From Publishers Weekly
Solid writing saves a cliche-ridden plot line in Hatcher's inspirational novel about how a woman's secret teenage pregnancy has disastrous fallout for two couples years later. At age 16, Erika James loves Steven Welby, but a momentary lapse of judgment results in her pregnancy. Keeping her condition concealed from everyone but her grandmother, she has the baby and puts it up for adoption. Erika eventually marries Steven, and 23 years later, her secret comes home to roost. Meanwhile, Steven's best friend, Dallas Hurst, longs for a child, but fulfilling his desire may destroy his marriage to his wife, Paula. The reverberations of the past threaten both couples' unions and raise numerous questions about faith, forgiveness and commitment. Hatcher believably builds suspense for the reader about Erika's secret and pulls no punches as she convincingly portrays the agonizing emotions and far-reaching consequences of giving a baby up for adoption. Flashbacks are used effectively to flesh out the characters' teen years, and Hatcher manages the multiple points of view adeptly. Although there is an obligatory CBA conversion scene, Hatcher avoids a neat wrapup; the book's conclusion makes allowances for the messiness of life. Hatcher, the author of 35 novels and novellas, is the recipient of both the Christy and the RITA Awards, so it's no surprise that this is a well-written inspirational novel. The plot, however, is hackneyed.Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
The Romance Readers Connection
Riveting and packed with a skillful balance of realism and heart wrenching emotions... A book you won't want to miss!
Book Description
Erica's worst fear is realized when her well-kept secret shows up on her doorstep. As she reaches out to the daughter she gave up for adoption 21 years ago, her husband pulls away, leaving Erica with an impossible choice. This emotionally gripping story will touch and challenge readers.
From the Author
A family secret rocks a "perfect" marriage and threatens to destroy friendships in FIRSTBORN. As I wrote this book, I discovered it was really about grace more than anything else. Grace is a gift from God, not our right, and only when we understand that can we extend grace to others.
About the Author
Best-selling novelist, Robin Lee Hatcher, whose many awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, the RITA Award for Best Inspirational, and RWA's Lifetime Achievement Award, is the author of 39 contemporary and historical novels and novellas. Published by Tyndale, Zondervan, WaterBrook, Multnomah, HarperCollins, Avon, Silhouette, and Leisure, there are more than five million copies of her books in print in fourteen countries. A frequent speaker to writers' and women's groups, Robin is a past President of Romance Writers of America, Inc., a professional writers organization with over 8400 members worldwide. In recognition of her efforts on behalf of literacy, Laubach Literacy International named "The Robin Award" in her honor.
Firstborn SYNOPSIS
Erika's worst fear is realized when her well-kept secret shows up on her doorstep. As she reaches out to the daughter she gave up for adoption 21 years ago, her husband pulls away, leaving Erika with an impossible choice. This emotionally gripping story will touch and challenge readers.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Solid writing saves a clich -ridden plot line in Hatcher's inspirational novel about how a woman's secret teenage pregnancy has disastrous fallout for two couples years later. At age 16, Erika James loves Steven Welby, but a momentary lapse of judgment results in her pregnancy. Keeping her condition concealed from everyone but her grandmother, she has the baby and puts it up for adoption. Erika eventually marries Steven, and 23 years later, her secret comes home to roost. Meanwhile, Steven's best friend, Dallas Hurst, longs for a child, but fulfilling his desire may destroy his marriage to his wife, Paula. The reverberations of the past threaten both couples' unions and raise numerous questions about faith, forgiveness and commitment. Hatcher believably builds suspense for the reader about Erika's secret and pulls no punches as she convincingly portrays the agonizing emotions and far-reaching consequences of giving a baby up for adoption. Flashbacks are used effectively to flesh out the characters' teen years, and Hatcher manages the multiple points of view adeptly. Although there is an obligatory CBA conversion scene, Hatcher avoids a neat wrapup; the book's conclusion makes allowances for the messiness of life. Hatcher, the author of 35 novels and novellas, is the recipient of both the Christy and the RITA Awards, so it's no surprise that this is a well-written inspirational novel. The plot, however, is hackneyed. (Sept.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
Art & Photography
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