The Oak Leaves
by Maureen Lang
Published by Tyndale
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Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams
Talie and Luke Ingram have everything they want in life--a good marriage, a wonderful baby boy, and financial stability. When Talie discovers a journal that belonged to an ancestor from Ireland in the mid-nineteenth century, she is intrigued. But when the journal reveals some frightening things about a family "curse," Talie hides it away, refusing to deal with the past. But could the past be affecting the present--her baby boy?
Born and raised in Ireland, though she is half English, Cosima Escott is affected by the curse and has sworn she'll never marry. When a proposal is made by Reginald, an Englishman, Cosima's parents believe the future of the family is redeemed. Cosima travels to England with Reginald, though she refrains from giving an answer to his proposal. Here she meets Lord Peter Hamilton and his family. Although she begins to fall in love with Peter, because he is in line to receive his father's title, Cosima knows she could never marry him and possibly bring the "curse" upon his family for future generations.
Will Talie and Luke be strong enough to face the truth about their son? Will Cosima be able to overcome the fears about her curse and accept Peter's love? How can God bring good through circumstances that seem so bad?
Maureen Lang has created a powerful and poignant story that deals with the fears and hurts of having a Fragile X child. This book could have been written by someone else, but would have lacked the emotion that Lang put into it. Through Lang's own experience with a Fragile X child, she has been able to share the joys of living with this genetic disorder.
Both stories, past and present, are woven carefully between chapters, and it really works well. It is obvious by the historical details in this novel that Lang put long hours of research into making it true to the period. The dialogue and actions between characters was used effectively to portray the strong emotion that this book pours from each page.
Armchair Interviews says: This was a wonderful inspirational read--highly recommended.
Author's Web site: http://www.maureenlang.com