Book Review: The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser

Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: June 1, 2011

Synopsis of Book as provided by the publisher:

Anne "Perri" Singleton's world is defined by the security of family, the camaraderie of friends at an exclusive Atlanta girls' school, and an enviable social life. She isn't looking for new friends when Mary Dobbs Dillard arrives from Chicago. Besides, "Dobbs," the passionate and fiercely individualistic daughter of an itinerant minister, is her opposite in every way.

But just as the Great Depression collides disastrously with Perri's well-ordered life, friendship blossoms--a friendship that will be tested by jealousy, betrayal, and family secrets...

MY REVIEW

The Sweetest Thing was a book that I both savored for it's beautiful writing, and yet devoured at the same time because I simply could not put it down. Perri's story is heart-breaking, but the author does not leave you feeling mired in the tragedy that has befallen her family. There are many books that I have read where the character's experience of grief can bring the book to a grinding halt. Such is definitely not the case with this remarkable story. While the book will stir your emotions with it's glimpses into the hearts of the characters, the scenes fly by with interesting subplots, action-packed drama, and situations of suspense. Dobbs was a unique character who captured my heart with her love for Jesus and her quirky ways. The conclusion was completely satisfying while at the same time leaving me wanting to spend more time in the world that Musser has created. I cannot think of a single thing I would want to be different about this book, it was just that well done.

The author does an excellent job of re-creating America in the grips of the great depression, proving to be a timely read with the current state of world affairs with teetering economies and uncertain futures. The novel reminds us that in the midst of such circumstances, there really is only one source of hope for all of us, remembering that Jesus is walking with us hand-in-hand, no matter what tomorrow brings. This is a powerful reminder for us all.

I highly recommend this wonderful book, and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

My sincerest thanks to the publisher, Bethany House, who provided a copy of this book for the purposes of this unbiased review.