Reviewed by Barbara Harper for Readers' Favorite

Audra: Dying for Life by Carol J. Nelson is the story of Audra Knight, a virtuous woman who works hard to become someone who honors God. She is a thirty-three-year-old sixth-grade English teacher at Chandler’s Grove Academy. She was raised by a strict, hardworking father. Audra’s last memories of her mother are that of her twelve-year-old self in hospital, visiting her dying, unrecognizable mother, ravaged by the disease which ate away at her body. She recently has had to visit Chandler’s Grove Medical Centre and her doctor has scheduled tests, which have twisted Audra’s stomach in knots. She is fearful of what the future holds in store. She finds herself stuck in the desert of unworthiness due to her dysfunctional family relationships. Yet through this, she has one true friend, Tamina, a fifth-grade teacher with whom she shares a camaraderie. There is also a motherless little girl who has crept into her heart. Circumstances start to change with the arrival of new teachers at the school. One is a woman who is vain, immature, and desperate for male companionship. The other is a male teacher who is stuck in the wilderness and carrying around the baggage of regret and disappointment. Both will have an impact on Audra’s life. But more importantly, will Audra allow her new friendship to bloom, and will her new friend discover that ‘She is more precious than rubies?’

Audra: Dying for Life by Carol J. Nelson is a well-written, wholesome read about Audra Knight, her good relationship with her best friend Tamina York, and her care and love for a poor great-grandmother and her eight-year-old great-granddaughter. The story explores the relationships of a dysfunctional family and the profoundly negative impact Audra’s father had on her self-worth with his requirements for perfection. As the story unfolds, Audra slips into a natural, comfortable and easy friendship with the new band and orchestra teacher and tentatively explores their steadily growing connection. He will discover a woman of virtue who is gentle and kind and possesses a hidden talent. Audra will discover that although she is facing an alarming medical diagnosis and her hopes for the future seem futile, God is just a prayer away and all things are working for her good, irrespective of the obstacles and hurdles placed within her path. In my opinion, this book makes a direct reference to Proverbs 31, as it tells the story of Audra’s journey, trials, and tribulations that will lead her to the destiny that God has in store for her. This book is a comforting and pleasant read for readers who enjoy the Christian Romance genre.