Book Review: Never Look Back

Never Look Back is the second book in the Phantom Hollow series by Kathy Herman and picks up the story of Ivy Griffith about six months after the end of book one.

In this story, Ivy is working to get back on her feet and establish her ability to live on her own and care for Montana in her hometown. Her parents have welcomed her back, forgiven her, and fallen in love with their grandson. But Ivy still struggles with the shame of her past and can't seem to forgive herself and move on, despite the fact that she knows that God has forgiven her. The rejection and bitterness her brother shows toward her, and especially toward Montana, at the first Thanksgiving in ten years where the whole family has been together does nothing to help.

In the midst of all of this, someone is terrorizing the town - attacking and injuring the elderly. The Christian camp owned by Ivy's dad has employed two men from a Christian half-way house and suspicion falls immediately on them. Even more complications arise because Ivy and Montana have been spending a lot of time with one of them.

This is another well written mystery with a story that makes the pages fly by. As with the first book, larger issues as carefully woven in to the plot in such a way that you think about them without it impacting your ability to enjoy the story. This book covers forgiveness - of yourself and others - as well the complexities of dealing with the guilt and consequences of forgiven sin.

This book, like the first, would be an exceptional youth group or other book club book - with thoughtful discussion questions provided at the end.

You can find this on Amazon among other places.

4.5 stars out of 5

Other folks participating in this blog tour:
Betsy
Kelly
Marlo
Amanda
Amy
Ashley
Beth
CeeCee
Chad
David
Laura
Lisa
Mary
Pam
Stormi
Tiffani