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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.
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.
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Lori,
I pre-ordered this book because I love Francine's writing so much. Redeeming Love will live always and all of her books deeply moved me and celebrated my faith. Her character, Hadassa (sp?) I will NEVER forget. Thanks for all the reading you do and for sharing your heart with me. Hugs.
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