Beauty by K. Lumpkin

Meet Author K. (Kenya) Lumpkin:

"K. Lumpkin began writing and illustrating books at the age of 4. Currently, she is a wife and mother of two adolescents who make the simplest things in life exciting. K. Lumpkin and her family have lived in Latin America and various states in the U.S.

When not homeschooling and learning with as well as from her teens and when a breath can be caught, she enjoys the pleasures of her early years — writing, reading, dancing and painting.

River (previously titled Fire Clouds) and Beauty (previously titled Beauty for Ashes) are the next installments in the series of the novel you currently hold in your hands. K. Lumpkin is also the author of Nothing in Time Separating." ~Goodreads

"I wouldn't give love up if there was any way I could control it. It's precious, and it's not that easy to find."

David said he'd never hurt her but Kyana has never experienced such searing pain. A madman has snatched the love of her life away from her and she doesn't know how to find him.

Micah, always so cool, calm, and together, is on the brink of explosion. One vile serpent already took his brother away from him and another snake is in wait to do the same with Olivia. But Micah won't let that happen. What does God want? Micah isn't listening to God any more. He wants his brother back, he wants his woman safe, and he wants revenge.

Olivia does not recognize the man Micah is becoming. The change in him shakes her nearly as much as her terrifying past that is one step away from catching up to her.

Destruction brings tests of faith that promise to leave behind ashes. Yet beyond the danger, fear, hurt, and fragments, something unexpected is born.

LOVE and BEAUTY.

"To bestow upon them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning."



Find her work and more about her at these sites:


Numeric Breakdown:

1: didn't like it/skip it
2: it was okay/it wasn't for me
3. liked it/worth a read
4. really liked it/loved it
5. it was amazing/must read!


The final book in a series about faith, hope, and love. These characters show us the true meaning of belief and forgiveness. 

Author K. Lumpkin doesn't pull any punches when beginning her third installment of her Quenching the Fire series. After reading Fire and River, I wanted to find out what happened next with her courageous characters. She takes us back to book two, in a sense, by revealing what had happened to David Mitchell in those last moments. Afterward, she gives us the chapters we need to see how life has been for Micah Mitchell with his relationship to Olivia Moore and also Kyana Cel`on. All four characters have had a significant amount of negative relationships, crazy ex's, and so much more. For this last book in the series, we're finally getting the "what happens next" in the world of these strong characters.

First, we are taken back to what had happened before David Mitchell was declared dead. We're given more insight into the plan Larry Wasp had in store, and we're introduced to a whole new family: the Richards. They become a key part of David's story, and the reader has a few good samaritans to admire.

Next, we see how Micah Mitchell is handling the loss of his brother as well as the escape of the man who ruined his fiancé's life. Hiring a private detective to go after Nigel doesn't take away Micah's sense of rage and need for revenge. For several chapters, we're shown how Micah deals with all of these emotions and what really matters to him.

Third, we have Kyana's grief and anger as well as her determination to prove David isn't dead and have Larry found. This storyline gives us her dealings with police officer and friend Ben Adams and Camille and Natasha's support. Despite the circumstances, the reader finds Kyana hoping and praying for the best.

Throughout, the only wish I had came from a desire to see a bit more action and dialogue as opposed to the consistent narrative about past or present events. A few of the plot lines could have had a bit more time spent on them as well, but overall, the meaning and characters brought a constructive and optimistic balance to the tale. It was enjoyable to see these characters brought to life once more and given the chance to end on a more positive note.

Within each of these subplots, we see the characters grow, adapt, and develop to the experiences and tragedies life has dealt them. Their strength of character and faith help them from crossing huge lines and share a personal testimony. This is brought about through their dialogue with each other, the Lord, and their actions as they face beyond-difficult realities. The underlying message of conviction, trust, and confidence is a powerful and appreciated theme.

Readers will find this story full of resolved conflicts, hope for the future, and a willingness to forgive. Author K. Lumpkin does a lovely job of pulling all the threads together and giving a satisfying ending. It's definitely "worth a read" and provides a positive and buoyant ending to a complicated, heartfelt, and thrilling series. With that, I share a 3/5 rating to encourage others to give it a read.

Thanks to the author and Reedsy Discovery for providing an ARC copy for me to read and review.





Thanks for joining me, and as always, Happy Reading!! :)
~Rebecca Reddell, Author

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

It's All Going Downhill From Here: Spy School Goes South by Stuart Gibbs

My Top 5 WWII Movies: Book Research

Nobody's Victim by Carrie Goldberg