Firstborn [Paperback]

Robin Lee Hatcher (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 11, 2003

A powerful contemporary novel from award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher—now available in softcover. Erika's worst fear is realized when her well-kept secret shows up on her doorstep. As she reaches out to the daughter she gave up for adoption 21 years ago, her husband pulls away, leaving Erika with an impossible choice. This emotionally gripping story will touch and challenge readers.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Solid writing saves a cliche-ridden plot line in Hatcher's inspirational novel about how a woman's secret teenage pregnancy has disastrous fallout for two couples years later. At age 16, Erika James loves Steven Welby, but a momentary lapse of judgment results in her pregnancy. Keeping her condition concealed from everyone but her grandmother, she has the baby and puts it up for adoption. Erika eventually marries Steven, and 23 years later, her secret comes home to roost. Meanwhile, Steven's best friend, Dallas Hurst, longs for a child, but fulfilling his desire may destroy his marriage to his wife, Paula. The reverberations of the past threaten both couples' unions and raise numerous questions about faith, forgiveness and commitment. Hatcher believably builds suspense for the reader about Erika's secret and pulls no punches as she convincingly portrays the agonizing emotions and far-reaching consequences of giving a baby up for adoption. Flashbacks are used effectively to flesh out the characters' teen years, and Hatcher manages the multiple points of view adeptly. Although there is an obligatory CBA conversion scene, Hatcher avoids a neat wrapup; the book's conclusion makes allowances for the messiness of life. Hatcher, the author of 35 novels and novellas, is the recipient of both the Christy and the RITA Awards, so it's no surprise that this is a well-written inspirational novel. The plot, however, is hackneyed.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Riveting and packed with a skillful balance of realism and heart wrenching emotions... A book you won't want to miss! -- The Romance Readers Connection --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (July 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 084235557X
• ISBN-13: 978-0842355575
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #365,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I'm the author of 60+ novels and novellas. My home is in Idaho, where I spend my time writing stories of faith, courage, and love; pondering the things of God; and loving my family and friends. Please note that the list of my books on Amazon includes novels written for the general romance market from 1984 to 1999. My Christian fiction has been published from 1999 to present. I no longer recommend my older fiction. Purchase used books with caution. For more information, please visit my web site at http://robinleehatcher.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A contemporary , believable love story!!, November 17, 2002

By 

Bonnie McKinzie (Garden Grove, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Firstborn (Hardcover)

Erika and Steve are a happily married Christian family with one great kid, teenager Ethan. They are active in church and community. They have close friends in Dallas and Paula Hurst. Their world suddenly turns upside when a letter arrives from Kirsten, the 22 yr. old daughter born SECRETLY by Erika out of wedlock. Marriages are strained, relationships are shattered and new love is found. Those characters which were rock solid begin to waver and act like sanctimonious jerks. Is faith in God going to be enough to get them through this crisis, or will the human emotions take over?
This was my first book by Robin Hatcher but will definitely not be my last.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Robin's the best, September 11, 2002

By 

Hannah Alexander (Pierce City MO 65723) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Firstborn (Hardcover)

Often considered one of the most traumatic, dramatic situations for any mother to find herself in, after giving her child up for adoption, our main character, Erika, is confused, devastated, guilt ridden about her weakness--she couldn't tell her own husband about the child. When her child finds her and comes to her in search of a father, Erika's peaceful, well-ordered life flies apart. Robin Lee knows how to hit the reader hard, dragging them in to the story with such overwhelming force and interest, I could not put the book down. I love those books you can't put down. I want more!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cover to cover in one night, November 13, 2002

By 

Angie (Peoria, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Firstborn (Hardcover)

There are many facets a woman can relate to throughout this story. Love, deception, honor, maternal instinct, relationships, choice.
This story enables the reader to ask the question, "What would I have done?"
I was able to feel the emotion of the characters and have hope that God would allow good to come from a seemingly unforgivable mistake. ...