Blog Friend Favorites Giveaway: "Her Mother's Hope" by Francine Rivers

I love to read other book reviewers' blogs. I've even developed a wonderful group of friends from this shared blog land. Early in January there was a rush of my blog friends publishing their favorite reads from 2010. When I look over these lists I get inspired to read! Don't you?

My new giveaway will be featuring books from these lists. I've  picked 10-15 books from the blogs I frequent. Watch for me to feature those as giveaways over the next few months.

Can't wait to read the books my blog friends love!

Here are the giveaway rules:

A. Post a comment to this post to indicate you would like to be entered for this book.

B. Answer today's random "favorites" question for fun.

Today's question: what's your favorite candy bar?

My answer: Reeses!

C. If your name is drawn, I will send you an email to let you know. Please respond within 10 days or the winner will be redrawn.

D. Enter by February 28 for this book. Winner to be announced the following day.

E. Come back again soon for more giveaways!

Today's book: Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers. Comes from the favorite of my friend Deb's blog: http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/

Description:

The first in an epic two-book saga by beloved author Francine Rivers, this sweeping story explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters over several generations. Near the turn of the 20th century, fiery Marta leaves Switzerland determined to find life on her own terms. Her journey takes her through Europe and finally lands her with children and husband in tow in the central valley of California. Marta’s experiences convince her that only the strong survive. Hildie, Marta’s oldest daughter, has a heart to serve others, and her calling as a nurse gives her independence, if not the respect of her mother. Amid the drama of WWII, Hildie marries and begins a family of her own. She wants her daughter never to doubt her love—but the challenges of life conspire against her vow. Each woman is forced to confront her faulty but well-meaning desire to help her daughter find her God-given place in the world.

My Thoughts:

I adore Francine Rivers and have for a long, long time!  I was beyond excited to see her new book come out.  I'm so glad I finally had a chance to read it! What a wonderful and powerful story about the relationship between mother and daughter.  I ached with the women as they wrestled with how to be the best mother they could to their daughters. How Marta's past hurts came so strongly to bear on her own daughter and her desire to protect Hildie ended up being so hard for Hildie to understand.  And while I understood Marta's actions, I so often longed to jump in her face and confront her on it.  God's grace is a powerful thing, and each woman was needing to remember it and rely on it.

Wonderful book! I can see why it was a favorite!

Book Bullets:

• My rating: 5 out of 5 stars plus a bonus star because I loved it!
• Genre: historical
• Themes: grace, family
• Part of a Series: yes, Marta's Legacy book 1
• Publication year: 2010
• Publisher: Tyndale
• Other books I've read by this author: I've read them all
• Author's website: http://francinerivers.com/