In Search of Eden

Although I prefer historical fiction, I read good reviews on this book and decided to read it. I was not disappointed. Linda Nichols's writing drew me in, and I will be reading more of her books in the future.

I enjoyed the characters, especially Eden. I also enjoyed the mystery of Miranda's family background and the twists and turns the story took. I was even caught by surprise at the end of the story, probably as much as Miranda herself. The ending made me cry several times, and I only recall two occasions when I've ever cried while reading a book.

This book has become one of my favorites. Not many fictional storylines stick with me long after I've read them, but this one has, probably because of the characters. I highly recommend it!

Giving up her child at age fifteen has impacted every moment of Dorrie Gibson's life. Wanderlust has ruled her life until her mom's health demands that she return home. Renaming herself as Miranda DeSpain, she sets off on a journey to recover her lost past, to find the child she gave up so many years ago. Her journey leads her to Abingdon, Virginia, where the Williams family is also dealing with their own past hurts. God is big enough to heal all, but will Miranda and the Williams' family be open to His blessings?

IN SEARCH OF EDEN is aptly named. Linda Nichols has written a tale in which the journey is just as important as the destination. Miranda's search for her child leads her along a path she never expected, a path that leads ultimately to fulfillment and the love of God. So many lives are touched in this heartwarming story in which the love of God shines through.

The storyline of the Irish Travelers is particularly touching to me. Having lived and worked near North Augusta, SC, the issue of the Travelers and Murphy Village isn't a new one to me. Linda Nichols did a fantastic job at breaking through the stereotypes and portraying a different side of the Travelers. Of course, this wasn't the only stereotype she dares to peer through, as the warm heart of Mr. Cooper is integral to the storyline as well.

IN SEARCH OF EDEN isn't a quick moving tale, but rather one that encourages introspection. There are some surprises along the way, as each of the characters has a part to play and a story to tell. This is my first time reading anything written by Linda Nichols but if IN SEARCH OF EDEN is any indication, then I have found a new author. IN SEARCH OF EDEN is a powerful, thought provoking tale that haunts the reader long past when the last page is turned.

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

I was compelled to write a review on this story because I purchased it based on the 5 star reviews. I seriously wonder if all of these people were friends of the author. The author's writing style is very sophomoric. (ie. She sat down. She was happy. She got up then.) There was hardly any dialog in the book that went past 2 sentences. It's very simplistically written. I felt like this was a book you'd be required to read in high school, as it's at that maturity level. There is a good deal of prayer in the book, but I didn't find that bothersome, as it fit in with the story - others may have a problem with this. (ie. Instead of saying, "she prayed to God that everything would be better", they actually go into the verbiage of what she is praying.) I listened to the audio version and the narrator was not the best either. I could actually hear her taking deep breaths and swallowing. I was able to finish it, so I will give it 2 stars, but I probably wouldn't have if I hadn't spent so much money on the audio version. I'm sorry I did.

I so enjoyed this book. Funny and hard to put down. It captivated me.
I am religious person so I try to hold myself to a high standard and am always so hesitant when I pick up a book to read for the fear of it being filled with smut and foul language. But none in this book. I found it very refreshing to read. I could actually read it and not fear what was on the next page. Call me a prude if you like but for me a clean book is a treasure and not often found. I, personally thank Linda Nichols for an uplifting story. Her character development was superb.

Author did a really fantastic job of shaping the story and a couple of the main characters from the beginning, but also leaving lots of room for surprises along the way. Some of the characters' pasts were so painful that is was difficult to read. The mother was unable to forgive and break out of her pain, but Miranda was able to break out. And then there is Eden who was able to go through her suffering, but not drown in it, unlike the women before her. I loved that symmetry and how Jesus really was the reason the vicious cycle ended.