- Hardcover:352 pages
- Publisher:Random House (July 12, 2011)
- ISBN-10: 0385344082
- Source: Publisher
Every summer, the first Sunday in June, the Moses family gathers for a family reunion on the family’s hundred-acre farm in Arkansas. To Willadee Moses, it is a chance for her to spend time with her mother and father, Calla and Joseph. Her husband Samuel Lake’s role as a Methodist minister requires their family to move quite frequently.
The timing of the reunion always frustrated Willadee; it takes place the same weekend of the annual conference in which Methodist ministers in Louisiana found out whether they get to stay or move to another parrish. This shift is made depending on how happy the district superintendents were with the minster’s “service.” Samuel, known to unintentionally ruffle feathers, is often asked to move.
Just as the reunion is kicking off, a horrible family tragedy takes place, forcing the family to come together like never before. Additionally, Samuel learns he has lost his parrish. These events, among many others, require a season for change for the Moses family.
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake is a novel flowing with rich characters. They are so real, so vivid, it’s not hard to find characteristics of one’s own family within them. My favorite is the feisty, out-spoken Swan Lake, daughter to Samuel and Willadee. Known to say what she thinks, nevermind the consequences, Swan lets down her shield to protect a young boy, horribly abused by his father. She literally risks life & limb to keep him from further harm. The relationship she forms with this young boy, Blade, is an endearing one, a relationship that forever changes the unlikely duo.
A second character I felt drawn to was Samuel Lake. He’s a devoted, hard-working husband and father, left without a job and a home for his family. He’s forced to question everything he’s known, including his faith. All the tragedies thrust upon his family result in an overall evolution in his character, and his family as a whole.
The Homecoming of Samuel Lake is a novel you can’t help but fall in love with. Rich in Southern charm and humor, family drama & tragedy; so many elements to experience and explore. I can see this being the perfect book club discussion book, the themes of good vs. evil, forgiveness and hope are guaranteed to generate a great deal of discussion.
Bottom line, The Homecoming of Samuel Lake is a novel the reader will remember for some time, with characters that will truly find a place in your heart. While seemingly full of tragedy, this book will leave you with an overwhelming sense of hope. This book has earned a position on my list of top books of 2011. Highly recommended.
Thank you to TLC Book Tours for providing me the opportunity to review this book. Please be sure to check out the book’s tour web page and visit the other stops along the tour.
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