The author of Sweet Tea and Southern Grace, Glenda Manus, delivers another emotionally charged work of fiction. Lighting The Way is the second novel in the Southern Grace Series, and once again focuses on Rev Rock, the Presbyterian minister in the quaint little town of Park Place, South Carolina and his new bride, Liz. It’s the Christmas season and storefront displays, twinkling Christmas trees and busy shoppers liven up Main Street as the town prepares for its most exciting season of the year. Christmas parades, candle lit street lamps, and children’s Christmas pageants pump up the holiday spirit, but not everyone in town is celebrating. Maria drifts into Park Place trying to escape an abusive husband. Broken in body and spirit, at first her goal is just to survive and protect the baby she’s carrying, but as she’s slowly introduced to the good people of this small Southern town, she comes to believe that kindness and compassion can lead her out of the darkness of her former life. Just as she seems to overcome the obstacles, she’s once again gripped by fear when she spots her husband’s car in town. How did he find her and what will she have to do to protect herself? Rev Rock and his faithful flock of Presbyterians in the little church with a bell tower help make this a Christmas story Maria will never forget.
The other quirky characters that the readers have come to know and love from the first novel find themselves weaving in and out of Lighting the Way. Once again, these people will have you chuckling, and sometimes crying right along beside them as their hearts of gold are openly displayed in this well thought out and charming Southern novel.
I loved this Christian novel. A refreshing read about a Pastor's new marriage, the small town he lives in and his congregation. I would highly recommend this series, and just hope that Ms. Manus decides to add a third book to the series. This book is even better than the first in the series.
Thoroughly delightful Christian novel set in South Carolina. A story about a small town minister, his wife, his friends, his ministry spiced with a little romance and a little mystery.
Love, love love the Southern Grace series, #2 Lighting the Way is a very beautiful Holiday time for the town of Park Place. Lovely descriptions of lighting candles, decorating for Christmas, etc. The story revolves around a young Hispanic girl, who runs away from an abusive husband, only to find out she is pregnant. Spends several days hiding, but the people in the wonderful town, support her and helps her begin a new life. Love BJ and Kit for taking her in, and Rev Rock and Liz, the sermons are so uplifting, wish there were more. These townspeople are the best. On to #3.
Glenda C Manus has done another wonderful job with the second book in her series. She picks up where she left off in “Sweet Tea and Southern Grace” and the pastor “Rev Rock”, and moves forward with his life and those of the community. This time she brings in a surprise character that represents a situation a lot of women face. We see this character change from “victim “ status to being a resilient and strong young woman, due to her faith in God and the help of loving people. I want to live in this town! I highly recommend this book.
While I loved getting to know Rev Rock and Liz better, I wasn't as fond of this book as I was the first one. I felt by the end that it left some things open, which may be answered in the next book. But there were a few things that I felt should have been answered more. I'm still going to read book 3 because I am invested in the characters at this point.
This was a good story. Rev Rock finds his happiness. Maria was an abused Honduran girl. The church at Park Place was a loving giving community. This combines to make a very interesting story. You will find sadness, happiness, and joy reading this story.
I did not remember getting this book, but I read it in one sitting! The characters were believable and the small town storylines sucked me in! The recipes are a nice bonus!
Enjoyed the first book in the series and this one and looking forward to reading the rest. Reminds me a little of the Mitford series by Jan Karon. Once you start reading you want to keep going.
I just loved this book!! It was full of Faith, fun and family. It's also got a tiny bit of mystery which adds enthralling of this tale!! Highly recommend this book!
Very nice Christian Christmas story set in North Carolina. There is a pregnant sixteen year old, fleeing an abusive husband. She receives help from some of the townspeople, including Reverend Rock.
a nice light read- enjoyed it0 one or two surprises in it even It warms the heart to read of a town taking in and taking care of one who desperately needed it.