Wednesday, July 1, 2009

On My Nightstand - A Kiss of Adventure by Catherine Palmer

I'm always amazed by the way the Lord brings books, people, or any number of other things to me. His timing is so perfect. Over a month ago, my mother's friend loaned me this book. Because of other commitments, it sat on my nightstand unopened.

Since I needed to return the book, I kept feeling pulled to read it. I'd never heard of the author, Catherine Palmer, but saw she was a Christy Award winner. Finally, I entered the story world, and stayed until the last thrilling scene.

"A Kiss of Adventure" is set in Mali, Africa. Matilda "Tillie" Thornton is a missionary kid, whose mother died when she and her siblings were young. Hannah, a devout African Christian, raises the youngsters, covering them in the Word of God. Now grown, Tillie, dreams of assisting the African people through agricultural research. A solid relationship with the Lord, a steady beau, and a job doing what she loves fail to quell the restlessness in her heart.

A young boy approaches her and casts a necklace with an amulet around her neck. From that moment, her life becomes a series of hair-raising adventures. A nomadic tribe is convinced she holds the key to a treasure and chases her throughout the countryside. A stranger in a Land Rover (Graeme McLeod) rescues her from them, and they work together, unraveling the mystery of the amulet.

The author conveys the setting, tension, and story with such skill you can feel hands wrapping around your waist and casting you on a camel. The hot sun and gritty sand make your skin itch and burn. You're not watching Tillie. You are Tillie.

If I gave out stars, this one wouldn't have 5. It would have as many stars as a desert sky. The inspirational messages, the course of true love, and the conflict with evil kept this suspense lover on edge to the BIG ending.

This book is an oldie, but goodie. I'll be on the lookout for more of Catherine Palmer's books. It shouldn't be hard to find them. She's written over 40 novels, and I'm thrilled our paths crossed.

8 comments:

Jody Hedlund said...

I use to read Catherine Palmer many years ago. I wonder what happened to some of those "old" authors and why they aren't publishing anymore?

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jody -

I Googled her before doing this review. She still has a website, but I didn't have time to fully explore it. If I find out anything interesting, I'll let you know.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jessica Nelson said...

I've heard of her too, and feel sure I've read at least one of her books. This one sounds great! I love romantic adventures in foreign lands. :-)
I'm glad you enjoyed it so much, and thanks for sharing!

Cindy R. Wilson said...

The book sounds fun! I am going to have to keep her in mind.

Jeanette Levellie said...

Susan: That is a LOT of stars! I like how the Lord orchestrates situations to bless us. Helps us realize how much He cares.
Love, Jen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

I gave the book a lot of stars because it was that good! BTW, Catherine Palmer is still writing books, has an excellent website, and is on Facebook.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Cindy -

With all of our schedules so tight, it's important to find books that satisfy. Catherine left me with a taste for more of her excellent writing.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

I actually learned quite a lot from the book. She did a great job with setting, as well as character development.

Blessings,
Susan :)