Book Review: Lost And Found

4 Jan

671715_w185Jenna Bouvier and Andee Bell are at a crossroads. Jenna is in danger of losing her family and her wealth when her mother-in-law accuses her of having an affair. Andee has what she wants—fame, fortune, and Jenna’s brother—but she’s haunted by a dark secret. Will they follow familiar paths, or risk walking in faith?

 

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IMG00005-20100629-1256From Ginny Yttrup‘s website:  The opportunity to write is the fulfillment of a life-long dream. Words were my salvation as a child, until I met my true Savior, the Word. Through the tumultuous years of my childhood, I lost myself in the stories I read. There, in the world of fiction, I escaped the trauma I faced and found a place of safety and rest. Today, I enjoy the gift of combining my two loves—I write words that, I pray, reflect the glory of Jesus Christ.

As I write, speak, and work as a life coach, my prayer is that God will use my words to replace the lies so many believe about themselves with the truth of His unconditional love and grace. To see someone grasp, perhaps for the first time, the truth of God’s love, is truly an honor. Through a relationship with the Truth, Jesus Christ, the bonds of shame are loosed and freedom abounds!

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my two college-age sons or with friends. If I can spend time outdoors with those I love, it’s even better. And I thoroughly adore my dog, Bear. (I’ll let you in on a secret–Bear has a starring role in my fourth novel and he’s on Twitter. Follow him –@bearyttrup.)

My Impressions:

2013 is off to a great start, at least when it comes to my reading. My first read of the new year will definitely make my best of 2013 list. Ginny Yttrup has again written a book that is an emotional and spiritual journey for both her characters and her readers. (Read my review of Words HERE.) Lost And Found is the story of losing the things dearest to us in order to find the one thing that makes our lives complete.

Jenna Bouvier has nearly lost herself to the demands of her domineering mother-in-law. Determined to follow the lead of God, Jenna embarks on a journey to lose self in order to gain life. Andee Bell is a financial advisor whose motto is drive determines destiny. Her win at all costs attitude makes her very successful financially, but leaves her empty. The pains of childhood cannot be drowned out my her achievements, penthouse, or 401K. When she stumbles upon the blog of Lightseeker, her perceptions of life are turned upside down. The two women’s lives intersect in surprising ways, causing loss of security, wealth, and status, yet causing them to find their purpose in God.

Yttrup introduces each chapter with a quotation from Jeanne Guyon, an early 18th century French Christian mystic. I found the parallel’s between Guyon’s life and the character of Jenna fascinating. Characterization is a very strong element in Lost And Found, but not the only one. Yttrup’s use of language is beautiful, as is her detailed description and use of setting. This was also not a quick read. There is a good deal of tension in the novel that cannot be rushed. Lost And Found also needs to be read slowly in order to consider the spiritual themes explored. This is a thinking reader’s book.

If you want to be stretched and challenged as a reader, choose Lost And Found.

Highly Recommended.

(I received Lost And Found from B&H Publishing through NetGalley in return for an honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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