An Absence So Great- Jane Kirkpatrick

I received an email from Waterbrook Press saying that "An Absense So Great" by Jane Kirkpatrick was being released, and would I like to participate in the blog- tour? WOULD I?
The first book in the series, "A Flickering Light," is my all-time favorite novel (at the moment) and therefore the chance to read the follow up to the lifestory of Jessie Graebele was answered with a resounding "YES! YES!YES!"

"An Absense So Great" picks up where "A Flickering Light" left off: Jessie Ann Gaebele is an 18 year old photographer in the early 20th century trying to discover herself, forge a career in photography all the while she's dutifully burying emotional memories that seep from her heart. At the end of the first book Jessie's life was turned upside down by unfortunate romantic longings-and as an act of shame and penance she exiles herself to Milwaukee to grow up, squelch the forbidden feelings she has, and to forge a career in an industry dominated by men.

"An Absense So Great" is chocked full of historical encounters with real-life characters being masterfully woven into the story; glimpses into everday life on the great plains at the turn of the century makes the story come to life.
An Absense So Great chisels out a comfy haven in your heart- where we (the readers) give Jessie the freedom to be herself; a place where we inadvertently realize that we're all "Jessie's." Kirkpatrick makes the relation to the dreams, failures and heartache that Jessie Graeble is running from and toward all at the same time quite personal.

Kirkpatrick manages to engulf the reader in the photographic world of the early 20th century, filling the novel with real pictures and observations from the eye of a photographer.

Reading the story of Jessie Graebele is like looking at a portrait for quite sometime before realizing that the eyes your staring into are your very own.

Shine All Your Light,

Cass