Saints in Limbo

Saints in Limbo, by River Jordan, is kind of an odd book. In the prologue, a stranger arrives. "For a time the man and the whirlwind were one and the same. Man and Whirlwind. Whirlwind and man. But after a long moment, but still only a moment, the man stepped straight out of that wind, and without the least bit of tussle, he planted his boots on solid ground. And in this exact manner, on this kind of day, the man was born feetfirst onto the earth....He was a million miles roamed and completely at home. King to the subjects who might demand, but simple statesman to the orphan clan." (pg. 3)

The main character, Velma True, is an elderly woman who has lived alone since her husband's death. Depressed, she has taken to stringing guide lines from her front porch to various outlying areas on the property. She does not venture out past the lines. This particular day happens to be her birthday, and the mysterious stranger appears on her doorstep. He exudes a warmth, peace and comforting "light." She feels completely at ease, telling him all about her current circumstances. He presents her with a special rock. Throughout Saints in Limbo, it spirits her away in her memories, to different stages in her life. The stranger warns Velma that mysterious "scouts" will be looking for it, but not to let them have it.

I was about halfway through Saints in Limbo before I was curious enough to read on and see how it would end. There are dark appearances of a scout described as something with "gray arms", or "a strangely rubbery body," to a "smoky winged thing." There are spiritual nuances. A grown son that has some maturing to do, a young girl who hitchhikes to the town, a sensible bar owner, plus a no-nonsense friend all team up to aid each other. Velma eventually emerges from her depression and is freed to hope in the future.

Saints in Limbo is newly published in paperback by WaterBrook Press.
Check here for more information.
I have two copies to give away.