When Crickets Cry

“Charming characters and twists that keep the pages turning.” —Southern Living

A man with a painful past. A child with a doubtful future. And a shared journey toward healing for both their hearts.

It begins on the shaded town square in a sleepy Southern town. A spirited seven-year-old has a brisk business at her lemonade stand. But the little girl’s pretty yellow dress can’t quite hide the ugly scar on her chest.

Her latest customer, a bearded stranger, drains his cup and heads to his car, his mind on a boat he's restoring at a nearby lake. The stranger understands more about the scar than he wants to admit. And the beat-up bread truck careening around the corner with its radio blaring is about to change the trajectory of both their lives.

Before it's over, they'll both know there are painful reasons why crickets cry . . . and that miracles lurk around unexpected corners.

Praise for When Crickets Cry:

“A testament to the power of words—from Shakespeare and Longfellow to Ezekiel—to heal and empower humanity.” —Lynne Thomas, retail manager, Jekyll Books at the Old Infirmary

“If you read any book this year, this is the one.” —Coffee Time Romance

“Martin's writing is gifted and blessed and insightful. His prose captures the essence of the story with beauty and sensitivity. I look forward to reading more of his work, past and future.” —onceuponaromance.net

“[O]ne of the best books I've been asked to review, and certainly the best one this year!” —bestfiction.tripod.com

“How is Charles Martin able to take mere words and breathe such vibrant life into them? Each character is drawn with an artist's attention to detail, beauty and purpose. Readers won't want the story to end because that means leaving these lovable people who have become so much more than just a name in a book.” —inthelibraryreviews.net

• A Southern Living Book of the Month selection
• Stand-alone novel (approx. 85,000 words)
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs
• Also by Charles Martin: The Water Keeper, The Mountain Between Us, Send Down the Rain, and Chasing Fireflies