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A review by parklandmom
April's Promise by Terrie Todd
5.0
5 stars - read via Kindle
I have a few of the author’s books but this was my first read for some reason—even though it’s her newest. I’ll be sure to read the others! I was thrilled to not only read a Canadian author, but one in my province.
I just finished reading this book moments ago with my balled up tissues in hand. All the emotions. Where to begin? Not only was the story one that I enjoyed, it also had some tough moments. There is a notice at the start of the book that there is an assault (not in any detail) but that she hopes that people would read on and see the hope, forgiveness, and God’s amazing grace at the end. And I’m here to stress that the book does just that. There is no excuse for the perpetrator but there is closure and growth. God is given the glory.
The book begins in 1929 and the other part takes place 14 years later. I enjoyed all the characters in the book and they were each clear and distinct to me in both their strengths and flaws. Yes, many bad decisions were made and the price was steep, scattered, and long. Times were different then but it’s not an excuse. The intentions were good, and made in order to protect people. BUT they were also made in pride, lack of all the information, and in short-sighted judgement. The old adage about the truth always coming out has survived the test of time because it is correct. The truth can be uncomfortable and ugly but it is still TRUTH. God’s Word is truth from cover to cover, even when man failed one another, and God especially, time and again.
Many times I wondered why NO ONE acknowledged that April was 14. Why did the parents immediately assume their “rule-following” daughter willingly slept with someone? Why did they assume paternity immediately? But would people today do anything differently? Maybe. But I suspect many would not. It is so important to talk to our children about boundaries, sex, and all of that, in ways that are appropriate for their age.
Predators intimidate, bully, threaten, and scare their victims into keeping silent. Silence plays a huge part in keeping predators from being discovered and prosecuted. Children need to feel safe and to tell a trusted adult when they’re scared or have been hurt, regardless of what their assailant told them. They HAVE to know that they absolutely need to tell someone and that it was NOT their fault.
The author didn’t shy away from the ugliness and pain. As the saying goes, “You can’t put lipstick on a pig.” She takes the reader through the anger, the hurt, and the confusion. We see God do an amazing work. The author doesn’t wrap it all up in a pretty bow and pronounce them healed. It’s a journey. It’s evident that their journey was helped by good Christian people that God worked through to help the family collectively as well as with each person individually. You feel their despair to your bones but then you see that hope abounds and healing begins.
I can’t recommend this book enough. Don’t let the topic dissuade you from reading it. I believe this story is important for those who have been through an assault as well as their supportive loved ones. I believe it’s important for all of us to know this story. While this may be a work of fiction, this is a reality that happens every day across the world. Truth and understanding are part of the path toward healing. This book has a very important message and the author handles it well. I strongly encourage everyone to read this book.
I have a few of the author’s books but this was my first read for some reason—even though it’s her newest. I’ll be sure to read the others! I was thrilled to not only read a Canadian author, but one in my province.
I just finished reading this book moments ago with my balled up tissues in hand. All the emotions. Where to begin? Not only was the story one that I enjoyed, it also had some tough moments. There is a notice at the start of the book that there is an assault (not in any detail) but that she hopes that people would read on and see the hope, forgiveness, and God’s amazing grace at the end. And I’m here to stress that the book does just that. There is no excuse for the perpetrator but there is closure and growth. God is given the glory.
The book begins in 1929 and the other part takes place 14 years later. I enjoyed all the characters in the book and they were each clear and distinct to me in both their strengths and flaws. Yes, many bad decisions were made and the price was steep, scattered, and long. Times were different then but it’s not an excuse. The intentions were good, and made in order to protect people. BUT they were also made in pride, lack of all the information, and in short-sighted judgement. The old adage about the truth always coming out has survived the test of time because it is correct. The truth can be uncomfortable and ugly but it is still TRUTH. God’s Word is truth from cover to cover, even when man failed one another, and God especially, time and again.
Many times I wondered why NO ONE acknowledged that April was 14. Why did the parents immediately assume their “rule-following” daughter willingly slept with someone? Why did they assume paternity immediately? But would people today do anything differently? Maybe. But I suspect many would not. It is so important to talk to our children about boundaries, sex, and all of that, in ways that are appropriate for their age.
Predators intimidate, bully, threaten, and scare their victims into keeping silent. Silence plays a huge part in keeping predators from being discovered and prosecuted. Children need to feel safe and to tell a trusted adult when they’re scared or have been hurt, regardless of what their assailant told them. They HAVE to know that they absolutely need to tell someone and that it was NOT their fault.
The author didn’t shy away from the ugliness and pain. As the saying goes, “You can’t put lipstick on a pig.” She takes the reader through the anger, the hurt, and the confusion. We see God do an amazing work. The author doesn’t wrap it all up in a pretty bow and pronounce them healed. It’s a journey. It’s evident that their journey was helped by good Christian people that God worked through to help the family collectively as well as with each person individually. You feel their despair to your bones but then you see that hope abounds and healing begins.
I can’t recommend this book enough. Don’t let the topic dissuade you from reading it. I believe this story is important for those who have been through an assault as well as their supportive loved ones. I believe it’s important for all of us to know this story. While this may be a work of fiction, this is a reality that happens every day across the world. Truth and understanding are part of the path toward healing. This book has a very important message and the author handles it well. I strongly encourage everyone to read this book.