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Lydia
Porter seems to have it all: a loving family, a job she
loves, and the love of a good man who wants to marry her.
In the course of her work as a guidance counselor, Lydia
notices that one of her favorite students seems unusually
subdued. When Lydia presses Shelby about what's
troubling her, the teen confides that she's been molested.
Reluctantly, Shelby identifies her abuser as Charlie
Stains, the woodshop teacher--who just happens to be Lydia's fiancé.
Together, Lydia and Shelby face the difficulties that result
from the girl's accusation. As Lydia tries to help
Shelby, she is momentarily plagued with doubts about Charlie's
innocence. That hesitance on her part causes a rift
between her and her fiancé. While Lydia confronts her
questions about Shelby's story, she must also face her own
past and trust in her belief that God sent Charlie to her.
Deborah Bedford tackles difficult issues in this well-written,
timely tale. Faith, trust, loyalty, and honesty all come
into play as Ms. Bedford's characters search for the truth.
Lydia's uncertainty and divided loyalties are entirely
believable. Shelby is alternately troubled and winsome,
but ultimately likeable. Charlie's evasiveness raises
questions in the reader's mind, and causes Lydia to wonder if
she can trust her instincts. The entire town gets
involved before the truth comes out.
WHEN YOU BELIEVE is heart-wrenching and heart-warming. Ms.
Bedford does not flinch from the difficult realities of her
plot, but manages to avoid tabloid sensationalism. The
characters and their struggles are depicted with an honesty
and sensitivity that will resonate with readers who are
themselves victims of sexual abuse. WHEN YOU BELIEVE
reminds readers that God sees us through the eyes of love, and
reminds us that we are all worthy of His love. We only
need to believe.
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