It's one thing to say you can find what people need--it's another to actually do it.
It's 1932 and Sullivan Harris is on the run. An occasionally successful dowser, he promised the people of Kline, West Virginia, that he would find them water. But when wells turned up dry, he disappeared with their cash just a step or two ahead of Jeremiah Weber, who was elected to run him down.
Postmistress Gainey Floyd is suspicious of Sulley's abilities when he appears in her town but reconsiders after new wells fill with sweet water. Rather, it's Sulley who grows uneasy when his success makes folks wonder if he can find more than water--like forgotten items or missing people. He lights out to escape such expectations and runs smack into something worse.
Hundreds of men have found jobs digging the Hawks Nest Tunnel--but what they thought was a blessing is killing them. And no one seems to care. Here, Sulley finds something new--a desire to help. With it, he becomes an unexpected catalyst, bringing Jeremiah and Gainey together to find what even he has forgotten: hope.
Read an excerpt from The Finder of Forgotten Things by Sarah Loudin Thomas on the publisher's website.
My Thoughts:
The Finder of Forgotten Things by Sarah Loudin Thomas
thoroughly entertained me with its characters. Sulley Harris, a charming scoundrel
who dowses for water, fascinated me with his occupation and mindset. Gainey
Floyd inspired me with her intelligence, love of poetry, and unselfishness.
Jeremiah Weber served as the handsome, strong hero, but became far more than
that. I loved the way these characters’ relationships tied together. Sulley inexplicably
wants to earn Gainey’s good opinion and slowly steps toward integrity. Jeremiah
and Sulley provide comic relief through their unlikely friendship. Gainey and
Jeremiah find themselves romantically drawn to each other after spending most
of their lives single. Unexpectedly, the entwining of their lives opens new opportunities
for each of them.
Beyond the character dynamics, The Finder of Forgotten Things by Sarah Loudin Thomas examines the long-lasting effects of societal judgment, the creation of family outside of blood relationships, the racial tensions of the Great Depression Era, and the tragedy of the Hawks Nest Tunnel construction. This novel had the potential to be a heavy read, but focuses on the main characters rather than the horrific happenings at the Hawks Nest Tunnel. The story possesses depth and authenticity without being depressing.
The Finder of Forgotten Things lands as the third book by Sarah Loudin Thomas that I’ve read. In each novel, I’ve enjoyed her writing, characters, and unique settings. I recommend this story for Christian fiction readers who enjoy a satisfying historical tale. 4.5 Stars!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of
this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
This is set in a fascinating time period. Lovely review, Jolene
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