strained relationship and simply decide to not return. Is there another woman involved? In the past, Libby has always turned down her husband's offer for her to accompany him on one of his trips into this forest. She's always declined preferring the comforts of life. While she's lying on the ground, though, in her sleeping bag, sitting, or simply looking out, she marvels at the beauty of it all. The beauty comes not only in what she can see but in what she can and can not hear. In addition to these discoveries, she discovers certain things about herself, her husband, and about their relationship. She reflects on circumstances, both real and perceived and discovers how they played a part in where her relationship is now with Greg.
I'm surprised there is very little evident being done by the authorities in locating him.
Dig out your hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, jeans, and mosquito repellant and make this arduous but delightful journey along with Libby, Frank, and Jenika. Hold your nose though as Frank takes off his wet, smelly boots while the three of them are enclosed in a single tent waiting out a downpour.
Without giving away the story, I would have expected some fear where fear would have definitely been toward the end of the book.
Libby's husband Greg was suppose to return from a solo trip to this wilderness. Because he didn't, she, a friend and Greg's father make the trip to discover what they can. He signed in at the station but didn't sign out but signing out isn't mandatory. Did he get hurt somewhere out in the vastness or did he despair of their strained relationship and simply decide to not return. Is there another woman involved? In the past, Libby has always turned down her husband's offer for her to accompany him on one of his trips into this forest. She's always declined preferring the comforts of life. While she's lying on the ground, though, in her sleeping bag, sitting, or simply looking out, she marvels at the beauty of it all. The beauty comes not only in what she can see but in what she can and can not hear. In addition to these discoveries, she discovers certain things about herself, her husband, and about their relationship. She reflects on circumstances, both real and perceived and discovers how they played a part in where her relationship is now with Greg.
I'm surprised there is very little evident being done by the authorities in locating him.
Dig out your hiking boots, long-sleeved shirts, jeans, and mosquito repellant and make this arduous but delightful journey along with Libby, Frank, and Jenika. Hold your nose though as Frank takes off his wet, smelly boots while the three of them are enclosed in a single tent waiting out a downpour.
Without giving away the story, I would have expected some fear where fear would have definitely been toward the end of the book.
April 11, 2010
When Libby’s husband Greg doesn’t return home from a trip to the Canadian wilderness, she's not sure whether to be sad or glad. In fact, if he did show up, she just might divorce him. Their marriage has been a farce since their 12-year-old daughter’s death, for which Libby holds her husband responsible.
The police investigation seems haphazard at best, as they’ve pretty much decided Greg used his annual trip to Canada as a way out of a failing marriage and a career he despised. Despite her own doubts as to her husband's disappearance, Libby finds herself unable to let it rest. With her father-in-law and her best friend Jenika in tow, she sets out on a wilderness trip of her own, hoping to find clues or find Greg.
The trip sheds a light on far more than a missing man's motives. With her own trust in God lying in tatters, Libby is buoyed by Jenika’s steadfast faith and her father-in-law’s unswerving confidence in his son’s integrity. By the time they reach the end of their journey, she is forced to reconsider her harsh judgment and consequential treatment of a husband whose love was unfailing. In doing so, she finds things hidden away in her heart that force a reassessment of her own spiritual, mental and moral being.
Is it too late for them? Will she ever find Greg … dead or alive?
They Almost Always Come Home is a touching account of one woman’s journey back to love and faith. A wonderful thread of humor keeps Libby’s painful odyssey from being too much to bear. I enjoyed the authors' subtle yet unmistakable message of faith. Because it took me a chapter or two to get into the story, I was surprised when I discovered that I was completely lost in it. I had to know what happened to Greg and whether or not his and Libby’s marriage would be salvageable if he were found.
This is a well-written, memorable and touching story I’m pleased to recommend.
The police investigation seems haphazard at best, as they’ve pretty much decided Greg used his annual trip to Canada as a way out of a failing marriage and a career he despised. Despite her own doubts as to her husband's disappearance, Libby finds herself unable to let it rest. With her father-in-law and her best friend Jenika in tow, she sets out on a wilderness trip of her own, hoping to find clues or find Greg.
The trip sheds a light on far more than a missing man's motives. With her own trust in God lying in tatters, Libby is buoyed by Jenika’s steadfast faith and her father-in-law’s unswerving confidence in his son’s integrity. By the time they reach the end of their journey, she is forced to reconsider her harsh judgment and consequential treatment of a husband whose love was unfailing. In doing so, she finds things hidden away in her heart that force a reassessment of her own spiritual, mental and moral being.
Is it too late for them? Will she ever find Greg … dead or alive?
They Almost Always Come Home is a touching account of one woman’s journey back to love and faith. A wonderful thread of humor keeps Libby’s painful odyssey from being too much to bear. I enjoyed the authors' subtle yet unmistakable message of faith. Because it took me a chapter or two to get into the story, I was surprised when I discovered that I was completely lost in it. I had to know what happened to Greg and whether or not his and Libby’s marriage would be salvageable if he were found.
This is a well-written, memorable and touching story I’m pleased to recommend.
December 6, 2021
Three years ago when tragedy took the life of their 12-year-old daughter, Libby closed her heart to her husband Greg. Now she's decided that she's going to leave him when he returns from his annual trek into Quetico Provencial Park. The only problem with the plan is that Greg is a few days late returning from his wilderness journey. More than grief or worry, Libby is furious that whether by choice or by accident Greg has found a way to get out of their marriage before she did.
As she goes through the motions of filing a missing person's report and talking with authorities on both sides of the border, Libby weighs various scenarios. She can't picture her faithful-to-a-fault husband deciding to drive away from their home and vanish without a trace, but the distance has grown so far between them that it's not something she can automatically discount.
When Libby, her best friend, and her father-in-law decide they must go to Quetico themselves and retrace the voyageur route Greg had planned, they don't know what they will find, or if they will find anything at all. Libby doesn't know if she even wants to find Greg or what she'll say if she ever sees him again. But she knows this is a trip she has to make before she can move forward one way or another.
The depth of this book left me at a loss for words. Cynthia Ruchti writes with beautiful and lyrical maturity as she delves into loss, uncertainty, and pain in the human soul. I had no idea how this book would end, but the more I read the more I could not put it down. Thoroughly captivated, thoroughly touched. Cynthia is a can't-miss author in my estimation, with both her fiction and non-fiction. Highly recommended.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
As she goes through the motions of filing a missing person's report and talking with authorities on both sides of the border, Libby weighs various scenarios. She can't picture her faithful-to-a-fault husband deciding to drive away from their home and vanish without a trace, but the distance has grown so far between them that it's not something she can automatically discount.
When Libby, her best friend, and her father-in-law decide they must go to Quetico themselves and retrace the voyageur route Greg had planned, they don't know what they will find, or if they will find anything at all. Libby doesn't know if she even wants to find Greg or what she'll say if she ever sees him again. But she knows this is a trip she has to make before she can move forward one way or another.
The depth of this book left me at a loss for words. Cynthia Ruchti writes with beautiful and lyrical maturity as she delves into loss, uncertainty, and pain in the human soul. I had no idea how this book would end, but the more I read the more I could not put it down. Thoroughly captivated, thoroughly touched. Cynthia is a can't-miss author in my estimation, with both her fiction and non-fiction. Highly recommended.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
June 3, 2010
"They Almost Always Come Home" is a Christian general fiction novel with a lot of suspense. The characters were interesting and complex, and they dealt with realistic problems. The world-building was excellent, especially for the wilderness trip. The story came alive in my imagination, and it felt like these events really could have happened.
The first thirty-two pages were mostly Libby thinking about her situation and doing little but worrying about the various possibilities of what could have happened to her husband. It's tantalizing, but so little real, solid information was given about how this state of things came about that it felt a bit slow-paced to me.
However, after that, other people started interacting with Libby and she became more active in dealing with the problem. From that point on, the story was fast-paced and the suspense built nicely so I had a hard time putting the novel down. Near the end, we get Greg's perspective of his trip and what happened, which was nice and was worked into the story at a very good spot.
The target audience appeared to be Christians or those with a Christian background. The characters were Christians trying to figure out how to deal with a God who doesn't always give you what you think you need the most. It's not preachy (and there were no conversions), but it definitely had a strong Christian element to it.
The novel was written in first person, present tense ("I run" instead of "I ran"). (Married) sex was implied. There was no bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this novel as exciting and insightful clean reading.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The first thirty-two pages were mostly Libby thinking about her situation and doing little but worrying about the various possibilities of what could have happened to her husband. It's tantalizing, but so little real, solid information was given about how this state of things came about that it felt a bit slow-paced to me.
However, after that, other people started interacting with Libby and she became more active in dealing with the problem. From that point on, the story was fast-paced and the suspense built nicely so I had a hard time putting the novel down. Near the end, we get Greg's perspective of his trip and what happened, which was nice and was worked into the story at a very good spot.
The target audience appeared to be Christians or those with a Christian background. The characters were Christians trying to figure out how to deal with a God who doesn't always give you what you think you need the most. It's not preachy (and there were no conversions), but it definitely had a strong Christian element to it.
The novel was written in first person, present tense ("I run" instead of "I ran"). (Married) sex was implied. There was no bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this novel as exciting and insightful clean reading.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
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