Teresa Mathews Reviews The Shadow of Your Smile by Susan May Warren

The Shadow of Your Smile, by Susan May Warren

The Shadow of Your Smile

By Susan May Warren
(Tyndale House, 2011)

Review by Teresa Mathews

4Stars~ ****

This book introduces us to Noelle and Eli Hueston, married couple of 25 years, parents to three children. It seems that Noelle and Eli have grown apart because of a tragic event that forever changed their lives. I would go into detail but since it is the reason behind all of the pain each character has endured I won’t.

Noelle, a 46 year old wife and mother that has finally come to the end of her rope with life, has decided to make a life changing decision but before she can act on it another tragedy or maybe not a tragedy at all, strikes. On a road trip she stops at a coffee shop and while in the restroom a robbery takes place. Hoping she can get out of the store without getting hurt she makes a run for it and takes a nasty fall and as a result she loses her memory. Noelle not only forgets her name, she forgets everything from the last 25 years. She wakes up from a coma and thinks she is still a young beautiful college co-ed. She is SHOCKED to find she has the body of a 46 year old. I have to say this part had me laughing out loud. Noelle is even more shocked to find out she is “supposedly” married to a totally “grumpy old man” who is trying to convince her that she is also a mother. The two young men in her room seem very nice and they are handsome but she cannot remember anything about them. Will Noelle get her memory back? Will she ever remember the good times she had with Eli before her world fell apart?

Eli, the former sheriff of Deep Haven, a beautiful snow covered town in Minnesota, has pretty much given up on his marriage. After “the event” happened, he has lived in guilt for what he thinks was his fault, after all he was the sheriff and it was his job to protect. Eli has tried to find solace in a lot of different things to ease the pain but nothing except the friendship he has with another woman has seemed to work. He knows this is not what he should be doing but again out of guilt of what happened he has taken their friendship further than he should. When Eli gets the call that Noelle was in a town several hours away from home and has had an accident, he rushes to the hospital to be with her. To say he is shocked when Noelle doesn’t remember him would be putting it mildly, but for her not to remember her children was almost more than he could take. Will Eli finally realize the solace his heart has been looking has been right here with his wife the whole time?

There are several secondary characters that Susan does a good job telling their story and how their lives play out. Especially Noelle and Eli’s children, in fact I would love for there to be a sequel based on their oldest son’s story. (Hint Hint)

This is a story that will make you think about “what if”. I’m sure we have all had those moments, especially if something tragic has happened to us, a loved one or a friend. “What if” we could turn back the clock to another time? Would our lives really be better? Shouldn’t we just be grateful for what the Lord has given us? Yes! “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Susan May Warren did an excellent job of making you think while reading this book. Thank you Susan for making me stop to remember how thankful I am for my wonderful husband of almost 25 years (April 11) and my family. I can’t wait to read your next book!


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