Over Her Head: A Novel

Shelley Bates
FaithWords (2007)
ISBN 0446694932
Reviewed by April Sullivan for Reader Views (4/07)

In “Over Her Head” life is picture-perfect for main character Laurie Hale. She is a community leader, has a loving family, and a strong faith in God. The sudden tragic death of a teenage girl tests the faith of the entire community, including Laurie’s. Yet in the face of tragedy, Laurie seems to have it all under control, using her organizational skills to rally the women in her Bible study group to support the grieving mother.

As the police investigate the death, it becomes evident the girl was murdered. A group of high schoolers, present at the time of the death, includes Laurie’s daughter Anna. When police questioning and gossip starts pointing to Anna as a suspect, Laurie finds herself doubting her own daughter’s innocence, and pushing away her friends and family. These include her daughter, her cousin Nick, who is a primary police investigator in the case, her husband, and her circle of friends from Bible study, and ultimately, God.

This quick-reading novel is full of the suspense of a murder mystery. But “Over Her Head” goes beyond that. It is “Faith Building Fiction.” The title refers not only to the dead teenager who is literally over her head when she is drowned, but also to Psalm 124 and the idea of God rescuing you when you become overwhelmed. As Laurie becomes overwhelmed by the circumstances of the murder, she forgets to focus on her faith. The inner and outer turmoil continues until she reestablishes her relationship with God.

Shelley Bates writes with an easy style and is familiar with her subject matter. I would recommend “Over Her Head” to anyone who wants a reminder of faith, love, and forgiveness.

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