Ivy
and Nick are existing in a marriage that is strained, at best. Both
have hurts that are driving a wedge between them. One of the biggest
is Ivy's inability to have children.
Their
lives change, however, when the house next door gets new renters.
Finding the house locked, Ivy leaves her welcome gift at the door,
only to see it soon snatched inside. A few days later is becomes
clear. Three children have been abandoned by their mother. And they
never did know a father.
Needing
food and baths, Ivy takes them in. Child Protective Services allows
Nick and Ivy to sign up for foster care instruction and keep caring
for the children.
Add
to the mix all the in-laws and you have the setting of a good story.
Nick's family feels Ivy just doesn't belong in their family. And
taking in African American children? The tension is excruciating.
Ivy's family, while warm and accepting, has issues too.
The
first half of the book went a little slow for me. But the second
half, well, you had better have a tissue ready.
The
main story deals with a stale and maybe dying marriage. The
introduction of the three foster kids changes the dynamics of the
relationship – some for good and some for added stress.
I
really liked the characters and their growth as the story progressed.
Both Ivy and Nick face their hurts and the coldness they have
developed in their marriage. Nick's family? They can just wallow in
their superiority! And Ivy's family is a story to be continued, I
hope, in a sequel.
This
novel is a moving story of restored relationships, forgiveness, love,
and acceptance.
Carre
Armstrong Gardner is a nurse by profession,pursuing music and writing
in her spare time. She, her husband, and their three teenagers live
in Portland, Maine.
Tyndale
House Publishers, 400 pages.
I
received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for
the purpose of an independent and honest review.
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