Forever Soul Ties

From the time they met as teenagers, Ethan and Butterfly have shared a powerful connection that hasn’t faded even after 15 years apart. When Ethan reappears in Butterfly’s life, they’re tempted—thanks to unhappy marriages—to pick up right where they left off. As their emotional intimacy grows over the next 10 years, they continue to shy away from sexual infidelity, despite kisses and deep conversations. Ethan finally convinces Butterfly to spend a night with him in a hotel, but before they get to their room she runs into a deacon from her church, whose wife, the next day, accuses Butterfly of adultery in front of the whole congregation. Though she’s innocent, Butterfly ends what she considers to be an emotional affair with Ethan and begins to rebuild trust with her unfaithful, unappreciative husband. Griggs’s newest (after Redeeming Waters), exploring her common themes of fidelity and spiritual faith, is also a lesson in emotional infidelity. Her heroine is unfortunately passive, permitting her husband to mistreat her and Ethan to string her along for a decade. This character trait will likely frustrate readers who otherwise may appreciate a woman’s struggle with her faith. (Jan.)