Even In This - by Dianna L Lanser (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Sixteen going on seventeen, Miah Brennan stands on the riverbank of her future, awaiting permission to jump in. With a recording contract pending and a young Native American man winking at her; it seems as if God is parting the waters and waving her through. Her parents, however, prefer to keep her tucked away as if they were still living on their secluded, drought-dry cattle station in the Australian Outback.

Weeks before the September 11 attacks, just when her dreams are on a sure track to coming true, evil stalks Miah with a vicious plan of its own, destroying her hope and her future.

While scripture tells her to forgive, her heart wants to forget. But how in the cruel, aching world can she move forward when her life has collapsed into a heap of rubble? How could God possibly work this out for good? And will she and her boyfriend remain steadfast in their faith and love as they face the shocking challenges ahead?

Based on James 1:2, "Consider it all joy," Even In This is a chilling yet poignant love story that encourages the reader to lean into the ugliness and pain of life, whisper thanks to God, and trust He will transform it into something beautiful.

Review Quotes

"This page-turning debut novel will keep readers up at night as they follow Miah and Brandt's story of young love, a close-knit Australian family whose love for each other is tested, and the traumatic event that threatens to derail all their lives. Christian readers fascinated by true crime podcasts will be riveted by the hunt to bring a criminal to justice, but more, the rest of the story, and how God's goodness can be found even in the worst circumstances. Lanser's writing is beautiful, and she has done her homework on criminal procedure, trauma, and the complicated nature of healing."

LORILEE CRAKER, author of sixteen books, including the New York Times bestseller Through the Storm with Lynne Spears and the ECPA bestseller My Journey to Heaven with Marv Besteman.

"In her debut novel, Even in This, Dianna Lanser has told a story that is equal parts vulnerable and powerful, raw and beautiful, deeply emotional and profoundly hopeful. Lanser doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the evil that people can inflict on each other. She also doesn't hold back when it comes to pointing to the ways in which we come to each other's aid and rescue. As I read, I couldn't help but be reminded that God works for the good of those who love Him."

SUSIE FINKBEINER, author of The All-American.

"Dianna Lanser brings readers from a secluded cattle station in the Australian Outback to the clear waters of Lake Michigan and beyond, as Miah sets out to reclaim her heart in the wake of great pain. With an emotionally charged narrative and sensoryrich scenes, this coming-of-age tale celebrates the healing power of gratitude, EVEN IN THIS."

JULIE CANTRELL, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of Perennials.

"Dianna L. Lanser's book titled Even In This is a very enjoyable and interesting read. I appreciate her style and especially her respect for the cultural ways of the Native people of the Americas. Being a U.S. Marine Veteran myself, her sensitivity and honor for those who serve was greatly appreciated. I highly recommend her book."

DR. CASEY CHURCH, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi tribal member, pastor of Good Medicine Way in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and author of Holy Smoke: The Contextual Use of Native American Ritual and Ceremony.