Customer Reviews

In Search of Eden

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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.

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)

This was a quick read for me, I couldn't put it down! I really felt compassion for the main character, Dorrie, and could relate a bit to her story. I really love the twists and how she pulled the ending together. Great story of hope, how God is in control and how he works to heal the wounded heart.

Fifteen-year-old Dorrie had her newborn baby stripped from her arms before she ever even found out whether the child was a boy or a girl. Years later she can't seem to stay in one place or form any attachments. When her controlling mother dies and leaves a single clue as to the whereabouts of Dorrie's baby, she embarks on a quest that will change her life.

Police Officer Joseph Williams is on his own quest to answer a few questions. When a woman with no past settles in his town, he is immediately suspicious of her and her interest in his family. It isn't until he finds a photograph of his niece in her possession that many things become clear.

Beautifully written and poignant, this tale of broken bodies, lives, and families paints a portrait of reconciliation and new beginnings. I loved the exploration of feelings of both the biological mother and the adoptive mother and the honest portrayal of what each could be thinking in a given situation. As an adoptive mother, I found myself sympathizing with the thoughts of the woman who could easily be considered the antagonist of the story. At the same time, this isn't only a story of adoption and its players. This lovely story explores so many facets of family and the things that bring us together...and tear us apart.

Armchair Interviews says: Linda Nichols writes a moving tale that will be long remembered.

I really enjoyed this book (until the end)! The only reason I can not give it 5 stars is because- while the beginning felt very slow to build, the middle moved pretty fast, but the end just dropped off. It was like the author all the sudden was tired of writing and decided to end the novel in 5 pages. Does Eden ever know the truth about Miranda? Does Ruth get her camp fixed and running again? Does Mr. Adair stick around? Do Sarah and David make things work? How about Miranda and Joseph, do they develop a deeper relationship? Maybe there is a sequel coming to this book? Or am I just totally missing something? I couldn't wait to work my way through this book, but was really disappointed with the end.

Dorrie Gibson gave up her out-of-wedlock baby at 15, because her mother forced her to. She held the baby for a moment before it disappeared. She spends the next the 11 years looking for the child (and she doesn't know if it's a boy or a girl), and looking for herself. She finds both, and a whole lot more, in a small town in Virginia.

There are a lot of reasons to like this novel. It doesn't claim to be anything except what it is -- a story worth telling and a story told well. It weaves its message of faith and belief throughout the story, while it gradually unfolds the theme of forgiveness. And the characters are true, with their hopes, desires, hurts, secrets and brokenness.

"In Search of Eden" is a sweet story, and I, for one, don't mind happy endings.

I had the most incredible time reading of the journey to finding a full life. I was sad as it came to an end, because of how much I enjoyed reading this well developed story.

I enjoyed this book. It is a little slow in places. But overall, a very good book. Miranda was forced to give up her child for adoption when she was 15 years old. Afterwards, she never really settles down. In time, she begins looking for the child.
I can't really say much more, because I don't want to give the story away. This was a Christian book. It had some good messages.

I just finished this book and thought it was great. I have read all the books by Linda Nichols, and I think I enjoyed this one the most. It certainly does not disappoint!