Knocking

Title: Knocking

Series: New Beginnings #1

Author: Robin Merrill

Publisher: New Creation Publisher

Genre: Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Women's Fiction, Inspirational

Source: Kindle Own

My Review:

Knocking by Robbin Merrill is a hidden gem. It has been languishing on my Kindle for three-ish years.  I am glad I finally forced myself to read it (which sounds awful, but it's hard for me to pick up the books on the Kindle, lol).

I was lost at the beginning of the story. Knocking is told from four different perspectives, and you are introduced to each of those ladies, plus quite a few more, in the first three chapters. I contemplated quitting the book but persevered and then was hooked.

The story follows Esther, one of seven elderly ladies whose church shuts down. She feels the Lord pressing upon her to buy an old rundown church and start fresh with her six friends.

Then you have Tonya, the preacher's wife, whose husband had an affair.

Next, you have Emma, the daughter of Tanya and the wayward Pastor.

Finally, you have Fiona aka Mrs. Patterson, the recluse who lives next door to Emma's house and provides a safe haven for Emma.

There is no way I will be able to do this book justice in this review. This is a beautiful story that comes together seamlessly, despite my initial reaction to the story. It was incredible to see the way the story worked its way to the conclusion while leaving room for the next book in the series. It is a story of God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness. I would say it is an "overtly" Christian book, but not in a preachy way.

★★★★⋆/5

Synopsis (Goodreads): 

A disgraced spouse. A devastated daughter. Can one woman’s faith in the Almighty’s plan right a string of wrongs?
Tonya Mendell has really tried her best. Desperate to be a model pastor’s wife and mother, she’s shocked when her thirteen-year-old daughter pranks the reclusive woman next door. And when Tonya discovers her husband is having an affair, her heart sinks when her only child flees the house in response.

Knowing the scandal could rock the town and cost her husband his job, the faithful woman clings to the remnants of her tattered marriage. But seeing her relationship with her daughter and her own dignity at stake, Tonya’s only hope is to put her trust in God to make things right.

Can this tortured soul follow the path the Lord intends and discover the healing she needs?

Knocking is the heartfelt first book in the New Beginnings Christian Fiction series. If you like relatable women, strong believers, and tales of redemption, then you’ll love Robin Merrill’s uplifting story.