The Sweet By and By written by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauk

I am usually not drawn to books, especially novels, written by people who have gained their fame in other arenas. Sara Evans, a multi-platinum winning recording artist, may have changed my mind. Characters that are rich, real, and not involved in the music industry bring this story of a young woman with a bright future, but a dirty past, to life.
Jade is a young woman who seemingly has it all. A job she loves, her own business, a handsome, successful fiance. But just under the surface secrets from her past are keeping her at arms length from the One who can truly make her life complete.
I appreciated the role the pastor of the church the young couple plans to be married in conducts the pre-wedding meeting, not allowing the couple to gloss over some very important questions about their faith and the future.
I really wanted to dislike the character of Max's (the groom) mother. But even she had depth beyond the standard nosy-mother-in-law. As the truth is revealed, bit by bit, I could relate to her wanting to protect and defend her son.
This was a great first novel and should appeal to many of us who grew up on the fringes of the boomer generation.