The Oak Leaves by Maureen Lang

This was an impulse purchase for me. You ever have one of those days where you just have to buy a new book?? Well, that happened to me, and the book I purchased was "The Oak Leaves" by Maureen Lang.

Talie Ingram discovers treasure among her Dad's possessions; a family Bible, postcards written by her father to her mother, and a journal written by a family relative several generations back...Cosima Escott Hamilton.

A journal that reveals a family secret that will deepy affect Talie's family in ways she cannot begin to fathom.

The story bounces from present to past, but that doesn't disrupt the flow of the writing. In some ways, I found Cosima's story more intriguing than Talie's present day journey.

We all have high hopes for our children...planning who they'll look like, whether the baby will be a boy or a girl...be into sports, music, or artistic. And we all have dreams for our children.

But this is a story about letting go of our dreams for God's will in the lives of our children and our families. Sometimes we don't see the blessings of God for what they really are...and we resist.

Trust is either complete, or it isn't trust. That message is played out in the lives of Talie's ancestors and in her own life. What will this mean for her children? For her sister, who has yet to marry?

I work at a preschool as a secretary. We have a wonderful little guy named G who is affected by this story in real life. I've often watched him and wondered what his future holds...

This is an intriguing novel written by an author who knows...a mother who knows...and the story isn't finished yet...we're promised a sequel due out soon. But it is an emotional journey...and one worth taking in my estimation.

"The Oak Leaves" receives 3 bookmarks from me...and the highest admiration for parents, of which I am one...what a calling!!

Happy Reading!

Deena