Justified Means, by Cher Smith

I admit it. I read this on a recommendation from a trusted colleague with just a bit of trepidation. But my eyes and heart were richly rewarded with a story so palpable I'd swear the whole thing really happened.

Katie Means doesn't understand why God has stood by and let her birth a son with autism, or why his special school is being closed down. All she knows is that life will be better if she can control her destiny. So she sweet talks a formerly incarcerated burglar friend, Jack Jordan, into helping her become the next Robin Hood. Stealing from the rich and giving to charities has never been so easy...or confusing. After all, aren't pastor's wives supposed to be God-fearing and law-abiding?

If you're expecting a sanitized Christian novel with an all-ends-tied-up happy ending, then you'll be surprised. This little gem has much to offer, but it veers away from the neatly handled norm. I found it a bit offensive in parts but entertaining and an "A" for getting a point across. One of those being that Christians are people, too. We get angry, we sin, and our lives aren't perfect. We need grace just like everyone else. Thank God He doesn't leave us to fend for ourselves even when we think we'd like to.

Congratulations to Cher Smith for a unique, thought-provoking tale. I hope she lands a huge contract soon.