Kicking

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY FEB 8, 2021

Merrill (The Prima Donna) kicks off the New Beginnings series with a potent tale of betrayal, faith, and forgiveness. When long-suffering pastor's wife Tonya Mendell discovers her husband is having an affair with a congregant, it is the couple's preteen daughter, Emma, who feels the brunt of the trauma. After being humiliated by a best friend turned mean girl, Emma gets into a fight with her parents, storms out of the house, and is welcomed into the home of the neighborhood recluse, Fiona Patterson. While Emma's parents continue their marital charade in an attempt to keep Roy's pastoral position, Emma finds solace with Fiona and the Puddys, a "weirdo" homeschool family she is forced to spend time with but previously disregarded, who prove to be more reliable than Emma's own family. Meanwhile, in a separate story line, seven elderly women have been told their diocese is shuttering their church. In response, they start New Beginnings in a dilapidated old building. The services are unconventional, but they just might be what Tonya, Emma, Fiona, and the Puddy family need. Merrill's theological insight on God's grace amid difficult circumstances resonates and will have readers anticipating the next installment. Fans of Francine Rivers should take a look. (Self-published)