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A relational drama with a side-dish of suspense. Author, Shelley L. Houston, has set the story in a fictitious mountain town of Sage Meadows. A town which may, or may not, bear a striking resemblance to Sisters, Oregon.
The book chronicles Julia’s days as she moves from Portland to open a shop with hopes of finding a “family” in the community—maybe even a man. Although she professes her desire is to settle into a normal routine with her matched miniature schnauzer pups, Frick and Frack, she is drawn into messy developments in her new friends’ lives, and is astonished by her own fearful encounters with an incognito serial killer. What could be God’s purpose in bringing these challenges into her life?
REVIEWS:
January 2012-Paulina Springs Bookstore in Sisters, Oregon, has chosen “Julia, Coming Home” as a staff pick for February! This is an excerpt of the review that will come out in the store newsletter:
“This debut novel by Eugene author Shelley Houston has much to recommend it: a well-made plot with surprising turns, engaging characters, a knack for talking about faith without being preachy, and, of course, the local setting! I love how Houston doesn’t idealize life in Sisters, er, Sage Meadows, but shows small-town life with its ups and downs. I hope to read more from this new author.” Amanda MacNaughton
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Just finished reading “Julia, Coming Home,” by Shelley L. Houston, from beginning to end in one night! The book is a wonderful read, a romantic/suspense with realistic characters in a realistic small town. Houston’s writing is reminiscent of Melody Carlson’s adult fiction. I highly recommend it to readers from teens to Baby Boomers and beyond. ~ Linda Shands – Author of Seasons Remembered series and Wakara of Eagle Lodge series.
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The very first line this intriguing suspense novel drew me in. The Central Oregon setting is also one I particularly enjoy visiting, so that added to the delight. Shelley Houston’s characters seem uniquely real, like individuals one might meet in a new town, just as the main character, Julia, did when she moved to Sage Meadows to open her dream business. (I also love books, so her bookshop is a winner in my view.) Each person’s actions and reactions make the story read true.
The tension increases as Julia realizes someone is out to get her. Is she next on the murderer’s list? Could any of the men showing interest in her actually be a killer? The plot calls to mind Mary Higgins Clark’s style. Readers who enjoy that genre will want to read Julia. It’s well constructed and well edited, something I appreciate since I see so many poorly edited books these days. Shelley also pulled off a great plot twist realistically. (I hate convenient coincidences to move a story forward or tie up loose ends.) I look forward to this debut author’s next book.
When will your next book come out?
Mary Hake (OCW President)
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This is a delightful story with an engaging heroine. I loved following Julia as she made a new beginning in a new place, meeting more challenges than she had counted on and figuring out how to ‘work out her faith’ in an unfamiliar place. The plot is exciting, yet believable. ~ Marjorie Barker – author of Magical Hands
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“Redemption is one of the most mysterious and beautiful works of God in our lives; it is more than forgiveness, it is transformation. In her first novel, Julia, Houston dramatically portrays how God can take the ashes of our sin, regret and shattered dreams and mold them into treasures to satisfy our deepest longings.” ~ Kyle Liedtke, Radio Host and founder of Mediatalk Communications
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From Amazon reviewers:
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. They seem like people you might know and love or roll your eyes at. Even the dogs are a hoot. The story moves at a good pace and is engaging throughout. I’d read it again! BBookworm
I didn’t know what to expect when I read this book, and was pleasantly surprised at how well-written it was. The characters began to feel like family and I had to keep reading to find out what happened next. Great Christian message throughout, written with real life issues and a touch of suspense. I plan to pass this book along to others. Eyesup
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Requests for excerpts or endorsements:
Just Dust Publishers
P.O.Box 24312
Eugene, OR 97402
