Before And After
If Only by T.K. Chapin is a marvellous Christian thriller. I just could not put it down. Everything that T.K. Chapin writes is fabulous but this story tops it all. It really was an edge of your seat ride that had me guessing from the start. The action twisted this way and that throwing out a few red herrings along the way.
The novel is written in two different time periods and in the first person from two different viewpoints. There is a clear defining moment where the action is then ‘before’ and ‘after’ – all very cleverly done.
God is at the centre. “It’s in the silence and stillness that we can find God.” Sometimes we are so busy rushing around that we miss God but God is always there for us.
There is the theme of hope – when all looks bleak, turn to God and hold on to hope. Keep praying, keep asking, keep hoping and grow your relationship with God.
The novel shows that being a Christian does not prevent you from having tough times. However in the tough times, God will walk alongside you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
There are the difficult topics of infertility and broken marriages explored in the novel. As well as the theme of single parenting.
I got completely caught up in the action and lost myself in If Only for a few hours. It’s a fabulous read and a departure from T.K. Chapin’s usual genre but I want more, more, more.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
JULIA WILSON