Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Robin Lee Hatcher's Return to Me ~ Reviewed





Return to Me
By Robin Lee Hatcher
Published by Zondervan
ISBN-10: 0-310-25804-9

Back cover copy:
Discouraged and destitute, her dreams shattered, Roxy Burke is going home. But what lies beyond the front door? Rejection ... or a brighter future?

A lot has changed since Roxy Burke escaped small town life to become a Nashville star. Her former boyfriend Wyatt has found Christ and plans to become a minister. Her sister Elena, who comforted Wyatt when Roxy ran away, is now his fiancée. Her father Jonathan, a successful businessman, is heartbroken over the estrangement of Roxy from the family.

Now Roxy—her inheritance from her grandmother squandered, her hopes of stardom dashed—finds her way home ... not by choice but because it’s her only option. Her father's love and forgiveness surprise her, but her very presence throws the contented Burke family into turmoil, filling Roxy with guilt and shame.

Elena is shocked to discover doubt and resentment in her heart after her father's easy acceptance of Roxy into the family circle. Wyatt wrestles with doubts about marrying Elena. And Roxy struggles to accept forgiveness. Isn't she more deserving of rejection? As the story of the prodigal plays out, each member of the Burke family must search for and accept God's grace.

My review:
From page one, Hatcher had me hooked by this tale of the prodigal daughter. I understood Roxy's need to reach for her dream, and at first, I didn't care much for Elena, the older sister. But as the plot unfolded in a brilliant tango of past and present, I began to understand her—and her resentment of her younger, prettier sister.

Hatcher reached deep into scripture, pulling out nuances I'd missed in the parable of the prodigal son. She presents a tarnished heroine whose sins are obvious. But it's through Elena, filled with bitterness and an unforgiving spirit, we confront the uglier sin.

I loved this book and devoured it in one sitting, reading late into the night. Hatcher always allows me to suspend disbelief and leaves me wanting more when the last page is turned.

Reviewed by Ane Mulligan
http://www.anemulligan.com/

No comments: