Within This Circle

A Vow to Cherish #2

by Deborah Raney

After a tumultuous courtship, John and Julia Brighton have a second chance at happiness With tragedy behind them and their children grown, they're looking forward to a new and promising era in their lives.Only, such a promise is never guaranteed. And life can change in a moment. The Brightons' lives are turned upside down when John's daughter Jana abandons her husband, Mark, and three–year–old daughter. John and Julia reach out to young Ellie, to give the young couple time to heal, but how can they help this child, so confused and longing for Mommy? And how much sorrow and stress can both fledgling marriages endure?Two very different couples, each with only their love and faith to guide them, can only pray that it will be enough.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Contemporary, Fiction, Womens Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Romance

256 pages, ebook

Published September 8, 2013

About the author

DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.

Reviews

[Melissa (Hiatus due to Death in Family) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fair story. Wife leaves husband and daughter, he can't handle it, so leaves daughter with grandparents.

[Katie Powner]

I loved this book. It was moving and made me think. This is the kind of women's fiction I like best.

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this and raced through it. I stumbled across it and liked the premise and decided to give it a try. There was a good storyline and it was very much about the relationships between the characters. I will try another by this author.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you tired of cheesy novels that have no substance? Look no further than this story.
I think most of us, if we are mothers that have experienced grief, stress or trauma, will relate to Jana's breakdown in this novel, but some of us will need to live it out with each character in the book.
What a powerful book of showing realistic life struggles, without sugarcoating the hardship, yet not making it depressing.
This author is unique in this way, where she helps you experience issues with the characters, while not bringing you down, but giving you hope.

[Catherine Richmond]

An emotionally wrenching story of a young mother who runs away from her husband and family.

Jana's convinced she's inherited her mother's dementia. Afraid of hurting her daughter, she leaves. Her husband struggles to run his restaurant, fight his attraction to a flirty employee, and be the father his daughter needs. Jana's father and stepmother are thrown into the roll of caregivers. Little Ellie just wants to know when her mama will come home.

[Deena Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although not one of my favorites of Deborah Raney's, it's still worth the read. The story highlights a little known aspect of mental illness, which is great for bringing awareness to those who may struggle in the same way and not understand what's happening. I always appreciate Raney's attention to spiritual matters and how the characters grow and change throughout their journey.

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too many loose ends that never got resolved (like the fallout from the conversation that actually set Jana off - John and Julia talked to everyone else) and the fact that it took Mark SOOO long to realize where Jana was - you REALLY didn’t remember where you spent your honeymoon?

And I get that Jana was stressed, but NOTHING would ever allow me to leave my children. And yes, I’ve been through trauma, stress, etc. Jana’s decision was so utterly selfish. Everyone handles grief and pain differently, but when you are a parent, you are not first priority anymore.

I’ve read a number of Ms. Randy’s books and they are usually pretty good. This one, not so much. Moments of truth and reality (like the Mark-Denise situation, which rang true) but also too much suspension of reality. Skip this one.

[Rebecca Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stayed up to finish reading it!

I love Deborah Raney’s books, and this one did not disappoint. She uses storylines that deal with real life issues. The main characters, Jana & Mark, are struggling some with the stresses of life involving Mark trying to establish himself as an artist. Jana is struggling with the early death of her mom from alzheimers, and thinking that she too is developing it. She disappears, and her dad and step-mom and husband struggle to find out why she left, and where she is. I enjoyed this a lot.

[JunePerez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite

This story took place over a period of two generations. It shows how our decisions affect many uninvolved people over a long span of time. I’ve read a number of Ms Rainey’s books, this book was very emotional and concerning. Mental health is a difficult situation to deal with. I personally was disappointed in the ending to this story. I will continue reading Deborah Ramey’s books.

[Cheryl Castor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah Raney is an author worth reading. I have read several of her books. As always, she didn't disappoint me. Within This Circle is a wonderful story that has it sad moments, happy ones and as always, God is within the pages. It's a story about a young wife & mother dealing with depression and what her husband, daughter, father & step-mother deal with also. I don't want to give away the story-line so that's all I'll say. Well worth reading.

[Karen Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

How could a mother ever abandon a child? That is exactly what happens in this book, and while it seems incomprehensible, the author takes on this difficult topic and sheds light into the mindset of the mother and the deep depression that overtook her. This was a very well-written, emotional book. The characters are well developed and believable, and I connected with them. I've read several of Deborah Raney's books, and she is a talented author who gives glory to God in her work.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and heart-felt book about love, marriage, temptation, family support and development, mental depression and lots of other 'life' issues, including the importance of being open to each other and to God.

This story has well-developed characters, and I would rate it as a 4.5. There was a section nearer the end involving a major storm and the search for a cabin where my interest waned somewhat, but overall a great read.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written book about a young woman/wife/mother, Jana, whose mother died of Alzheimer’s and is convinced she’s also losing her mind.
Thinking she’ll be protecting her family, Jana takes off and disappears. How her restaurant-owner husband, Mark, and her father and step-mother, John & Julia, handle this frightening time and the pre-schooler, Ellie, is a good read, a view into family dynamics and how God brings them through these devastatingly dark & difficult days.

[Loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sequel to A Vow to Cherish which I read many, many years ago so most of it I have forgotten but was able to read this and enjoy it. When Jana has a breakdown and 'disappears' the rest of the family is in turmoil especially as they handle dealing with 3 year old Ellie. This story highlights the importance of seeking help with mental needs and being able to communicate those needs as well as honesty within families. I have read several of Deborah Raney's books and have enjoyed each one.

[Laura Bennet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming Story

An overwhelmed mother allows fear to grip her and runs from her family. The author describes well the torment of mind altering depression. As her family struggles to cope, they are forced to deal with their personal issues. Love wins for each of these well developed characters. Overall, an engaging read. I would have liked more resolution at the end for each of the issues presented.

[Pat Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

A real page turner with many twists & turns in the plot! The mystery of where The young wife was, the struggle of the husband's new restaurant ! The young childs nightmares, & missing her mother, & the grandparents trying to fill the gap of the life of the child mis sing her mother & the love in this family & their faith in God made it an enjoyable read. Clean language, no sex acceptable book for older teens & adult readers!

[Beth McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional Trauma

This book is full of emotional trauma, and I found myself supporting all sides in the conflict. The traumas deal with so many sides of loss, betrayal, work, life changes, and just being dumped on! What a mess! But through it all, faith emerges in the lives of the characters and they find solace in God. This book made me look closer at my own shortcomings as a supportive spouse. Great Christian novel!

[Cheri Pickslay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah Raney does a beautiful job depicting difficult and realistic situations, heart-breaking circumstances that can completely derail our relationship with God, fracture marriages, and relationships with one another. So often we try to handle things in our own strength, our very finite knowledge—instead of seeking our Heavenly Father to guide us. This story also very powerfully demonstrates the danger or giving into fear and losing sight of Jesus. Well done!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me much to think about from multiple perspectives. Watching John and Julia parent their grandchild, knowing Julia is 51 was interesting. I am going to be 67 and our son is expecting his first child in December. My husband is 76 and has just been diagnosed with cancer. Like Julia, I work fulltime. Even entertaining part-time child care is challenging to think about. There were many dynamics at work in this book but definitely worth the read from multiple perspectives.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Deborah Raney has delivered an excellent family story that makes one think about marriages of our own. Are we paying attention to each other, working as a family unit, as a team, or are there things we can do better? With God's help we can. When I see a book by Raney in my Kindle library, it is hard for me to choose any other book. I am always so satisfied when I finish a wonderful story.

[babrara wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

All good comes from your mistakes.

There were a lot of emotions going on in this story. Even made me mad at times at Jana but the author kept you on the edge to see what would happen next. All in all a wonderful and enduring story. A great read you will enjoy how God stepped in and brought all good things to a happy ending.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous story from Raney. I appreciate how she tackles such difficult issues with raw reality and grace. I know that this worked out to have a wonderful ending when not all abandonment stories do, but I am thankful for the way this showed hope to others who struggle with mental illness and abandonment.

[Cynthia A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life can become overwhelming

Jana felt as if the world around her was crushing the life out of her. So she ran away from her husband, her daughter, and family. No one knew where she was or if she was alive. Truth be told she wished she would die.
A very emotional book but worth the read.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming story of how severe depression can impact a family. Deborah continued the story of the Brighton family from A Vow To Cherish. Ms Raney's sweeps you into the family and the story. Very well written and very moving book.

[Darlyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very emotional and touching story that will resonate with a lot of women. I thought it was well written with characters you could identify with. Definitely will be ordering more of her books in the future. Great start to the new year reading list.🙂

[Janet Merrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it, in fact, I could hardly put it down. However, I was a bit disappointed in the ending as it felt a little rushed. So much time was spent on trying to locate Jana, that I never felt any closure with John and Julia. Still loved the series.

[Rose Scarrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Dedication

This story is one of love, despair, work ethic, forgiveness, and suspense. It will keep the reader engaged even in the slower, reflective parts, and has a surprising twist at the end.

[Clara K Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful story

The characters in this story are so real, you can easily feel the pain of each as well as the frustration s. The way God works in their lives is inspiring and realistic.

[Lucille M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

While reading this, being a mother, grandmother myself, I found it very difficult how this mother could do what she did, but with Gods help all things are possible with Happy Ending👍

[Staciy Wilson Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

💕💕💕

I absolutely love the way Jana comes to herself, away from everyone. Sometimes, I wish suicide wouldn’t be shown as solved so easily, without more depth being given to the process, but this is still an amazing read.