The first in an epic two-book saga by beloved author Francine Rivers, this sweeping story explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters over several generations. Her Mother’s Hope is the first of two historical novels in the Marta’s Legacy series, a saga inspired by strong women from Francine Rivers’ own family ancestry.

Marta Schneider leaves Switzerland and a difficult childhood behind, determined to find life on her own terms. She is driven by the words her father spoke, “you will never amount to anything more than a servant.” Her Mom told her to fly and chase her dreams. Nothing prepared Marta for the journey ahead and the tough choices that were made. She travels through Europe, Canada, and finally settles in Central Valley California.

Marta dreams of her children having a better life than she did. She learned along the way only the tough survive, unfortunately her tough love was often mistaken as destain, especially towards her daughter Hildemara Rose. All Hildemara wanted was her mother acceptance.

Both mother and daughter end up facing their own demons that threatens to separate them forever.

There are books you read for enjoyment, then there are books where you live with the characters. The masterful story-teller Francine Rivers had me living with her characters with each turn of the book’s page. Each character becomes like family where I often disagree with actions taken, but understand their intent. I ache when they ache, I rejoice when they rejoice. When I turn the last page I feel like I have lost a best friend.

No other author has been able to capture my heart like she does while telling a story. She is an author set above all others. You can not read one of her books and remain unchanged. Her Mother’s Hope has me looking back at traits my grandmother and even my own mother have to see how they are reflective in myself. What traits am I passing down?

What legacy will I leave? If there is only one book you read this year, make it Her Mother’s Hope by Francine Rivers.

Read and excerpt of Her Mother’s Hope

Her Mother’s Hope by Francine Rivers can be purchased here.

About:

Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market and her books were awarded or nominated for numerous awards and prizes. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, mother of three, and an established romance novelist. Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote Redeeming Love as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books, and then re-released by Multnomah Publishers in the mid- 1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea set during the time of the California Gold Rush is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the Christian Booksellers Association’s top-selling titles and it has held a spot on the Christian bestseller list for nearly a decade.

FTC Disclosure: Special thanks to Mavis Sanders of Tyndale House Publishers for sending me a review copy of Her Mother’s Hope by Francine Rivers.

You May Enjoy These Books Also:

• The Lord Is My Shepherd by Debbie Viguie
• Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith
• Double Trouble by Susan May Warren
• Listen by Rene Gutteridge
• Jenna’s Cowboy by Sharon Gillenwater

© Thank you so much for visiting me at Lori's Book Reviews. You can also find me on Facebook under Lori Kasbeer.

]]> http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/her-mothers-hope-by-francine-rivers/feed/ 1 http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/abigail-by-jill-eileen-smith/ http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/abigail-by-jill-eileen-smith/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:10:00 +0000 Lori http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/?p=2327

Author: Jill Eileen Smith

Publisher: Revell (2010)

Category:Fiction, Historical
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Abigail’s hopes and dreams for the future are wrapped up in her handsome, dark-eyed betrothed, Nabal. But when the long-awaited wedding day arrives, her drunken groom behaves shamefully. Nevertheless, Abigail tries to honor and respect her husband despite his abuse of her. Meanwhile, Abigail’s family has joined David’s wandering tribe as he and his people keep traveling to avoid the dangerous Saul. When Nabal suddenly dies, Abigail is free to move on with her life, and thanks to her brother, her new life includes a new husband–David. The dangers of tribal life on the run are serious, but there are other dangers in young Abigail’s mind. How can David lead his people effectively when he goes against God? And how can Abigail share David’s love with the other wives he insists on marrying?

Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith brought to life King David’s life, daily struggles, and humanity. Many times we have the tendency to place people up on a pedestal, but I admit I cringed several times while reading about David’s many wives. David is a great man, one after God’s own heart, but he had many weakness’ and women was one of them. Polygamy is never good and is never how God intended marriage to be. I found Abigail to be an enjoyable read and gave me a wider perspective of how life could have been like for King David.

Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith can be purchased here.

About:

When she isn’t writing, she enjoys time with her family, reading great stories, trying new recipes, and snuggling her two adorable cats. Jill’s research into the lives of David’s wives has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Her collection of Bible study helps and books on culture and history, along with an abundance of novels fills at least one shelf or bookcase in nearly every room in the house.

She loves movies, travel, dark chocolate, black tea, stories with great characters and plots twists, and nights when she doesn’t have to cook! She and her husband Randy have been married for 32 years and together they have three grown sons. During 12 years of homeschooling, Jill studied the craft of writing with her eye on a future career. She has visited most of the continental United States (with the exception of the East Coast) along with Hawaii, Canada, and Israel. She has taught women’s Bible studies and piano, and enjoys mentoring young writers. She lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

FTC Disclosure: Special thanks to Baker Publishing Group for sending me a review copy of Abigail by Jill Eileen Smith.

You May Enjoy These Books Also:

• Sonora Moonlight by Florence B. Weinberg
• The Lord Is My Shepherd by Debbie Viguie
• Her Mother’s Hope by Francine Rivers
• Double Trouble by Susan May Warren
• Listen by Rene Gutteridge

© Thank you so much for visiting me at Lori's Book Reviews. You can also find me on Facebook under Lori Kasbeer.

]]> http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/abigail-by-jill-eileen-smith/feed/ 1