Book Review - Like Dandelion Dust
Molly and Jack Campbell have the perfect son. Four year old Joey is kind, caring, and smart; everything you could hope for in a child. Adopted when he was only a few weeks old, he couldn't be loved any more than their fullblooded offspring might be. But when word comes that his adoption papers were forged and he must be returned to his biological parents, the Campbell's world comes crashing in.
I honestly think this novel broke my heart more than any other Kingsbury novel I have ever read. Joey's father is a convicted felon, imprisoned for domestic abuse almost immediately after Joey's conception. Knowing that she would always take her violent husband back, Wendy forged the father's signature to keep the baby safe. But when Rip is released from prison, she tells him the truth. Incensed at the loss of his son, Rip takes immediate action to get him back, and Wendy, encouraged by his apparent change, helps. So begins the tragic ordeal for the Campbells, who had no indication that their child could be taken from them so suddenly.
Lawyer after lawyer tell them that fighting is pointless, and they should be grateful to have had four years with the boy. Desperate to keep his son, Jack conceives a daring plan to spirit the child away and become fugitives in order to keep his family intact.
Kingsbury does a wonderful job of writing. Her characters are realistic; I particularly appreciated Rip's struggle to overcome his temper. My heart went out to both mothers, biological and adopted. Ultimately, things worked out the way God intended, although their were a few close calls along the way.
The love of a mother for a child is a powerful thing, and the struggle it induced in Wendy was amazing to behold. On the one hand, she wants to hold and love her son. You can see her sincere and honest efforts. On the other, she must make the decisions regarding what is best for her. As she reads the Old Testament story of the two mothers who came before Solomon, she must decide which mother she wants to be. I loved this book because, among other things, it made me stop and wonder which mother I wanted to be.
Once again, Kingsbury tells a mighty tale. Her writing is clear and realistic, and her characters touch your heart. I loved the gently induced metaphors she includes so subtly and masterfully, the most obvious of which is the dandelion. Like Dandelion Dust is a terrific story of love, devotion, and sacrifice.
I honestly think this novel broke my heart more than any other Kingsbury novel I have ever read. Joey's father is a convicted felon, imprisoned for domestic abuse almost immediately after Joey's conception. Knowing that she would always take her violent husband back, Wendy forged the father's signature to keep the baby safe. But when Rip is released from prison, she tells him the truth. Incensed at the loss of his son, Rip takes immediate action to get him back, and Wendy, encouraged by his apparent change, helps. So begins the tragic ordeal for the Campbells, who had no indication that their child could be taken from them so suddenly.
Lawyer after lawyer tell them that fighting is pointless, and they should be grateful to have had four years with the boy. Desperate to keep his son, Jack conceives a daring plan to spirit the child away and become fugitives in order to keep his family intact.
Kingsbury does a wonderful job of writing. Her characters are realistic; I particularly appreciated Rip's struggle to overcome his temper. My heart went out to both mothers, biological and adopted. Ultimately, things worked out the way God intended, although their were a few close calls along the way.
The love of a mother for a child is a powerful thing, and the struggle it induced in Wendy was amazing to behold. On the one hand, she wants to hold and love her son. You can see her sincere and honest efforts. On the other, she must make the decisions regarding what is best for her. As she reads the Old Testament story of the two mothers who came before Solomon, she must decide which mother she wants to be. I loved this book because, among other things, it made me stop and wonder which mother I wanted to be.
Once again, Kingsbury tells a mighty tale. Her writing is clear and realistic, and her characters touch your heart. I loved the gently induced metaphors she includes so subtly and masterfully, the most obvious of which is the dandelion. Like Dandelion Dust is a terrific story of love, devotion, and sacrifice.
