Title: Argosy JunctionAuthor: Chautona Havig
Synopsis from the back of the book:
Argosy Jct. Montana~
Pop. 13,223
Lane~ Five years after her family broke ties with The Brethren, the cult-like church still has firm ties wrapped around her heart and soul. The more she rejects them, the Lord, and anyone who claims a relationship with Christ, the more she realizes how empty life can be.
Matt~ Fresh from the inner city, Matt arrives in Argosy Jct. ready to explore the Montana countryside. He's prepared for anything but sheep, cults, and a rancher's daughter with a chip on her shoulder.
Not until she saves Matt from assault by sheep does Lane begin to understand that Christianity is a relationship rather than a checklist to godliness. Before he met Lane, Matt never understood how damaging the body of Christ can be to its own.
Join them as they explore Montana, Rockland, and the possibility of a merge between two very different worlds.
Argosy Junction is the second book in the Rockland Chronicles.
I was so excited to receive this book this summer when it finally came out! Having read the author's first book (twice) early in March, when I heard she had another ready, I was one of the first in line to order my own copy.
A large part of the story is told through letters and e-mails, giving a definite glimpse into the minds of the characters. Most of the third-person narrative is written this way as well. As a result, as the story unfolds, you are given more insight into each of the personalities involved and the stories of their pasts, both collective and individual, are woven together in a riveting manner.
It is interesting to see the intersection of the outwardly simple, but inwardly painful, life of Lane Argosy and her family with the seemingly unorthodox yet strong, solid faith of Matt Rushby.
While I don't agree with all of the theological conclusions of the book, I was convicted about all of the "trappings" that we add to Biblical Christianity. The story was especially poignant, as the main character kept bringing to mind someone that I had met shortly before I read the book and how her faith has been shaped, or rather warped, by a particularly judgmental and pharisaical church. There is much truth regarding the dangers of artificial rules being added to our faith and relationship with Christ. These rules can affect our relationship with Jesus and with the rest of His body, the Church. They also paint a warped picture for those who are looking in from outside of the Church.
I'm hoping for a sequel to Argosy Junction and can't wait to see where the characters end up!
If you'd like to win a copy of the book to read it for yourself, comment on this post. The author is planning to give away a copy to someone who comments on a blog review of her book. Also, I have an extra signed copy that I will give away to a commenter of mine as well. The author will conduct her drawing on October 31 at 9:00 p.m. PST. My drawing will take place on November 1st or 2nd (when I get around to it), but will include all comments from before midnight on October 31.
If you are interested in learning more about the author and her other books, you can visit her website at: Chautona.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I realize that has been a long time since I've posted, given that Joanna or, if you prefer, "Maggie" is now 7.5 months old. So, when Chautona issued a challenge/contest to review her book, I thought it was a perfect way to get back into my blogging and support someone who I respect and whose writing I enjoy. If I ever get around to it, my next post will be our "Three-Week Vacation Saga: the Eastern United States Version" complete with pictures and the journal of our travels to Kentucky, Virginia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
It will be interesting to see if anyone still checks this or if you've all given up on me.
