The Lamp: A Novel by Jim Stovall with Tracy J TrostPublisher: Destiny Image
Date: September 11, 2011
Guest Book Reviewer: Cindy Phelps Thomas
About The Author
Jim Stovall is the president of the Emmy Award-winning Narrative Television Network. He is the author of the bestselling book, The Ultimate Gift, which is now a major motion picture starring James Garner and Abigail Breslin. He has authored 15 other books which have been translated into over 20 languages.
Just Believe
Stanley and Lisa Walters have had a rocky marriage for the
past two years. Two years ago they lost their only child, their son Eddy. Stanley has not been able
to write a book since then, which in turn caused financial issues. He has been
overcome with anger and grief.
Lisa works out of the house and briefly
considers an affair, but she remembers that there used to be something great
between she and Stanley. The local baseball team, which Eddy played for, is
having a garage sale to raise funds for new uniforms. Lisa decides that it is
time to give back and donates some of Eddy’s things. Lisa also inadvertently
inherits an antique golden lamp. The lamp has “Just Believe” engraved on the
side. This lamp has a special messenger that comes with it.
Charles Montgomery III is the messenger and he is sent to the Walters to bring hope back
to their lives. He gives them three wishes but they must follow these rules;
1.) They cannot wish for something that they can do for themselves,
2.) They cannot
wish to bring back the dead,
3.) They cannot interfere with another person’s free will.
Charles ensures them that life can become happy again and he will return in 30
days. When he returns they are to have decided on their three wishes. Within days
the couple begin to feel a renewed sense of hope, they are “believing” that
things in their lives can change, even with tragedy in their past. Stanley begins writing,
slowly but surely, and he becomes involved with the local baseball team again.
Lisa begins to feel like she is gaining control of her life again.
As Stanley and Lisa progress
on their journey they become closer to each other and closer to their
neighbors. What will the wishes grant for these two? Will they ever feel like a
real family again?
My Thoughts
The Lamp is a quick and easy read. In the Foreword, the book
discusses how so many young people start out life with high hopes and dreams
and that most end up content with ordinary lives. It proceeds to state that
this book could be the change that is needed if we are stuck in such a
predicament.
This is a heartwarming story of a marriage that is in
shambles and is able to find that spark of hope necessary to keep moving
forward. “Just believe” becomes their motto, as in “all things are possible if
you just believe”. I like the message
in the story although it is a bit predictable and the writing is simplified as
if written for a younger audience.
My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5
Cindy Phelps Thomas is a U.S. Navy Veteran (2001-2005). She earned her BS in
Psychology/Criminal Justice from the University of Houston at Clear Lake. She
received an elementary teaching certification and is a former kindergarten
teacher in the La Porte, TX School District. She is currently a stay-at-home mom
and is working on her MBA degree at the University of Houston.
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