In Search of Eden (Paperback)

by Linda Nichols (Author)
Key Phrases: horse shirt, Uncle Joseph, Aunt Bobbie, Pastor Hector (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Nichols’s latest effort follows the wanderings of Miranda DeSpain, a young woman who has been unable to recover from a painful adolescent experience. An upstanding drifter (she always finds gainful employment where ever she goes), Miranda finds herself in bucolic Abingdon, Virginia, where she meets an array of lovely Christian townsfolk, among them a spunky 11-year-old girl named Eden who helps Miranda find a job and a place to live. Nichols’s writing style is often engaging, and while some of her characters are clichéd (the ruggedly handsome, tough but tender leading man, for example), a few of her characters, most notably Eden, are quirky and real. Nichols blends the romance genre with a more problem-oriented women’s novel here. While there are few surprises and the many coincidences make it difficult to suspend disbelief, the plot holds together well enough, with likable characters fighting nobly against adversity and unlikable characters trying their best to change. Spiritual themes such as forgiveness and redemption are well integrated into the novel, and the Christian characters are genuine, openhearted and giving. Readers looking for sentimental yet well-written women’s fiction won’t be disappointed.

Review
"...a thoughtful and satisfying read that will leave you feeling warmed and hopeful..." -- Violet Nesdoly, blogcritics.org

"...an absorbing read with engaging characters, a well-crafted plot, and a glimpse of how God works for good...." -- Laurie Slagenwhite, cleanreads.blogspot.com

"...readers in search of reminders of grace for their own brokenness and mistakes will find comfort within these pages." -- Cindy Crosby, faithfulreader.com

"Beautifully written and poignant.... a moving tale that will be long remembered." -- Jamie Driggers, armchairinterviews.com

"The story is heartbreaking at times, but it is also a story of finding peace, happiness and acceptance." -- Kelli Glesige, readerviews.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House (February 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764201670
• ISBN-13: 978-0764201677
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #207,848 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More like 4 1/2 stars...., July 4, 2008

By	Deborah Wiley (Winter Haven, FL) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Giving up her child at age fifteen has impacted every moment of Dorrie Gibson's life. Wanderlust has ruled her life until her mom's health demands that she return home. Renaming herself as Miranda DeSpain, she sets off on a journey to recover her lost past, to find the child she gave up so many years ago. Her journey leads her to Abingdon, Virginia, where the Williams family is also dealing with their own past hurts. God is big enough to heal all, but will Miranda and the Williams' family be open to His blessings?

IN SEARCH OF EDEN is aptly named. Linda Nichols has written a tale in which the journey is just as important as the destination. Miranda's search for her child leads her along a path she never expected, a path that leads ultimately to fulfillment and the love of God. So many lives are touched in this heartwarming story in which the love of God shines through.

The storyline of the Irish Travelers is particularly touching to me. Having lived and worked near North Augusta, SC, the issue of the Travelers and Murphy Village isn't a new one to me. Linda Nichols did a fantastic job at breaking through the stereotypes and portraying a different side of the Travelers. Of course, this wasn't the only stereotype she dares to peer through, as the warm heart of Mr. Cooper is integral to the storyline as well.

IN SEARCH OF EDEN isn't a quick moving tale, but rather one that encourages introspection. There are some surprises along the way, as each of the characters has a part to play and a story to tell. This is my first time reading anything written by Linda Nichols but if IN SEARCH OF EDEN is any indication, then I have found a new author. IN SEARCH OF EDEN is a powerful, thought provoking tale that haunts the reader long past when the last page is turned.

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story.... O'Henry type twists..., April 15, 2007

By	Kay S. Walsh (Harrisonburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Be prepared to laugh out loud and gasp in surprise as you read the last half of this book! But don't read the end first or you will not appreciate the twists!

The plot is outlined previously on this page, so I won't go over the details again. The author's description is superb, but sometimes lends itself to being a little slow at the beginning. (Thus 4 stars instead of 5).

But keep reading! I became enthralled with the story as the characters became multi-dimensional.

The author integrates the Christian facet as a part of the average American's normal life. It is realistic and comfortable. Everyone has a flaw, even the guys wearing white hats.

Read the author's notes and questions. They are valuable in themselves.

This is the first book I have read by this author. I'm certain it will be the first of many.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love Abingdon, July 25, 2007

By	Deborah "Books, movies, and Chinese Food" (Reston, VA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Miranda was 16 when her child was given up for adoption eleven years ago. Her relationship with her own mother is not the greatest. She finds a letter giving clues that her child may be in Abingdon, VA so she travels there in search of her. When she reaches the small town, she's noticed by the sheriff who's past rivals that of Miranda's. Together the two form a shaky relationship that strengthens with the friendship of Joseph's 11 year old niece who just happens to be adopted....

So I had seen this book in the bookstore and online for a while and didn't pay much attention to it because I hadn't read anything by the author before. Then one day I decided to finally read the blurb on the back and saw that the story was based in Abingdon, VA. I was shocked! My boyfriend lives there and I have been there several times. I had to read the book now. I wasn't disappointed. What I thought was pretty cool was that lots of places that were mentioned I've either visited or have seen. I could also ask the BF to see if the other places really existed (sorry folks there's no Hasty Taste) and he said that his church is mentioned in the book (under a different name). I really liked the story. I liked Miranda's character and I felt sorry for her and her mother. They did not have a good relationship at all and that can be blamed on Miranda's grandfather. It's sad how abuse has a domino effect and keeps hurting generations later. Eden seemed like a really cool kid and it would be cool to get to know her. I didn't like Joseph at first. He seemed to keep picking on Miranda for no reason especially when he does the extensive background checks on her. But then you read his back story and you understand why he acts this way. It's a wonderful character study.

There were some minor qualms I found with the book, mainly with just the cover. Eden is described as an 11 year old kid who dresses sort of punkish. The girl on the cover looks like she is 5 and dressed for Sunday School. I kept picturing Anna Sophia Robb in Bridge to Terabithia instead (who I think if they made this movie into a book would be a good Eden). Also I was informed by my boyfriend that Abingdon does not have its own postmark. All mail from that area either says Bristol or Washington Country. Other than those quirks, i enjoyed this book and am glad to have found a new author. It's always fun to read about places you've been to (which by the way Abingdon is a charming town that everyone should visit)