In Search of the Hidden Moon is Tim Eichenbrenner’s second novel. The book takes the reader on a well-crafted hunt for right living through Christ even as the reader plunges into the darkness of human trafficking, failed marriages, failed parenting, and aging in America. Notwithstanding these lofty topics, the book maintains a humane tone, never overloading the reader with preach and teach dialogue, or mini sermons in case the reader doesn’t get the point. None of that. Instead, the voice is conversational and comfortable, so much so that I was sad to be at the end.

The protagonist, Gil, is a doctor, but don’t let that stop a reader. Medical terminology is used in context and easy to follow and Gil is full of life and full of flaws. In short, he is easy to spend time with, as is his love interest, Alex. They navigate waters of relationships with charm and even grace. These two are engaging friends to the reader by the end of the book.

The central plot is a wonderfully readable tangle that starts with an explosion, fire and dying man’s injunction to “find the girls.” Mixed in are minor plots of finding a unknown brother, second chances from a lackluster father, and a cheating husband, along with a very pastoral pastor. And dogs, did I mention dogs? Oh my, put a good canine in a book and I’m sunk and this book has several magnificent beasts.

Read this book to make new friends, human and canine. Read this book for the great examples of forgiveness. Read it for the grace of the characters and the struggle for all of us living in this worldly world when our home is not of this world.

Thank you, Tim Eichenbrenner for a great read. Find Tim at timeichenbrenner.com. He posts Tuesdays Thoughts on -wait for it- every other Tuesday. You’ll also find information on his first book, To Live in the Light: A Life Renewed, a Faith Restored.