Title: Blessings and Curses
Author: Judy Kelly
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
ASIN: B079V33BJQ
Pages: 225
Genre: Christian Fiction
Reviewer: Alyssa Avina
Hollywood Book Reviews
What happens when a young woman full of potential with ample opportunities ahead of her decides everything she had worked for over the years may not be what she should do with her life after all? That is where our story begins in Blessings and Curses by author Judy Kelly. A Christian mystery with a romance interwoven in its story, this tale immediately will draw its readers in and hold onto them for dear life as the mystery unravels before them.
The protagonist in this story is Olivia Douglass, who has just completed her college coursework in religious education and has plans to join the priesthood -something she has been working towards for several years. Now that she is set to graduate, her adoptive parents and sister, along with her love, Beau, are ready to celebrate her accomplishments. Little do they know, she has decided to not become a priest after all, and is struggling with the reality of actually telling them.
Olivia has felt a curse following her since she was a child, making her feel unworthy of her religious professional aspirations. While her parish priest understands her plight, he still sends her on a mission to pray with a death row inmate, Leon, who only has two weeks to live. Fellow church member, Wesley, assists her on this mission, talking to a serial killer who seems rather hateful, and it is there they form a bond which is unlike any other Olivia’s had before – whilst talking to Leon ultimately raises more questions about Olivia’s childhood.
Throughout her journey, Olivia is faced with obstacles that initially seem insurmountable, but eventually she overcomes them through her bravery and faith. She goes through every emotion possible, as does the audience, as we see her grapple with her past while facing the present. It is truly a well-written, thought-provoking read, and while it does have religious themes throughout, for those who aren’t religious, it does not feel overpowering. It will instead give a new perspective while simultaneously creating an intriguing mystery you’ll want to be there to help unravel in the end.
The author skillfully fleshes out her characters to make her readers empathize with them effortlessly. It’s an incredibly intelligent read discussing themes of faith, love, fear, and forgiveness and it is altogether inspirational. It is a book you will not want to put down and is the perfect read for those who have faith and enjoy a thrilling mystery with a side of romance. Make sure to get your copy of Blessings and Curses by Judy Kelly today!