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Critic's Corner
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BOOK
REVIEW: Mark Reynolds' life is all mapped out and running according to plan. All that remains is for he and his fiancé, Amanda, to set their wedding date. Then . . . Amanda declares she is pregnant. Big deal in these modern days? You bet it is if you are the associate minister of one of the largest churches in Houston. First, Mark's dreams and reputation are shattered by Amanda's condition. Yes, it's his fault for not adhering to his own convictions. Even so, with their plans for marriage, he does not anticipate the senior minister's announcement, "The church will not accept a minister whose intended is pregnant before marriage." Mark is let go, but the wealthy congregation does gift their golden-boy musical associate with a beautiful Martin guitar. Hooray! Saddled with these life-altering events, the young couple do marry, and Mark reluctantly accepts an assistant-pastor position at a small town church in the Texas Panhandle. But before the newlyweds head for Potter Springs, Amanda has a miscarriage. The loss of the baby devastates Amanda. Mark, on the other hand, seems almost grateful for the loss. The couple's arrival in Potter Springs, Texas, is cause for a celebration to the Lake View congregation. They've furnished a nice home for the new pastor and his wife and made the transition as comfortable as possible. Both Mark and Amanda look forward to a new start, but find themselves growing further and further apart. Perhaps it is the news that Amanda may never be able to have children. The doctor in Houston told them of this likely possibility. Or, it could be that the two have stifled communication on the actual loss of their baby. Both are hurt in their own way and totally incapable of discussing their feelings with each other or with anyone else. When Amanda's father back in Houston has a heart attack, she returns home to help her mother with his recovery. Though determined to return to Mark after her extended visit with her parents, a wrong turn toward Mexico leaves Amanda uncertain of her next move. Meanwhile Mark is left to struggle with his own future in Potter Springs, unsure of whom to trust or turn to, and—as a severe storm brews—wondering if Amanda will ever come back to him. Coleman's adept portrayal of the memorable characters in her story draws you into the lives of people you may recognize among your own family and friends, or even co-workers. This is a beautifully told tale about a small Texas community with all its positives and negatives. And, about a young couple's struggle to rebuild a marriage gone astray. "Potter Springs" is a truly American slice-of-life story related in an engaging stream-of-consciousness style. Britta Coleman, a graduate of Texas A & M University, is a journalist who writes a recurring feature for the American Globe—News called "Practically Parenting." She lives in Fort Worth with her husband, two children, and a fussy Chihuahua named Rosie. "Potter Springs" is Coleman's debut novel. Copyright Patricia Ann Jones
Save Up to 30% on this book at Amazon.com Jones is a published writer and book reviewer for Tulsa World newspaper. To comment on this review you may email pattij777@aol.com |
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