Nazareth's Song

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY APR 19, 2004

In Fallen Angels, the talented Hickman introduced readers to outlaw Jeb Nubey and three abandoned children caught up in the troubles of the Depression. They land in Nazareth, Ark., posing as a preacher and his family, but are soon unmasked. In this likable sequel, the Reverend Gracie becomes ill and Jeb, who has been studying hard to become a bona fide minister, takes the helm of the Church in the Dell. Readers will love the genuinely poignant break-out-the-hanky scene of the passing on of an inscribed key by Reverend Gracie to Jeb to encourage him in his new role. Leading with integrity as the pastor of the church proves more problematic than Jeb envisions, and he finds that "his faith in himself ebbed and flowed by the hour." A lack of cash causes Jeb to take a questionable side job, which later elicits heavy costs for a family in his congregation. There's trouble at home as well: Angel, now 14, has taken up with a young ruffian, and as Jeb tries to cope, he questions his abilities to care for his makeshift family. Further complicating matters is Fern Coulter, Jeb's romantic interest from the first book, who has turned cold toward him, while the wealthy Winona Mills is in hot pursuit. Hickman's language is sometimes heavy on metaphors and similes, but she knows how to spin an endearing yarn. This sweet story should delight readers of faith who enjoy a gentle, well-written read.