Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas (Bethany House)
Sarah Loudin Thomas sets Until the Harvest in mid-1970s West Virginia. Henry Phillips, home from college for Christmas, prefers playing fiddle to studying agriculture. Broaching the subject with his father leads to a lecture on never letting music interfere with responsibility. The evening ends with the two serenading Henry’s mom. That night, Casewell Phillips dies in his sleep, and Henry’s world changes.
When Henry drives to the family farm to get his Grandma Emily for his father’s visitation, he literally bumps into Margaret. The young lady who works for the widow surprisingly stands up to the brash Henry. Angry sparks fly, but he handles the difficult day with help from Margaret’s younger sister, Mayfair. Unlike not-so-attractive Margaret, the beautiful and sensitive Mayfair is the favorite of parents “concerned about appearances.”
Henry drops out of college, determined to make his way fiddling and farming. With money tight, the young man flirts with illegal activities. Grandma Emily’s faithfulness and unconditional love take a toll on Henry’s conscience as he also learns to trust Mayfair and lean on Margaret.
But has Henry gone too far to finish school? Has he so damaged his relationship with Margaret that she severs their tender bond? The answers lie in Thomas’ novel of faith, healing and hope.
Kathy Robinson Hillman, immediate past president
Baptist General Convention of Texas
Waco
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