When a woman uproots her family and moves to the other side of the globe to appease her husband's passion for his work, it's difficult. But when the impetus is God, even as a deeply spiritual believer, she's in an untenable predicament. In Of Stillness and Storm, Michèle Phoenix's fourth novel, Lauren Coventry doesn't share Sam's conviction that God has given them a sign to leave Indiana and minister to impoverished children in Nepal. His fervor, however, and her wedding vow of "if God calls us, we'll follow" overshadow her reluctance, even though their young son is devastated at the plan.
Phoenix effectively juxtaposes chapters in Kathmandu and ones from the couples' past--how their love blossomed at a college retreat, their joy in parenting Ryan and the struggle to fund and establish their mission. The primitive conditions and 13-year-old Ryan's increasing withdrawal absorb Lauren's energy during Sam's lengthy trips to remote Nepalese villages. Stoically responsible, she finds solace in sporadic Internet access, eventually connecting with a high school friend and long-ago romantic interest, Aidan. Their rekindled friendship is innocent and validates Lauren's individuality. Trouble simmers, though, and Lauren must draw on her faith and strength to face Sam's radical zeal, Aidan's tragic illness and Ryan's furious, climactic acting out.
Lauren doesn't compromise her lifelong service to others when confronting Sam and demanding what she and Ryan need to survive. Phoenix draws a sympathetic character bolstered by her faith who ultimately uses her given talents to forge her own path. --Cheryl Krocker McKeon, manager, Book Passage, San Francisco