Book Details

• Author:  Maureen Lange
• Genre:      Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction
• Print Length:  352 pages
• ISBN:  1414313454
• Publisher:  Tyndale House Publishers (May 1, 2007)
• Author’s Website:  Maureen Lang

A Quick Reference:

• Target Audience:  Adults (of all ages)
• Pace of Book:  Steady pace throughout
• Writing:  Easy to read
• Profanity:  None
• Sexual Content:  none, just hugging and kissing
• Violence:  None
• Christian Element:  yes
• My Rating:  An excellent cupcake with sprinkles AND a cherry on top, 5/5
• Thoughts on plot:  I loved how the present story was interwoven with the past story of Talie’s family.  The Regency period is one of my favorites, so I really enjoyed the historical component to the book and felt that it was rather relevant to Talie’s own journey with her son and his developmental delays.  The storyline was very emotional and heartfelt, especially learning that the present story was loosely based on the author’s own personal journey with Fragile X Syndrome.  The relationship between Talie and her husband and the way God uses her past to help her cope with her future was captivating. I highly recommend this book!
• The Characters:  Talie was a woman I could certainly understand and resonate with.  Even though there were signs that her son may have some developmental delays, she was not ready to address those issues until she had allowed herself the proper time to question, grieve, and and accept it.  While it was not a way I would have handled it, I know there are those who need to work through it privately before allowing others in on such a personal part of her thought and emotional process.  I also loved how Luke was so supportive and of her and regardless of what happened, he was not going to turn his back on his wife and son.  He was the most level-headed and provided Talia with the strength and support she needed.
• The Diary:  I loved this part of the story so much!  I wanted to learn more about Esther and Peter.  It seemed that through this diary, Esther was giving guidance and strength to Talie.  It also seemed so pivotal to Esther finally accepting and coming to terms with the diagnosis given to her son, Ben.
• Spiritual Component:  While Talie is a Christian, she certainly isn’t perfect. It was wonderful to see how God uses anything and anyone to help restore faith and strength.  I loved how Maureen shares such a wonderful story with Christian themes, without making it too preachy or too sugar coated.  It was an honest look at what happens to two people with a son who has a diagnosis that will certainly change their world.
• Read an Excerpt!
• Discussion Guide

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