"Edgy" Christian fiction that packs a powerful gospel punch—that's how I'd describe Lu. by Beth Troy.
"There’s great hope where the road meets the sky – maybe even an answer. But this road leads home. Just home. I thought I’d finished writing that story years ago, but then yesterday’s story happened – the one about the boy who cheats and the girl who leaves."
Lu Sokolowski never planned to return to her small hometown of Dunlap’s Creek, but it’s the only place she can think of to go after her boyfriend cheats on her. Moving back in with her family lets her run away from her problems, but it also means suffering their attempts to reassemble her failed life, including arranging a job as the wedding beat writer at the local paper and setting her up with Jackson, the divorced pastor of her family’s church. Unexpected success and friendships restore Lu to the family and faith she’d left behind. But when the small-town life Lu never intended shakes up, will she run again?
Lu’s story is a journey of a woman back to her family, her faith, and herself. It’s about second chances and the unchosen circumstances that press the point of who we are and what we believe. Are we the sum of our successes and failures, or does our identity rest in a greater hope?
Most of what I read is romance of the Christian or clean variety. I assumed that's what I was getting with Lu. (Clearly, I didn't read the synopsis first.) Instead, I got one woman's honest search for Truth wrapped up in a powerful story. And, for the first time I can remember, I actually enjoyed—even welcomed—the snippets of sermons included in the pages.
Lu. is difficult to describe. It's clearly Christian fiction, in that it's all about Lu's journey to finding Christ. But it's also edgier than most Christian fiction, in that it includes a smattering of swear words and a fade-out sex scene (totally non-explicit, and it's an integral part of the plot). It's incredibly thought provoking, and it makes me want to go back and read the Bible passages mentioned, especially Ecclesiastes.
This book isn't for someone who wants squeaky-clean fiction, but it is for someone who appreciates a realistic, thoughtful story and doesn't mind a little grit. I highly recommend it. 4-1/2 stars.
Buy the book (affiliate link).
Beth Troy is a writer known for her modern take on Christian fiction through stories that portray an intuitive understanding and relevant application of how women today come to know and experience God. Her debut novel, Lu, was praised by readers for its wit, relatability, grit, and scriptural depth.
Beth lives in Ohio with her husband and three sons, and she teaches courses in Creativity and Women & Entrepreneurship at Miami University. You can read more about her writing and life at her site: bethtroy.com.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I borrowed this book through Kindle Unlimited and chose to review it. The opinions expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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