Through Cloud and Sunshine

The Fairhaven Chronicles #3

by Sharon Downing Jarvis

"Bishop?" The voice was a little quavery; for a moment he couldn’t place it. "Yes? This is…?" "It’s Lula Rexford, Bishop. I’m so sorry to bother ya’ll on Christmas, but I’m really worried about T-Rex." "What’s wrong, Lula? Is he sick?" "He ain’t here, is the problem, and he said he’d be back three hours ago! He took his bike out for a spin – got him new do-dads for it, for Christmas, you know, and wanted to go ride, maybe show it off a little to a couple of friends. I’ve called all of them, and only one has seen him – and he left there about six-thirty." "Well, he’s a young man with a lot of friends – he might be anywhere. Maybe he got involved talking to somebody, or something. You know how it goes with guys." Lula Rexford’s worst fears are confirmed when T-Rex’s crumpled body is found on a lonely mountain trail in the snow. As he struggles for life, comatose in the hospital, the Fairhaven ward members unite their faith and share their service to help one of their own. Meanwhile, VerDan Winslow’s old girlfriend finds him in time to share a startling revelation that will change his family’s life, and the Shepherds navigate the tricky waters of prickly new neighbors and Tiffani’s first date. If you haven’t found you way to Fairhaven, Alabama, yet, you’re missing something truly special!

Genres: Lds Fiction, Lds, Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is most decidedly intended for an LDS audience. This is the fictional story of Bishop James Shepherd who is the spiritual shepherd of a fictional flock in Fairhaven,Alabama. It is the third book in a series entitled "The Fairhaven Chronicles". The best word to describe it I think is charming. I normally steer clear of LDS fiction for the most part, but I was in DB looking for something to read on Sundays and this one caught my eye. I have been pleasantly surprised with how well this has fit in with my goal to read up-lifting material on Sundays (other than the Scriptures and the Ensign). The author deals well with concepts familiar to LDS people i.e.priesthood blessings, spiritual experiences. I liked the chance to peek into the life of an LDS bishop and his family. It is something I have never experienced first hand and so I found it interesting and enlightening to some degree the kinds of challenges a bishop encounters in his two fold role of father of the ward and father of his own family.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Third verse, same as the first..." these words from an old children's ditty describe my reaction to the third in the Fairhaven Chronicles series by Sharon Downing Jarvis about Mormon Bishop Jim Shepherd and his delightful, though sometimes troubled, flock (pun intended) from the fictional Fairhaven Ward near Birmingham, Alabama. It is just as gentle and kind, just as uplifting, just as positive as the first two books in the series. Some issues held over from the previous books are resolved, new challenges arise, and Bishop Shepherd, now in his third year as Bishop, rises to the challenge of them all with unfailing grace and humility.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love revisiting friends in Fairhaven. So many favorite characters. Buddy Osborne, Ida Lou Reams, and of course Bishop Jim Shepherd. Oscar and I are enjoying this series so much. We remind each other to take Fairhaven when we drive anywhere.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny everyday LDS life type of book about a family and their adventures. Cheesy at times, preachy at times, but an easy read & a quick read. Really pretty right on about ward members, callings and their interactions.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Fairhaven Chronicles, and by now the characters are "family." I'm certainly going to have to read the last of the series to find out what happens to all of these people who feel like friends. I liked the surprise at the end.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was better than the second book. I really liked the story line. It still takes me a while to get through these books. But I do enjoy the characters and I want to read the next book.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read three or four of these and like others have commented, not great literature, but positive message, easy to read and comforting.

[Keli Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is my favorite of the series, good story and I like all the characters

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

By this book, I was hooked on the series. You do get involved with the characters. Very much like my own life, however.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are just fun easy to read stories. Follows different people in the ward and how the Bishop helps them.

[April East · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is wonderful. In fact I am through with the whole series. In fact, I've read them twice.

Uplifting, emotional terrific books.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this. The end of the book tied up a lot of loose ends quickly all at once and left other loose ends hanging.

[Mandy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

love this fun little series