First, I have to say that I don’t normally read books like this, but I was looking for something a little out of my comfort zone and this book sounded intriguing. Well, I am most certainly glad I took the chance on Sam Rawlins’s “A Return to Meadow Wood”! This was a captivating novel and very impressive for a debut (at least this is the only book by this author that I could find). There is such strong, vivid writing, and the characters are all fascinating, and flawed, and going through their own transitions, especially the main character Jack Holden. GREAT character development with him, (even when the developing situation is rather sad) and
everything just felt “authentic” for lack of a better word. Dialogue, interactions, scenes, descriptions…In all honestly this is a very different type of book that I think people will be surprised how much it can touch your soul on different levels – from asking profound life questions, to facing personal demons, to meeting ‘guardian angels’ who can save your life journey…. This book is literary, but there is also plenty of action with the war stories and the huge storm that seems to be a great metaphor for Jack’s life. I really liked how it’s different from most books I’ve read that were also “spiritual”, and although it might seem religious, I believe
that it will certainly appeal to a wide audience. Some proofing issues and some tough scenes, but all in all I found it to be a very good read that I’d recommend even to those who don’t normally read this sort of thing…try it, you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
CJ