Customer Reviews

My Sister Dilly

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Maureen Lang is rapidly becoming a favorite in women's fiction. She tackles difficult family situations, childhood illnesses and disabilities with honesty and grace. My Sister Dilly is a beautiful book that touches your heart with peace like walking down a country lane on a summer day.

Hannah and Dilly Williams grew up on a hog farm with strict parents. Hannah couldn't wait to leave and did as soon as she graduated. Years later when her sister Dilly is starting over again after some difficult circumstances, Hannah takes it upon herself to come and care for Dilly. Guilt over not being there for her little sister years earlier drives Hannah's life. She leaves behind a career and the only man she's ever loved to go back to a town she hates and people she is sure don't care. Hannah's journey to care for Dilly becomes a personal quest for peace and contentment. Dilly and her daughter Sierra teach Hannah more about herself than she ever knew. Will Hannah find the way to unravel the guilt that tangles her heart and make room for perfect love to heal the wounds?

Maureen Lang has written a surprising story that waves grace on every page. She gives the reader and honest look into the lives of people who face daily struggles, sometimes make wrong choices, and find their way through mistakes to second chances. Her characters are believable and endearing. I highly recommend My Sister Dilly. And if this is your first Maureen Lang book, be sure to check her others also; Pieces of Silver, Remember Me, Oak Leaves, and On Sparrow Hill.

While Hannah was living out her dream on the California coast and away from her small town home life, her sister Dilly was serving time in prison. While Hannah ran away from her past, Dilly had to stay and remember day after day of the crime she had committed. When Dilly is set free from prison, Hannah returns to take care of her sister and intends make up for not being there all those years. However Dilly has changed and is intent on righting her wrongs, while Hannah doesn't agree with what she's doing. Will Dilly stand up to her sister or will Hannah be forced to give in?

While I was reading this story, all I could keep thinking in my head was "Wow." This is a story you would normally not think of when you think about Christian fiction. This is not your happily ever after,everyone's all lovey-dovey , everything always works out Christian fiction. This book is ripped from the headlines, make yourself really think, in your face fiction. Usually when you hear in the news about mothers who intentionally hurt their kids, your first thought it to condemn the mother. You cannot believe that anyone would want to purposely murder their children and that they must insane to do it. This novel shows the other side to that story and what could possibly make a mother even consider doing that to her child. As a reader, it took me by surprise that I actually felt sympathy towards a mother who did this and anger over the grandmother who wants to protect her grandchild. The story really blew me away by how much I invested into the characters. Dilly's sister, Hannah also touched my heart as well. She wants to protect her sister and is willing to sacrifice her own life to do so. However her reasons behind that are not as "Good Samaritan" as they sound. It's a wonderful character study between the two of them. My only qualm with the book was that it takes a while before the reader is finally told what exactly happened to put Dilly in jail. It's merely hinted at for about 3/4 of the book. It wasn't a problem but it made me feel like I had missed it somewhere because it kept being subtly mentioned at through most of the book. Otherwise, you will be enthralled by this book. The book is perfect is you're in the mood for something that is not fluffy and really makes you think afterwards. It's a story that stays with you and has you looking twice at everything you've always believed in. One of the most thought-provoking reads of the year. HIGHLY recommended.

This story tells of two sweet sisters, Hannah and Dilly Williams. They grow up as daughters of hog farmers in Ill. Their parents are strict in their beliefs, yet consistent and as they mature, the girls learn to appreciate the way they were raised.

Hannah leaves small town life for big city lights while the younger Dilly marries a man who likes to leave a free life, including being with other women. They have a disabled child,Sierra who requires 24/7 care. Dilly believes that no one can care for her better than herself and she will not ask for help from anyone, Nick, her husband doesn't seem to notice that Dilly is becoming exhausted. No one in her life knows the trouble.

Out of desperation and exhaustion, Dilly does the unthinkable and attempts to kill herself and the child. She is jailed and her mother-in-law takes over care of the little girl. She is determined that under no circumstances will Dilly ever see her again.

Hannah is feeling guilty that she never saw, noticed or bothered to help Dilly and she returns home from California to help care for her sister when her prison sentence is up. She is having a great deal of trouble forgiving herself and cannot understand Dilly's new found hope in Christ.

With the help of her friend, Mac, she begins to find herself and forgive the past, including her parents.

Maureen Lang does well at explaining what many children have as they grow up and are influenced by the world around them, and that is confusion about who and what they are. She shows a raw side that many are afraid to look deep into and that would be a disdain for their parents and the way they believe and also how they make their living.

She also touched my heart to be more sensitive to those around me who might need help and not know how to ask.

As the story continues, the author does a beautiful job of showing Hannah come to terms with her upbringing. I loved this book.

Paulette Harris

www.pauletteharris.biz

comeandsitawhile.blogspot

This latest book by Maureen Lang grabbed me from the start. It's about two sisters, both women in their own right, but coming at life from two different perspectives. Hannah, who could hardly wait to leave the hog farm where she grew up and move to California, has returned to help her sister Dilly reintegrate into society upon her release from prison. It reminded me of the story of the prodigal son, or in this case, the prodigal daughter. One daughter who has lived by the rules, and the other who has done the unthinkable and chosen an act that sent her to prison.

Dilly has changed while in prison, which is hard for Hannah to understand. As the women rebuild their relationship, several issues arise. Hannah is living in a prison of her own making, tied down by the chains of responsibility and false guilt. Unless she realizes this, and makes some changes, she may miss out on the love a good man and end up with a life of emotional solitary confinement.

I have read several Maureen Lang books, but this is my favorite. The storyline is unique and thought-provoking, with characters who reach out from the pages of the book to the heart of the reader. In my rating system of one to five mochas, I give My Sister Dilly a four-and-a-half. Sit down with your own mocha and settle in for a great read.

My Sister Dilly is one of the most realistic looks at faith struggles that I've read in a long time. It is a story of unfathomable depth that has an authenticity about it that makes the reader take a second look at life through the main character's eyes. At the end of the book, I was satisfied with the main character's journey, and how God revealed His love to her though complicated, sometimes unpleasant circumstances.

Hannah Williams does not like to focus on herself. Her whole life is built around her sister Dilly, whom she left behind years ago in Illinois while she went to make a life for herself in California. Dilly has just been released from prison for attempting to kill herself and her child. Hannah is still living in a prison of her own making, tormenting herself with the guilt of not being with her sister when she needed support from someone. Not even the threat of seeing her somewhat legalistic parents and being exposed to their rigid faith can keep Hannah from moving back to Illinois to take care of her sister and leaving her best friend and true love, Mac, in California.

This is a story of love on so many levels. I was struck with the love of Hannah for her sister and the selflessness it takes to put oneself on hold for another person. I enjoyed Maureen Lang's way of pointing out, though, that sometimes we can call something "love" and have good intentions, but not really be doing what is best for the other individual.

The best friend love Hannah and Mac share is a breathtaking picture of the love that God has for His people. No matter how much we push Him away, He is there. No matter the excuses we give, He offers love anyway. We can do nothing to escape from His steadfast love. Hannah had known of God since her childhood, but didn't realize how personal and relationship oriented our God is until she experience His love through Mac.

This book is for anyone willing to take a fresh look at life, faith, and struggle. My Sister Dilly is a wonderful, entertaining read that will challenge you and uplift you. I highly recommend it.

My Sister Dilly by Maureen Lang is a courageous look at the power of God's redemption. Hannah Carlson has returned home to rural Illinois to take care of her sister Dilly who has just been released from prison. Six years ago, Dilly tried to kill herself and her daughter, Sierra, who has cerebral palsy. Hannah gives up a life she loves in LA, along with a great job and a friend named Mac who wants to be much more in guilt for not being there for Dilly who was taking care of Sierra 24/7 with no help from her cheating husband. Lang tackles a tough topic in this book; how to write a mother who is so overwhelmed by caring for her own child that she attempts to kill her and make this mother sympathetic to the reader. She describes the difficulties in caring full time with no help in taking care of a child who needs intensive round the clock care, especially when there is no emotional support. Both Hannah and Dilly must face the past in order to find their future, and trusting God is the first step. Hannah is also a powerfully sympathetic character I think many women can relate to; she strives to control everything around her and feels that she is responsible for everyone else's happiness. Lang takes these characters through some rough stuff, and in the end, both they and the reader are better off for it.

Hannah Williams couldn't wait to put her parents' hog farm, the small town of Sugar Creek, Illinois, and God behind her. As soon as she was able, she fled towards the coast of California, pursuing higher education and a career in financial consulting. Her younger sister Catherine -- nicknamed Dilly -- is content to stay home, marry and raise her intensely special needs daughter. But then the unthinkable happens.

Dilly is incarcerated for six years, and Hannah returns home upon Dilly's release to provide all the support she failed to give before it was too late. Hannah has prepared for this day for six long years, putting her personal life on hold, focusing on the day when she can make things right, make it up to Dilly for letting her down. Now if only Dilly, her parents, the man who loves her and everyone else would cooperate.

An experienced author, Maureen Lang has penned, with My Sister Dilly, an issues-based, character driven novel that brings God's love, grace, forgiveness, and redemption into sharp focus. Dilly has fallen far, and though she has emerged from her trials a new creation, changed forever by accepting Jesus into her heart, her past actions will cause others to judge and condemn her for the rest of her life.

Dilly is a sweet, lovable character who pricked my heart. I found myself guilty of judging women in similar situations in the past; being shocked by them, being disgusted, being unforgiving. I'm convicted of my own shortcomings and I am reminded that God's forgiveness brooks no exceptions - all of our sins are washed away by Jesus' blood, no matter how heinous.

Lang's writing is full of emotion that carries the reader from one scene to the next. The stories of the two sisters are two disparate cords twisted tightly together. Dilly is strong in her new found faith; Hannah is still running from God. Dilly is full of love that she longs to pour out on her daughter. Hannah is desperately avoiding her feelings for Mac back in California, feelings she has ignored for Dilly's sake - or so she tells herself.

It's rare that a title published by Tyndale House fails to drive me to self-examination. Their editors have a fine eye for Christian fiction that both convicts, encourages and entertains. Within the context of family ties Lang clearly establishes the truth that Christianity is a relationship with God, not a set of restrictive rules and regulations.

Lang gently leads readers into contemplation of their own lives and relationships with God while never descending into trite, moralistic writing. Though dealing with intensely emotional and difficult issues, Lang doesn't allow us to slip into despair or loathing, but keeps our eye on God and His redemptive nature. She also provides readers with welcome moments of brevity; if you've ever lived on a farm or in a rural town, you'll be able to relate.

My Sister Dilly packs a full serving of introspection, love, hope, and faith within the pages of this well-written, smooth reading contemporary novel. Relationships shift, new insights are gathered, individuals grow - and so will the reader if willing to examine his or her own life.

Maureen Lang has written another great book. Lovers of Christian historical fiction won't be surprised by that fact. Neither will the fans who clamored around her table at the recent ACFW Mall of America book signing. How she did it this time may surprise you, though. It sure surprised me when I learned she'd dabbled in a new genre.

My Sister Dilly, a book of contemporary Christian fiction, explores the double sword of guilt stabbing two raised-on-the-farm girls, Hannah Carlson and her younger sister Catherine (Dilly). Even though Hannah escapes the farm to experience the fast-lane life as an LA investment counselor, about as far from Sugar Creek, Illinois, as she can get, what-ifs about her relationship with Dilly tail her and won't let go. And there's guilt enough to spread over both sisters: Dilly has been incarcerated for six years. The crime? Something shocking. Something that has the whole state talking. Something involving...another family member.

When Dilly's released from the penitentiary, Hannah, always the big sister, leaves the California man she may love and returns to parents that never really seemed to love her. As the family struggles to help Dilly make it day-to-day, judgment erects a wall between the Carlsons and the townfolk, further isolating the Carlsons.

In this poignant and intense novel, Lang explores familial relationships, the burden of raising a handicapped child and society's inability to offer social services or compassion to such families. Woven within this journey toward healing are romantic interests for both sisters. And THAT spark of passion won't surprise Lang's fans a bit. Enjoy!

This was an amazing book. One that made me laugh, as well as cry. Can I say I love Mac? Wow, what an awesome character. And really, all the characters were incredibly brought to life. Maureen is an amazing writer and story teller.

I am involved in the prison ministry, so to all that are, I recommend reading this. And to all that know of someone who is, and can't quite figure out why their in it, this is a must read. And to all of those that have had to deal with a, "not so perfect child", this is a must read for you, as much as it is for those that know of someone who has a, "not so perfect child".

As a Christian, it's a good reminder of those that have been introduced to God, and yet have not accepted Him. There is always hope and we as Christian's should always be open to helping guide those far from God, back.

I loved this books so much, that I plan to purchase several copies to share with those I felt would benefit from reading it. It has that much of an impact.

If you liked this book, you are sure to like others my Maureen. I loved, "The Oak Leaves", and, "On Sparrow Hill". Two other amazing stories she's written.

I sure hope she comes out with an addition to his book. I'd love to hear more about Mac and Hannah, and see what happens with Dilly and Tom.

I found the premise of this book to be interesting and the execution to be quite good. It was an enjoyable read with good characterization and an interesting storyline. The romance was romantic, but "clean."

My only complaint is that at one point a character who has shown no interest in God and is uncomfortable when others talk about Him is said to maybe really be a Christian, just disillusioned by the Christianity seen in family members. Okaaaaaay. Didn't really apply here. It wasn't that the character didn't want to go to church; the character had no interest in spiritual things whatsoever. Given this, there really isn't the conversion that is necessary, but just a growing awareness of God's working. If you can ignore this and pretend that a real conversion does happen, then this isn't a big deal because it's not touched on that much.