Book Review: The Sweet By and By, by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck

"Jade Fitzgerald left the pain of her past in the dust when she headed out for college a decade ago. Now she's thriving in her career and glowing in the light of Max Benson's love.

But then Jade's hippie mother, Beryl Hill, arrives in Whisper Hollow, Tennessee, for Jade's wedding along with Willow, her wild younger sister. Their arrival forces Jade to throw open the dark closets of her past--the insecurity of living with a restless, wandering mother, the silence of her absent father, and the heart-ripping pain of first-love's rejection.

Turns out Beryl has a secret of her own. She needs reconciliation with her oldest daughter before illness takes her life. In the final days leading to the wedding, Jade meets the One who shows her that the past has no hold on her future. With a little grace, they'll meet in the middle, maybe even before that sweet by and by."

Primarily authored by multi-platinum recording artist Sara Evans, I was very interested to see what this debut title would be like as I have enjoyed the story like quality of many of her music singles. It did not disappoint! It is filled with strong women, complex relationships, overcoming betrayals, that ends on a heartwarming note that indicates the next chapter in Jade's life will be a happy one indeed. You will laugh, cry, and feel the heartache along with the characters. If it seems a bit melodramatic, think future Lifetime movie special, it's okay because it's a very satifying read and one that will capture and hold your attention from the first page to the last.

Disclaimer: I received a reviewer's copy as part of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Program, the quoted text and book cover photo are from their book reviewer's materials. This review reflects my own personal and unbiased opinions and experience with this book; yours may differ.