Title: The Way Things Could Have Been
Author: Douglas Wiese
Publisher: Covenant Books
ISBN: 978-1645599913
Pages: 58
Genre: Christian Fiction
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda

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The Way Things Could Have Been is a spectacular, fast-paced, Christian fiction novel that is centered around the main character Billy Weaver. Billy had been in a long-term relationship with her childhood sweetheart Kathy Osbourn. They both agreed to pursue relatable careers: Kathy pursues medicine while Billy goes to seminary school. Their long-term romance hits a tragic halt when Kathy is involved in an accident which affects her brain. Kathy’s parents pin all their frustration and pain on Billy and demand that he stays away from their daughter.

Broken as he is, Billy has to comply and soon after, finds out that a morally corrupt schoolmate, Calvin, is warming his way into Kathy’s heart. The tragedy is followed by another tragedy when Kathy is shot dead in her parents’ home and Billy is incriminated for it and held in custody. Thus begins Billy’s journey to vindicate himself while dealing with the loss of his loved one, Kathy.

The Way Things Could Have Been is not just a Christian fiction book but also a crime thriller. The novel avoids unnecessary descriptions and exhaustive elements keeping the reading smooth and fast. That was my most favorite aspect of the book. The author uses the protagonist, Billy, to teach some Christian lessons as well. The Bible verses inserted expertly in different scenes make the reading not only therapeutic but refreshing as well.

“Take away all our possessions, and we are left with one structure held together by love- family.” Family togetherness is important regardless of where you are from and especially during times of distress. It was amazing to see how Billy’s dad had given up on both his retirement from the mill and also pursuing the pastoral ministry which was his heart and soul, to be close to his son during the trial. Billy’s mother had gone back to nursing at a nearby hospital to afford an attorney and detective to fight Billy’s case.

I enjoyed reading The Way Things Could Have Been. The title is well-thought and relevant to the brilliantly crafted story. Being a real page-turner, I read the book in just one sitting. It is elegantly written, addictive, and family-friendly. The tome further accentuates the life lesson of waiting upon God. Author Douglas Wiese has successfully delivered a plausible story which leaves no cliffhangers at the end.

The Way Things Could Have Been is a fantastic read for fans of Christian fiction. It is definitely worth the time!