Summary:
Near the turn of the 20th century, fiery Marta leaves Switzerland determined to find life on her own terms. Her journey takes her through Europe and finally lands her with children and husband in tow in the central valley of California. Marta’s experiences convince her that only the strong survive.
Hildie, Marta’s oldest daughter, has a heart to serve others, and her calling as a nurse gives her independence, if not the respect of her mother. Amid the drama of WWII, Hildie marries and begins a family of her own. She wants her daughter never to doubt her love—but the challenges of life conspire against her vow. Each woman is forced to confront her faulty but well-meaning desire to help her daughter find her God-given place in the world.
Hildie, Marta’s oldest daughter, has a heart to serve others, and her calling as a nurse gives her independence, if not the respect of her mother. Amid the drama of WWII, Hildie marries and begins a family of her own. She wants her daughter never to doubt her love—but the challenges of life conspire against her vow. Each woman is forced to confront her faulty but well-meaning desire to help her daughter find her God-given place in the world.
Review:
There's only one thing I love more than historical fiction, and that's Francine Rivers' or Liz Curtis Higgs' historical Christian fiction. Some Christian fiction is just too sappy for me---hey, it's hard to go from the sexuality of Halfway to the Grave to a book where the main characters feel like they have to repent if they look at each other too long (some Christian fiction feels that way).
But Francine Rivers doesn't do that. Her Christian fiction romances have more feeling in one kiss than the whole of chapter 32 in One Foot in the Grave. Oh yes, I did just say that! If you don't believe me, then read Her Mother's Hope, Redeeming Love, or The Mark of the Lion trilogy and see for yourself!
Her Mother's Hope tells the story of two women from childhood to adulthood. They face many trials but are strong in their faith throughout. The way Rivers writes the mother-daughter relationships reminded me a lot of Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah, in a good way. As is typical with a Francine Rivers book, I read the whole thing in one sitting (despite it being 483 pages!) gasped aloud in shock and cried several times. Her Mother's Hope was one of the best books I have read this year---definitely in the top five.
Fans of Kristin Hannah, Jodi Piccoult, Ken Follett, Nicholas Sparks, historical fiction, and of course Christian fiction fans will love this one.
But Francine Rivers doesn't do that. Her Christian fiction romances have more feeling in one kiss than the whole of chapter 32 in One Foot in the Grave. Oh yes, I did just say that! If you don't believe me, then read Her Mother's Hope, Redeeming Love, or The Mark of the Lion trilogy and see for yourself!
Her Mother's Hope tells the story of two women from childhood to adulthood. They face many trials but are strong in their faith throughout. The way Rivers writes the mother-daughter relationships reminded me a lot of Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah, in a good way. As is typical with a Francine Rivers book, I read the whole thing in one sitting (despite it being 483 pages!) gasped aloud in shock and cried several times. Her Mother's Hope was one of the best books I have read this year---definitely in the top five.
Fans of Kristin Hannah, Jodi Piccoult, Ken Follett, Nicholas Sparks, historical fiction, and of course Christian fiction fans will love this one.
Just One Gripe:
I really can't think of one! I guess if I had to pick something, I'd say that I can't stand waiting for the second half of the story. The conclusion to Marta's Legacy, Her Daughter's Dream, is due out in October 14, 2010.
I really can't think of one! I guess if I had to pick something, I'd say that I can't stand waiting for the second half of the story. The conclusion to Marta's Legacy, Her Daughter's Dream, is due out in October 14, 2010.
The Best Thing About This Book:
It is so moving.
It is so moving.
Appropriate for a younger audience:
Yes
Yes
Score:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Setting/Imagery: 5/5
Originality: 5/5
Ending: 5/5
Total Score: 25/25
I Can't Wait For:
I Can't Wait For:
Ooo lovely review. You keep convincing me it's time to read some FR :)
ReplyDeleteWOW another 25! You are on a roll! Plus will have to look for this one too. I would have passed this one but you made it more intriguing since I read your take on the book. STOP I can not possibly buy anymore books! Going to library to see if they have this one. Wish me luck :)
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