The Crossing by Serita Ann Jakes

I received this book from Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging For Books program for free for my honest review of this book.

Book Description:
Imprisoned by memories, Claudia Campbell lives each day in the shadow of a ten-year-old murder. Who can set her free?

On the way home from a football game, a decade earlier, a masked gunman opened fire on a Texas school bus. Cheerleading coach B.J. Remington was killed, but her murderer was never found. Claudia, who had a close friendship with the young, spirited teacher, constantly relives the anguish of that day, caught in one moment in time. When her husband, the assistant district attorney, becomes determined to uncover the mystery of that tragedy, the secrets buried over the years threaten to tear their family apart.

Officer Casio Hightower will never forget the day his dreams were destroyed. A star quarterback with a promising future, Casio was on top of the world—until one bullet changed everything. He is eager to help Victor Campbell find B.J.’s killer, the man who shot him. Maybe solving the case will help silence the demons driving Casio to hurt the woman he loves.

As the Campbells and Casio teeter on the brink of losing everything, will they be able to discover that what begins at the crossing ends at the cross?

My Thoughts:
The Crossing by Serita Ann Jakes is a phenomenal story of a 10 yr old murder that was never solved but the effects on those involved are lasting. B.J. Remington was murdered on a school bus coming back from a high school football game as it waited at the train tracks for the train to go through. A football star, Casio, had his career cut short trying to attack the gunman. Claudia Campbell was a cheerleader and B.J.'s best friend even though B.J. was a teacher and the cheerleading coach. Claudia's husband, Victor, is the ADA and with the help of Casio, they have reopened B.J's case. This opens a lot of wounds especially for Casio and Claudia. As questions start getting asked more comes out and they find things are definitely not what they seem.

This story was just, WOW. I love Serita Ann Jakes. I have listened to her preach and teach for a few years now and have read some of her nonfiction. The Crossing just blew me away. This book became part of me as I could not put it down for very long. Where I found a few minutes to stop and read it, I did. This book not just follows those living through this but also follows what B.J Remington goes through after she is shot until her last breath. Serita Jakes writes about God's forgiveness and God's love no matter what the sin. The way she wrote this book I felt like I was right there watching this all unfold and all of the characters were connected to one another in one way or another. It is a hauntingly beautiful story of life and death, sin and forgiveness, and letting go and moving on with life. I recommend this book to everyone!! This book is one that will stay in my memory for a long time. I look forward to reading more by Serita Jakes!!