Yesterday’s Embers (Clayburn Series #3) by Deborah Raney
Howard Books, 2009
On Thanksgiving Day, Douglas DeVore kissed his beloved wife goodbye, unaware that it would be the last time he would see her or their precious daughter Rachel. Left with five kids to raise on his own, and already juggling two jobs to make ends meet, Doug wonders how he will manage without Kaye’s love and support. When daycare teacher Mickey Valdez hears of the tragedy, she offers a helping hand. After all, it isn’t like she has a family of her own waiting for her at home. Then a spark ignites—but will the flame be too hot to handle?
Deborah Raney is not afraid to give us characters who represent, often with uncomfortable accuracy, the real people we live with every day. Protagonist Doug’s benevolent efforts are derailed by his distraction and self-centeredness. Doug’s love interest Mickey makes a rash decision contrary to the wise advice of people who know her. Teenager Kayeleigh crashes readers through the ups and downs of her own emotions.
But this is how life can go, isn’t it?
By the end of the book, Doug and Mickey are improving their relationship. Their five children from Doug’s late wife are moving forward. Readers will have experienced a fulfilling glimpse into one family’s genuine struggles—and emerged with the courage to face their own.
Isn’t it wonderful when writers give us a story about real people? And what about you, reader? If your life was told in story form, which areas would be in disarray? What mess would you like to move on from before this chapter ends?
(Although Yesterday’s Embers is book #3 in Raney’s Clayburn series, it can easily be read as a standalone novel.)
