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This inspirational novel is intended as the
first in a planned series about a Central Florida coffee shop
owner named Joy Shepherd who provides gentle guidance to her
most troubled customers. In this case, she has multiple customers
with serious problems. There’s a young married couple
(Kevin and Heather) dealing with the aftermath of a horrible
hit-and-run accident that left Kevin bleeding and injured
on a lonely stretch of road. There’s also Samantha,
the young college student who caused the accident and fled
the scene.
Through her spiritual coaching and hand-picked coffee mugs
(each has a unique message intended for a particular customer),
Joy helps Kevin learn to forgive, aids Heather in dealing
with an uncertain future, and guides Samantha into taking
responsibility for her actions. Joy also provides a safe haven
for the community, which gathers together in supporting Kevin
and Heather (owners of a nearby pet supply store) during their
time of need.
The book deals with weighty issues, including crime and punishment,
acceptance of circumstances, and crisis of faith. Simple language
and an easy-to-read writing style keep the story lively and
prevent Joy from turning into a preacher instead of a coffee
shop owner. The story could have happened anywhere, but author
Jacquelyn Lynn provides a strong sense of place so that readers
can actually envision the small community where the action
occurs.
The author, best-known for her nonfiction inspirational books
including Finding Joy in the Morning and Words to Work By:
31 devotions for the workplace based on the Book of Proverbs,
ventures into new territory here with this work of contemporary
inspirational fiction. Readers looking for a refreshing story
about making difficult choices should enjoy this book and
look forward to future installments of the series.
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