This was a very moving and somewhat exciting story. We feel for young Jimmy who has been scared into mutism and Harry, the simpleminded young man with a greedy murderer for a brother. The heroine, Lillian, has lived a sheltered life then takes a job as a nanny for this young motherless boy. As expected, the father falls for the nanny, but there is a lot more. I liked the spiritual aspects of it and a lot of prayer is involved, but it is not unnatural. ( )

Lillian heads west to become a nanny, much to the dismay of her grandfather. She enters into a household that was disrupted by a tragic crime and now must try to help a mute little boy. The author deals graciously with several topics, including adults who gossip and condemn without reason, others who are cruel to a mentally-challenged young man, and still another who commits crimes without remorse. This novel is well-written with an interesting plot and well-developed charcters. ( )

Lillian Porter was not your typical wealthy young woman. Being orphaned as an infant and raised by her affluent, doting grandparents, she had lived a very sheltered and privileged life. She accepts a job from an ad to be a nanny to a young boy. She believed God was leading, so she went even though her grandfather disowned her. She travels to an olive farm in California to work for Woody, caring for his son Jimmy. Such a drastic change for her; from the big city of Indianapolis and servants at her beck and call, to a rural olive farm in Angels Camp, California! Upon arrival she finds her new employer has been accused of the murder of his wife and is ostracized by the town! Her fears are put aside once she meets Woody, his house keeper Mrs. Goodman and little Jimmy. She learns his silence began after his mother died. She quickly becomes a part of the family. Her love grows for the family. Little do they know the dangers they facing or the problems ahead. I love Lillian’s courage and spunk. She has such character and fortitude! I liked how the authors made God the center the individuals lives and collectively as a household. They were a reminder that even the strongest faith can be questioned or doubted in extremely difficult times; real trust in God always shines through! This book is beautifully written, a real page turner!!I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own. ( )

Lillian has a sense of adventure that she decides to act upon by going west to take a job as a nanny. The family that she is working for has had their share of heartache and many feel that the father has brought it upon himself. Lillian has to learn how to survive in a new place where she had traveled to despite her family's wishes, but has to do it with only the support of her new employer. Lillian has to work hard to overcome many of the townspeople's snub because of her association with this family.
I would find it hard to do what she did with leaving all that was safe and familiar to embark on a journey where I did not know what all to expect. Lillian has it even harder as she is fighting against an unknown that is out to get the family. She has to battle this all while trying to protect and nurture her charge.
This is an enjoyable book and will leave you rooting for Lillian as she tries to make things better for the Colton family.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher to read and review. ( )

Beyond The Silence is an historical romance novel that captures the flavor of Old California in the late 1900s. Additionally the characters are endearing and the faith message is strong. This one is sure to appeal to fans of Peterson and Woodhouse and those who desire faith in God to be at the center of the story.

Lillian Porter is a determined young woman set on following her parents’ dreams as well as her own when she sets out to be a Nanny for a young boy traumatized by the death of his mother. What she finds is a town full of gossips and a father with hurt of his own. Her spirit, tenacity and reliance on God helps to turn the family around. But a murderer is still on the loose, and he will stop at nothing to get what he thinks is his.

The historical setting of Angel’s Camp, California is very interesting with its information on the cultivation of olives for oil and the table. Other historical details — clothing, transportation, medicine, etc. — lend an authentic flavor to Beyond The Silence. The characters are endearing, if just a bit stereotypical. The villain in particular has only one dimension. But I was drawn to the secondary character of Harry. Some labeled him an idiot, others simpleminded. But with sensitivity, the authors created in him a warm, funny and wise addition to the cast. There is a very definite faith message in the narrative. Characters continually pray about their fears, doubts and shortcomings. Gossip is portrayed for what it is — an evil that destroys relationships and reputations. God is seen as the only reliable source of refuge in times of trial.

Beyond The Silence is a quick read and should be just the thing for a reader looking for history and romance.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to LitFuse and Bethany House for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )