Lael Harrelson

The more I read of this wonderfully moving story, Tremors of Doubt, I kept thinking to myself that either Lael Harrelson was Callie, or was very close to someone who was. So my journey began to find out more about Lael Harrelson. Low and behold she lived much of Callie’s life, spending her teen years and early adulthood as a member of the Mennonite church, became a teacher and nurse, plus did missionary work in Haiti. My next investigation was to know if there was a connection with other parts of the book. Yes there is as Lael makes her home in the state of Colorado. Regarding the other characters in her book whether there is a personal connection or not, or if they are totally fiction is still a mystery, but does not matter because the story is so well written by this outstanding debut author it truly makes no difference. The way Lael drew the reader in and showed us Callie’s world in both Haiti and Colorado, with such grace and finesse was as if I was reading a seasoned author. I was so perfectly wholeheartedly drawn into this story by the author that I felt right along with Callie all of her, doubts, fears, and joy.

I cannot rave enough about this story, Tremors of Doubt, that totally captures you from the first page and doesn’t let go even long after the story has come to an end. Hopefully Lael will continue Callie’s story in a sequel. Hint, hint, hint. I for one would be first in line to read the next installment of Callie’s adventures.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of the author’s Celebrate Lit book tour. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.… (meer)

There have been many times I have wondered what I have done with my life. I had all these dreams but they never happened. Callie begins to ask herself these same questions. I really like Callie and her big heart . I was impressed with her living in Haiti and helping people there. As a Mennonite, I'm sure she may have looked a bit out of place. I could feel her yearning to do something more with her life as her birthday approaches. The description of Haiti was fascinating to me and I would love to go to the market and explore all the vendors. I did learn from the author that French is spoken in Haiti.

It is hard to wait on God to answer your questions and desires. Sometimes I have found myself moving ahead of God, and unfortunately things backfired. I loved how the author brought Callie's parents into the story. They led a different lifestyle than their daughter did. What made them leave the Mennonite church? The story really peaks my attention when Callie goes to the states to find answers to what happened to her parents.

As Callie gets acquainted with her family's rustic cabin deep in the woods of Colorado, a stirring begins in her. She found herself digging deeper into the bible for answers and allowing God to speak to her. She wants her life to matter, to make a difference. I loved meeting the Pastor of the little church in town. Tom is quite a humble person. He cares for others but deep inside he is lonely. I have said once to someone, " I can be in a roomful of people and feel alone." It reminds me of Callie and Tom in this story. Will they find their calling? Can God help then overcome their loneliness?

The story is filled with adventure as doors are opened for Callie. I loved reading how she took a leap of faith and followed God's plan for her. The scriptures in the story are uplifting and takes on new meaning for Callie. It was wonderful to read about her hunger to serve God and how she waited on Him for direction. The author does an amazing job of letting readers follow Callie as she gets an unexpected chance to do something she has prayed about. Will Callie be able to let go of some things in order to reach her destination God has called her to? I did cry several times during the story as the people of Haiti go through difficult situations. It is easy to take for granted all the comforts we have. After reading this book, I am reminded that everywhere we look are people suffering, needing help and most of all love. Thank you for writing a book that inspires me to be thankful for what I have and to be aware when God speaks to me. We are always a work in progress.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.… (meer)

The title of this book is really so appropriate, and becomes more so as the book continues.
A read that is going to have you page-turning, as it is that good, and does bring realizations to you, and we walk in Callie’s shoes as she goes about her daily life, whether we are in Colorado or Haiti, we are there.
A young woman with such compassion and love that she constantly shares with her fellow man. She has a heart for the Lord and lives her faith as she struggles to do what he wants, and not what she thinks he wants.
There is a beautiful story here of being in a strict church, dressing alike, and being submissive, but is this what God wants. We see her struggles and sympathize with her, and in a way, watch her grow.
We see poverty first hand, survival of the fittest, love of mankind, with a little bit of romance.

I received this book from Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.… (meer)

Tremors of Doubt by Lael Harrelson takes us to Laminasse, Haiti in April 2009. Callie Zimmerman lives with her Uncle Roman, Aunt Rhoda and cousins in Haiti. Uncle Roman is conservative Mennonite minister working in the mission field. Life is not easy on the island. They lack electricity, running water, and a vermin free house. Callie was taken in by her aunt and uncle after her parents passed away in a fire. Callie has spent the years working alongside Aunt Rhoda cooking, cleaning, and assisting others. Now that she is an adult, Callie wishes to do more. She wants to make a difference. However, her uncle and their religion are holding her back. Just before her twenty-third birthday, Callie happens to be at home to receive the mail. There is a card from a Jean Morgan, a friend of her parents, along with a photograph of a young Callie. Callie discovers that Uncle Roman has been hiding letters from her and kept vital information about her parents from her. Callie gets the opportunity to visit Jean and her family in Colorado. It would mean leaving her family as well as Noah who has asked to court her. However, this could be the opportunity that Callie has been praying for. What will Callie decide to do? Accompany Callie on her journey of self-discovery in Tremors of Doubt.

Tremors of Doubt is about one woman’s journey of self-discovery. Callie wishes to make a difference in the world. She has seen such poverty, illness and violence. Callie wants to help people, but she does not know how to go about it. She has been praying for God to show her the way. Uncle Roman and the church leaders (all men) are conservative especially regarding women and their roles. Callie has a strong faith, but she is struggling to make sure she is following the Lord’s path (and not what she thinks God wants). I thought Tremors of Doubt was nicely written and had a gentle pace. There are smooth transitions between sections. Callie is a character many women can relate to along with her journey. The other characters are realistic and relatable. You can feel Callie’s struggle with her uncle’s domineering personality and the rules of her church. She has such a big compassionate heart. I did feel that the scripture was a little heavy handed at times (felt preachy), but it was relatable to the book and easy to understand. I cannot imagine living without electricity or modern amenities (running water, grocery store, good medical care, air conditioning, book store). The author does not hold back in describing the condition of Haiti and the people living on the island. I am rating Tremors of Doubt 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). Tremors of Doubt is a book that will touch your heart.… (meer)