MY REVIEW:
Unbound is a contemporary story that roughly retells the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi. I say roughly because it loosely follows the theme of the story without trying to replicate it in a modern setting. A powerful tale of loss and grief and trying to survive against overwhelming odds when everything in life has changed instantly, this book explores a strong relationship between a young woman and her mother-in-law.
I honestly was not sure I would like this book but I easily grew to care for both Ruthie and Naomi. I liked the natural way the author depicted their relationship with all the ups and downs, even their disagreements. The story was poignant at times yet had moments of joy, forgiveness, restoration, and reconciliation. Most of all it illustrated how the Lord was working behind the scenes even when unexpected. Like other reviewers, I hope there will be a sequel to this novel because I would love to see how life turns out for these brave women.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Ruthie Adrian loves ranch life with her handsome husband Mac and his family. But her fading hope for a child dissolves when Mac is killed in a crash along with his brother and father.
Added to their heartbreak, Ruthie and her mother-in-law Naomi now face rejection by her sister-in-law, and impossible barriers as they try to protect their land. Jake, a self-styled prophet steps up with a bizarre offer. A Godsend or a trap?
With raw grief, unexpected humor, and life-giving grace, Unbound is a modern twist on a timeless tale of the unique bond between two widows who harbor a few secrets of their own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
In a fit of optimism at age eleven, Eleanor Bertin (https://www.eleanorbertinauthor.com/) began her first novel by numbering a stack of 100 pages. Two of them got filled. Eleanor holds a college diploma in Communications and worked in agriculture journalism until the birth of her first child. The family eventually grew to include seven children, all girls except six. Writing was crowded out by homeschooling a houseful for 25 years until Lifelines, her first completed novel, was shortlisted in the 2015 Word Alive Free Publishing Contest. Eleanor and her husband live with their youngest son, who has Down syndrome, amidst the ongoing renovation of a century home in central Alberta. She blogs about a sometimes elusive contentment at jewelofcontentment.wordpress.com
