In Search of Eden
by Linda Nichols
Published by Bethany House
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Reviewed by Jamie Driggers
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.