Child of Mine...Review

About the book:
Flight instructor Jack Livingston has been raising his eight-year-old adopted niece, Natalie, since the accident that took her parents' lives. When he travels, Natalie is tenderly cared for by her Amish nanny, Laura Mast, who loves the little girl as her own.

Eight excruciating years ago, Kelly Maines's baby was kidnapped. Determined to find her child, Kelly has tirelessly pursued every lead to its bitter end. And now, with the clock ticking, one last clue from a private investigator ignites a tiny flame of hope: Just a few miles away lives a young girl who matches the profile.

Can this be, at long last, Kelly's beloved daughter?

Beverly Lewis is easily my favorite author of Amish Fiction and I eagerly await her new books.  Child of Mine however, is not going on my shelf for rereading.  I really struggled with this one.  I liked the characters of Jack and Natalie and Laura.  I never did connect with Kelly and found her part of the story implausible, especially wealthy benefactors who fund her search and her unorthodox and dishonest ways of getting DNA from potential children.

The feel of the book is different than her others which is probably due to the fact that this is a collaboration with her husband.  As I've read reviews, I found that a lot of reviews for this one are mixed and I can understand why.  There is something about it that is vaguely compelling and it is sweet. The ending was surprising and not quite what I expected, but it was fitting for the story.  Everything wraps up neatly.  The Amish element was almost an afterthought and the Christian elements are light.

Thanks to Bethany House for the opportunity to review this book.  You can learn more about Beverly Lewis here.  You can purchase your own copy here.

Read 7/14

* * *
3/5 Stars