Living Life

Secrets In Pelican Crossing by Maggie Christensen is the most charming contemporary novel that warmed my heart. It is the second book in the Pelican Crossing series but can be read as a stand-alone. For maximum enjoyment, I recommend reading book one first for your introduction to the Pelican Crossing community.

Pelican Crossing is just up the coast from Bellbird Bay. Readers of that delightful series will be familiar with characters and locations that also pop up in this book.

This is a book about families. Families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. We meet a newly widowed lady and her five year old son, both of whom have been left with PTSD. Help comes in many different forms including the grandfather and a puppy called Bluey. Bluey bonds with his little owner. It is beautiful to witness, as is the growing bond between grandfather and grandson.

There is also a divorcee with two grown up daughters. They have a loving bond. We witness that the age of fifty is pivotal. It can be a time for new beginnings.

As well as new beginnings, we see a past that must be faced. What began as shame many years ago, is now a blessing.

Pelican Crossing is a place of community. As Maggie Christensen ‘walks’ us through the novel with her full descriptions, we are welcomed. We can ‘picture’ the sun, sea and sand, and also the pelicans wandering on the seashore.

There is the theme of forgiveness. We must forgive or risk becoming bitter and isolated. I was reminded that God, our Father, forgives us, as I read “when you have your own child, you’ll realise there’s nothing they can do that you can’t forgive.” We forgive because we love and are loved.

All the characters are delightfully drawn, realistic and easy to empathise with. There is a wide spectrum of ages showing that we matter whatever our age, whether we are five or eighty life is for living and loving. Life is never meant to be done in isolation, but in community with others.

Secrets In Pelican Crossing is a wonderfully warm read. It is a place where strangers become friends. Pelican Crossing is a place we all long to visit, even if only in our dreams.

I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON