Adoption... and a book review

Adoption is on my mind this month... not for my family personally, but just in so many different ways it has come across my path lately. It also happens to be National Adoption Month. All the more reason to talk about it! I'll touch on the subject of adoption for the next couple of posts. If you or someone you know has been involved in adoption, leave a comment, I'd love to rejoice over another orphan becoming part of a family!

I just completed reading Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy. It's been awhile since I've been this enthusiastic about a fiction book that I've received to review!

The book's main storyline revolves around a young Chinese girl, Joy, who was adopted by an American family (a pastor and his wife). After readers are taken through the adoption scene, the story fast forwards seven years to the troublesome teenage years. Although my children are too young to have "been there," having served with teens in youth ministries, my heart went out to these characters and the troubles they are having with their daughter.

At the same time, as the story continues, we are learning about Joy's blood sister, a now-doctor named Kai, who is living in America, searching for her long lost sister. What makes this search so compelling is the fact that their mother died of a hereditary kidney disease. One that impairs the quality of life quite quickly. It's urgent that Kai find Joy to have her tested for the disease.

Winding throughout the story is Kai (and Joy's) spiritual search. Kai has grown up relying on the "fates" and Joy has grown up in a Christian home, but both find themselves on a journey to the truth.

I really enjoyed learning more about the country of China within the storyline. Kai shares much of what she went through growing up in the late 60's, early 70's. It also puts a "real life" spin on what it's like to believe in something so un-reliable as "the fates."

I highly recommend this book. It had a great storyline that wasn't filled with "fluff." I truly enjoyed each chapter.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have 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 Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Have you left a comment on my giveaway post? I am extending the contest until Monday, Nov 21st. Click here to see details!