Customer Reviews

Out of Her Hands (Linda Revere Series #2)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Just like in real life, the family in Out of Her Hands is comprised of imperfect people. They disagree, disappoint, and frustrate the other members. But they also love each other.

I related to the main character on so many levels. What woman doesn't have visions of the mate their child will choose? And like Linda, don't we all at one time or another want to be able to control what's going on in our lives, and the lives of those we love? We forget there's someone else in control who can do a much better job than we can.

The novel is laced with entertaining humor. But Megan also provides her readers with substance. Out of Her Hands is a winner!

I'm best friends with Linda Revere. Wait...that's not right. I AM Linda. No, that's not right either. Hmmm. Actually, Linda is the main character in Megan DiMaria's latest book, and I'm confused because Linda seems so real. She has a fast-paced job and family life. She's full of faith and doubt--simultaneously. She turns things over to God (and then takes them back again).

In this book, the second in a series, Linda discovers that control is fleeting. Her son begins dating a less-than-perfect girl, her widowed father-in-law finds new love, and her best friend (not me) is moving away. Nothing is as it should be. Or so it seems.

But Linda soon learns that life, while imperfect, is out of her hands--and right on time. There is, indeed, a time for all seasons. We might as well relax and enjoy. Even though much in life is out of our hands, there is much to anticipate and be thankful for. Thanks to Megan DiMaria for illustrating it so well.

I enjoyed this book! As a mother of two--coincidently, one son and one daughter who are both grown and gone "children"--I quickly connected to Linda, the protagonist. Written in first person narrative, Linda is a working mom with a full plate. Her son and daughter are still living at home, but they are one inch away from flying off and leaving her with an empty nest.

It seems we moms just come into our stride with child rearing, and right before we think our job is finished, our children decide for us! They're grown-ups, making mature decisions. Will Linda's resolve to trust the job that she, her husband, and God have done with these two ready-to-fly fledgling birds remain firm?

There are some twists and turns that compelled me to read straight to the end. Caution: I used a couple of tissues.

Out of Her Hands is a wonderful read written by Megan DiMaria. We are back with the Revere family, and Linda learns that just when she thinks the hardest part of parenting is behind her she and her husband are about to learn otherwise. Although Out of Her Hands is a work of fiction, as I read this book a truth resonated within my spirit and confirmed something that I'm still learning: God always has lessons for us to learn if our ears are open to hear and receive His wisdom.

I loved Searching for Spice by Megan Di Maria. I thought it was humorous, touching and poignant. The story was an easy read and involved Linda Revere, a woman I could relate to.

The Linda Revere in Out of Her Hands was disappointing. I bought the book so excited to continue the saga of the Revere family. In this book the author continuously portrayed Linda as being wrong. She was wrong to be upset about her 22 year old son's attitude. She was wrong to be upset about his life choices and she was wrong to criticize. This book was a quick read, but very disappointing. The story had some nice elements, but it was lost in my frustration and disappointment in the "new" Linda in this book.

Definitely not worth the money spent.

Out of her Hands
By: Megan DiMaria

In the sequel to her first book, Searching for Spice, Megan has written a book that will touch the heart of any mother. Whether you are a new mom filled with dreams of your child's future, a middle mom struggling through the turbulent teen years, or an empty-nester, there is something for you in this book. With skill, heart, and humor, Megan took us back into the life of Linda Revere as her nest is emptying.

Linda has always held high hopes for her children's futures and trusts every prayer prayed for them will come to fruition. So, when her son, Nick, begins dating a young woman who isn't exactly what Linda expected, Linda's well-ordered life gets a little challenged. Her widowed father-in-law begins a new relationship, her best friend announces a move across the country, and her daughter prepares to go to college in the fall. Linda feels the fabric of her life unravel. The harder she tries to control the world and events around her, the less control she actually has. It is not until she realizes everything is out of her hands that she can see the joy before her in life as it changes.

This is a tender story of love and trial and children growing up. Megan has a keen grasp on the differences between sons and daughters and the ways they relate to their parents. You will find yourself agreeing and disagreeing with each of the characters. And within the pages you will find the beauty of a family that loves each other and God and works through everything together. I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. If you haven't read Searching for Spice I recommend it. However, Out of Her Hands stands alone and will be enjoyed even without reading book one.

As a parent we all have dreams of how life is going to be like when are kids are older. What if those dreams are all blown out of the water? Out of Her Hands is a humorous book of a mother struggling with the less than perfect future daughter-in-law her son brings home.

Linda Revere's son, Nick, brings home his dream girl, Amber. Unfortunately Amber is not what Linda had been praying for, for her son. Linda feels like she is losing control of everything around her. Linda is still recovering from the loss of her mother-in-law, whom she was very close to. At the same time, juggling her job as the manager of a successful photography studio, and being mother to her two children who are in the midst of romance. She finds herself turning to her best friend during this time only to learn her friend will be moving away. Linda learns when everything is spinning out of control God is still in control.

For a Mom with a teenage son, I found the book hilarious. It is also a great reminder that God's will for our kids is not necessarily the plans we, as parents, have envisioned.

Every now and then a novel comes along that speaks to you long after it's been read. Out of Her Hands is just such a book. That's why I'm awarding it "The Best of 2008." Megan DiMaria is such a gifted writer, as I began reading it, I actually wondered if she based it on my life.

Don't let the cover fool you into thinking its fluff. Linda Revere deals with the tough midlife issues we all have to deal with like an unexpected pregnancy, a best friend moving away, problems with her adult children and her widowed father-in-law dating.

Megan's realistic characters draw me in and her detailed descriptions make me feel like I'm visiting their home. Too cold to go out? Grab this book and go stay with the Revere's for a while. You'll be glad you did.

Megan DiMaria is a great story teller with an amazing gift of bringing her characters right into your living room. They live and breathe with realistic emotion and engaging drama. Definitely a page turner!

I loved Searching for Spice and couldn't wait for book two. I found no disappointment with Out of Her Hands.

For every wife who thinks she and her husband are losing touch, for every mother who can't stand her son's choice for a fiancee and can't bear to see her little girl growing up, and for every woman who thought she couldn't wait until her children grew up so she could have some freedom, only to find that when the time approaches, she feels helpless and lonely. For all of you and for me, this is the perfect book. I related to every single incident, to each and every tear. And when I finished this book, I felt like I was leaving dear friends.

I'm still hoping for book three.