Words Unspoken

What do an elderly driving instructor, a young missionary mom in France, a reclusive author, a stockbroker, an assistant publisher, and a wealthy socialite have to do with a young teenager reeling from the death of her mom in an automobile accident? Not much, at least that’s how it appears at the start of Elizabeth Musser’s novel Words Unspoken. What begins as seemingly unrelated vignettes featuring the characters I’ve listed soon becomes an intertwining story of heartbreak and redemption.

Lissa Randall’s future was bright with academic promise until the tragic accident that took her mother’s life–and brought her own plans to a screeching halt. Eighteen months later, she still can’t get back behind the wheel.

A casual recommendation to Ev McAllistair’s driving school sets in motion a cascade of events… until Lissa begins to wonder if maybe, just maybe, life isn’t as random as she’s thought.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lookout Mountain, TN, Words Unspoken weaves together a vibrant cast of characters whose intertwining stories of courage, choice, heartbreak, and hope will hold you captive until the final page.

I have to tell you, I was a little doubtful when I first began reading Words Unspoken. I mean, really, when was the last time you read in a novel framed around, among other things, the junk bond market and subsequent crash in the 80s? Plus, the premise seemed to contain a few holes in it. However, all reservations fled as I delved further into the novel and found myself caught up in Musser’s tale of secret pain and the voices that seek to shackle and imprison.

Despite the slow start, I really liked this book. Words Unspoken is a complex story with a clear message of hope. As Lissa begins to realize that circumstances are not random, the reader is reminded that God is indeed in control and it is His voice that offers peace in heartache. If you’d like to know more about this novel, publisher Bethany House has provided an excerpt here.

Wife and mother, Bible teacher and blogger, Lisa loves Jesus, coffee, dark chocolate and, of course, books. Read more of her reflections at Lisa writes….