Welcome to another First Line Friday, hosted by Hoarding Books. I’m reaching back nearly 20 years ago this week, to the late Jane Orcutt’s The Living Stone, a deeply moving love story that begins with impossible grief following a drunk-driving accident that takes the life of Leah Travers’ husband and child, and upends Jacobo Martinez’s plans for law school. With the need for diversity in Christian Fiction, the very talented Jane Orcutt penned this story in 2000 and is well worth the read if you are able to get your hands on a copy. It’s a treasured read of mine, along with all Jane’s novels, and I recommend you search out her backlist, which you can find here. You’ll discover RITA Award nominated historical romance novels, plus contemporary romance novels and novellas. I highly recommend each one!

First Line

You know from the back cover copy that this story begins with an accident, and as such that first line holds ominous tones.

A tragic accident.  A heartbroken widow.  An unlikely friendship.

Following the fatal drunken-driving accident that claimed her husband and child, Leah Travers secludes herself in grief-stricken solitude. But when another near-tragedy brings her closer to the killer’s family, she is irresistibly drawn into an unexpected but compelling relationship that chips away at the emotional stone she has become.

Jane Orcutt was a loyal and loving wife, mother, daughter, and sister, a witty and sought-after friend, a powerful writer, and a tender pet owner. Most of all Jane was a follower and lover of Jesus Christ. On Sunday, March 18, 2007, after a long battle with acute myeloid leukemia, Jane stepped into the arms of her Savior. She now rests safely in His arms, while her powerful legacy lives on through her family and through her books.

Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Jane’s website
Buy at Amazon: The Living Stone or Koorong