Contemporary Fiction

by Robin Lee Hatcher

Firstborn

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Happily married for 18 years, Erika thought her life was perfect. Sure, they'd had their ups and downs over the years, but as she gazed at her wonderful son, Ethan, and the love of her life, Steven, she thought she was the luckiest woman alive. Then, the letter arrived. A letter from a young woman in Erica's past. A letter that threatened everything she held dear - her marriage, her relationship with her son, her husband's best friend. Her carefully concealed secret had grown up and was moving right into her life. As much as she wanted to dismiss the young girl's claims, she knew a longing was hidden deep inside her. A longing to know this young woman. A longing to hold a beautiful baby girl born 22 years ago. Will Erica risk everything to satisfy this longing in her heart? Will the people in her life be able to forgive her and stil love her?

This is the first novel I've read by Robin Lee Hatcher although I was aware of her existence as a Christian novelist long before I picked up this book. I am very glad I didn't delay reading her work any longer!

I really enjoyed this novel although I found it heart breaking in its theme. It is very well written with realistic characters, natural flowing dialogue, and a compelling story line. I felt incredible empathy for the main characters and felt like I carried their burdens throughout the story. It isn't a light read although I read it in two days as I did not want to put it down. It is weighty in subject matter and is presented in such a real, down-to-earth manner that anyone could relate to the pain and turmoil the characters are experiencing. The hope presented of forgiveness in God and restoration between hurting people is a profound one. Although I haven't had the same experiences that these characters did, I felt like I came away with a better understanding of the real dynamics within a marriage when two people struggle to deal with a secret and find restoration in their marriage and with God.

The cover of this book in itself is also profound and made me want to reach out and examine it further. Upon looking at her other Christian novels, their covers appear as equally inviting and meaningful.

Would I recommend this novel to my Christian friends? You bet! Will I look for Robin Lee Hatcher's other Christian novels? Yes!