Seeking Tranquility
Amy Schisler
Chesapeake Sunrise Publishing (2022)
ISBN: 979-8985223217
Reviewed by Rachel Dehning for Reader Views (11/2022)
“Seeking Tranquility” is the story of hope in the face of adversity, of finding rare minerals amid commonality, of good versus evil. Christy and Molly are sisters, learning how to navigate life now that their parents passed unexpectedly. Christy is an attractive and attentive twenty-four-year-old who had her whole life to live but chose the only option she knew – to end everything and take care of her preteen sister, Molly. The two moved from the D.C. area to an island where their parents had a home; Christy is living reminiscent of a single mom – working two jobs and having zero down time for herself. Molly, on the other hand, makes life more interesting, and at times stressful, when her above-average intellectual abilities comes to light.
Through co-workers of their father’s, Molly gets signed up for space camp, which brings Jared into both of their lives as Molly’s mentor, and Christy’s initial suspect. Being Christy’s age, she wonders about his intentions of working closely with her preteen sister, which shows Christy and Jared spending more time together for her to work on understanding him better. Jared is a semi-closed book, mostly when it comes to talking about his family. Christy has other problems to worry about – her early hours at the donut shop and her creepy boss at her second job and his intentions toward Christy. As though through divine intervention, Christy and Jared develop a sort of relationship that has its ups and downs and much confusion from both parties.
Sinister characters play their roles and certain characters come near to losing their lives in a thrilling and nearly disturbing way. Characters appear one way, but surprises and twists await the reader throughout. What makes this story different from other romance mysteries is that it includes a Christian/Catholic aspect to it; it’s not overpowering, but when it comes up, it is evident as to its role in the story overall. It is enough that non-Christians could still read the story and appreciate many aspects of it, while Christians will appreciate and understand how the spiritual parts play into the story smoothly.
The relationship with Christy and Jared is normal of one from two young-uns obsessed with each other and completely in the throes of love; it will either annoy the reader or the opposite – make you jealous or reminiscent of how a relationship used to be and goals will be set of bringing it back to that state.
“Seeking Tranquility” is a smooth and easy read – easy as in minimal mental energy, but some of the material can be squeamish toward certain readers. Each chapter begins with a news article from the local paper that has familiarity with the chapter. The ending is perfect and the story overall was super enjoyable; you’ll find out at the end that it is part of a trilogy—the Chincoteague Sunsets Trilogy, and I can’t wait to read more!
There is so much to this story that I don’t feel that I am doing this review justice! After finishing the story, I heard the song “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz, and I’d say it encompasses the overall story very well.
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