Echoes From the Past

Almond Tree #2

by June Foster

: When Dave Reyes, senior pastor of New Life Fellowship discovers he has a six-year-old daughter, his life changes forever. He must reveal the truth to the congregation, but will they fire him and send him away in shame?

Social worker Betty Ann Johnston still grieves over the death of her police officer husband. But when he returns from the grave to torment her, she struggles to maintain her sanity. Witnessing Dave's faith is her only source of strength. Will ghosts from her past destroy her, or will she find hope in the God of the Bible?

When the past collides with the present, can two people survive the impact?

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 19, 2015

About the author

I began writing in 2010 while sailing down the freeway in our RV. I love to place my characters in unlikely situations where escape is questionable, yet freedom is possible through God's power and His Word. I'm a retired teacher turned author and live with my husband in beautiful Alabama.

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. I have only read one of June's other books - Ryan's Father - and loved it. This one was just as good, and showed that even Christians can mess up and God can redeem the mistakes they made. Loved the characters and plot.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Echoes From the Past" by June Foster is the second book in (The Almond Tree Series) and is as good as the first, "For All Eternity". Echoes from the past is Dave Reyes, the senior pastor of New Life Fellowship, story of how he learns that he has a daughter from a relationship in the past that wasn't a God honoring one.

I loved this story because it shows forgiveness and true repentance. " Echoes From The Past" tells how even if we disobey God, and then ask Him to forgive us and then live for Him, He uses our hurts and mistakes for Our Good.
Pastor Reyes is ready to resign as pastor but wait there has to a vote taken between the deacons and the congregation. My heart was really tied in knots while reading to see what the outcome of the vote would be! I dare you to read "Echoes From the Past" (The Almond Tree Series Book 2) by June Foster and see if you agreed with what was decided!

"Echoes From the Past" has characters in the church that are just like "real characters" in our churches. If you read " For All Eternity" you will like getting to read more about JD and Joella Crawford.

This book is a clean love story and also has a little mystery! What more could you want in a book!

The mystery revolves around a social worker's past, and yes it kept me turning the pages. I had to know where the phone calls were coming from.

I have enjoyed all of June Foster's books but I think "Echoes From The Past" is my number 1 favorite! Why, you ask, because it shows we all can make mistakes and still be used by and for God. It shows that God uses less than perfect people and yes that includes pastors.

""Echoes From the Past" (The Almond Tree Series Book 2)by June Foster is definitely a five *****s novel.

[Robin Densmore Fuson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes From the Past is the second in a series but I feel that it can be a standalone. I highly encourage you to read the first in the Almond Tree Series and those after this solid read. so you get the depth of the secondary characters as well. June Foster paints a clear and vibrant word picture from start to finish. Many events bring Pastor Dave Reyes and Betty Ann Johnston together and a seed of love sprouts. Read as the story unfolds and develops as the characters learn to lean on the Lord for strength. Forgiveness and trust are keys to this story.

[Charlotte Whitmarsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read a book by this author, it was on a recommendation of Robin Patchen in her text that I decided to try June Foster. I enjoyed the theme of God’s total forgiveness in the lives of the well developed characters. Showing God’s mercy and grace for the young Pastor by his Congregation was a touching point for me as this is not always the case. The story was overall heartwarming and uplifting, it was well written.
I certainly will read more of June Foster’s books in the future.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. There were points I read 10 chapters at a time, because I had a hard time putting it down. I have to admit there were parts that were a little scarier than I liked...especially when you are reading before bed...but all in all another good read by June Foster, and I'd highly recommend it.

[Connie Skief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many lives collide

It's a small world with many life lessons, a stalker, a false religion, a little girl, and a chance for love. Examples of grace, forgiveness, and the true depths of God's love. Shows the consequences of our actions. Highly recommended for all readers.

[Jeannie Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This is the second book in the Series I've read by this author & I highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys a great love story & Loves our Lord & Savior.

[Anne Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know--another of June Foster's books appeared on this blog yesterday, but I review in the order that I receive the books unless there are extenuating circumstances. No apologies offered. :) Besides, I happen to relate to so much of what June writes. She always manages to stir both the heart and mind.

What are the odds? Pastor Dave Reyes had years previously advised his best friend NOT to marry a woman from his family's church, the Exalted Brethren by the name of Betty Ann. Now a pretty and petite blonde stood at his door, announcing her name as Betty Ann. Not that common a name.

However, it was what--or who--she brought with her that really blew him away. A little six-year-old girl that Betty Ann says is his daughter. One look at Alice convinced him even beyond the evidence of a birth certificate, a will, and DNA. The sweet little girl's mother, Beth, had been Dave's lover years before, and he had no idea she was pregnant when he heeded God's call to the ministry. He had asked Beth to marry him and join him in ministry, but she had refused. Now Beth is dead, and the little girl becomes a part of Dave's life.

God forgives, but sometimes the results of sins linger. Pastor Dave's congregation will never understand. He prepares to resign, an action that will tear his heart out.

Meanwhile, Betty Ann has found a woman who will come in to take care of the little one when Dave has to be gone. Alive loves and clings to Betty Ann and to the new woman--who Alice calls grandma.

Dave is in a bunch quandary. He wouldn't mind keeping Betty Ann in his life, but she's not a believer. He'd done that once and didn't want to go down that path away from God again. He won't desert his young daughter, but in keeping her, he must leave his congregation. And then there's the mystery of Alice's instant connection to the housekeeper she calls Grandma while he is still kept at arm's length.

Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes From the Past tells the story of Pastor Dave Reyes and what happens when he finds out he is the father of a six year old daughter. He is concerned about his congregation and how they will handle the news. Also, he becomes friends with the social worker, Betty Ann. How will this friendship affect the new relationship between Dave and his daughter? The author makes the reader feel as if they were reading about their own friends. She gives emotions and details that make the reader feel involved in the story. I could not put this book down. Yes, it is that good. Another great story by June Foster.

[Debra K. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simmary

This is a good Christian book. I love the way the story played out and how God was talked about throughout the story. More books like these are needed. I recommend this book to anyone.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgiveness and love

Good book with enough intrigue to keep the reader turning the pages to see what will happen next. The characters are well developed as well as the plot.