Still House Pond, a chronological companion to the Troublesome Creek series, entwines Copper Pelfrey and her daughter Lilly in a story both romantic and thrilling. Jan Watson continues Coppers tale as a midwife for nearby families and a mother who is hesitant to let her eldest daughter grow up. When Lilly is invited to take a cross-country trip to see her aunt, Copper nervously lets her go. The train wrecks and Coppers life is upended as she searches for knowledge of her child.
At times, the plot had difficulty getting started and the event mentioned on the back of the book occurs more than halfway through the story. Additionally, the major twist happens long before the wreck, discounting the horror of such a tragedy because the reader already comprehends the situation. However, the characters are well-developed and realistic; the reader wants to invest in their lives and dreams. Copper and Johns marriage, in particular, is an excellent example of a God-saturated Christian relationship. Their attempts to aid the survivors of the train wreck while still searching for their daughter create the most powerful scenes in the book.
Though the book description declares Lilly to be the main character, this story is mainly about Copper Pelfrey. For the first time, she must go through the experience of letting a child grow up and leave. When she does finally let Lilly go to Lexington to see her aunt, the train wrecks. The resulting calamity, instead of breaking Copper apart, has her depending on her faith in God more than ever. She grows closer to the Lord even as her family bands in the tragedy.
Still House Pond spins a charming tale. There were moments where I could not wait to turn the page and discover where the story went next. Watson gives her characters a firm foundation in Romans 8:28, which summarizes the theme of the book: All things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. Through tragedy and terror, Copper and her family depend fully on God, believing that whatever happens is in His plan. Because of a few mature themes and a scene of assault, this book may not be appropriate for younger audiences, but anyone who appreciates Jan Watson will enjoy her newest work. Valerie Taylor, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
