Category Archives: Kathryn Cushman

Review: Fading Starlight by Kathryn Cushman

Title: Fading Starlight by Kathryn Cushman
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Genre: Contemporary, Christian, Women’s Fiction
Length: 304 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A Tale of Unexpected Friendship and Old Hollywood Glamour

Lauren Summers is hiding. Her fashion house internship should have launched her career, but a red carpet accident has left her blackballed. The only job she finds is unpaid, but comes with free lodging–a run-down cottage in the shadow of a cliff-side mansion. Unsure of what comes next, she’s surprised to be contacted by a reporter researching a reclusive former Hollywood ingénue who lives in the nearby mansion.

Kendall Joiner wants Lauren’s help uncovering the old woman’s secrets. In return, she’ll prove the red carpet accident was a publicity stunt so Lauren can regain her former job. With all her dreams in front of her, Lauren’s tempted by the offer, but as she and the old woman get to know each other, Lauren realizes nothing is quite as it seems.

Review:

Fading Starlight by Kathryn Cushman is a beautiful story of faith, new beginnings and unexpected friendship for lead protagonist Lauren Summers.

Lauren is an aspiring fashion designer whose career comes to screeching halt after an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction occurs with one of her creations.  After landing a job as a costume designer for a school production, she moves into an exclusive neighborhood whose residents expect complete privacy and discretion from their neighbors.  Next door neighbor Charlotte Montgomery is reclusive and deeply suspicious of Lauren’s random acts of kindness. Hoping the seclusion will provide her the chance to reflect on and grow in her faith, Lauren struggles not to lash out in anger when faced with Charlotte’s accusations and rejection.  When Lauren is offered a deal from  reporter Kendall Joiner that could restore her career, she is faced with an ethical dilemma as Joiner pressures her to betray Charlotte in exchange for the information she has uncovered.

Lauren is a rather naive young woman who is very kindhearted and caring.  Knowing her incredibly public humiliation could very well be the end of her fledgling career, she is grateful for the job that will allow her to do the work she loves-creating period costumes.  Although busy with new her new career, she always makes time for her daily devotions as she tries to understand God’s plan for her.  Although Lauren is disappointed at Charlotte’s continued animosity towards her, she is convinced there is a reason the two women’s paths crossed at this juncture in her life.  Trying to maintain a positive attitude, Lauren remains undeterred as she continues her selfless acts of kindness for her irascible neighbor.

Charlotte has not had an easy life and in an effort to shield herself from further heartache, she retreated from the public eye.  Her experiences have caused her doubt everyone’s motives and she cannot fathom what Lauren hopes to achieve by her friendly overtures.  Eagerly waiting for her suspicions to be proven correct, Charlotte tries to manipulate Lauren into betraying her.  Confused when her plan appears to have failed, she is quite harsh and unkind when Lauren faces another setback.  Yet even in the face of Charlotte’s callous  treatment of her, Lauren maintains her equanimity and continues treating her with respect and kindness.

Fading Starlight has a strong religious element and Kathryn Cushman effortlessly weaves pertinent scripture into the storyline that aids Lauren on both her professional and spiritual journeys.  The issues and troubles she is facing are quite relevant in today’s world and her struggles are realistic and easy to relate to.  Lauren’s ethical quandary is believable and it is one that any one of us could face at some point in our lives. Readers of contemporary Christian fiction are sure to enjoy this well-written and heartwarming novel.

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Filed under Bethany House Publishers, Christian, Contemporary, Kathryn Cushman, Rated B, Review, Women's Fiction

Review: Finding Me by Kathryn Cushman

finding meTitle: Finding Me by Kathryn Cushman
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Genre: Contemporary, Christian, Fiction
Length: 337 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

What would you do if you learned your life was a lie?

All her life, Kelli Huddleston has been told the story of a fire–a fire that killed her mother and two siblings when she was an infant. After her father’s death though, she uncovers evidence of a different story, including clippings about a boat accident that killed a young father and his infant daughter. And Kelli quietly realizes the story of her life has been a fiction.

How far would you go to discover the truth?

Armed with only a few pictures of what she thinks might be her family, Kelli crosses the country to Tennessee, determined to uncover the truth about what happened over twenty years ago in a small southern town. When the trip threatens to open doors to the past better left shut, and her plans for the future are jeopardized, Kelli is faced with an agonizing choice that will change her life forever.

Review:

Finding Me by Kathryn Cushman is a bittersweet novel that is also quite thought-provoking. This lovely story of faith, love, friendship and family also has a slight element of intrigue. Redemption, atonement and forgiveness are underlying themes as well.

Kelli Huddleston is still deeply grieving the loss of her stepmother and beloved father when she discovers information that casts doubt on her entire past. Led to believe her mother and siblings died in a fire in Louisiana, she is stunned to uncover evidence that her father faked both of their deaths and abandoned the rest of their family. Desperate to understand why her father would make such an inexplicable decision, Kelli returns to her birthplace in search of answers.

Kelli’s growing disillusionment with her father quickly turns to anger after she meets her mom, sister and his business partner. Learning more about the circumstances of the time leading up to his disappearance just increases her confusion and when she discovers the financial straits he left them in, she realizes that she really did not her father as well as she thought. Kelli wants to make amends for her dad’s misdeeds, but will her involvement cause more pain in the long run? Will admitting the truth about her identity cost her the relationships she is beginning to treasure?

Kelli remains conflicted for much of the story as she tries to reconcile the devoted father she knew with the man who callously deserts the rest of their family to begin a new life. She keeps her true identity hidden but her new friends sense something is not quite right about her reasons for coming to town. Kelli wants to get to know her mother and sister, but she is afraid that revealing the truth will cause more harm than good. As she becomes more and more involved with their lives, she begins to have serious doubts about maintaining a relationship with them once she returns to her regular life. An added complication is an unexpected romance and Kelli decides to run away from her problems instead of facing them head on.

Finding Me is an engrossing novel that has a gentle undercurrent of faith. The storyline is fresh and the conflict feels very real.  The characters are three-dimensional and their reactions to the various situations ring true. Kathryn Cushman brings this moving story to a heartfelt conclusion is realistic and emotionally satisfying.

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Filed under Bethany House Publishers, Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Finding Me, Kathryn Cushman, Rated B, Review

Almost Amish by Kathryn Cushman

Title: Almost Amish by Kathryn Cushman
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Fiction
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: A+ and a Recommended Read

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher

Summary:

Proving the Simple Life Isn’t So Simple After All

Overcommitted and overwhelmed, Julie Charlton is at the breaking point. She knows she should feel blessed as a mother and wife–but she just feels exhausted. And then, the miraculous happens. Her sister-in-law Susan, a Martha Stewart-in-training, lands the chance to participate in a reality TV series about trying to live like the Amish and needs another family to join her. It’s just the break Julie needs.

But the summer adventure in simple living soon proves anything but simple. With the camera watching every move, Susan’s drive for perfection feels a lot like what they left behind, while Julie suddenly finds herself needing to stand up for slowing down. Whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or dressing differently, each new Amish challenge raises new complications… and soon each woman learns unexpected lessons about herself and her family.

The Review:

Almost Amish by Kathryn Cushman is a captivating novel that will resonate with anyone who feels overwhelmed by today’s busy lifestyles. Dissatisfied, discouraged and unhappy with her current lifestyle, Julie Charlton quickly agrees to guest star on a reality TV show, Almost Amish with her sister-in-law, Susan Reynolds. For Susan, this is an opportunity to advance her career. For Julie, it is a much needed break from her hectic, frenetic life, a way to reconnect with her kids and a chance to figure out what is missing in her life.

Julie is a wonderful character and I suspect a lot of people will identify with her. I know that I certainly do. She is overscheduled, overworked and hates her life despite the fact she has a loving husband and two pretty terrific kids. She is laidback, easygoing and has a difficult time saying no. Julie is far from perfect and she is also her harshest critic. She has low self-esteem and she consistently feels like she does not measure up to other’s expectations. Julie easily adjusts to their simpler life and she discovers she enjoys a slower pace. She savors her newfound closeness wit Susan,h her children and her niece.

A type A personality, “helicopter” Mom who is extremely focused and career driven, Susan is the complete opposite of Julie. She is a perfectionist with high expectations of herself, her daughter and Julie. Susan is looking so far ahead that she often misses what is happening in the here and now. Convinced she knows what is best for her, she is completely out of touch with daughter. Susan is quick to judge people with her opinions often based on nothing but their appearance. Her divorce deeply damaged her self-confidence and she is desperately trying to secure her and her daughter’s future.

The kids are pretty typical teenagers. Julie’s kids, Brian and Whitney are not happy about giving up their summer and activities, and neither is Angie, Susan’s daughter. For the most part, they give in gracefully and comply with most of the rules. However they are teens, so there are a few mini rebellions that take place over the summer.

The secondary cast of characters is well-developed. Segment producer Kendra Stein is the least likable and probably a pretty good representation of what goes on behind the scenes of reality TV. We get to know Julie’s husband Thomas a little through his visits. Handyman Gary Macko is a calming and helpful influence. There is a definite attraction between him and Susan that helps soften Susan’s rougher exterior. Rosemary Foil is not only their quilting instructor, but she does a wonderful job teaching a few valuable life lessons to her students.

Both Julie and Susan learn a lot about themselves and they come to appreciate one another’s differences. There is a lot of character growth throughout the course of the novel. Julie discovers her backbone and stands up for herself and others. Susan learns a few humbling lessons and she also has to make a difficult career decision.

Almost Amish is a refreshingly unique and thought-provoking novel. It is impossible to read without re-evaluating your own life and priorities. Kathryn Cushman delicately weaves valuable life lessons and strong undercurrents of faith throughout the story.

An insightful novel about slowing down and enjoying life, Almost Amish is an absolutely delightful read that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

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Filed under Almost Amish, Bethany House Publishers, Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Kathryn Cushman, Rated A+, Recommended Read