As former president of American Christian Fiction Writers, Cynthia Ruchti has shown her wonderful and clever way with words and phrases in topics of the week, in newsletter articles, and now in a full length novel. They Almost Always Come Home begins with a delightful premise: Did Libby's husband leave her before she had the chance to leave him, or has something more sinister happened on his wilderness vacation?
Because I am a big fan of Cynthia's, I was surprised at how the beautiful writing kept slowing down the story for me. But then, literary writing and first person stories aren't my favorite. Still the question of what happened to Libby's husband kept me turning the pages, especially as his character became more understood.
By the time Libby was sincerely grieving her husband's death, I was searching my mind frantically for what possible thing could have kept him from her, but not killed him. Then 3/4 into the novel I flip the page to "Greg's story: the day he left." I couldn't believe Cynthia would kill off her hero, but it now seemed likely.
I read and didn't sleep until I knew the truth.
I suggest you do the same; it's worth the angst.
I loved Cnythia Ruchti's book. I enjoyed the beautiful writing but, at times, like you Gloria, I needed to dash ahead to find out what happens. Ruchti made me care about her characters. I had to reread the book to relish in her craft. She gave me everything–tears, laughter, fear and surprises–along with some life lessons on love and marriage sandwiched in the suspense. I agree, it's worth the angst.