Bella
by Lisa Samson
Published by Thomas Nelson
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Reviewed by Edyth Abraham
Jose, a famous soccer player, has been burned. At the peak of his career, a tragic accident has left him with deep scars. But this tragedy has also brought him back to God. Now a recluse, he battles his demons and works in his brother’s store as a cook.
Soon an opportunity to partially right the wrongs he has committed is presented to him–and Jose must decide to seize it. Nina cannot believe that she has been careless enough to get pregnant without being married. A waitress at the same restaurant that Jose cooks at, she turns to him for help. Can Jose convince her to do the right thing?
Bella is a beautiful story of love and hope and about finding beauty in the ashes of sorrow. It follows the lives of two broken souls. I really enjoyed this novelization. I especially enjoyed the characterization of Jose’s family – a true Mexican family, with the family dinners, and the laughs.
I would have preferred the ending to be more solid, with a more substantial conclusion than one that was just implied. The book, which was initially a movie, has all the ingredients it needs to be a moving story that will surely touch the reader’s heart. The story is written from the perspective of all the main characters, thus providing a good perspective. The book also includes the story of the film production and how the actors were chosen.
Armchair Interviews says: Lisa Samson has done a wonderful job in writing this touching novel!
Author’s Web site: http://www.LisaSamson.com