Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Review: The Color of Light by Emilie Richards

Title: The Color of Light
Author: Emilie Richards
Genre: Women's Fiction
Series: Goddesses Anonymous #4
Publication Date: 28th July 2015
Pages: 496
Book Source: Harlequin Mira & NetGalley

Synopsis: The deeper the darkness, the brighter the light 

For more than a decade minister Analiese Wagner has felt privileged to lead her parishioners along a well-lit path. Her commitment has never been seriously tested until the frigid night she encounters a homeless family huddling in the churchyard. Offering them shelter in a vacant parish house apartment and taking teenage Shiloh Fowler—a girl desperate to rescue her parents—under her wing, she tests the loyalty and faith of her congregation. 

Isaiah Colburn, the Catholic priest who was her first mentor and the man she secretly longed for, understands her struggles only too well. At a crossroads, he's suddenly reappeared in her life, torn between his priesthood and his growing desire for a future with Analiese. 

Divided between love and vows they've taken, both must face the possibilities of living very different lives or continuing to serve their communities. With a defeated family's trust and her own happiness on the line, Analiese must define for herself where darkness ends and light begins.

My Thoughts:
This is one of my favourite series, Emilie Richards' signature poignant style hasn't disappointed and The Color of Light is no exception. 

I loved seeing Reverend Analiese 'Ana' Wagner get her own story, she's been there from the beginning of the series providing wise counsel to previous main characters. Obviously given her calling, The Color of Light is quite spiritual but it's not preachy, which I appreciated. 

Emilie Richards highlights the demands, rewards and struggles of a minister dealing with the many personalities in a congregation, some not so christian attitudes, juggling work and private life. 

Enter Isaiah, a Catholic Jesuit priest, Analeise's former mentor and old friend. Richards explores their relationship with sensitivity and respect as they wrestle with issues of faith and heart. 

Homelessness is at the core of The Color of Light and the fate of the Fowler family Reverend Ana has invited to stay in the parish apartment. The relationship between Ana and 14 year old Shiloh was really special and highlighted Ana's realness as well as her sense of humour. 

Reverend Ana's gift is compassion; providing assistance and support to those in need while encouraging self respect and independence. But seeing her very human side was such a delight ... her frustration as she urges the committee to put people before church. I liked seeing her 'fire up' ... showing not only her compassion which she has in spades, but her passion. 


"I will help the Fowlers pitch their tent in the churchyard again, right where I found them the first time. Hopefully there will be a huge star shining in the sky, even if we can't count on a single wise man."


If I was part of a church I'd want the minister to be Reverend Ana.

Warmth and compassion dance on the page. 
Thank you Emilie Richards for another beautiful instalment.

One Mountain Away ~ 5 star sobfest
Somewhere Between Luck and Trust ~ 4.5 star
No River Too Wide ~ 4.5



Connect with Emilie Richards









19 comments:

  1. Sounds good. Let me see if still available!

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    1. I hope you get your hands on a copy Mystica.This series is fantastic!!

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  2. Thank you for reminding me that I need to read more Emilie Richards. She's one of my absolute favorite authors but even though I have a couple of unread books by her I haven't picked anything up in forever. I loved her quilt series and the Whiskey Island books. I'll have to look for this series.

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    1. I'll have to check out the Quilt and Whiskey Island series you mentioned Katherine. The Goddesses series introduced me to Emilie's beautiful writing but it's the only series I've read.

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  3. I have meant to read some of Emilie Richards books for forever and a day. Putting her on my 'must' list. This one sounds like a book I'd love and I just went and looked - I have the first book in this series and the first of the quilt books on my Kindle. Yay!

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    1. YAY can't wait to hear what you think Kay. One Mountain Away is my favourite, made me cry ... a lot!

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    1. lol is 'preachy' not a word? Anyway no preaching but it's spiritual which you would expect since the main character Ana is a minister :)

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  5. Like you I was really happy to have the spotlight on Analiese and thoroughly enjoyed the book as you know. Love this series too. It seems her publisher wants to her to do a stand a lone next. Love the quote you chose, I have to say when reading the book I appreciated and chuckled at that one.

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    1. yeah I loved seeing her that side of Ana lol. hmm I didn't know about the standalone, I'm sure it'll be wonderful but I just want the next book in this series lol

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  6. I've only read one book in this series but I liked it and it sounds like I should check out the rest! I'm glad you liked this. Analiese seems like a really warm and caring person.

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    1. They've all been wonderful Christina ... you can't go wrong :)

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  7. I have One Mountain Away and I think I need to start there! Glad the series is holding up. I really like this author.

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    1. Aww get reading Stacy, you'll love it and keep the tissues close!

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  8. I just found your wonderful review. I am so glad you have enjoyed this series.

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    1. Lovely to have you stop by Emilie ... can we look forward to another in the series next year? no pressure lol

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    2. Just found this in my Gmail. Wish Google wouldn't hide things. My June book isn't part of this series but I would like to write another in the future. Meantime I hope you'll like When We Were Sisters.

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