On My Nightstand - An Absence So Great by Jane Kirkpatrick

Author Jane Kirkpatrick researches ordinary women in history and writes fictionalized accounts of their lives. Stick around to the end of this post for a chance to win this book.

Young Jessie Gaebele's heart aches for a forbidden love, but also wants to do the right thing. As she sees it, her only recourse is to take a position helping the owners of a photographic studio affected by mercury poisoning. Maybe she can move on with her life by pursuing her dream to open her own studio.

All the activity in the world can't quell the memories threatening her plan. The more she runs, the more she encounters her past.

The author's attention to detail, historical references, and use of actual photographs tether the reader to the setting and time period. Thoughtful inner dialogue provokes reflection on life, forgiveness, and love.

This book is the second in her Portraits of the Heart Series. While it's a stand alone novel, reading the first book, "A Flickering Light," might enrich your understanding of, "An Absence So Great."

Now for the fun stuff! To enter the drawing, please comment and leave your email address in the spam-busting format: susanjreinhardt (at) ______ (dot) com. For a second entry, either identify yourself as a Follower or become a Follower of Christian Writer/Reader Connection. Due to regulations, the contest is open to U.S. Residents only. No purchase is required to enter this drawing. You have until Friday, April 2, 2010, at midnight. The winner will be drawn on Saturday, April 3, 2010. Notification will be made via email and the winner announced on the blog.

Please note: This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.