Author: Robin Lee Hatcher
Publisher: Zondervan
Pages: 296
ISBN: 978-0-310-25777-6
Publication Date: September 24th, 2013
Synopsis:
A most unwelcome guest surprises Diana at her engagement party--The husband she thought was dead!Review:
Diana Brennan came west on the orphan train and was given a home with a loving couple who cherished and spoiled her. At 17, she fell hard for Tyson Applegate, the son of a wealthy mine owner. After a whirlwind courtship and marriage, Tyson took off for adventures around the world, including fighting with the Rough Riders in Cuba. Receiving no word of him for seven years, Diana's infatuation with her dashing husband died an ugly death, and she is ready to move past the old pain and marry again, just as soon as Tyson is declared legally dead.
But when her husband returns, supposedly a changed man, he wants to reunite with his wife and run for the senate. While Diana suspects the election is his real reason for wanting her by his side, she agrees to maintain his home and to campaign with him, but when it is over, win or lose, she wants her freedom.
He agrees with one condition----she must give him a chance to change her mind about him.
I've only read a couple of other books by Robin Lee Hatcher and I liked them quite a bit. Beloved, I have ended up liking the best!
The approach to the story was different then most out there and that is what really drew me in. We are introduced to Diana as a child, waiting to see if she or her sister will be picked by a family on one of the many stops the orphan train makes. Diana is chosen and she has to leave her sister behind. We fast forward many years later, Diana is grown and enjoying her life for the most part, she is about to announce her engagement. However, her husband Tyson, who she thought was dead for the past couple of years quietly makes his way into the dinning room where Diana's party is going on.
At this point, I have so many questions. How, why, where, what will happen? Thankfully, I'm not left hanging out there with questions. Instead of having the full back story revealed at once, Robin Lee Hatcher presents it in a refreshing way. At the end of the first chapter, we go back in time ten years, and we are reintroduced to Tyson and Diana when they first met, but we are only allowed a brief glance. As the story unfolds, at the end of each chapter, we are able to get one more puzzle piece to help complete the picture. We are giving just enough information to keep up wanting more.
Beloved was a wonderful story all around, not just from the story telling aspect. Diana has only known a life of loss and rejection. Her heart has been hardened to protect herself from any other hurts. In all of it though, Diana loves her adoptive mother and the life that she was given with her and her adoptive father.
Tyson, we don't know much about his background, but when we are first introduced to him, he is repentant and wants to start anew. He wants to bring Diana back into his life, even if it for a short time. The story Tyson presents is like that of the Prodigal Son. As I read his story, I couldn't help thinking, well, what was the prodigal son like after his father welcomed him back, did everyone welcome him back too with out question? If not, Tyson portrays the story of showing his turn around is true.
Beloved was a wonderful story full of forgiveness, restoration, and redemption.
Too Read!
4 out of 5
About the Author:
Robin Lee Hatcher is the bestselling author of 70 books. Her numerous awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award. Robin and her husband currently reside in Idaho. For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com.
Giveaway:
Robin Lee Hatcher is celebrating the release of her latest novel, Beloved, with an iPad Mini giveaway!
One winner will receive:
- An iPad Mini
- Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher
Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Robin's blog on the 16th to see if you won. (Or, better yet, subscribe to her blog and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)!
Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and Zondervan, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
2 comments
Fun! Glad you liked this one, too, Kate. I thought it was really sweet - definitely made me remember how much I enjoy Robin's writing. :)
ReplyDeleteRissi, I did! It was a sweet story and it was presented in such a fresh way. I agree, Robin's writing is very enjoyable! I'm glad you enjoyed this story as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. Leave a word, leave a line, I would love to hear what you have to say.