Miracle in a Dry Season

Miracle in a Dry Season is a beautiful story by Sarah Loudin Thomas set in the 1950’s in Wise, West Virginia.

Wise is just like any other small town in the 1950’s.  Everyone knows everyone else’s business, and the church is the center of the town.  But the people are in a spiritual drought, not even realizing the hardness of their own hearts.

Enter Perla Long – a young woman who has made her own mistakes and brings with her a young daughter, Sadie.  Perla is trying to escape her problems by coming to stay with her aunt and uncle, who own the small general store in town.  But rumors begin to fly, and no one wants to accept the young mother into their tight-knit community.

As summer begins to settle on the small town, the sun never seems to stop beating down on the crops, and rain is nowhere in sight.  Before long, wells are running dry, and food is beginning to get scarce.  As people begin to worry about the future of the town, tongues begin to wag and fingers begin to point to the newest member of the community.  After all, isn’t God punishing them for her sin?

But even as Perla suffers under the scrutiny of the town gossips, she still pitches in to help by offering to cook for the town.  But when her cooking seems to produce more than enough food for everyone during the drought, her reputation begins to change from mere town harlot to possible town witch.

Casewell Phillips has set his sights on being a bachelor.  But when he meets Perla, he begins to wonder what it would be like to have a family.  As he spends time with Perla, his own heart begins to soften, and he begins to find a way to mend his relationship with his father.

As the town suffers through a season of drought, can they find God in their midst?  Can Perla receive and give forgiveness?  And will Casewell finally know his father’s love?

This is Thomas’ first book, and I believe she has a God-given talent.  She beautifully weaves the truths of God’s grace throughout her story, never straying from the truth of the Gospel.  Her story reminded me to look for God’s miracles in every day circumstances and to not doubt the things that seem unbelievable.  I look forward to reading this author’s future works.

*This book was provided by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review.  All opinions are my own.