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Sunday, June 13, 2010

Now I'm giving away Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers!!! (with bonus review)

To enter for a chance to win this awesome book simple answer this one question... What is your favorite book or series written by Francine Rivers?

I'll go first. My favorite book was Redeeming Love, and my favorite series was Mark of the Lion. Awesome stuff!!! I'll pick a winner using the Randomizer program next Sunday, June 20th.


About the book:

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. 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.

My review:

I've been waiting for years to read a new release by Francine Rivers and this book went beyond my expectations. It left me breathless. The thing I love so much about Francine's storytelling is that her characters are so realistic and three dimensional that you can't help but care about them even when they are stubborn and difficult and make bad decisions.

Her Mother's Hope
is a story of joy and heartache, of lessons learned as well as regrets that can't be changed, but most of all it's a novel of faith and the legacy that is passed on to children. It's so cool how the characters in this story experienced faith journeys in different ways. Some had no faith at all and some were angry with God. Others remain faithful and ministered to an entire community by offering love to them through acts of grace and service. I got choked up so many times I lost count. It started with the teacher overhearing Hildie telling her sister they needed to pray for her because she was hurting. I'd say my eyes leaked tears five or six times, at least. And all for different reasons.

The author really knows how to get you to feel for her characters. I read the last four hundred pages straight through in one day. I was 100% invested in the characters' fictional lives. I cheered for them and grieved with them. This is a powerful story that has it's heart-tugging moments that are as unforgettable as the beautiful romances within the pages. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one in the series!

Though it was a bit long for a novel (over 500 pages) it didn't drag at all and in my opinion it was the perfect length because I really got to know the characters over the course of the four generations that transpired. That is a very effective technique in helping me to better understand a family's dysfunction then just showing everything in the present day and talking about the past. Now I'm just itching for more. One year seems awfully far away!

Her Mother's Hope was published by Tyndale and released in March 2010.

* A copy of this book was provided by Tyndale publishers for this blogger to review.

11 comments:

Naomi Musch said...

I've been waiting for a new one from Francine, too! I'm so looking forward to reading this release. I would have to say "Ditto", I absolutely loved the Mark of the Lion series. It had everything that a great saga must, from terrific characterization to an epic plot. Some of my all-time-favorite historical fiction.

Casey said...

I have actually only read one of her books, and that was Redeeming Love. I enjoyed it. :)

I would love to read this one, thanks for the chance.

Email in profile.

Michelle said...

I don't know if I can enter this one.
But anyhow, I have not read any of Francine's books. This one looks like a great start.

Giveaway Lady said...

I have never read any of Francine's books. Would love the chance!
Thanks!!

esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

Esther Miriam Lopez said...

I have never read any of her books yet and I hope this one will be my first.

estherym[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

REDEEMING LOVE was the first book that I read authored by Francine Rivers. It will always have a special place in my heart.

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Lela Fox said...

I would love to win this book by Francine. She has some very nice books and would love to add this to my collection. Thanks for the opportunity.

bubbysgammaw(at)peoplepc(dot)com

Anonymous said...

My favorite is Leota's Garden!

Anne Mateer said...

I love epic sagas--and I love Francine! So this book seems like a no brainer for me. I'd love to win it!

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

and the winner is...

Naomi Musch!

tracysbooknook.com said...

Another terrific review! I posted a link to it as one of my picks of the best reviews I’ve read.

I actually struggled with Francine Rivers lately. I found that Her Mother’s Hope didn’t have very much hope at all. After writing my own review (which you can read at www.tracysbooknook.com ) I went out and read about 50 others, and 50 out of 50 loved this book. I guess there’s always one in the crowd who doesn’t fit in – and this time it’s me. :-(

-Tracy

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