Out Of Her Hands by Megan DiMaria

It's official. I have a new author to add to my "must read" list! Megan DiMaria writes life as it is...in all of its messiness and struggle. Amid the chaos, her heroine is challenged to find that peace that comes from being centered in God Almighty's will.

Linda Revere struggles with something we all struggle with as women. C-O-N-T-R-O-L. Or lack of it, as in her case. Imagine her surprise when one day she realizes her babies are becoming adults, her father-in-law is moving through his grief, and the perfect plans she has laid out are all "Out Of Her Hands"!

Thus the perfect title for Megan DiMaria's second novel. It seems that Linda's oldest is dating...but hiding his object of affection. Red flag to a mom any day of the week!

Plus, her youngest, her troublesome daughter whom we met intimately in "Searching For Spice", is soon heading off to college. Empty nest syndrome anyone? Even Emma isn't following the life plan mom Linda prayed for her while she was yet an infant.

Then there's beloved father-in-love, Russ...after the loss of his beloved wife, has he found new love in another woman? And how can Linda make sense of her own mixed emotions while helping the rest of her family through their grief and shock at the change coming?

Can Linda find it in her heart to welcome her son's choice for a girlfriend and possible...gulp...wife? Can she survive the pressures at work, home and with her soon-to-be-relocated best friend?

Life in Linda's world is messy...but filled with love, laughter, struggle and faith. Megan has created a most real heroine for us to love...and I adore her! I'm giving "Out of Her Hands" five out of five bookmarks, with cut apron strings as a charm.

I know in my life I've held on to those strings until I've gotten rope burn! So Linda, and Megan, have a special place in my heart! Hope she finds her way into yours in October 2008 when "Out Of Her Hands" releases from Tyndale House!

Happy Reading!

Deena