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Emotions run wild in this gripping tale of tragedy and triumph. As their father rages, Darren and Lauren Mitchell cling to each other for love and life while their cowardly mother hides behind her addiction. Days become years and when their hope seems lost, the children do the unthinkable. Now, it is up to their Christian relatives to soothe the haunting pain of abuse and rejection they have long suffered. Will they embrace the affection so generously offered, or has deliverance come too late? (c) book cover, Intents of the Heart by Lezlie A. Word

Wow! This was in incredibly hard book to get through. The subject matter is very heavy and serious. Sometimes the depiction of scenes were beyond horrendeous and difficult to imagine actually happening.The depiction of abuse was vivid and real and painful to read. But it is the seriousness of the subject matter that makes this book a must read – that and the incredible writing of this new author!

The characters gripped me and wouldn’t let me go. It was as if they were calling out “don’t leave us too!” I felt like I couldn’t put the book down until I was sure they were safe and making good decisions about their lives. I felt like I really got to know the two main characters, Darren and Lauren. I never really understood the mother and wished the author provided a little more insight into her life. The father was understandable, hated, but he was a believable character. I had a little trouble with the aunt and uncle. I understand they were presented as the “christian relatives” and as such were supposed to be more loving and kind. I appreciated the fact that the author didn’t present them as perfect, but rather showed their failures as doubts as well. However, I felt they were just a little stilted. There was something a little off. I’m not sure if it was that they came off as “preachy” about the need for corporal punishment and strict discipline (tough love) or something else.

This book is not only weighty in the seriousness of the theme, but also in its length. It weighs in at 362 pages. I think there could be some editing that could pare it down to a more manageable length.

Overall, I was very impressed by the calibre of writing from this new author. I appreciate her bravery in tackling such an upsetting topic as domestic violence and child abuse. She does it realistically, with compassion and authenticity. I applaud her efforts at creating a memorable piece of fiction. I am confident Lauren and Darren will be in my mind for quite some time.