Fictional books based on Christian beliefs or set in biblical times are ones that I don’t typically think of reading or even gravitate to. As one of my friends recommended books by Francine Rivers, I thought I give her books a try. When I first was told about these books, I thought Francine Rivers set her stories only in biblical times to illustrate some of the biblical principles in easy to understand language. I was having some trouble getting into her books set in this time period and had to what other books she wrote other than those that were recommended. I discovered that Francine Rivers had a few books set in modern times. I read two of her books and enjoy her writing style and will go back to read her other books.
Here are the books that I read by Francine Rivers:
Leota’s Garden
Read: September 22, 2012
Summary: Leota’s Garden revolves around the lives of a number of characters who are all connected through Leota, an 84-year-old woman, and her garden. Leota’s garden was once a beautiful space which in recent years has deteriorated. With neglecting both her garden and some of her family members, Leota begins to try and understand her self-centred daughter, her son, and other characters. Through the ways of grace, Leota’s Garden shows the weaving together of old and new bonds.
My thoughts: The book was not what I expected both as a story and as a faith-based book. Although I was reading the book with no real expectations, it was wonderfully written, easy to read, and had a touching story. The Christian viewpoints were apparent but subtly integrated into the story.
The Atonement Child
Read: September 30, 2012
Summary: The Atonement Child focuses on the life of Dynah Carey. She is engaged to a man that she met at the Christian university she attends, comes from a good family, and is a faithful child of God. By all appearances, Dynah has everything until the unthinkable happens. Dynah’s life changes when she is raped which results in an unwanted pregnancy. Family, friends, and Dynah are torn between the monumental life choices that push the limits of one’s seemingly solid faith.
My thoughts: My thoughts on this book were much the same as Leota’s Garden. It was nicely written and easy to read. Again, I didn’t have much expectation as to where this book would go and thought the subject matter provided a good basis for a story. The main complaints I have about this book are the viewpoints. I was mostly ok with the opinions provided as it was necessary to move the book along and develop the characters. Towards the end of the book, it was starting to become overdone and through some of the characters the opinions came across as pushy.
