The Silver Suitcase

GIVEAWAY

TODD, TERRIE
THE SILVER SUITCASE

On the brink of World War II, a young girl makes a choice that echoes through generations.

It's 1939, and Canada is on the cusp of entering World War II. Seventeen-year-old farm girl Cornelia has been heartbroken since the day her mother died five years ago. As a new tragedy provides Cornelia still more reason to reject her parents' faith, a mysterious visitor appears in her hour of hopelessness. Alone and carrying a heavy secret, she makes a desperate choice that will haunt her for years to come. Never telling a soul, Cornelia pours out the painful events of the war in her diary.

Many decades later, Cornelia's granddaughter, Benita, is in the midst of her own crisis, experiencing several losses in the same week, including her job and the grandmother she adored. The resulting emotional and financial stress takes its toll on her and her husband, Ken, who is unemployed. On the brink of divorce, she discovers Cornelia's diary. Now the secrets of her grandmother's past will lead Benita on an unexpected journey of healing, reunion, and faith.

My Review:

What an exceptional debut novel! It has so much going for it. Canadian author. Dual timelines. Solid inspirational thread. Quality storytelling. I was completely captivated from page one.

The story flips between decades -- the past both from Cornelia's viewpoint and from her diary entries -- and the present from her granddaughter, Benita's perspective. The author fuses this generational story through tragedy and triumph as Benita begins to put unexpected pieces of her grandmother's past together. And in the process, she learns a lot about herself and her own relationships.

The faith thread is strong and moving and anchors both women in the midst of life struggles. The epilogue gave me goosebumps -- the way the author reveals the fruition of an inspired promise in the most unexpected of ways.

Though I'd label this as 'Women's Fiction' there are a few pivotal romance threads that flush out these women's lives in various ways. A truly inspiring and captivating story.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Silver Suitcase please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you post a comment and add your email address please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 12 2017.  Offer open to international readers. Good luck!