61. That God has a plan when I don’t.

I recently had the pleasure of reading Bending Toward the Sun, a powerful memoir composed by former NBC executive Leslie Gilbert-Lurie and her mother, Rita Lurie.

The story begins with the voice of Rita Lurie, who reveals that she was forced to leave her home in Poland to hide from the Nazis.  From 1942 to 1944, her family hid in the dark attic of a sympathetic neighbor.  Barely surviving on scraps of food, Rita endured the loss of her loving mother and younger brother, as they died before her very eyes within the confines of the cramped attic.  Miraculously, Rita, her father, and her sister survived the horror of World War II, and began to look for a country that would accept them within their borders.

Years later, Rita is married to a man who gives her the security she’s always longed for, and never found with her father, his new wife Clara, and her sister Sandra.  Now a mother herself to daughters Leslie and Gwyn, and son David, Rita sees that her feelings of fear and guilt have been passed down to her children.  When the book turns to Leslie’s point of view, we find a daughter who desperately wanted to take care of her mother, for fear that any pain would remind Rita of her horrible childhood and the suffering she endured.  And while Leslie makes a name for herself as a lawyer, executive and philanthropist, she finds that her mother’s past still influences her outlook on life, as well as that of her own daughter, Mikaela.

This memoir serves as a powerful reminder of the devastation caused by the Holocaust, and similar tragedies that have a lasting impact.  By conducting interviews with those who knew young Rita best, Leslie and Rita begin to understand how those tragic two years (and the years of recovery that followed) affected Rita, and the generations to follow.   

A copy of this book was provided to me by FSB Associates.  I received no compensation in exchange for this review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

A Relevant 10 ticket is up for grabs.  Check it out here.

I’m loving this necklace…

and this camera strap…

can’t wait to read this book…

and go here…

Happy Friday everyone!

Major Jack Novak earns himself a bed in a military hospital after a plane crash.  When he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty, he decides that he must have her.  Ruth, however, is committed to her work, and sending nearly all of her money to her orphaned siblings back home.  She isn’t interested in love.

But things between Ruth and Jack quickly begin to change, as Jack recovers and he begins to show her just how special he thinks she is.  Ruth begins to open her heart, but a terrible secret from her past paralyzes her.  Will she have the strength to reveal her past to him?  And if she does, will he ever be able to accept her?

Sundin’s work proves to be an excellent examination into the power of forgiveness.  This novel also serves as a fantastic representation of the turmoil of World War II.  Jack and Ruth are continually placed in situations where they are torn apart by war, as Jack goes back into combat and Ruth becomes involved in a flight nurse program.  Will they come back together?  Or will tragedy tear them apart forever?

Sarah Sundin is hosting a great giveaway in conjunction with her new release.  Here are the details:

Sarah Sundin presents The Movies and Memories Giveaway in honor of
book 2 in the Wings of Glory series. A Memory Between Us is available for purchase wherever fine books are sold.

From the English countryside to the perilous skies over France, A Memory
Between Us takes you on a journey through love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

To celebrate Sarah is giving one lucky winner A Movie and Memory Prize
Package! One grand prize winner will receive:

* Make-your-own-photo book from Mypublisher.com (Capture your own
Memories)

* Netflix Subscription (New or Nostalgic Movies delivered right to your house)

A copy of this book was sent to me by LitFuse Publicity Group. I received no monetary or other compensation in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed here are my own.

53. A Monday that went surprisingly fast
54. A husband who knows how I like my coffee
55. A book I’m enjoying
56. Exciting ministry possibilities
57. Jars of Clay concert this Friday!
58. Good conversations
59. Ideas for a book
60. The faithfulness of God