Ever read a book that you didn't want to end? You wanted the story to go on just a little bit further so you could see how the characters would act in this new situation? Love Finds You in Calico, California is one of those books!
The Examiner recently interviewed Elizabeth Ludwig, the author of this book. This is her first full-length novel, and she does a wonderful job. The characters are realistic, the story is captivating, and the message is clear.
Abigail Watts and her father are living in Calico, California. It's a mining town, full of rough and tumble miners, saloons, and mistreated Chinese immigrants. Abigail's father works in the mine and Abigail brings in a little extra money by mending shirts for the miners. Nathan Hawk and his five-year-old daughter, Lizzie, live at the livery. Nathan's wife died on the way to California and now he is trying to be both father and mother to Lizzie. Other characters like the Chinese miners, the church minister, and Abigail's best friend, Caroline, also live in Calico.
The story begins with a mine explosion and fire and the death of Abigail's father as he and Nathan try to rescue a miner trapped inside the mine shaft. As the story progresses, we learn that perhaps the fire wasn't an accident and that Gavin Nichols, the mine supervisor, has set his sights on making Abigail his wife.
When Abigail is reminded that God has a plan for her life, she wonders exactly what that is. Should she move back to Virginia to the aunts who have despised her father and looked down on her? Should she stay in Calico and try to find work as a seamstress? Or maybe God has something even more radical in mind for her...like a marriage to a man she barely knows.
Each chapter ends with a cliff-hanger. The reader is left wondering if there is time to read just one more chapter or if the bookmark must actually be placed in the book right now. Insight into two people who are at odds with themselves, each other, and even God to some extent propel the story forward. Actions lead to reactions that lead to other actions.
In the end, everything is resolved in the perfect way. It's like the end of a mini-series; the characters are well-known and feel like friends. One wonders what will happen to them after the book is closed. Will they go on living in Calico? Perhaps head back East to the life they left behind? One thing is certain...they will look to God for the answers to all of their questions.
Elizabeth Ludwig will be releasing two books next year; Died in the Wool and Black Die Affair.
This book was provided free of charge by the author. All opinions expressed here are those of the San Francisco Christian Fiction Examiner. The Examiner was not compensated in any way for the review.
This book can be purchased at the following locations.
RDBC Bookstore
100 Butcher St., Rio Dell
707-764-3811
Family Christian Stores
2540 Esplanade, Ste. 2137, Chico
530-894-1650
Berean Christian Stores
1375 Blossom Hill, San Jose
408-265-1833
Promesa Christian Bookstore
2862 Mission St., San Francisco
415-641-3131
Comments
Sounds interesting!
A good friend is letting me borrow her copy of Calico. Tonight it is page 1.
I'm always looking for a new good book to read. This one looks pretty good.
Sounds good, have to go get a copy!
This looks like a good book.
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