A Time to Heal, by Seye Oke
Reviewer: Bonita L. Ledzius
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Publisher: WestBow Publishers
Publication Date: 2011
Tori, a young college student in a part of Africa where everything is ruled and decided by different tribes, falls in love with Chidi, a man from a different tribe. After a struggle with Tori’s parents that lasted a year, the couple finally marries and starts their new life together as their countries and the different tribes face growing turmoil. Tori’s tribe ruled the government of their country, and Chidi’s tribe were considered the rebels and enemies of the government. “A Time to Heal” tells the story of this young Christian couples struggle during a time of national turmoil, where their tribes were at war with each other. Will this war tear their marriage apart, or leave Tori a young widow with a child that will never know its father? Will Chidi ever tell Tori the true secret of his heritage? Will Tori’s father ever forgive her for turning to the Christian God, or for marrying outside of her tribe? Will Chidi’s so-called “friends” get him into trouble, or turn him into an angry dissident? How will Tori get by while Chidi is at war? Will Tori’s brother, Ope, actually have to fight in a battle against her husband? Will God’s love see Tori and Chidi through this hard time and reunite them in love?
Seye Oke has woven a story that is timeless, and could be taking place in any country. If I were to say that a book has flavor, I couldn’t think of a book that would show its flavor more than “A Time To Heal” does. Oke shares the sights and sounds, and even the flavor of the continent that it is set in, from the description of the town the main characters live in, to the food they eat and what they wear. The way Oke crafted the story makes you feel as if you are watching it unfold before you on the Silver Screen. It is filled with suspense and drama, and while reading it you can’t help but being drawn farther into the struggle of this young couple, and will find yourself cheering them on to a victory through their faith in God.
I would recommend this to anyone from the teenage years to adults. I loved this book, from its suspenseful plot, to the emotions expressed by the main characters throughout their struggles. The pure human actions and emotions of the characters makes the story even more real to the reader as they are reminded of people they know that are just like the ones they are reading about. I found myself imagining “A Time to Heal” performed on the stage or filmed for the movie theater audience to enjoy, and for me that is when I know a book has a special quality about it because the story is coming to life for me, and it will for every reader.
Rated G: There is nothing too graphic about this book. It was a refreshingly smut and gore free book!
Book was received from Maryglenn McCombs of MM Book Publicity. Thank you!
ABOUT THE REVIEWER: Bonita Ledzius is a stay-at-home, and homeschooling mom living in Indiana, who has spent over 25 years working as a Theater Tech, stage manager, and director in the Los Angeles area. She loves writing play scripts, lyrics, poetry, modern day parables, and short devotions. Besides having some of her poetry published, Bonita has seen some of her scripts performed at churches. She is an avid reader and fiber crafter, who says she refers to herself as a “Jill of all trades”.Bonita holds a degree in Music/Vocal Performance, with a minor in Theater Arts, who says she is most happy using her talents for Christ. Her love of reading is most felt when she is transported mentally and emotionally into the story. Bonita is also teaming up with her daughter, Jklyn, to do team reviews on books, hoping to offer parents an insight into books available for their children from a parent/child aspect.
