* A review by Fran in Riner, Virginia, of "Providence, VA"

Michael Abraham has hit the jackpot with his new novel, Providence, VA. Local readers will find the area references tantalizing and may be tempted to jump in the car to go find Carlene Bartlett’s general store. For those readers from other parts of the country Abraham gives an inside look at the people of this part of Virginia. Is Providence real or fictional? That is only one of the mysteries in this very readable book.

Sammy Reisinger, the story’s main character, is real, believable and likeable. As we follow Sammy through her travails of living ‘off the grid’ the reader learns a lot about Southwest Virginia and Appalachia. There are lessons in economics, midwifery, healing herbs, music, personal interactions, and history. The sub title states, ‘A novel of inner strength found in adversity’ and the novel fulfils the title. There are enough surprises and unexpected events to keep the story moving. Abraham does a good job of creating a cast of characters that could be found in the Riner Food Center on any given day. A good read. We look forward to Abraham’s next novel.