A satisfying conclusion to the Songbird Series: My review of "Love Lifted Me"

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012)
Jade and Max Benson return in fine form for this satisfying conclusion to the Songbird Series.

Book three, Love Lifted Me, continues to follow the Bensons after their marriage has been tested by secrets of past affairs and the introduction of Max's previously unknown son, Asa, into Jade's life (see my review of Softly and Tenderly for a summary of book 2 in the series). The novel begins with Max's return from the rehab ranch he had attended to deal with his addiction to pain medication; Max's return forces Jade to decide whether she is willing to trust him again. Their lives take a surprising turn when Max is offered the position of head coach of a football team at a struggling school, and they decide to take this opportunity for a new start in their lives. A visit from an old friend of Asa's birth mother introduces a shocking secret that has the potential to unravel the healing Max and Jade have experienced, while Max faces challenges at work that will put the entire family, and their faith, to the ultimate test.

I greatly enjoyed returning to the lives of the Bensons in this moving book. The authors have held to the standard they set in the previous novels in the series, and have penned a drama that is action-packed, with plenty of twists and turns to hold my interest. Jade and Max have been so fully developed that it felt like I was revisiting old friends, while new characters who were introduced likewise found a place in my heart, such as occurred with one of my favorite new characters, Tucker, a youth who overcomes a hard past and utter lack of confidence in a spectacular manner. The writing is skillful, the pacing swift, and the beauty of strong faith in God shines through. The spiritual growth of both Jade and Max, especially in such trying times as presented in the novel, is sure to challenge us all to trust God with our lives in a similar manner. Readers who enjoy the drama created by struggling sports teams will especially appreciate reading this book.

I highly recommend this book and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars, and I also recommend the entire series for those readers who have not yet had the chance to enjoy the prior books.

Disclaimer: Book has been provided courtesy of the publisher via the Booksneeze program and netgalley, for the purposes of this unbiased review.