My experience with Inspirationals is somewhat limited. I’d never read anything by Jane Orcutt before, so I did not know what to expect. But The Living Stone did not disappoint. This is a very touching story of loss and pain, death and resurrection.

Leah Travers is a contented wife and mother to a two-year-old son. She and her family are traveling back from a visit with her parents when an unexpected tragedy occurs; their car is hit by Manuel Garcia, a drunk driver, and both her husband and son are killed. She is left dazed and hopeless, unsure of how to continue living without them. Even when Manuel is found guilty and incarcerated, she finds that her life holds absolutely no appeal anymore.

Also affected by this tragedy is Jacobo Martinez. He is the killer’s brother-in-law. His sister, Dolores, and her five children are now in dire emotional and financial straits without Manuel. Jacobo is accustomed to picking up the pieces in his family. He did it years before when his father died, but he had hoped to pursue his own life and career now that his brothers and sister are all grown. However, since Dolores clearly needs him and has no one else to turn to, he puts law school on hold and moves in with her family. He meets Leah due to a freak accident. She is driving by the Garcia house, speculating about the monster who lived there, when she crashes her car trying to avoid hitting a child who runs in the road. Jacobo comes to her rescue.

Orcutt does a number of things right with this story. Leah’s personal tragedy and the bitterness and reclusiveness that result are portrayed clearly and poignantly. This is an inspirational, but Orcutt doesn’t take shortcuts or underexplain the misfortune. Some of her family and church members try and sum it all up as “God’s will,” but Jane doesn’t. She’s angry and confused for a long, long time. She has a right to be, and Orcutt takes us through every stage of her healing arc.

Also, for those of you looking for a respectful bi-ethnic romance, heads up. This is it. Neither Jacobo or Leah is a stereotype. They are clearly distinct individuals who are good together as a couple. They understand and respect one another. They do discuss their cultural differences and how their families might react to their relationship, but this is something that would need to be addressed in any relationship. And though their families do have problems with their relationship for various reasons – including cultural misunderstandings – Orcutt doesn’t label anyone a bigot. These are merely people with a very painful tragedy in their recent past who are trying to recover with as much dignity as possible.

I have two quibbles. The first is that the storyline involving Dolores is resolved a little patly, in my opinion. Orcutt sets before her the seemingly insurmountable obstacle of surviving and raising her kids alone, and then almost discounts it for a happier ending. This seemed rather artificial. And secondly, some of the minor secondary characters – Leah’s coworkers – are almost too friendly and cheerful to be believed. They help her in all kinds of ways that are outside of my personal experience in the professional workforce. But these are minor complaints and do not make or break the story.

The Living Stone delves into very familiar territory. Death is universal, and I think everyone has asked at one time or another, why does tragedy occur? Is anyone really in charge here? Will I make it through this? But Orcutt tells her story in a sensitive and believable way that offers hope and comfort. If you are looking for a touching story with a truly inspirational message, I recommend that you pick up a copy of The Living Stone. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.