A Flicker of Light by Katie Powner

A Flicker of Light Reviews

• 
  Susie Finkbeiner

  I got to read this book for endorsement. It. Is. Beautiful.
  
  My favorite stories are ones about every day, salt-of-the-earth people. When I open a novel by Katie Powner, I know that’s what I’m going to experience. Reading A Flicker of Light was immersive, pulling me head first into the lives of a family that felt so familiar, so warm. I laughed with them, grieved with them, and held onto the hope that Powner infused into every page. Katie Powner has landed herself a solid place on my list of beloved authors.
• 
  Christine Indorf

  Saw this book was up for some awards and I needed to read it and see if this book was worth all the hype. The Jensens family is recovering for the lost of their wife and mother. The Dad can relate to his daughter who moves back home with her new husband and also being pregnant. The Grandmother is suffering from Dementia the family suffer once again. But when they put their personal feeling aside and decide to work together maybe then they can finally become a real family once again. This was an excellent story. Each suffering from loss and each doesn't know how to deal with it but the one thing that each have for each other is love. When the Grandmother gets sick the writer lets you see in her mind and what it would be like for someone who memory starts to fad. Its a beautiful book of family and what they can do for each other when they come back together. Really a must read for all of you. I am so glad I decided to read this wonderful book. I hope you will too.
• 
  Kerry Johnson

  A powerful story about the invisible, unbreakable ties we have to family, and how those connections can both bind and heal us. A Flicker of Light will take your breath away and remind you of the tender power of redemption and restoration. If you enjoy generational stories of faith and forgiveness, you'll love A Flicker of Light.
• 
  Valerie

  Lovely book! So realalistic, true to life. Bonus points for naming the cat after my husband, lol. ;o)
• 
  Staci

  Similar to the author's debut, A Flicker of Light features characters from multiple generations.
  
  Bea is at a crossroads. She's been married only a short time, learns she is pregnant and leaves California to move in with her dad, Mitch.
  
  Mitch's mother, June, is in the beginning stages of dementia.
  
  Lots of family dynamics as the three generations work through changes.
  
  Engaging novel. Enjoyed the musical references. A bit surprised that George Strait didn't make Mitch's top five list, but then he's in Montana and not Texas.
  
  Recommend this novel for readers that enjoy General Fiction that is well written and a little different than the norm.
• 
  Jocelyn Green

  Oh, what a rich, heart-tugging, contemporary book this is! I loved every page and every character painted across the charming small town setting. This author has such a refreshing voice and obvious talent for multi-generational family stories. Can't wait to read what she writes next.
• 
  Deborah Raney

  I just turned the last page of this book and sighed through my tears. What a beautiful story about life...with all its ups and downs and sadness and joy, with all the beautiful interconnectedness God allows as we live out the story He's writing on us. Gorgeous writing, uplifting and emotional story. I can't wait for Katie Powner's next novel!
• 
  Lori

  There were times when I felt that this author told my story many times.
  I love this new author immensely. She's a wonderful story teller and I love that her characters are realistic.
  I love family stories such as this one. The love, heartaches, and the hidden secrets. All family drama.
  Yes, it's slow but still very good. There were certain things that made me keep reading so that I could find out what happens. I wasn't disappointed at all!
  I especially loved how the author kept God in the story. Beautiful messages throughout the book and some even touched my heart.
  Choices can be difficult for sure! I've had to make a few.
  The Lord is faithful in everything and we only need to lean on him.
  My thanks for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
• 
  Rosalyn

  This is a book that reaches way down deep and touches a part of your soul. One that will linger with me long after I've read it.
  I loved the characters, and the way they came alive. They are real, realistic people.
  This is a story about a family. We see life from three different viewpoints. Grandma June, her son Mitch, and her granddaughter Bea.
  Each one has struggles, as all people do. As families do.
  Grandma June is having struggles with her mind. Difficulty thinking clearly.
  Her family draws together to care for her, and in doing this, they discover some secrets.
  I loved the raw and real look at dementia in this book. I could feel the character's anguish as they went through the hard things that came at them because of this.
  The setting is in the lovely state of Montana, and I enjoyed reading about it.
  If you are looking for a book that will touch your heart, maybe even make you cry, you won't want to miss this one!
  Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
• 
  Lucy

  Ms. Powner delivers another poignant novel that is slow and steady like the mountain characters portrayed. It delivers a powerful punch that has you needing tissues as a family deals with navigating life after the loss of a loved one to face more life altering changes. Family is precious and we need to hold on to the moments as one day they can be wiped out by the devastating news of Alzheimer’s. I loved the family dynamics and how they find their way and how faith leads the way. I loved the community feel and how they rallied around to help when needed. So many good things in the book that I don’t want to divulge as I don’t want to spoil it but the writing keeps you spellbound in the story and Miner McGee reminds me of Gods light that shines even on the darkest days if we just look for it. Another must read by an author I enjoy tremendously.
  I won this book. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
• 
  Tamara

  A Flicker of Light was a heartfelt story of a family struggling but all also surviving and in all, its glory, which is sometimes not so wonderful. Bea has just returned home as a newlywed and newly pregnant back into her childhood home with her husband. A few years earlier, her mom died and that has left a hole in Bea's heart and especially her dad, Mitch. The characters were real and annoying as the story progressed but so did the growth of Bea, especially Mitch who has essentially closed his heart to move on from the loss of his deceased wife. I really enjoyed a Flicker of Light which is slow, it's enough to keep you invested to turn the next page.
• 
  Christy

  I really enjoyed this book by a new-to-me author! Stories that are told from multiple POVs are some of my favorites, and this one was no exception. Books that have characters with Alzheimer's have been a recurring topic for me lately, so I applaud any author who can accurately convey how those characters struggle with day-to-day thoughts and actions. The story lagged in some parts, but there was no way I could stop listening because I had to see how their story would end.
  
  Very excited to see what the future holds for this author, and I can't wait to read more!
• 
  Sarah

  A sweetly compelling story through and through . . . But the chapters written from the perspective of a woman slipping into dementia are INCREDIBLE. Powner captured the experience with grace, tenderness, and compassion. It's rare a story moves me to tears but this one most certainly did. Well done.
• 
  Michelle

  Fantastic! Katie Powner is a must read!!!!
• 
  Sarita

  This is the second book I have read by this author, and her stories is beautifully written with a lot of emotional ups and downs. I enjoy how the POV is from three different generations, how the experience the same conversations differently.
  
  The way the author dealt with the struggles of Alzheimer were very well done. Especially the POV from the character who struggles with her memory.
  
  A beautiful story of a family coming together through struggles and challenges.
  
  *I listened to the audiobook on Scribd.*
• 
  Kim

  Very well written book and hard to put down. I'll definitely be reading more from this author.
• 
  Frosty61

  A Christian based story about a family dealing with unresolved issues related to grief as well as the Alzheimer's diagnosis of the matriarch. The writing is good, it has realistic dialogue and the relationship between small town Montana and its people is handled with love. The characters are likeable, maybe even a little too nice with conflicts being a bit mild mannered. The downside: the plot moves very slowly and there's no big climax at the end.
• 
  Perrianne

  One thing I've learned about reading a Katie Powner novel is that she has the power to write about ordinary things and make them so compelling! I could easily relate to this story, as I had a grandmother with Alzheimer's disease. It is an incredibly difficult thing to witness as a granddaughter and see the plumment of such a vivacious woman and hear the off the wall things she spoke as words went bouncing through her mind. It was interesting to see the family dynamic in this novel, and I'm beginning to see a theme with the author's novels and that is communication is the backbone of the family. All of the problems Bea and her Dad have had could really have been solved with good strong communication. We all know that is human nature, but sometimes it is easier to deny the problem than face it head on. I think Mitch is the perfect example of being like an ostrich burying his head in the sand after the loss of his beloved wife, Caroline. There is also a surprise character at the end that really makes the story complete, but I won't spoil anything. I also appreciate the power of the small community that the author lends to problem solving.
  I took my time to thoughly enjoy this author's sophomore novel and would also recommend reading A Sowing Season, her debut. You won't be disappointed, especially if you enjoy warm characters and families.
  I received a copy of this book from the publisher and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
• 
  Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner

  Wow. This is the first book that I have read by Katie Powner but will go back and read her first novel as well.
  
  Secrets are like pennies. Everybody's got one, even the poorest among us.
  
  Powerful. Emotional. Heart-wrenching. Deep. Gripping.
  
  There are several layers in this story. Three generations, each with struggles, some with secrets. When Grandma June starts having medical issues hard decisions have to be made. Bea struggles with the decisions that Mitch (her dad) is making about his mother. It seems they are constantly having spats over Jeremy (her husband who Mitch feels doesn't quite measure up) and her grandmother. It's hard coming back home, even if it is supposed to be temporary.
  
  Joy, fear, confusion, anxiety, and amazement battled for control, flushing her cheeks and tingling her toes. This couldn't be real. Couldn't be true.
  
  This story is full of faith, family, small-town charm, tenderness, love, forgiveness, and grace.
  
  The characters are wonderful, the friendships real, and the emotional upheaval, unforgettable. It is difficult to describe or even write a proper review of this book. I will just say this is one you do not want to miss.
  
  Thank you to Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
  
  ★★★★★/5
• 
  Janyre Tromp

  Gah! Katie Powner is a master at making everyday stories stunning.
• 
  Iola

  A Flicker of Light is set in the small Montana town of Moose Creek, population 756, and features three generations of the same family.
  
  Juniper (June) Jensen is sixty-three, and showing signs of early-onset dementia. Not that she knows that, but her husband and son have certainly noticed.
  
  Bea Michaels finds out she is pregnant just as her husband loses his job. The logical decision is to go back to Moose Creek and stay with her father— the last thing she and her young husband want to do.
  
  Mitch Jensen was none too happy when his daughter dropped out of college and got married. He’s even less happy to find the husband is now unemployed, living in his house, and not making any effort to find a real job. He’s also worried about his mother—something is wrong.
  
  The story starts in June’s point of view, which is written in first person. I know some readers don’t like first person. If you’re one of those readers, I’d encourage you to keep reading, as the other two points of view (Bea and Mitch) are both written in the more common third person, and they are the main viewpoints.
  
  A Flicker of Lights is a strong and thought-provoking family drama. I once read that all great characters have a secret, and the characters in A Flicker of Lights certainly have secrets, and those secrets provide the basis for the novel.
  
  It’s an easy read with no high angst (I don’t like angst for the sake of angst). But there are plenty of problems and plenty of emotion. There are real characters with real problems – unemployment, unplanned pregnancy, death, dementia. But it’s through the problems that the characters grow emotionally and spiritually, reminding readers that there is always a way through the hard times, even if it doesn’t always look like what we’d expected.
  
  A Flicker of Light doesn’t have the rose-coloured glasses of many novels set in small towns. Bea especially is all too aware of the downsides of small-town living. But there are also moments of levity—a cat named Steve, the busybody neighbour, the small-town “moosevine”.
  
  I think that’s what I liked about it. It was realistic without being depressing. In fact, it was ultimately uplifting—which is what I want in a novel.
  
  Recommended for readers looking for a realistic yet uplifting Christian novel that’s not a romance.
  
  Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
• 
  Natalie

  Interesting book with a really dumb ending.
• 
  Dana

  A fascinating book, very contemporary in that I love seeing how authors handle texting in their writing, i think its funny that it was not a thing in not so long ago novels. A multigenerational read in which it was interesting to read each of the characters thoughts a new mama/wife, a recent widow and a elder generational at the beginning stages of dementia it makes me wonder if that is really what its like. I thought the author handled it all very well!
• 
  Meagan

  Katie Powner is a new-to-me author, and I loved diving into her work with this rich and moving read. It hit even closer to home as some family members are walking a similar road; I appreciated the multiple narrators/points of view even more, especially Grandma June’s. (Frankly, I wasn’t sure how well #allthenarrators would work out–but I was pleasantly surprised at just how well it went!)
  
  There’s nothing like the power of story to illustrate the importance of communication, familial love that crosses many a barrier, and just what can happen when a community rises to the occasion.
  
  My Kindle tells me I highlighted 15 items in the book; perhaps my favorite (though it’s a hard choice!) came near the end: “Nothing could stay the same forever. She was learning that was okay. Sometimes it was even good, because it forced people to consider things they never would’ve otherwise” (eARC location 4533).
  
  Highly recommended. 5/5.
  
  I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
• 
  AllyP Reads Books

  What was a good story was marred by bad characters. Jeremy is a complete asshole, Bea might as well be played by a waffle, and Mitch is the oldest forty-three year old ever. The most likable character is Steve.
• 
  Kriste

  Such a moving book, full of people and situations I cared about <3!! And closest to my heart, a loving church that means well, but overwhelms a widow. Yep :(
• 
  Becky

  Once upon a time, there was a man named Miner McGee who sought after the greatest treasure and riches. He heard that there was a great diamond in the Montana mountains. He hiked up the mountain and got caught in a blizzard. When the authorities were about to go up the mountain to find him, they saw the light of his headlamp flicker on.
  This was a story Juniper Jones often told her granddaughter, Bea, and it was Bea's favorite story. Bea is at a cross-roads in life--her husband has lost his job, they have moved in with her father who doesn't seem to like her husband, and she just found out she's pregnant. Other kinks in the works are that Bea's mother passed away a couple of years ago and neither Bea nor her father have fully grieved her passing. While the turmoil of moving in with her father and all that entails is going on, Juniper, her father's mother is sliding into Alzheimer's dementia, and her father's next door neighbor has the hots for him and he's just not ready for that kind of relationship.
  
  This book is about grief, about secrets, about standing on your own two feet, and about grace. I am not sure what I expected for the end of the book to be, but I felt it was rather abrupt and wished the book had been longer even though Katie Powner tied up the loose ends rather nicely. I was just left wanting something more, I'm not sure what, but just more. For that reason alone I give it four stars. I loved the setting--my daughter once lived in a small Western Montana town and was actually an EMT/first responder for her county there. Imagining the places, fictitious as they were, was not a difficult thing to do, and there is no better place to set a story like this one.
  
  Bethany House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.