Life had been going swimmingly for biologist, Dr. Robert Fielding, until he was bewildered by a squall that still threatens to shipwreck him. Tormented by the losses in his life, he can find a dozen reasons why he doesn’t need the friendship of his new neighbour, Anna Fawcett. After all, the senior and her disabled son aren’t exactly in his league. But how is he supposed to turn down fresh … cinnamon buns? And Robert hasn’t bargained on his neighbour’s innocent, probing questions. They erode his faith in naturalism and collide with his assumptions about life, love, and truth. Have his foundational beliefs been the cause of his personal losses? As he searches for answers, Anna’s example of loving integrity keeps him coming back. Or maybe it’s her homemade pies. Yet to risk re-thinking his core convictions for a chance at personal peace would expose his soul and tear open an old wound. Others in the neighbourhood, too, are under Anna’s thrall – a teacher facing a crisis pregnancy, a crusty cat-lady, a cancer-ridden conspiracy theorist, a Cambodian immigrant family. Each is touched by the power of her obscure and ordinary life.
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Very thought-provoking
Lifelines is a republishing of Eleanor Bertin’s first novel. It is the first full-length story I have read by her, though I have read several of her novellas in various Mosaic Collection anthologies. I remember them as quite thought-provoking.
I loved Anna! This dear widow seemed unable to not spread love to everyone she came into contact with! We first saw this as she invited her new neighbor, Robert, over for dinner. She had a way of living her faith infectiously, yet without coming across as judgemental. And I found her love for learning to be great! She had an interest in so many different subjects and was quite intelligent and still humble.
Robert, a biology professor, thought that he had an open mind. Yet his interactions with Anna and her son, Jesse, had him rethinking things he was convinced he knew. Through her gentle questions, he began to consider the things he had accepted as “truth” were not as true as he believed. I loved watching his attitude towards Jesse morph from revulsion to acceptance and love. (And how could he not love that sweet, gentle, young man!!)
Anna was also touched by Amelia’s life. I rejoiced when she learned that Jesus paid the price for her sin and took away all her guilt and shame. And related so well to her needing to be reminded again and again of that glorious truth. Anna’s ministry to her included teaching the life skills that she had not learned from her parents.
This servant of God touched so many lives. Many of the conflicts remained unresolved and yet Lifelines felt complete. The story’s satisfying conclusion left me pondering the future outcomes and wanting to know more about what happens next!
Read my review of Lifelines by Eleanor Bertin at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Wonderful characters that had me in tears by the end of the book. Original story about a woman who had a Down Syndrome son and all the people she touched with her faith. I think this story will appeal to many because of the discussion on science and the strong faith of Anna.
Literary Apologetics
Who wouldn’t fall in love with Anna? Bertin’s main character reminds me so much of my dear mom-in-law (of the same name, even!) that much of her dialogue is familiar to me, a reminder of solid spiritual wisdom. And Bertin’s character Jesse shares his Down Syndrome with my own nephew–again touching to me. However, if the heart is not simply a set of feelings but, rather, the seat of mind, will, and emotions, there is much more to say of Lifelines than that it resonated sentimentally. Bertin has taken a wholistic approach in her storyline, character development, and conflict, giving us a novel of “realistic fiction” that imaginatively applies biblical truth academically, morally, and emotionally. Like writer Jodi Picoult, Bertin places ethical issues as the heart of her work–but with a studied Christian response and, therefore, a satisfactory conclusion.
A great story. I enjoyed every minute of this book. We all need an Anna in our lives who can encourage, teach, and challenge us to think beyond our own prejudices and to dare to let down our guard and be willing to sacrificially love. Would that she lived next door to me and that by careful observation I could then become an Anna duplicate! I highly recommend this book and encourage its readers to make purposeful application of the gentle beauty contained therein.
Eleanor Bertin in her book Lifelines shows how people’s lives are connected whether they realize it or not. Anna is the connecting person to the people in the novel. She shows caring and hope to the people she is around. She is the go to person for when people need help. I found myself caring for each of the characters and wondered what would be next for them if a second book was written.
I received a complimentary e-copy of Lifelines. I was not required to write a review.
Abortion, marital strife, evolution and science, disabilities, and so much more. A thorough and lovely novel that touches on a lot of topics. Wonderful characters.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Through Anna’s faith and sweet but firm character we follow rhe steuggles of the people she reach with her warm and kind heart. Robert, a scientist questioning his beliefs, Amelia, a pregnant teacher qithout a husband, a some many and different people that you will fall into Anna’s spell.