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Summary: Forgiveness and Hope
Review: The book illustrates very well how situations that seem to have no possible solutions can be resolved through a loving and just God. It shows that God can work even when we don't trust Him and go on our own path. A book that once started is hard to put down because of wonder on how the author will reconcile the issues which is done in a wonderful way.
Rating: 
Summary: Powerful
Review: This was a very powerful book. I don't think anyone could read it and not be touched. I will never forget this story.
Rating:
Summary: Honest and Original without being Sensationalistic
Review: To consider just the concept of this book brings to mind mid-day talk shows and tabloids instead of an insightful work of fiction. But it simply proves that Deborah Raney is an extremely talented author who can tackle a bizarre situation without succumbing to the error of sensationalism. The story of Daria, Nathan, and Colson moved my spirit deeply as she confronted fears many women face -- that of losing the love of their life, of being alone and the grief and pain it brings. The tone of the book, on first impression, is tragic, but the genius is the hope it inspires. There is nothing we humans can do that will mess up God's plans. We can't fail so badly that He shakes His head and says, "Well, I have no idea what to do now." Instead, this book shows that even a huge mistake can be used by God to bring blessing and a deeper understanding of His love and compassion. I'd like to correct some errors made in a previous review by an anonymous reader. She felt that Daria's behavior at her husband's memorial service showed a lack of genuine feeling because she wasn't behaving in a completely devestated way. I think the author is actually trying to show 1) that a person who has given control of her life to the Lord has a joy and hope that transcends even the darkest moments of life, and 2) people in mourning need all the opportunities to smile and feel like "their old selves" that they can obtain. It's part of the healing process, and is natural and healthy. Second, the other reader felt that Daria's relationship with Colson was inappropriate and unrealistic so soon after her husband's presumed death. She refers to the quote on page 62 about Colson's touch being "strangely intimate" as if Daria's attraction to him began there. This is out of context. The idea was that the "strangely intimate" contact was unpleasent to her, not that it attracted her. Her daughter was nuzzling the man, trying to nurse! The entire episode would have been painfully embarrasing, not romantic. By page 83, all Daria has done is tearfully confessed to her mother that she LIKES Colson, and she feels a good amount of guilt over it. Perhaps it is more romantic to think of people pining for their lost loves the rest of their lives, but reality is that most people do move beyond their grief. And for Daria, it seems that the need to heal would have been especially pressing considering she had a child to think of as well. Her loneliness and desire for companionship seems to me to point more to the depths of her grief and loss rather than to a lack of feeling. The rest of the reader's review is not worth comment, except to say that she attempts to distort the true path of the story into something it is not. I highly recommend Beneath a Southern Sky for anyone who has ever wondered what they would do if their spouse was taken suddenly from them. Despite Daria's lack of heed to the Lord's voice, her story is one that shows there IS life after the death of a loved one, and that healing is possible as well as a fulfilling peace in the aftermath of a tragedy.
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Summary: A POWERFUL THEME!
Review: Was pulled into this story by the powerful theme and just had to find out how the author would resolve a very painful dilemma. This was an adept handling of a tragic circumstance with emotional sensitivity and biblical, spiritual principles. The epilogue especially rounds off the satisfying conclusion. Probing lessons for the readers to consider for their own lives.
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Summary: My romrevtoday.com review
Review: While on a mission in South America, Daria Camfield's husband, Dr. Nathan Camfield, travels to a nearby town to treat a possible outbreak of dengue fever. Daria fears for her husband's safety but relies on God to see him through. Her faith is shattered a few weeks later when his guides return with stories of his tragic death in a cabin fire. Daria returns to her home in Kansas where she soon learns she is pregnant. She finds a job in a nearby veterinary practice and begins her new life. Daria's new boss, Dr. Colson Hunter, is recovering from his wife's suicide. Cole has also lost faith in God, and together they befriend one another and soon fall in love. A year and a half after Nathan's death, Daria remarries and is overjoyed a few months later when she becomes pregnant again. Joy then turns to dread when a telegram arrives stating Nathan was found alive and is coming home. BENEATH A SOUTHERN SKY is an extremely satisfying love story that uses references to God without an excess of preaching. A skilled use of dialogue blends with narrative to create strong, believable characters. Cole and Daria have a superb relationship that is also realistic with parenting conflicts, disapproving in-laws and the return of her first husband for whom Daria still has intense feelings. She does not rush to a decision but weighs all the pros and cons and places her trust in God to find the best solution for the children involved. The gripping storyline flows with a fast pace that held my interest from the first page. Have a Kleenex on hand and let BENEATH A SOUTHERN SKY sweep you away for a few hours.
Rating:
Summary: Riveting!
Review: Who Should Read: lovers of human drama, romance, and inspiratonal fiction. Review: Oh, the choices we make without the guidance from the Lord! Daria Camfield went into the mission field more out of love for her husband, Dr. Nathan Camfield, than in obedience to God's call. When Nate is reported killed in the jungles of Colombia, she is left alone--with the exception of the baby growing inside her. When Daria returns to the U.S., she is returning to more than her family. She must now build a new life for her daughter and herself. Part of that new life includes the handsome & personalble Dr. Colson Hunter. When Cole asks for Daria's hand in marriage, she quickly says yes. The early days of Daria's marriage to Cole sees both good and bad days and is eventually blessed with the forthcoming arrival of another child. Life finally seems to be settling down to a happy medium when the unthinkable happens: Dr. nathan Camfield has been found...alive! Personal Comments: Few books rivet me; this is one of those. Ms. Raney so carefully created her characters and researched her subject matter. I woke up early--to read. I carried the book with me--to read. It shared teatime with me and I took it to bed for "just a few more pages" before falling asleep. Challenge: Prepare for a huge knot in your throat as Daria and Nate make the most difficult decision of their lives. See if you can get thru the last few chapters with tears.
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