Reclaiming Lily

Dec 28, 2012 Yiya rated it 3 of 5 stars

Lily is a girl born in China, the third daughter of the Changs, an intellectual and independent family that faces the harshness of the Cultural Revolution. In a country where fathering more than one child is simply out of line, Lily's sisters save her by taking her to an orphanage; Kai, the middle sister promises to bring Lily back into the family one day. Kai ends up studying medicine in Harvard, and she is residing in Boston when she learns about a fatal hereditary illness that could claim Lil...more Lily is a girl born in China, the third daughter of the Changs, an intellectual and independent family that faces the harshness of the Cultural Revolution. In a country where fathering more than one child is simply out of line, Lily's sisters save her by taking her to an orphanage; Kai, the middle sister promises to bring Lily back into the family one day. Kai ends up studying medicine in Harvard, and she is residing in Boston when she learns about a fatal hereditary illness that could claim Lily's life. In order to fulfill her promise, she goes back to China, but just in time to see Lily get on the van with the Powells, her adoptive parents.

Andrew Powell is a Minister, always with the right words and tone to deter any catastrophe of any kind. Gloria is his wife, involved in church, weathering issues that come about in church, but incapable of restraining her emotions when it comes to Kai, the woman that might shatter her already fragile relationship with Lily. A test of faith for both, Gloria and Kai, saving Lily's life is the motivation to go ahead and both learn valuable lessons that will shape them (I hope) for the rest of their lives.

In a poor intent at imprinting suspense, the author uses almost unending flashbacks that are really confusing, leaving an overall taste of shallowness, which is really sad, as the idea is really deep, and a good example of love and forgiveness is always welcome. The frequent long descriptions distract from the situation, rather than enhance it; they feel forced and fake. I am sorry to say that the book became boring and that it was difficult to finish; at no moment did it interest me in a way that made me want to know what happened next. I did enjoy the references to the Chinese culture, which sparked my curiosity about doing some research, so I can also say that I got something out of this reading.

I must say that this would be a good book if you appreciate clean vocabulary, and want to be entertained with an easy book. Also, as I mentioned before, the idea is good, so it could be used as a teaching tool. For example, Gloria's faith is shaky, so we can see a real person with struggles; Kai is someone who has been in touch with some Christian faith, but she has to deal with her ancestors and the teachings of a lifetime without God.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. In no way has this influenced my opinion on the book or the author. (less)

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Oct 22, 2012 Cecelia rated it 5 of 5 stars

http://ceceliadowdy.com/blog/2012/01/...

Reclaiming Lily is a book that gives you a huge, realistic view of Chinese culture. When Kai was a youngster in China, she knew that she was made to be a healer. After political turmoil ruined her family’s life, her mom is forced to give up the family’s fourth child (Joy/Lily), leaving Joy in an orphanage. Kai, now a Harvard graduate and a medical doctor living in Boston, is determined to reunite with her “lost” sister, Joy. Joy has been adopted by an Amer...more

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Dec 04, 2011 Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars

Gloria and Andrew, residents from Texas, anxious to become first time parents travel to China to adopt a little girl whom they named Joy. As they meet and take their daughter to their awaiting vehicle they are being watched from a distance by a girl on her bicycle named Kai. Years later Kai is insistant on locating Joy whom is her sister Lily to inform her of their families genetic disease history. What Kai finds when she is introduced to their adoptive parents is a cold and unwelcoming mother....more

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Nov 27, 2011 Kendra Neal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow, wow, wow! This book is an awesome book about the joy of adoption for one family, yet how another family is left wondering and hoping to be reunited one day. I really appreciate that the story line is about an older child, as many times older children in orphanages are "unwanted". Gloria knew the moment she was told that there were no infants available and upon seeing Lily that God was directing her that Lily was meant to be a part of their family. As Lily grows into her teens, she becomes r...more

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Nov 26, 2011 Whitney rated it 4 of 5 stars

The story begins at an orphanage in Eastern China in 1990. From that moment you are drawn into the story of not only two different lives but two different cultures. The long lost sisters Kai and Lily somehow must span the two worlds to find wholeness. The story reflects back and forth between China during the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s to present day America.

Kai is the second daughter of the Chang family. She suffered greatly as did the rest of her family during the Cultural Revolution in...more The story begins at an orphanage in Eastern China in 1990. From that moment you are drawn into the story of not only two different lives but two different cultures. The long lost sisters Kai and Lily somehow must span the two worlds to find wholeness. The story reflects back and forth between China during the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s to present day America.

Kai is the second daughter of the Chang family. She suffered greatly as did the rest of her family during the Cultural Revolution in China. She eventually makes her way to America where she becomes a doctor that specializes in renal medicine in a prestigious practice in Boston.

Lily is the fourth daughter of the Chang family. Because of the family size restrictions in China she is placed in an orphanage. At the age of ten she is adopted by Rev. Andrew and Gloria Powell. They bring Lily to their home in Fort Worth where she is known as Joy.

Both sisters suffer many hardships in America. The adjustment to the American lifestyle is difficult for each of them. By the time Kai finds Joy, Joy has become a very rebellious teenager. In fact the first meeting of the two sisters takes place in a detention center. This providential meeting is the beginning of a relationship that will heal both of the girls.

This is a beautiful love story. It is a story about the love of one sister for another. It is the story about a love of a mother for her daughter. But mostly it is a love story about a Heavenly Father pursuing His beautiful daughters. Patty Lacy does a wonderful job of weaving a story that reminds us again and again that God’s thoughts are not like our thoughts and His ways are not like our ways.

It was very interesting to read the inspiration for the story in the author’s note in the back of the book. I’m thoroughly convinced it is why the story read so well. This is a book of deep subjects. The discussion questions in the back of the book along with the subject matter are sure to evoke thought provoking conversation for any book club.

While this was the first book that I have read by Patti Lacy, I can guarantee it will not be my last. This author has a wonderful writing style that I look forward to reading again and again.

*I received a copy of this book for my participation in this book tour from Litfuse. All thoughts are my own and may differ from others. (less)

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Nov 05, 2011 Cafelilybookreviews rated it 2 of 5 stars

Two worlds literally collide in this story. Adoptive parents, Rev. Andrew and Gloria Powell have their world turned upside down when out of nowhere a physician contacts them about their daughter, Joy. Dr. Kai Chang, has information about a rare inherited disorder, PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) that may be affecting their seventeen year old adopted daughter Joy, who was known as Lily in China.

And if that revelation isn’t enough, Joy also happens to be Dr. Chang’s birth sister. With a vested in...more

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Nov 02, 2011 Kara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Reclaiming Lily is a fascinating book on many levels. It's the story of Kai, a young Chinese doctor whose family endured tremendous opposition during Mao's Cultural Revolution. Kai is now practicing medicine in Boston and trying desperately to be reunited with her youngest sister who was adopted out of a Chinese orphanage by a pastor's family from Texas.

Aside from her personal desire to see her dear sister's face again, Kai fears that Lily (now called Joy by her adoptive parents) may suffer fro...more

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Nov 01, 2011 Ausjenny rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contempory

Thanks the Litfuse for my review copy: I loved this book. This book deals with international adoption, a potential fatal genetic disease and two families with an interest in one child. Kai is a doctor who grew up in China and had to watch her sister being adopted by an American couple. Years later Kai is meeting with Lily's adopt parents to reunite with her sister and to discuss that fact she may have a medical issue. I found the book interesting as I knew little of the Cultural Revolution in Ch...more

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Oct 14, 2011 Janna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Years ago a Chinese family had to give up their baby to an orphanage with every intent of reclaiming her once they could take care of her. When that day came it was one day too late and she was being adopted by an American family. 7 years later her sister, Kai, is seeking out Lily's American family to give them the news that their mother had a hereditary disease that Lily could be carrying. She finds the perfect little American family isn't so perfect and maybe just maybe they need her after all...more

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Oct 13, 2011 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Eastern China 1990, Pastor Andrew and Gloria Powell arrive to adopt their precious Chinese daughter Joy. Joy 10 years old had been left on the doorstep of the orphanage during a cultural revolution in China, fearing for their lives, and unwilling to terminate the pregnancy, Joy was given up for her safety.

Texas, 10 years later Joy is a disjointed, raging teenager without a relationship with Jesus, or her parents. At the end of their area of expertise, Joy’s parents are suffering with the loss o...more

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Oct 11, 2011 Lydia (Overweight Bookshelf) rated it 5 of 5 stars

First reviewed here: http://overweight-bookshelf.blogspot....

Well she has done it again! Patti Lacy has written a book that has stirred my soul and whispered truth to my heart. Her narration is a fine art that has been toiled over and refined until every intricate detail is stitched together to produce a riveting masterpiece.Patti Lacy understands how people experience life through our senses and she does everything within her author prowess to engage all of the senses (yes, even smell unbelieva...more

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Oct 10, 2011 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Patti Lacy in her new book “Reclaiming Lily" published by Bethany House Publishers gives us a contemporary novel all about family.

Kai Chang made a death-bed promise to her mother in China to reclaim the sister that had been placed at an orphanage. Gloria Powell had always wanted a child, so when they hear there is a baby waiting for them in China she and her husband Andrew make the trip from Texas. There is a young girl waiting for them not a baby as they were led to believe but Gloria feels tha...more Patti Lacy in her new book “Reclaiming Lily" published by Bethany House Publishers gives us a contemporary novel all about family.

Kai Chang made a death-bed promise to her mother in China to reclaim the sister that had been placed at an orphanage. Gloria Powell had always wanted a child, so when they hear there is a baby waiting for them in China she and her husband Andrew make the trip from Texas. There is a young girl waiting for them not a baby as they were led to believe but Gloria feels that she is the child that God wants for them so Gloria renames her Joy and they all go home. Years later Kai, an adult now working in Boston as a medical specialist, is determined to find and reclaim her younger sister, whose real name is Lily, both to fulfill the vow made to their mother, and because Kai fears that the horrors of the genetic disease that took the mother's life may stalk Lily. Now the two families must meet and decide the future of Lily.

"Reclaiming Lily" is all about family, family by blood and family by adoption. Then there is the additional theme of foreign adoption and how the two cultures clash. Patti Lacy brought me right into the struggle as the two women come together to claim the future of Lily, the sister/Joy, the daughter. This is a highly emotional story that seems brought from the newspaper pages. "Reclaiming Lily" is a story filled with drama, suspense and family ties with a positive christian message woven in and worth the time to read.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group.. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Oct 07, 2011 Sheila DeChantal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Having been to Honduras 8 times (my ninth coming up in just a few weeks here) I was drawn to this book by the topic of adoption. When you travel to some of these countries and you see these darling children with nothing, you want to scoop them up and take them home....

Such as within this story of Gloria, wanting desperately to have a child of her own... and along comes Joy.

I am not sure what I expected when I picked this book up to read... I know the ending result was so much more.

I am impress...more

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Oct 07, 2011 Sunflower rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-book-reviews, litfuse

"Reclaiming Lily" is a beautiful, flawless written book, that would capture the heart and tears in the eyes, as the reader travels with the characters on a journey of discovery and understanding.

Set in Texas, and inter-spaced with tales of one of the characters experiences, growing up in revolutionary China, the reader is brought into the lives of two very different set of families, that are united through a common love and concern for Lily, the adopted daughter of Gloria and Andrew.

If I could r...more "Reclaiming Lily" is a beautiful, flawless written book, that would capture the heart and tears in the eyes, as the reader travels with the characters on a journey of discovery and understanding.

Set in Texas, and inter-spaced with tales of one of the characters experiences, growing up in revolutionary China, the reader is brought into the lives of two very different set of families, that are united through a common love and concern for Lily, the adopted daughter of Gloria and Andrew.

If I could rate,"Reclaiming Lily" with tissue boxes, I would have to say, you would need three tissue boxes (for good measure) prior to starting this book; Covering themes of adoption, family, what is family, mother-daughter relationships, faith, finding hope, and bridging cultural divides, one would think...how could an author manage to cover all that, but Patti Lacy is able to do that and more with, "Reclaiming Lily".

By the time, I was finished with the book, I was bawling with tears of sadness and joy at the tightly woven story of two families, in two different countries, tightly woven in one girl, and the often complicated relationships and understandings that are prevalent with adoptions.

Patti Lacy, brilliantly, weaves a tale of two different cultures and presents to the reader, strong characters, that by the end of the book, you will find yourself captivated and unable to let go of the book, even knowing you're at the end.

Normally, when writing about very strong characters, it seems difficult to balance,the many stories going on, but "Reclaiming Lily" is an amazingly strong book, that draws the readers in and before you know it, you are lost within the characters that are incredibly fleshed out, with rich, complicated backgrounds and present day struggles.

There are no confusions of where the story going, there is not finding oneself on rabbit trails, instead, there is a feeling, of, "I have to know more, don't stop, not here, go on".

Patti Lacy, presents real people, with real issues, and real emotions, that one would find in an often complicated situation of different values, beliefs and cultures and weaves together, seamlessly, a story of growth, understanding, and eye opening faith that just left me breathless with each page.

What words can describe how as much I would like to share this book with others, this is one of those rare gems, I hesitate to give out,for fear of not getting it back, but yet find myself, going, "You HAVE to read this book; It's not just amazing, but just will take your breathe away".

If you are seeking a story about the power of love, hope and what is family, I highly recommend to read, "Reclaiming Lily".

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Oct 05, 2011 Barbara Brink rated it 5 of 5 stars

“Reclaiming Lily” is a gut wrenching tale of two families who love and claim the same little girl as their daughter.

A Texas Pastor and his wife adopt a young Chinese girl, believing their family will finally be complete. They name her Joy–the thing that has been missing in their lives.
Joy, whose name is actually Lily, already has a family, but due to horrible circumstances, was left at the orphanage. Lily’s older sister, Kai, has vowed to someday bring her home. When she witnesses the Powells ta...more “Reclaiming Lily” is a gut wrenching tale of two families who love and claim the same little girl as their daughter.

A Texas Pastor and his wife adopt a young Chinese girl, believing their family will finally be complete. They name her Joy–the thing that has been missing in their lives.
Joy, whose name is actually Lily, already has a family, but due to horrible circumstances, was left at the orphanage. Lily’s older sister, Kai, has vowed to someday bring her home. When she witnesses the Powells taking her from the orphanage, she knows it will be many years before they will meet again.

Patti Lacy has once again written a story with real fleshed-out characters struggling with life’s tough questions. If God is a good God, why does he allow bad things to happen? Infertility, abandonment, prejudice, tornadoes, starvation, sickness, death. Why do miracles happen sometimes, but not all the time? How does God use bad things to further his perfect plan?

The sweet little girl from China that the Powells adopted seven years earlier is now an angry and rebellious teenager, and they are at their wits end in dealing with her. Into their lives walks Dr. Kai Chang, a Boston specialist and Lily’s (Joy’s) sister. She has worked hard her entire life with the sole purpose of finding and reclaiming Lily, to let her know that she was not forgotten. She has something very important to discuss with them.

Gloria is fearful that this Chinese sister will take her daughter from her, but Kai has no intention of that. She is fulfilling a promise she made to her mother that she would find Lily (Joy) and let her know that she was wanted and loved.

Dr. Kai Chang is a renal specialist dealing with PKD. A disease that destroys the kidneys and leads to death. Their mother died of PKD and it is passed through the genes. She is fearful that Lily might already be carrying the disease in her body.

I truly enjoyed “Reclaiming Lily.” The author did a wonderful job of getting into the mind of this Chinese doctor as well as showing the American mother’s desperate need for her adopted daughter’s acceptance and love. It was definitely an East meets West story and how we often perceive those we don’t understand out of mindless fear.
(I was given a free copy of Reclaiming Lily in exchange for writing an honest review.)
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Oct 01, 2011 Maureen Timerman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read

I loved this book...I could not put this one down. Patti Lacy brings you face to face with the Chinese daily life. You put a face on the pain these poor people went through, I can't even imagine taking that way of life in my every day stride!
Kai Chang had to take the beloved fourth daughter to the orphanage, and spent many a day there helping to make sure that Lily was well taken care of. She was there the day the Powell's came and stole her away. She then has to endure her beloved mother die a...more

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Oct 17, 2011 Catherine Richmond rated it 5 of 5 stars

Reclaiming Lily captures the storm of emotions that ensue when a biological sister battles adoptive parents for a troubled teen. Author Patti Lacy is an expert at writing about chaos without losing her readers. She weaves together the parents' visit to China and the Chinese family's history into the present-day life of a Texas couple and a Boston physician. The characters' internal journeys are accurately portrayed with incredible depth - a young physician from China does not think like a pastor...more

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Nov 06, 2011 April Suter rated it 3 of 5 stars

The first question at the end of the book asks you if adoption has touched your life. Our friends have adopted two beautiful girls from China and my best friend adopted two perfect children, one from Russia and one from Guatamala. My sister-in-law is adopted and as my brother said "It's a good thing to be adopted." In all cases above God has placed each child into a loving family that has embraced their heritage and created a new future.

In Reclaiming Lily, Goria and Andrew adopted 10-year-old Li...more

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Nov 13, 2011 Nikole Hahn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Patti Lacy and I met via the internet. We visited each others blogs. Her warm and chipper personality made me wonder if her novels would have that same lovely heart that comes through so freely in her comments. In her new novel, Reclaiming Lily, I saw all the research and hard work she put into the novel.

Reclaiming Lily is an adoption story peppered with the issues of infertility, difficulty in relating as a Chinese-born teen to white Americans, and searching for home. It’s a story of a parent s...more Patti Lacy and I met via the internet. We visited each others blogs. Her warm and chipper personality made me wonder if her novels would have that same lovely heart that comes through so freely in her comments. In her new novel, Reclaiming Lily, I saw all the research and hard work she put into the novel.

Reclaiming Lily is an adoption story peppered with the issues of infertility, difficulty in relating as a Chinese-born teen to white Americans, and searching for home. It’s a story of a parent seeking to understand her adopted Chinese-born teenager who doesn’t know how to express her anger at not fitting in.

Reclaiming Lily starts us in China at a poor orphanage where we first meet Dr. Kai Chang watching from the sidelines as her sister, Lily, is taken away by an American couple for adoption. A life long desire spurs Dr. Chang forward to succeed professionally and find a cure for the disease that took her mother—PKD or Polycystic Kidney Disease; a terminal illness remedied only by a transplant.

Gloria Powell, the mother of Lily or now legally named Joy Powell, is afraid of Dr. Chang’s intentions. Joy is her only child and she expresses her fears through her anger towards Dr. Chang. It’s hard to like Gloria. She doesn’t behave as most characters behave in tame, Christian novels. Gloria is quick tempered and prideful, but you can’t help but like her anyway. You can relate to her reflexes. Her husband is the least likable until he stands up to his wife’s willful ways, but in a way that honors Gloria. Joy is a typically angry teenager going through issues she can’t yet express in words. Dr. Chang is also likable and in the beginning, hardly emotional.

I love the way Patti pulls the story together, allowing the characters to develop and change in the most natural way a 373-page novel could, and the end was a pleasant twist. In truth, I was secretly rooting for that end. The twist she also puts in the middle of the story keeps this novel from becoming predictable. You can tell her trip to China in 2010 was a huge influence. You can read those entries here. http://www.pattilacy.com/blog/?s=chin...

All in all I found nothing objectionable or inaccurate in the story. It’s clearly a culture shock between America and China. I do wonder if in Texas there is truly a racist bent against Asians or if that was just a part of the story to further Joy’s alienation in church. Having grown up in Southern California, Asians were a common sight and wonderful people. I had an Asian friend next door that I loved to hang around. I gave the book five stars.

Bethany House gave me the book to review.(less)

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Oct 13, 2011 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, bethany-house, christianity, litfuse-publicity, review-books, religion

What a powerful and awesome book of faith and forgiveness, family and friends. While the book is a quick read you quickly become wrapped up in the character’s life and their struggles – such as the disease known as PKD, a sister’s struggle in rising above herself to track down her adoptive sister so that she can pass on the news of a potentially hereditary disease.

There are things discussed about Kai’s growing up in China as she relates her experiences to her sister’s adoptive family and even fl...more

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Dec 08, 2011 Patty LeBlanc rated it 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing story that drew me in from page 1. The heart of each character was laid out in each line. I found myself laughing and crying as the story played out. Dr. Kai Chang was separated from her sister when they were children. She has devoted her life to finding her younger sister. Many years later she finds her and the family who adopted her. Meeting them is a struggle within her soul, trying not to do or say anything that might alter her plans for Lily. There are many difficulties in m...more

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Oct 07, 2011 Megan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011, christian-fiction

I had a really hard time getting into this book. The first half of 'Reclaiming Lily' covered just one day and was very slow moving. It would alternate between the present day and the stories that Kai would tell about her life in China. However, about two-thirds into the book the story really got interesting, and I found myself rushing to reach the conclusion. The last twenty or so pages were especially moving, although abit abrupt, and left me guessing until the very end - literally until the la...more I had a really hard time getting into this book. The first half of 'Reclaiming Lily' covered just one day and was very slow moving. It would alternate between the present day and the stories that Kai would tell about her life in China. However, about two-thirds into the book the story really got interesting, and I found myself rushing to reach the conclusion. The last twenty or so pages were especially moving, although abit abrupt, and left me guessing until the very end - literally until the last paragraph!

The story of Kai's life in China was so vividly written. I have heard of China's one child policy, but this story drives home how difficult that policy really is. Kai's mother had three daughters before the policy was put in place, but shortly after it goes into effect she finds herself pregnant again. Fearing what the government might do, her husband demands that she get an abortion, but she refuses to kill her child. Knowing that she can't keep her baby, she makes the heart breaking decision to leave her baby (Lily) at an orphanage (because a healthy child that was left at an orphanage would be taken care of), with the hopes of one day reclaiming her. But it would not go as planned.

When Lily was ten years old Pastor Andrew and Gloria Powell, an American couple, adopted her, changed her name to Joy and brought her home to Texas. Kai was there when they took her from the orphanage, watching from a distance horrified that her baby sister was being taken away and helpless to stop it.

The Powells have raised Joy to believe in God, but lately she has been rebeling against them at ever turn. Joy turns against a God that she at one time claimed to believe in and not only that but she acts out in so many different ways, that they never know what to expect from her anymore.

When Kai brings the news to them that Joy might have Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), they are wary of Kai at first, but she soons endears herself to them. PKD is an hereditery disease, and Kai and Joy's mother had had it. The only treatment is dialysis or a kidney transplant and Kai wants her tested for it right away.

I didn't like how long it took for me to get into the book and how when it got to the more crucial parts of the story it would jump ahead - sometimes by years. I felt that for a book that has 384 pages, it seemed rushed at the end, like the story was getting to long and so was just quickly finished.

Overall, I found 'Reclaiming Lily' to be an enjoyable book, but not one that I would be quick to recommend and likely won't be a book that I will read again.

*** I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done. ***(less)

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Nov 12, 2011 Ellen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, from-publisher, historical-fiction

Reclaiming Lily brings us a peek into the lives of the Chinese people during their Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. For those who do not agree with Chairman Mao's edicts, life becomes a nightmare including imprisonment and death.

This book opens in Eastern China in the 1990 at the beginning of international adoptions of their children. Andrew and Gloria Powell are nagivating a cross-cultural adoption and only seek to be united to their baby daughter. Instead, they are informed there i...more Reclaiming Lily brings us a peek into the lives of the Chinese people during their Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. For those who do not agree with Chairman Mao's edicts, life becomes a nightmare including imprisonment and death.

This book opens in Eastern China in the 1990 at the beginning of international adoptions of their children. Andrew and Gloria Powell are nagivating a cross-cultural adoption and only seek to be united to their baby daughter. Instead, they are informed there is no baby to be adopted at the orphanage. In the midst of their disappointment, Gloria feels led to a shy, beautiful ten year-old girl she names Joy.

Seven years later, a renown doctor, Kai Chang, received the information she has eagerly awaited. Information about her sister who was adopted from China in 1990 by the Powells. After arranging a meeting with Joy's parents, she flies from Boston to Fort Worth, Texas, to not only meet them and possibly Joy, but also to discuss her family's health history. Kai, a kidney specialist, has determined her mother's cause of death, PKD, polycystic kidney disease, a hereditary and terminal disease. The only treatment is dialysis (until the kidneys no longer respond) or a kidney transplant.

With the Powells standing in the way of diagnosing her sister, she needs to share her life and memories from China many years earlier. Can Gloria, a shy pastor's wife, let Kai into Joy's life? Will Joy choose her blood sister over her? Will Gloria and Kai be able to cross cultural lines to put Joy, and her health, before everything else?

Click HERE to read the Prologue and Chapter 1!

Patti Lacy has written a moving and life-changing book. Not only did I see the atrocities of the Chinese Cultural Revolutions, but also the challenges of cross-cultural adoption. This is a story one of our neighbors could be living through. I recommend Reclaiming Lily to anyone who desires to see God at work in the lives of everyday people. You will walk away from this book changed, moved, inspired... for the better!

Thank you to Bethany House Publishing Group for my complimentary copy for this review.
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Oct 14, 2011 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2011

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a sibling but not be able to see them? What if you found out that they could be dying? What would you do to save them? On the other hand, what if you were an adoptive parent and someone claimed your child might have a rare disease, how would you react? In the new book, "Reclaiming Lily," those questions are posed and answered.

Kai Chang and Gloria Powell are two women fighting for one girl - Lily. Kai left China to find her sister, not only bec...more

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Oct 17, 2011 Katie rated it 5 of 5 stars

First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.

Patti Lacy first grabbed my attention with her previous release, The Rhythms of Secrets. (Which you can read my review HERE). It wasn't just her real-life characters and amazing story plot, but also her writing style that captured me from the very beginning. And she has done it again in Reclaiming Lily. Once again, I am swept off my feet in an amazing, believable tale of heartache, loss, family, and sacrificial love.

Like a painter wielding a brush, Pat...more First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.

Patti Lacy first grabbed my attention with her previous release, The Rhythms of Secrets. (Which you can read my review HERE). It wasn't just her real-life characters and amazing story plot, but also her writing style that captured me from the very beginning. And she has done it again in Reclaiming Lily. Once again, I am swept off my feet in an amazing, believable tale of heartache, loss, family, and sacrificial love.

Like a painter wielding a brush, Patti Lacy uses the powers of her words to capture her readers attention and convey the overwhelming emotions that these characters -- Gloria and Kai -- are going through and experiencing. What an amazing, awe-inspiring, and realistic tale!

I admit that Reclaiming Lily isn't the genre I normally read, but I make exceptions for this author. When I pick up a book by her, I know I'm going to be taken on an emotional journey that I will remember for years to come. Like in her other book, The Rhythms of Secrets, Patti tells a story that has a history woven together into the present lives of Gloria and Kai. I love how the reader gets to revisit Kai's painful past as she is trying to push forward with her future and meet up with her long-lost sister. Truly, a powerful story!

There are one or two places where a teenager uses God's name in vain. There's also an instance where a parent thinks her teenager has slept around, but when she asks her straight out, the teenager assures her she has not. The issues that are dealt with in this book would probably not make it a good read for a young teenager, but older ones and adults will find this book an inspiring and eye-opening read.

All in all, I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. Each word that Patti uses conveys so much strength and emotion, the reader cannot help but be immersed into the character's lives. Centered around a young girl adopted from China, this book spans countries and years as two women struggle to do what's best for the child they love. Truly, a heartwarming read that will capture your attention.(less)

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Oct 03, 2011 Diana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Reclaiming Lily has to be the best book Patti Lacy has written yet.

This story touched my heart as a mom. The love we have for our children cannot be described easily and yet Lacy did it in Reclaiming Lily.

The fear of having an adopted child reject you because a blood relative has found that child is not something I have experienced except in literature. Lacy writes these scenes so well I felt that experience.

Many parts of this book show China, yes, show not tell about China. The descriptions ma...more

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Jan 02, 2012 Jodi Janz rated it 3 of 5 stars

Patti Lacy wrote a powerful story about two cultures and two women who collide over their love for one special girl. Lily, a young girl in a Chinese Orphanage is adopted and relocated to the Long Horn State in the U.S.A. She is renamed Joy and expected to live the life of an American girl.

Gloria, Joy's adoptive mother, struggles with a deep fear that she will lose Joy, so she holds on to her with an iron grip. Too tight - to the point of pushing her away.

Many years after her adoption Joy is trac...more Patti Lacy wrote a powerful story about two cultures and two women who collide over their love for one special girl. Lily, a young girl in a Chinese Orphanage is adopted and relocated to the Long Horn State in the U.S.A. She is renamed Joy and expected to live the life of an American girl.

Gloria, Joy's adoptive mother, struggles with a deep fear that she will lose Joy, so she holds on to her with an iron grip. Too tight - to the point of pushing her away.

Many years after her adoption Joy is tracked down by her adoring sister, Kai who has spent her life on the mission to reclaim Lily into her Chinese family. Kai brings a sense of family Joy has been missing. She also brings bad news of a genetic disease, PKD, that has attacked the Chinese Chang family and fears it may be poised to take Joy as well.

This story is moving and deep as it follows the roller coaster ride of international adoption, diverse cultures, teenage angst and rebellion, and life changing illnesses. Patti Lacy has also pulled back the veil of the Chinese Cultural Revolution in this story of healing and restoration. The story line is definitely worth the read.

As a reader I struggled with the lay out of the story. The backstory, flashbacks and switching view points made the beginning half of the story difficult to follow and frustrating to continue on. The two main characters, both women, were not easy to relate to from my perspective. However, by the middle of the story I was engaged and invested in the characters plights. There were elements of the story that I struggled to see the connection to the plot. This slowed down the flow of the book. The ending/epilogue felt a little rushed and disconnected but by the wrap up of the story I was able to see what Lacy was trying to show.

The aspects of the story I enjoyed were redeeming. The transitions in the characters was realistic and understandable. The faith issue was handles well without cliché or contrived 'Christianese'. A strong voice for Kai helped the cultural differences to stand center stage at all times. I felt the character of Kai was the most interesting and compelling. Kai's story became more of the focus of the plot than Joy. The research Lacy must have done for the story was extensive, but her accounts showed a confidence and power. There were many emotive experiences she needed to draw from. Well done.

My recommendation for Reclaiming Lily is to readers who are looking for a deep story, written with poetic prose and rich historical basis. The story will touch your heart and leave you encouraged.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. (less)

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Nov 29, 2011 Trinity Rose rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really liked Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy. This story is full of love and compassion between sisters, parents and children and fellow Christians.
Reclaiming Lily shows even when we make mistakes we can be forgiven, even when we feel alone we aren’t alone, God is always there for us.
The story is also about adoption and PKD-Polycystic Kidney disease and explains both very well. It shows how things can change in a blink of an eye.
The characters are very real and likable and Patti Lacy has a...more

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Oct 06, 2011 Patricia Kemp Blackmon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: litfuse-review-copy

My Thoughts:

I was shocked and ashamed of myself when I realized I must have had my head stuck in the sand to not know how bad things were in China. The author took the blinders off of me and it was not a pretty sight. It broke my heart to read about the things Kai Chang and her family had to endure. The family was force to endure the unimaginable. They were forced to put Lily, the fourth young daughter of the family in an orphanage. Kai promised her family, especially her dying mother, that she...more

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Nov 09, 2011 Itsjustme-wendy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this book alot. I thought it was going to be slow, but it really wasn't. It wasn't really exciting but it was just enough to keep you wanting to read more. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars was I did not feel the connection to the characters. There was very good character development, I just didn't like any of them! I liked the Mom - Gloria, at first, then didn't like her at all then kinda liked her again. Kai I didn't really care for the whole time. The Author gave...more

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