Messenger of Magnolia Street, The

Southern Living Selects The Messenger of Magnolia Street BY RIVER JORDAN (HARPERSANFRANCISCO, $22.95)

Wicked entities, reluctant heroes, and born saviors walk the oh-so-Southern streets of Shibboleth. The Recording Angel, who smoothly narrates, feels stymied by his divine but limited mission of watching, waiting, and writing.

Nehemiah Trust, the town's favorite son, begrudgingly leaves his political job, returning to Shibboleth for a task he would prefer to shun. His brother, Billy, feels betrayed by Nehemiah's previous exodus from town and is sore afraid to be left alone again. Their friend, Trice, born of mysterious circumstance with the gift of prophecy, completes the trinity.

This is a tale of wonder and signs following. Covered dish offerings become fishes-and-loaves repasts. Silver thread transforms into water. A rooster crows amid a dark battle. Layered prayers become saving grace. Blue skies turn yellow and then "a shade of sly brown. A brown that has something up its sleeves." All manner of "swimming in the river of strange" occurs. Immerse yourself in River Jordan's wondrously redemptive tale. -NANCY DORMAN-HICKSON

For more about this author, please visit southemliving.com/features. The first 10 readers to respond will each receive a free copy of the book.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 2006
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