Greater Love

Author: Alana Marks
Genre: YA Mystery/Fantasy
Series: Unbroken Bones #1
Pages: 348
Release Date: October 22, 2024
Publisher: Self-Published

What would you do if you found a map that led to a dark cave in the woods? The map Natasha found in her Bible did just that. It was left by her deceased grandmother who intended for her to figure out a complicated mystery. But no mystery can be solved without her first discovering a family secret and joining forces with an annoying classmate and a guilt-ridden preceptor.

John figures his life will become much better once he finishes college and leaves his alcoholic father behind. But something keeps pulling him in another direction, and he soon realizes life has different plans for him. As his life spirals out of control, he falls into despair. He’s oblivious that the tribulations overwhelming him are actually his path to deliverance.

Matthias lives in a realm filled with light and love. But that changes when he’s selected to become a guardian by a special heavenly council. He hopes his journey to Earth will also help him find the answers to questions that have persistently plagued his mind.

All will soon find their lives inexplicably intertwined as the forces of darkness and light battle for the hearts of these precious ones, who are destined to solve the mystery of Unbroken Bones.

Book 1 of this allegorical Christian fiction presents a heartwarming story of how the amazing grace of God, through the ministry of heavenly beings and His “Greater Love” can transform lives. This Christian narrative will keep you riveted and inspired to the very last page.

---

Reviewer: Diana Lea

Greater Love is a coming-of-age story with three main characters. Each has deep life issues to resolve.  

First, we meet Matthias, an angel. His struggles center on him preparing to be a guardian protector. Before he can step into those responsibilities, he is coming to understand how many of his kind were separated from their Creator so long ago.  

Next, we meet Natasha, a believer, with much loss and many family secrets. She is navigating difficulties with her mom being distant and unsupportive. There are so many secrets since her Grandmother died. Grandmother’s friend, Dr. Betsy, wants to help, but her mother reacts so angrily.

John is a schoolmate of Natasha. He is not a believer and is hardened by his harsh upbringing. He is also coming to grips with his past while trying to navigate college, employment and responsibilities for his sister Riley.  

John works at the Museum of Natural History with George. Natasha works at the Paleontology Institute of Research and Development with Dr. Betsy. This is where I am glad for stories that remind us that God has placed heavenly beings around us to intervene for His plans and His glory. 

This is written with chapters alternating between our three main characters. We are given much insight into the characters’ thoughts, feelings and struggles. There was great depth to each of the family's secrets. 

I took a break from reading about halfway through. Each of the three main characters has a tapestry-worth of threads to be untangled as the secrets are revealed. Though I was bogged down, I am glad I returned to it and found my way through to some excellent revelations and resolutions. Readers surely will not want to miss Thanksgiving Day at Natasha’s house!

Questions I will bring to the next book in the trilogy:

Was there more to Grandma Cunningham’s car crash than just an accident?

What are these bones in a cave all about?

Will John join Natasha and Betsy as they continue their work?

How will Matthias develop in his role as John’s protector? 

I received a complimentary copy of this book courtesy of the author through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

---