A Sundog Moment
Sharon Baldacci
(Reviewer - Rev. Marie D. Jones)
2004 Warner Faith
ISBN: 0446533661

A woman struggles to find renewed faith as she deals with a debilitating illness.

Associate Reviewer Rev. Marie Jones writes:

The Baldacci family must have an author gene because Sharon Baldacci's debut novel A Sundog Moment is a wonderfully inspiring & moving work of fiction. You may know her popular author/brother's name - David Baldacci, & now Sharon will take her place beside him as an original & provocative storyteller with a very personal tale to tell.

A Sundog Moment is the tale of a vibrant & outgoing woman named Elizabeth who learns to find her faith again after being diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis). As the disease slowly progresses, it takes its toll on Elizabeth's body, her marriage, her relationships & friendships, & soon, her spirit & energy.

But she finds comfort & something to hold onto in a powerful sermon given by her Pastor, a sermon about a very special weather-related event called a Sundog that marks coming change. The symbolism is not lost on Elizabeth, who sees her own life changing drastically in ways she never would have dreamed of. As the pain of her progressive illness devastates her body, she struggles with her belief in God & her faith in God's love.

Elizabeth eventually meets others like her struggling with debilitating illness, & she especially befriends a couple, Ian & Adrienne. Adrienne is also quite ill, & she & Elizabeth find a common bond of hope & courage. But even as her friendships with others suffering like her grow, Elizabeth's marriage is crumbling as her husband Michael struggles with his own fears & anxieties.

With the help of her loving daughter, Kellan, & her crazy, but caring cousin Carol, as well as other human angels that God sends into her life, Elizabeth comes to grips with her progressive illness & its effects on all aspects of her life. She even comes to grips with her own doubts & fears about God, until a very special sign in the sky brings her back around to faith, & acceptance.

A Sundog Moment is a beautifully written novel filled with rich, warm characters & dialogue that is realistic & emotional. The story is quite personal to the author, who has MS, & also touches on issues such as medical marijuana, suicide & support groups, making this more than just a great work of fiction. It really brings us into the lives & hearts of people with chronic & progressive illnesses, & creates a reality few of us will ever be directly touched by, a reality made all the more touching because of the author's infusion of her own personal struggle.

Kudos to this awesome debut novel. A Sundog Moment is filled with heart, hope & warmth & will stir the spirit. Sharon Baldacci is a name to look out for.
(05/09/04)

Rev. Marie D. Jones
2004©Marie D. Jones
A RebeccasReads.Com Associate Reviewer

Reviewer's Bio:
Marie Jones is a New Thought minister, author of Looking For God In All The Wrong Places & a widely published writer of inspirational essays, gift books, short stories & magazine articles. She is also a screenwriter, & has produced a children's storybook video series for Gigglebug Farms Productions. she holds a Masters Degree in Metaphysical Studies & is a licensed pastoral counsellor.