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Review: Dear Daughter

Dear Daughter book cover on blue background

After reading a powerful post about what it means to write Christian fiction, I was intrigued by the premise of Dear Daughter by Kassandra Garrison, along with the role that this book played in the author's life and writing.

Many thanks to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Book Synopsis

Understanding her past may be the key to her future...

When Olivia Larson finally escaped her childhood home and abusive mother, she never imagined she would have to relive the trauma of her past. Yet, after complications during childbirth, God sends Olivia on a journey back through her life. Desperately, she scrambles to hear God in the midst of her memories. With every moment she relives, Olivia draws closer to a life-changing realization, one that will forever alter how she loves herself, others, and God. Will it be too late for Olivia to get back to her family or will God give her another chance at life?

Source: Amazon

Book Thoughts

Told in a literal series of flashbacks, I really enjoyed the story of Olivia Larson. Dear Daughter was a book that I did not want to end for the best of reasons as the storytelling was captivating and the scenes incredibly poignant in how they pointed to God. While I typically gravitate toward reading dual POVs, this book skillfully allows readers to step inside of Olivia's shoes from her perspective and appreciate her journey. It truly made me feel for her and helped me to empathize with her way of thinking. This was my first book by Kassandra Garrison, and I hope there will be more as she is excellent at drawing a myriad of emotions out of readers. If there is ever a sequel or a continuation of this story, I would be sure to read it.

Dedicated to the author's daughter, this is a special book that touches on the themes of motherhood and God's sovereignty. There is not a chapter or scene where God's presence is not referenced, giving readers the opportunity to praise God for His faithfulness in our own lives. Patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit that is exemplified as the characters persevere and call on God when circumstances are not easy. Despite the abuse that is described, readers can see glimpses of hope found through the different people in Olivia's life. This is a book that reads like a love letter over time, forged through the harshest conditions yet emerging as a gift and a promise of God's unconditional love. What is most touching is that readers not only witness the author's heart for her daughter, but her daughter is also pictured on the cover, giving this story personal meaning.

Book Summary

  • Format of book: ๐Ÿ“ฑ
  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Recommendation: ๐Ÿ‘

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