If you have read Brenda Novak books previously, I must tell you that this is not the typical romance or suspense read that you are accustomed to. This novel is very different, in a good way. It is the story of three sisters who discover each other through a DNA test and are seeking the truth about why they are related. It is a story of relationships, those that are broken and may or may not be able to be repaired and those that are new. It is a story of trust, broken trust and the newly formed trust when a new relationship begins. I must say that I was immediately immersed in the stories of Serenity, Lorelei and Reagan. I enjoyed the way that each sister was given her own point of view during the story. I think I got to know them better that way, so it made the whole book much more appealing to me. I was able to identify with each sister in some special way, based on events in their lives, but Lorelei was very special to me. I think that fans of Brenda Novak will thoroughly enjoy this book, and I highly recommend to new readers who are fans of women’s fiction. This book has something for everyone, including romance and a mystery!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Please note that I am a member of Brenda Novak’s Facebook book group and was delighted to get to read this book for Netgalley. I enjoyed it and consider it a good summer read, but it is not appropriate, in my opinion, for teens since some adult topics are included.

Like most of you, I am getting tired of staying at home. At this point, I would be excited about a trip to the pharmacy, or actually anyplace that I could wander the aisles and put things into a cart for myself. But, alas! That is not to be for weeks, perhaps months. Nevertheless, God continues to encourage me with His love for me, so I wanted to pass what He shared with me to you in hopes that you, too, will find encouragement.

My Lighthouse by Rend Collective

The storm may surround us, but the lighthouse is there to lead us safely home. We will be fine if we just hold onto the Lord. Yes, we will be fine, and He will be glorified! Blessings to each of you for an enjoyable and day of gratitude for what you have and how God is taking care of you through this season.

I knew from looking at the cover that I would need a tissue or two. Actually, I needed almost a whole box! This is an absolutely gut-wrenching novel, with a premise that has no winners. Izzy, Pete and eight-year old Noah are a family. Pete and Izzy are separated, but that makes them no less a family, a unit that loves and cares for each other. One day, they get a devastating phone call from the fertility center that they used for IVF; Noah may be someone else’s child because the center “made a mistake.” Beth and Tim were deeply in love and had tried for years to have a child, but the IVF procedures never ended up with pregnancy for Beth. When the book opens, Tim has succumbed to cancer and Beth, all alone, wants to try to keep a part of him by having his child with their one remaining embryo. Unfortunately, her embryo is gone, given to another woman and that woman has her child. Although eight years have passed, Beth wants to legally pursue whatever recourse she has to get her child back. What would justice look like for Izzy, Pete, Noah and Beth? Is is possible to have a winner in a court case like this? My heart was torn into pieces because I wanted Izzy to have the son she had raised, but I also wanted Beth to have the son that was a living part of Tim. This was a book that was hard to put down but it was equally difficult to pick up. I cannot say that I was delighted to read it; rather, I was compelled to find out what happened in this lose-lose situation. Fans of contemporary fiction and women’s fiction will enjoy this book, but bring the tissues with you! Disclaimer Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This quotation was in my devotional today, and I find it very appropriate because of having to stay inside in order to try to stay safe.

Be safe and well!

Photo by runnyrem on Unsplash