These Empty Places By Sarah Loudin Thomas

These Empty Places

by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 9780764245930

I always enjoy this author's stories! She easily transports readers back to 1930s North Carolina and brings it to life with her knowledge of the time and place. I always feel like I'm right in the story with her character because she does such a great job of bringing them to life. Thanks to the publisher for sending me the book for review.

Summary:

When their worlds are upended, two women brought together by their loss discover what truly matters most. 

Claire Roth sacrificed love for a life of comfort on Lake Toxaway--until the dam broke, and the lake washed down the side of the mountain. Fourteen years later, she longs to see the lake restored to its former glory even as the country faces hard economic times on the eve of the Great Depression. 

Socialite Lena Hawkins married her first love, who swept her off her feet after skyrocketing from rags to riches by speculating in the stock market. Now penniless and rejected by her family, Lena and her husband have arrived at Lake Toxaway for a fresh start. There, Lena forms an unexpected connection with Claire, who hires her to assist with the personal library Claire is building to provide jobs and education for their struggling North Carolina community. When Claire is given a second chance at love and Lena a tempting chance at a life of independence, both women must release the past to fill tomorrow with promise.

Sarah Loudin Thomas paints a rich Southern historical story of friendship, second-chance romance, and new beginnings set in small-town North Carolina on the eve of the Great Depression. This read is perfect for book clubs and fans of Patti Callahan and Lisa Wingate.

My Review:

If you ever want to read an author who transports you fully to a specific place and time, this author does it in spades. She brings to life the characters and setting in a beautiful way in These Empty Places. 

I was riveted to Claire's story. Maybe it was because she was an "older" FMC or maybe it was her no-nonsense ways. Being a widow, and now 47 in the story, she has no expectations of romance. Her young adult daughter, Millie, also plays into the story, but while you could see her growth throughout the story, she occasionally rubbed me wrong.

The other FMC is Lena, who ends up at Lake Toxaway after her husband loses all of their money in the stock market crash, and moves with Preston to live with his brother & wife. Preston is a piece of work to say the least. Lena is altruistic! She is such an encourager to all around her, even her husband who is always looking for the next "get rich quick" scheme. Unfortunately, that lands them in a heap of trouble.

Claire sees Lena's potential and that they come from a similar background. Lena is refined, but because of her love and belief in Preston, is willing to live without. Claire, in the midst of some crazy life changes, is incredibly good to Lena. Giving her wisdom, guidance, and a helping hand during some really hard times.

I don't want to leave out mention of John Bellamy, who plays a significant role in the story. He easily wins me over and I love his determination and pursuit of the woman he has in his sights. Also, Mrs. Knight, Claire's housekeeper/friend is rather firm and closed off, but I had moments where I warmed up to her.

The story didn't have an overly strong faith thread. It's really more towards the end when one of the characters has growth and leans on faith where we see it most. Otherwise, it's more about "luck" and really relying on yourself, than anything pointing towards the Lord. l would say this was more of a clean read.

About the Author:

Sarah Loudin Thomas is the ECPA bestselling author of numerous acclaimed novels and winner of the 2021 Selah Book of the Year and of the 2015 INSPY Award. She has worked in public relations for Biltmore Estate and was the founding director of Jan Karon's Mitford Museum. She now divides her time between writing and leading a ministry serving foster and adoptive families. Learn more at SarahLoudinThomas.com.