Book Review: Last Light Over Carolina

Just finished reading Mary Alice Monroe's book, Last Light Over Carolina.  I picked this book up last month on a sale table in Borders.  The back cover blurb caught my eye.  I picked it up.  And I couldn't put it down.  For those of you who only read Christian fiction, this book may not be one for you.  I must say, though, I found it refreshing to read a "secular fiction book" that is not filled with horrible language and remains mostly wholesome.  Even more than wholesome, I loved how REAL the characters in this book became for me!

Monroe takes the reader on a trip to McClellanville, South Carolina.  This small coastal town once was a thriving port for fishermen and shrimpers.  The story focuses on Carolina Morrison and her husband, Bud, a shrimp boat owner and captain.  As we learn about how the shrimp industry was thriving, we also learn about the Morrison's marriage which had seen better days.

The story takes place in one day with plenty of flashbacks (spanning 30 years) to help us get a picture of how life used to be for the Morrisons and the citizens of the town.  These flashbacks also take us through the ups and downs of married life as Bud and Carolina remember stories and vignettes from the past.  Perhaps the strongest thread for me, though, is the persistent belief that "love is a light that never dies" and that everyone deserves a second chance.

I also love how Monroe weaves a hint of the spiritual struggles that often take place in our hearts and minds (despite our belief system) as we navigate marriage, love, and family.  One of my favorite parts is when Bud realizes that the question we all must ask ourselves is "Was I loved, and did I love in return?"  along with the most important lesson in life:  "Love has the power to forgive."

I was pleasantly surprised at how many personal connections I felt when I read this book!  I felt as if Carolina and I could have easily sat down over a cup of coffee (or, in my case, Diet Coke) and enjoyed a full day of conversation comparing notes on loving and family and perseverance.  Monroe does a great job developing all of the characters and reminding us of the important life lessons we all must learn at some point in time.  I love that!