SABRINA

In the 1880s frontier town of Denver, Colorado, Danny, a kind policeman, and his wife, Callie, offer help to the beautiful prostitute Sabrina. With warmth and empathy, Jill Shellabarger depicts Sabrina's acceptance, which gives her hope and a new life in Christ. Shellabarger's optimistic characterization of Sabrina as she begins a new life contrasts sharply with her later fear of exposure when she travels to the Montana Territories. Shellabarger powerfully portrays Sabrina's compulsion to turn around the lives of the young women who are practicing prostitution there. With careful pacing Shellabarger also portrays Sabrina's growing interest in the town's pastor. Shellabarger gives a polished performance as the author explores themes of forgiveness and new beginnings. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2009]