This is book 2 of the Treasured Lives series, Contemporary Religious Fiction. This is the story of Meredith and her toddler daughter Crystal, dealing with life's ups and downs. Meredith is going through rough times of Parker, the man that will not marry her, and trying to keep her business going. Then we have the story of Pearl intertwined with the family. Both girls are finding that life is about your faith, family and forgiveness. Can they both get through these times? How does Meredith survive? Will Pearl fix things before it is too late?
I would recommend this book to anyone that has read book one, the story continues. If you haven't read it, this book can be read as a stand alone, however, to get the most out of the story, you may want to read one before reading this one. This is a book that deals with real life and how hard times can get, but overcoming the bad times puts you on the path of happiness.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.
About the Book
Book: Prodigal Lives
Author: Carol McClain
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Release date: April 1, 2022
Life keeps piling problems on Meredith Jaynes. She loses her second foster child—one she was scheduled to adopt. Then Parker Snow refuses to marry her. With only her goats and artisan soap to support her, life will get no better.
If she is honest, though, she still has Crystal. Her funny, happy, loveable toddler makes the sun shine and reminds her of the never-failing love of God.
Pearl Solomon loves her life with her grandfather Guy, but every one of her triumphs is overshadowed by her sisters’ lives. With Mama Meredith, they live a life she envies. Because of her jealousy, she refuses to contact them.
Years later, life for both families twist down paths they do not wish to travel. Pearl knows she’s lost what was most precious in life but has no means of fixing things. Left to her own devices, she spirals out of control.
Meredith finds it harder to mask the despair infertility has brought to her life.
Both families believe they must reconcile themselves to their fates as reality shatters their dreams unless they dig deep for the promise of love.
About the Author
Carol McClain is the award-winning author of four novels dealing with real people facing real problems. She is a consummate encourager, and no matter what your faith might look like, you will find compassion, humor and wisdom in her complexly layered, but ultimately readable work.
Aside from writing, she’s a skilled stained-glass artist, a budding potter and photographer. She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and growing farm. Inspired by Meredith Jaynes, she owns two goats. One will kid soon.
You can connect with her at carolmcclain.com.
On goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14030286.Carol_McClain
On BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/carol-mcclain
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.Carol.McClain
More from Carol
Have you ever thought you’ve seen yourself in a novel?
If you know an author, you probably have.
For years I worked with recovering addicts and those helping them in organizations like Celebrate Recovery, a Christian-styled support group like AA. If I read the events of these people’s lives in a novel, I would say, “Too fake to believe.”
Their lives are tragic, funny, heartbreaking, heartwarming.
Many of their stories made it into my latest novel Prodigal Lives (modified, disguised, and novelized).
I not only incorporate others into my work, but I live through my characters’ lives (Please don’t suggest a sky diving protagonist).
In Prodigal Lives one of my main characters owns goats. For years, I begged my husband too let me have a goat or two. He promised. Then, he wimped out, so I created Meredith Jaynes a successful artisan specializing in goat soap and raising Nubians.
Prodigal Lives is a sequel but can stand alone (reading both books amplifies your enjoyment, of course). This book follows the loss Pearl and Meredith feel as Pearl is adopted by her grandfather. Pearl becomes jealous of her sisters who stay with Mama Meredith, and they lose touch. Although they hear nothing from each other, neither is forgotten.
I believe in redemption. All my work illustrates that no matter how far you fall, a loving Father is going to make a way to redeem you. He’s done it for me, and I was an impossibly problematic child of the King.
I hope you enjoy Prodigal Lives. Sign up for my newsletter and blog and never miss a new release, my Biblical thoughts or an appearance I’m making. Believe me, I wouldn’t live, my blog and newsletter are fascinating.
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Carol is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!