Book Review: Her Daughter's Dream (Marta's Legacy #2) by Francine Rivers

Summary:

In the dramatic conclusion to Her Mother’s Hope, the Cold War has begun and Carolyn is struggling to navigate her shifting family landscape and the changing times. With her mother, Hildemara, away in a tuberculosis sanatorium, Carolyn develops a special bond with her Oma Marta. But when Hildie returns, tensions between she and Marta escalate, and Carolyn feels she is to blame. College offers the chance to find herself, but a family tragedy shatters her independence. Rather than return home, she cuts all ties and disappears into the heady culture of San Francisco. When she reemerges two years later, more lost than ever, only her family can help rebuild a life for her and her daughter, May Flower Dawn. Just like Carolyn, May Flower Dawn develops a closer bond with her grandmother, Hildie, than with her mother, causing yet another rift between generations. But as Dawn struggles to avoid the mistakes of those who went before her, she vows that somehow, she will be a bridge between her mother and grandmother rather than the wall that separates them forever. Spanning the 1950s to the present day, Her Daughter’s Dream is the final chapter of an unforgettable epic family saga about the sacrifices every mother makes for her daughter—and the very nature of unconditional love.

Review: 

I loved Her Mother's Hope and couldn't wait to read the conclusion to the story.  Rivers does not disappoint with her latest.  Her Daughter's Dream follows four generations of mothers and daughters, and I got to know the characters so well that I felt very invested in their lives.  It was hard for me to decide who my favorite character was because I loved them all so much. 

This duet is written in the third person and each book has sections narrated by a different female character.  The women drive this story, and although most are married, the relationships between mother and daughter are the heart of the story.  These books would be perfect for a book club or for sharing with your mother or daughter.

Not only is Rivers my favorite Christian fiction author, but she is one of my all-time favorite authors in general.  Until I read Redeeming Love (the first Francine Rivers book I ever read) I shied away from Christian fiction because I found it too simple and somewhat sappy.  Redeeming Love was the Twilight to my Christian fiction journey and I've never looked back!  Rivers' stories are layered and dimensional, with characters you can relate easily to, and never fail to make me cry.  If you have not ventured into the Christian fiction genre, for whatever reason, I highly recommend trying Francine Rivers.  All of her books have been five star books for me, and I recommend all of them!

Just One Gripe: 

Keeping the generations straight got  a little confusing.  Hildie is referred to as "Mom" but having two other mothers in the story made me have to think who "Mom" was sometimes. 

The Best Thing About This Book: 
The emotions Rivers never fails to elicit in her readers.

Appropriate for a younger audience: 

Yes

Score: 

Characters:  5/5

Plot: 5/5

Setting/Imagery:  5/5

Originality:  5/5

Ending:  5/5

Total Score:  25/25