Book Review: The Reunion

 

We recently received a copy of The Reunion, a novel by Rachael McIntire. Mrs. McIntire is a new Christian author and I was excited for the opportunity to read her first published novel. It is a shorter book, only 127 pages, but a good story that is packed full of Christian values. 

We decided to use it as a read aloud with the kids since our work has slowed down a little for Christmas break. We sat down last week, in front of the fire, and read 1/2 the book in one sitting! At the end of each chapter, I would ask the kids if they wanted me to stop or keep going and they wanted to keep going. We only stopped because it was dinner time. 

The story begins with a family that is wanting to have another child and God answers that prayer with a baby that is left on their porch. In another town and another family, the same thing happens. The story follows these two girls as they grow up and lead very different lives, one in a strong Christian home and the other in a secular home.I won't go into details as I don't want to ruin the surprises, but it is neat to watch both girls grow up, in very different homes, and how they are the same and different.

The kids loved the book. The story switches between the two girls in every other chapter. At first, that confused the kids, but we just started recapping before we started each chapter. After the first few times, they didn't need to review, but they still discussed it with each other before we started the next chapter.

I loved that it was about foster (briefly) and then adoption, as that is heavy on our hearts right now. It seems like God is putting it into everything we read or watch lately, encouraging us to press on.

It is refreshing to read a book that is full of good family morals and respect. The girls, even in the unsaved home, respected authority, which is rare in this day and age and nice for the kids to hear. I actually felt the kids calm down when we read this. It was such a sweet, simple book...well, simple maybe isn't the right word, but you know what I mean. The Christian family was so genuine in their faith and loving of others and we could learn a lot from them.

I love finding books and movies with strong Christian characters and love supporting new authors. Read an excerpt from the book here: http://thereunionstory.com/reunion-excerpt/ and then use the code REVIEW-LES to get $2.00 off each copy of The Reunion you order through Feb 2013, and $1 off anytime you order after that. :)

Disclaimer:  I received this book, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are mine.