New to Silver Falls, Oregon, army wife Elise Shelton wanders into Rebekah Graham's scrapbooking store looking for . . . something. What she discovers is a community of women who support each other through deployed husbands, rebellious sons, ailing daughters, and personal guilt. A story of finding unlikely friendships, overcoming fear, and growing in faith. 352 pages, softcover from Waterbrook.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
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5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sallie Fisher (Pasco, WA), May 08, 2008
Leslie Gould is adept at creating people and situations with the universality that marks good literature. Her characters are understandable and believable. Her experience as an army wife gives her insight into the emotions and problems faced by those who remain at home when the soldier goes to war. Her writing expresses those feelings. She also understands how troubles can multiply for a family, bringing everyone to their knees. I really enjoyed Scrap Everything.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner (Morrow, Ga), September 11, 2006
With Dr. Ted Shelton leaving the military, his wife Elise and their two sons Michael and Mark know that their nomadic lifestyle is over. The family is moving from Fort Carson, Colorado to spend some time with his father John in his hometown of Forest Falls, Oregon before moving on to Seattle at least that is Elise’s thoughts; Ted thinks his hometown is the best place in the world and no one will want to leave it.
In Forest falls, Elise meets scrapbook store owner Rebekiah Graham, her spouse Patrick and their two children Reid and Pepper. They become friends though the newcomer thinks a scrapbook store is so inane. Not long afterward, Ted is recalled to duty by the Third Medical Command in Fort Gillem, Georgia, which means a tour of the war zone. As she struggles to cope, her oldest son begins to get into trouble. Meanwhile Pepper, the twelve year old who has a history of kidney trouble now needs a transplant. The townsfolk rally around both families who both pray to God for miracles.
Though too much is going on in the lives of the two women, readers will appreciate this inspirational family drama due to a strong cast. Elise and Rebekiah, though two diverse personalities, are fine caring people who forge a sisterhood to help them cope with the dark days ahead. Though Elise’s sense of guilt re her spouse and her sons seems unrealistic and unnecessary, she and her friend find inspiration in the support of the locals and with the Lord as both begins to believe in God’s message of hope. On top of all this is a reference to the best kept secret in the army: Fort Gillem.
Harriet Klausner
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