Synopsis:
What marks the boundary between a miracle from God and the imagination of a child?
Leah is a child from Away, isolated from her peers because of her stutter. But then she begins painting scenes that are epic in scope, brilliant in detail, and suffused with rich, prophetic imagery. When the event foreshadowed in the first painting dramatically comes true, the town of Mattingly takes notice.
Leah attributes her ability to foretell the future to an invisible friend she calls the Rainbow Man. Some of the townsfolk are enchanted with her. Others fear her. But there is one thing they all agree on—there is no such thing as the Rainbow Man.
Her father, the town psychologist, is falling apart over his inability to heal his daughter . . . or fix his marriage. And the town minister is unraveled by the notion that a mere child with no formal training may be hearing from God more clearly than he does.
While the town bickers over what to do with this strange child, the content of Leah’s paintings grows darker. Still, Leah insists that the Rainbow Man’s heart is pure. But then a dramatic and tragic turn of events leaves the town reeling and places everyone’s lives in danger. Now the people of Mattingly face a single choice:
Will they cling to what they know . . . or embrace the things Leah believes in that cannot be seen?
Review: This is one of those books that depends on your background, as to how you will react to it. Personally, I like books that are nuanced like that, other people may not. But that is something to consider when reading this book. For instance, I live in a small town, where if you weren't born here, you're a newcomer, even if you've lived here for 20 years! So I understand phrases like 'from Away', and how a small town can rally and want to make a family leave. For those who have always lived in large cities, this may not seem possible. Whether you believe the Rainbow Man is God or not, will also be based on your experience.
Being around children with strong belief in God, and that God can, and does, talk to them, the story of Leah and Allie rang true, even to the kiddie pool baptism (many a Southern Baptist are going to be smiling over that passage!). It is said that kids see things clearer- that they see the heart of the matter without all our live experiences and emotions clouding their view. The author takes this concept, wraps it up into the lore and characters of small Southern towns, and weaves a tale that you just can't put down ('I'll just read one section' turns into 2 LONG chapters quite easily!). Not all is wrapped up with a pretty bow however at the end (you know it's one of my pet peeves), but.....rumor has it one of the author's next books is set in Mattingly, so it could be that they are brought forward in the new book. So I'll withhold any peevishness about that, til the new book comes out! LOL. This book really makes you THINK, and it will enchant you from the beginning, so make sure you pick this one up this Summer!
As a bonus for you- you can click onto Billy's website and get the link to read the first THREE chapters!
Being around children with strong belief in God, and that God can, and does, talk to them, the story of Leah and Allie rang true, even to the kiddie pool baptism (many a Southern Baptist are going to be smiling over that passage!). It is said that kids see things clearer- that they see the heart of the matter without all our live experiences and emotions clouding their view. The author takes this concept, wraps it up into the lore and characters of small Southern towns, and weaves a tale that you just can't put down ('I'll just read one section' turns into 2 LONG chapters quite easily!). Not all is wrapped up with a pretty bow however at the end (you know it's one of my pet peeves), but.....rumor has it one of the author's next books is set in Mattingly, so it could be that they are brought forward in the new book. So I'll withhold any peevishness about that, til the new book comes out! LOL. This book really makes you THINK, and it will enchant you from the beginning, so make sure you pick this one up this Summer!
As a bonus for you- you can click onto Billy's website and get the link to read the first THREE chapters!
About the Author: Billy Coffey’s critically acclaimed books combine rural Southern charm with a vision far beyond the ordinary. He is a regular contributor to several publications, where he writes about faith and life. This is his third book. Billy lives with his wife and two children in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Visit him at BillyCoffee.com., on Facebook and on Twitter! You can subscribe to his blog via Bloglovin too- click here!
Be sure to check out this post he wrote- the first 2 sentences will have you hooked on his writing!
Be sure to check out this post he wrote- the first 2 sentences will have you hooked on his writing!
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