Review: Runaway Saint by Lisa Samson

When her aunt shows up homeless on her doorstep, Sara suspects anything but a miracle.

Sara’s an artist with a supportive husband and a house that folks on her block admire outright. But she’s restless and bored with life.

Then her legendary Aunt Bel shows up, wearing a smile after years without a word.

Twenty years ago, fresh out of college, Bel left for a summer missions trip and never returned. Now she’s on Sara’s doorstep, looking for a place to crash. Sara can’t say no to family, even if she hasn’t seen Bel since she was a nine-year-old girl. But saying yes to Bel turns Sara’s whole precariously-balanced life upside down.

The enigmatic Bel gives Sara’s family and their community a jolt of fresh thinking and clarity.

But Bel is hiding something. Though she won’t talk about it, Sara soon learns that Bel has been through a hellish ordeal. And she has the burn marks to prove it.

I didn't know the author of this book or her other writing, but I figured this was a mainstream book when I ordered it on Vine. I kept expecting things to turn to the worse as an arty book would do. Things certainly aren't all roses for some of the character's, but this was one of the most uplifting books I've ever read. Once in a great while I read something that just emanates spirituality.

This book spoke to me on so many levels. First, as a great read with a compelling story line, with interesting, realistic characters. I also loved how the author so artfully described a woman at a crossroads, who turns to her family, her roots, and her faith to find direction and a new purpose. The best books are ones you think about after the last page, and I know this one will stay with me for quite some time. This book captured my interest on the first page and I knew right away I would love it.

This was the first book I read by this author and I was not disappointed. I will be looking for more of Lisa Wingate's stories - and I plan to keep her as one of my "must read" authors.