Review ~ Sailing out of Darkness by Normandie Fischer
Sailing out of Darkness by Normandie Fischer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a beautiful story told with such feeling and faith. It had so many wonderful and touching elements for me to enjoy: the ocean, Italy, writing, and fate. Both of the main characters had insecurities and things to overcome, but I enjoyed watching them do it. There was a bit of magic and mystery for the hero Teo and when it all comes together there’s such an amazing feeling.
Fischer writes about the love of sailing and although I cannot relate to sailing, I can relate to being on the ocean. I grew up on a boat with one of those noisy motors. And even though most sailors shun those of us that use motors, the love of the sea is the same. Fischer described and brought it all together so perfectly, it was like she brought me back to it all. I could remember sanding and varnishing the railings and wood trim on my dad’s boat and all the long hours of upkeep. But once we were out in the open, cruising toward Catalina or just outside the marina, it was all worth it. I enjoyed reading Fischer’s love of sailing and it was done so well, not pushy or overpowering at all.
Another aspect I enjoyed very much is the main characters were older with grown children. It was a chance for starting over and being able to put all the pain from the past behind. I found myself reading until it was over because I didn’t want to put it down.
I recommend this book for those that enjoy second chances, sailing, Italy, faith, and true love.
Summary:
An unexplained apparition, wanderings through Italy, and mayhem back home push four lives toward their day of reckoning.
The last thing on Samantha’s mind is another entanglement. Fleeing a disastrous affair with her childhood best friend, she hopes for peace and forgetfulness in a trip to Italy.
Teo Anderson copes with his own issues, both physical and emotional, by writing mysteries—until one strange and compelling vision comes to life in the person of Sam.
Teo is nothing like Sam’s philandering ex-husband or her sailing buddy, Jack, who, despite his long-time girlfriend, caught Sam off guard with his flashing black eyes. But not even sailing the cobalt waters of the Mediterranean can assuage Sam’s guilt for hurting another woman. Soon the consequences of her behavior escalate, and the fallout threatens them all.
SAILING OUT OF DARKNESS is the haunting story of mistakes and loss and the grace that abounds through forgiveness.
About the Author:
I write from on board our sailboat or from on shore in coastal NC — stories of women and families and the things that get to them.
What a lovely review, Jennifer. Thank you so much.
But I must tell you that a lot of us who cruise by sailboat recognize that we really own a motorboat with auxiliary sails. Small-boat sailing is very different: you go out for the experience of being one with the wind and the water. But cruisers leave port with a destination in mind and the desire to get there before dark!
Blessings,
Normandie
😀 You brought me back to a long time ago and my love of the ocean. 🙂 It also reminded me that even though it was always in jest, our sailor friends would tease us for not having sails. 🙂 You’ve made me want to experience sailing at least once now.
I also read Becalmed right after this one and loved that as well. 🙂 That review will post next month. I want to read more from you. Thank you!
Thanks so much, Jennifer. I’m working on the next Beaufort story using some of Becalmed’s characters, but this revising stage is taking forever. Discipline!
Perhaps you’ll get out on a sailboat at least once. It’s a wonderful feeling…
Oh, I’m glad there’s more to come. 🙂 Thank you again.
I liked your review and your comments about the noisy motor boat and crossing the channel to Catalina. We did that, too. Ours was probably smaller than your dad’s, just a 25′ but we sure had some good times out there!
I too relate to Normandie’s love of being on the water, even though we weren’t sail-ers. ;o) And I’m delighted to have found your site!
Thank you, I’m glad you found my site as well.
My dad had a wonderful boat he found in Northern California in very poor condition that he rebuilt. It was a 50-something foot Fedship. We lived on it for a very long time. I had a 13′ Boston Whaler that I’d tool around in, especially over in Catalina. The memories. 🙂 But whatever the size, I think being on the water is amazing. 😉 Thanks for stopping by.
I loved Sailing out of Darkness, too! This is my first visit to your blog, and it’s lovely. I think I’ll poke around for awhile.
Aww, thank you. Welcome! Hope you enjoy and come back anytime. 😉
Thanks for being on the tour!
Pingback: Normandie Fischer, author of Sailing Out of Darkness and Becalmed, on tour January/February 2014 | TLC Book Tours
My pleasure.