Saturday, December 18, 2010

The Clouds Roll Away - Sibella Giorello


The Clouds Roll Away by Sibella Giorello was a welcome read this holiday season. I found myself immersed in FBI Agent Raleigh Harmon's life from the very beginning. Because I am a recent convert to the Catholic Church, I loved the way Sibella describes the inner dialog that Raleigh has with herself throughout this riveting tale! I loved the imagery and I fell in love with Raleigh as a person.

I'm not sure what will strike other readers from this story but for me, the relationship that Raleigh has with her mother Nadine was the cornerstone of the book! Nadine is battling her own inner demons but Raleigh sticks by her side whether it is terrible creations in the kitchen or unexpected trips to church. Raleigh treats her Mother with respect, love and grace.

Of course the main storyline is about Raleigh's career with the FBI, this book follows her through investigations into a hate crime commited in her own back yard. Raleigh finds herself in all sorts of dangerous and compromising positions. You will cheer for her and you will fear for her as you turn each page in this action packed novel.

Many Christian Fiction books are very deliberate in their message (moral.) I found so many hidden in this book that I believe I will even have to read it again! Many times the best way to learn something is not always the most obvious. Sibella creats a masterpiece that will also leave you feeling closer than ever to your Savior.

This is a definite MUST READ and will find a place on my bookshelf to be revisited! I will admit that I may be biased as Richmond is just a short drive from my home and I always love to read books that are based locally!

Cover description:
Closing her assignment with the FBI's Seattle office, forensic geologist Raleigh Harmon returns to her hometown of Richmond, Virginia, expecting a warm welcome. Instead she finds herself investigating an ugly cross burning at a celebrity's mansion and standing in the crosshairs of her boss at the Bureau. And the deeper Raleigh digs into the case, the murkier the water becomes... until she's left wondering who the real victims might be.
To make matters worse, Raleigh's personal life affers almost zero clarity. Her former confidant is suddenly remote whle her former boyfriend keeps popping up wherever she goes. And then there's her mother. Raleigh's move home was suppose to improve Nadine's fragile sanity, but instead seems to be making things worse.
As the threads of the case begin crossing and double-crossing, Raleigh is forced to rely on her forensic skills, her faith, and the fervent hope that a breakthrough will come, bringing with it that singular moment when teh clouds roll away and everything finall makes sense.


Sibella Giorello grew up in Alaska and majored in geology at Mount Holyoke College. After riding a motorcycle across the country, she worked as a features writer for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Her stories have won state and national awards, including two nominations for the Pulitzer Prize. She now lives in Washington state with her husband and sons.

Sibella’s celebrating the release of The Clouds Roll Away by giving away a KINDLE prize pack worth over $150.00!

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One Grand Prize winner will receive:
  • Latest Generation KINDLE with Wi-Fi
  • $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com
To enter simply click on one of the icons below! Then tell your friends! Winner will be announced January 3, 2011 on Sibella's blog: http://sibellagiorello.blogspot.com/


About The Clouds Roll Away - "Beautifully written with exquisite descriptions, Giorello's mystery also features well-developed characters..."
—Booklist, starred review



*I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes

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