Unbound was an interesting story. It was, in a way, a retelling of Ruth and Naomi from the Bible. However, it was definitely its own novel, too. I liked that I did not know everything that was going to occur as the story progressed.
There were many heavy topics covered in Unbound. Ruthie and Naomi carried burdens that weighed on them for many years and the overwhelming tragedy that they both faced at the beginning of the novel provided a catalyst for bringing those secrets to light. It was interesting to see the upbringing that Naomi’s late husband, Eli, was raised in and the control that his brother tried to wield against all of the women in the family. The author did a good job of showing how someone could twist the words of the Bible to build up their own power.
Most of the book built rather slowly for me, however, I felt that as the end of the novel approached, the timeline took off and rushed toward the ending. I would have liked to have had more time with these characters after they found the truth of God’s word.
(3.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Ruthie Adrian loves ranch life with her handsome husband, Mac and his family. But her fading hope for a child dissolves when Mac is killed in a crash along with his brother and father.
Added to their heartbreak, Ruthie and her mother-in-law, Naomi now face rejection by her sister-in-law, and impossible barriers as they try to protect their land.
Jake, a self-styled prophet steps up with a bizarre offer. A Godsend or a trap?
With raw grief, unexpected humour, and life-giving grace, Unbound is a modern twist on a timeless tale of the unique bond between two widows who harbour a few secrets of their own.
Purchase your own copy here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Prior to thirty years of raising and home-educating a family of seven children, Eleanor Bertin worked in agriculture journalism. She holds a college diploma in Communications and returned to writing with her first novel, Lifelines, followed by the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. Unbound is her second novel.
Eleanor lives with her husband and youngest son amid the ongoing renovation of a century home in central Alberta where she reads, writes, sweeps up construction rubble and blogs about a sometimes-elusive contentment at jewelofcontentment.wordpress.com. Visit her website at www.eleanorbertinauthor.com.
