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Eve's Daughters
Yearning for love and dignity, four generations of women must come to grips with the choices they've made--and those their mothers made before them. But breaking the cycle that has ensnared them over the decades will prove more difficult than they had ever imagined....
Eighty-year-old Emma Bauer has carefully guarded a dark secret for more than fifty years. But when she sees her granddaughter's marriage beginning to unravel, Emma realizes that her lies about her own marriage have poisoned those she loves most. Can she help her granddaughter break free of a legacy of wrong choices? Or will she take her secret--and her broken heart--to the grave?
With honesty and compassion, author Lynn Austin weaves a compelling story of four unforgettable women--their struggles, their crises of faith, their triumphs.
Eighty-year-old Emma Bauer has carefully guarded a dark secret for more than fifty years. But when she sees her granddaughter's marriage beginning to unravel, Emma realizes that her lies about her own marriage have poisoned those she loves most. Can she help her granddaughter break free of a legacy of wrong choices? Or will she take her secret--and her broken heart--to the grave?
With honesty and compassion, author Lynn Austin weaves a compelling story of four unforgettable women--their struggles, their crises of faith, their triumphs.
428 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
868 people are currently reading
4111 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Austin
68 books5,675 followersFor many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.
Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.
Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.
Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published 27 novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 709 reviews
October 1, 2025
What an amazing story and a wonderful author chat!
This is my 8th Lynn Austin novel, and I’m going to venture to say, my favourite so far. I normally shy away from generational novels, but for some reason, I found myself binge-reading this one in big batches. In Eve’s Daughters, there are three generations, and in each, the women are shaped by a historical event that happened: WW1, WW2, and the Vietnam War. It all begins with a husband who chooses to escape Germany rather than be drafted. He ends up in the USA and sends for his wife and child. It isn’t an easy life fitting in and the challenges of WW1 press hard against them. Lynn mentioned last night that most of this story was inspired by her own family and even showed us the ‘crying cup’ mentioned in the novel.
It amazed me that the challenges her characters (her real-life family) faced are still ones some of us struggle with in the present day. Emma is everything I’m not, yet I loved her character. She taught me the importance of reframing. My favourite character - Father O’Duggan! Austin’s signposts for her readers are ones we can align with, and perhaps that’s why I enjoy her well-researched plot, authentically crafted characters, and growth arcs.
Quotes I loved:
😍 “The parish priest paid all the children in the neighbourhood five cents for every book we read.”
😍“Diamond in the making - God will use pressure and stress to turn it into something beautiful.”
😍 “Joy and sorrow come and go like the ebb and flow.”
😍 “The lord taught us to pray give us this day our daily read. We’re supposed to live one day at a time not borrow trouble from the next.”
😍 “Liebchen, the power isn’t in the cup. It never was. The power to find joy again is within your own heart.”
😍 “I’ve discovered that the things that happen in my life make a lot more sense when I include God in the picture. It’s like trying to work a jigsaw puzzle without the picture on the front of the box.”
I have an eARC of The Lumber Baron’s Wife and I’m eager to get to it next week!
This is my 8th Lynn Austin novel, and I’m going to venture to say, my favourite so far. I normally shy away from generational novels, but for some reason, I found myself binge-reading this one in big batches. In Eve’s Daughters, there are three generations, and in each, the women are shaped by a historical event that happened: WW1, WW2, and the Vietnam War. It all begins with a husband who chooses to escape Germany rather than be drafted. He ends up in the USA and sends for his wife and child. It isn’t an easy life fitting in and the challenges of WW1 press hard against them. Lynn mentioned last night that most of this story was inspired by her own family and even showed us the ‘crying cup’ mentioned in the novel.
It amazed me that the challenges her characters (her real-life family) faced are still ones some of us struggle with in the present day. Emma is everything I’m not, yet I loved her character. She taught me the importance of reframing. My favourite character - Father O’Duggan! Austin’s signposts for her readers are ones we can align with, and perhaps that’s why I enjoy her well-researched plot, authentically crafted characters, and growth arcs.
Quotes I loved:
😍 “The parish priest paid all the children in the neighbourhood five cents for every book we read.”
😍“Diamond in the making - God will use pressure and stress to turn it into something beautiful.”
😍 “Joy and sorrow come and go like the ebb and flow.”
😍 “The lord taught us to pray give us this day our daily read. We’re supposed to live one day at a time not borrow trouble from the next.”
😍 “Liebchen, the power isn’t in the cup. It never was. The power to find joy again is within your own heart.”
😍 “I’ve discovered that the things that happen in my life make a lot more sense when I include God in the picture. It’s like trying to work a jigsaw puzzle without the picture on the front of the box.”
I have an eARC of The Lumber Baron’s Wife and I’m eager to get to it next week!
April 10, 2009
This was the first Lynn Austin novel I'd read and I wasn't disappointed. Although the author is a Christian, she doesn't "preach at" the reader but instead, tells the story from a Christian perspective, as someone believing in God.
The story takes you from the 1800's to the 1980's. Four generations of women struggle with a 'secret'. Beginning with Louise and Friedrich's story and how Louise was obligated into an arranged marriage and leaves her homeland in Germany to flee to American so her husband could avoid the draft. Louise gives up her family to stay with her husband. The story of their life together is truly fascinating!
One of Louise's children, Emma, grew up keeping a "secret" that she keeps to herself until the 1980's when her grand-daughter Suzanne is curious and needs to find the truth. Emma's own daughter Grace, sees how her mother was treated and gives up her career to take care of her husband Steven, their daughter Suzanne and their home.
Only when Suzanne's marriage is in trouble does Emma finally reveal the secret to her daughter Grace and grand-daughter Suzanne in hopes of helping to salvage her grand-daughter's marriage.
Emma had struggled with her secret (a sin) in those times and could not forgive herself, believed her daughter Grace would not forgive her and in turn believed God would not forgive her either.
Suzanne had an insatiable desire to learn the truth about her family and said "...nothing quite makes sense until you include God."
The novel is very realistic and the situations in the story could really have happened many times over, during that era. As the characters in this story are brought to life with Lynn Austin's uncanny ability to make them real, we are treated to an intimate inside look at each generation.
The story takes you from the 1800's to the 1980's. Four generations of women struggle with a 'secret'. Beginning with Louise and Friedrich's story and how Louise was obligated into an arranged marriage and leaves her homeland in Germany to flee to American so her husband could avoid the draft. Louise gives up her family to stay with her husband. The story of their life together is truly fascinating!
One of Louise's children, Emma, grew up keeping a "secret" that she keeps to herself until the 1980's when her grand-daughter Suzanne is curious and needs to find the truth. Emma's own daughter Grace, sees how her mother was treated and gives up her career to take care of her husband Steven, their daughter Suzanne and their home.
Only when Suzanne's marriage is in trouble does Emma finally reveal the secret to her daughter Grace and grand-daughter Suzanne in hopes of helping to salvage her grand-daughter's marriage.
Emma had struggled with her secret (a sin) in those times and could not forgive herself, believed her daughter Grace would not forgive her and in turn believed God would not forgive her either.
Suzanne had an insatiable desire to learn the truth about her family and said "...nothing quite makes sense until you include God."
The novel is very realistic and the situations in the story could really have happened many times over, during that era. As the characters in this story are brought to life with Lynn Austin's uncanny ability to make them real, we are treated to an intimate inside look at each generation.
May 10, 2021
This is the first book I have read by Lynn Austin and I discovered her to be a gifted author. Her genius is in what I'm starting to call relational dynamic. The dynamic Austin creates between deep, rich, characters and real, living, cultures in a historical/ time setting is impressive.
Here's why I think this book is fantastic:
* CHARACTERIZATION: Austin's characters have a lot of depth. There are no paper cut outs here (the good person always does the perfect thing and everyone likes him, the evil person is always evil and never does a good thing, etc.). Her characters have personality. So often, an author will take a "radical" character and introduce them with a humorous or stunning scenario to make an impact and then the shine fades and they are just another source of dialogue. In this work, I LOVED the character of Jeff Pulaski because he was a REAL, wacky guy. Not just a little bit, but every time you saw him. He was funny, he was consistently himself, and he was way out there. It was exciting to read.
* CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: Austin's characters impact each other. She illustrates how the choices of one influence and shape the other. No one acts in a vacuum. The dialogue is also particularly strong and able to reveal the tension between characters without patronizing the reader. We understand the vast gulf opening between characters because we know them. The characters maintain an essence of who they are, but Austin does not fail to effectively illustrate how and why they change (without tedium).
* HISTORY, CULTURE & TIME PERIOD: Austin has researched the history. This book specifically deals with women, the seasons and influences in their lives, and how the role of women has changed dramatically in the last 100 years. I particularly noticed this in Louise's section (great-grandmother to Suzanne), which, being the first, set the tone for the entire work - and Austin was able to sustain it throughout. Although her old country German women are strong characters, they struggle with and are shaped by the real issues of their time. There is no "20th century woman creates a micro-environment in Germany" where she can be a modern woman - that really wouldn't happen and Austin doesn't go there. Likewise, in Emma's story, Friedrich, while he loves Emma, is still true to character in his strong convictions relating to his German Protestant beliefs. This gives Lynn Austin's story a remarkable amount of depth and reality. After all, there are things about our time and culture that we struggle with that we cannot change by force of will any more than they could.
* PLOT: Because Austin is so effective at relational dynamic, the plot points are not easily discerned by the reader - much like in real life. One cannot see clearly the impacts on a life until the benefit of hindsight emerges. The great mystery of this book surrounds Grace's father. While I have to say I guessed fairly early on - I had a feeling, examining the stories of each character, I doubted several times. She doesn't limit her other characters to make way for the father, but allows them all to exist in and contribute to Emma and Grace's story. It was powerful and extremely well done.
Finally, I haven't fully processed the impact this book had on me personally. After I finished it, I wasn't interested in reading anything else for a couple of days because I wanted to savor it. It made me think about my grandparents, my parents and the cultural, relational experiences that shaped their lives. It made me think: What are the relational and cultural things that have impacted me? It made me consider, Am I trying so hard to be or not be like my parents that I'm not being who God called me to be? Each of the characters presented were driven by values (some Christian, some not). Austin allows us to see first hand how the values of Christians have changed over time. I had to ask myself (along with Suzanne) whether or not I'm living by the values my husband and I held dear when we married, or whether life has just carried us away...
Although the central characters of this novel are women, I wouldn't limit a recommendation to women. Men could benefit from reading this as well. Ideally, men and women reading this together could have some wonderful conversations! I wish my husband had the opportunity to read it as I'd love to discuss it with him. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and am looking forward to reading more Lynn Austin's novels.
I love to read a wide variety of books, but I have to confess, I'd grown a little weary of Christian fiction. Lynn Austin has changed my mind completely! Enjoy!
Here's why I think this book is fantastic:
* CHARACTERIZATION: Austin's characters have a lot of depth. There are no paper cut outs here (the good person always does the perfect thing and everyone likes him, the evil person is always evil and never does a good thing, etc.). Her characters have personality. So often, an author will take a "radical" character and introduce them with a humorous or stunning scenario to make an impact and then the shine fades and they are just another source of dialogue. In this work, I LOVED the character of Jeff Pulaski because he was a REAL, wacky guy. Not just a little bit, but every time you saw him. He was funny, he was consistently himself, and he was way out there. It was exciting to read.
* CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: Austin's characters impact each other. She illustrates how the choices of one influence and shape the other. No one acts in a vacuum. The dialogue is also particularly strong and able to reveal the tension between characters without patronizing the reader. We understand the vast gulf opening between characters because we know them. The characters maintain an essence of who they are, but Austin does not fail to effectively illustrate how and why they change (without tedium).
* HISTORY, CULTURE & TIME PERIOD: Austin has researched the history. This book specifically deals with women, the seasons and influences in their lives, and how the role of women has changed dramatically in the last 100 years. I particularly noticed this in Louise's section (great-grandmother to Suzanne), which, being the first, set the tone for the entire work - and Austin was able to sustain it throughout. Although her old country German women are strong characters, they struggle with and are shaped by the real issues of their time. There is no "20th century woman creates a micro-environment in Germany" where she can be a modern woman - that really wouldn't happen and Austin doesn't go there. Likewise, in Emma's story, Friedrich, while he loves Emma, is still true to character in his strong convictions relating to his German Protestant beliefs. This gives Lynn Austin's story a remarkable amount of depth and reality. After all, there are things about our time and culture that we struggle with that we cannot change by force of will any more than they could.
* PLOT: Because Austin is so effective at relational dynamic, the plot points are not easily discerned by the reader - much like in real life. One cannot see clearly the impacts on a life until the benefit of hindsight emerges. The great mystery of this book surrounds Grace's father. While I have to say I guessed fairly early on - I had a feeling, examining the stories of each character, I doubted several times. She doesn't limit her other characters to make way for the father, but allows them all to exist in and contribute to Emma and Grace's story. It was powerful and extremely well done.
Finally, I haven't fully processed the impact this book had on me personally. After I finished it, I wasn't interested in reading anything else for a couple of days because I wanted to savor it. It made me think about my grandparents, my parents and the cultural, relational experiences that shaped their lives. It made me think: What are the relational and cultural things that have impacted me? It made me consider, Am I trying so hard to be or not be like my parents that I'm not being who God called me to be? Each of the characters presented were driven by values (some Christian, some not). Austin allows us to see first hand how the values of Christians have changed over time. I had to ask myself (along with Suzanne) whether or not I'm living by the values my husband and I held dear when we married, or whether life has just carried us away...
Although the central characters of this novel are women, I wouldn't limit a recommendation to women. Men could benefit from reading this as well. Ideally, men and women reading this together could have some wonderful conversations! I wish my husband had the opportunity to read it as I'd love to discuss it with him. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, and am looking forward to reading more Lynn Austin's novels.
I love to read a wide variety of books, but I have to confess, I'd grown a little weary of Christian fiction. Lynn Austin has changed my mind completely! Enjoy!
July 12, 2020
I LOVE THIS BOOK. All the stories, all the characters, the Irish element (I love Ireland)...it all comes together to form a beautiful, warm story. <3 Wonderful.
September 27, 2008
This was my first Lynn Austin book and my heart warmed right up to it. The story of 4 generations of women and how their choices affected their families ... even though it is fiction, I believe Austin challenges us to truly pause and reflect on this in our very own lives. She also brings the subject of sin very much to the forefront, showing us how much it pains God and yet His forgiveness abounds if only we repent. I felt her facts on Catholicism were never misrepresented and I appreciated that. If only our generation could put our faith in first place, what a different world this could be!
April 21, 2024
Love this book! So good! Full review will be posted soon, God willing.
February 10, 2018
Most Lynn Austin books I've read have two or three stories within the book. In Eve's Daughters, vivid histories of three wars and four women spanning nearly 100 years grace the pages.
Louise was born in Germany in 1885, who at nineteen was married to Friedrich by arrangement. He was a schoolteacher and pacifist. Because of his stand on war and the Kaiser's draft, he took her away from her beloved family and Germany to find safety in America. Eventually he became a pastor of a protestant German-speaking church.
The story of Emma, Louise's daughter, is also told. Born in 1900 in America, Emma was a free spirit and enjoyed life, but still bound by strong German traditions. After the devastating death of her younger sister, and to honor her parents, she accepted an arrange marriage to Karl Bauer. However hers was not a happy union.
Emma had a daughter named Grace in 1925, born because she ran from her husband who wanted her to have an abortion. Living in poverty and never knowing her father, Grace always sought a father figure, eventually finding one in a Catholic priest. During her college years she came to know the Lord and married a Christian doctor, becoming a stay at home mother.
Emma's daughter Suzanne began life as a wealthy socialite determined to make her parents proud, but falling in love and marrying a Vietnam War protestor in the late 60s, she became rebellious to her parents' stereotypical lifestyle, eventually easing away from the faith in which she was raised.
The book begins with Grace and Suzanne helping Emma (now 80) move to a retirement home. Poignant stories of the women in this family pour out as pieces from Emma's past, like photos, poems and a "crying cup" are being packed or given away. More stories with significant lessons are prompted from the hard topic of Suzanne's imminent divorce. These stories raise multiple complex issues that have Grace and Suzanne delving even deeper into their family history, a history with a secret Emma has heavily guarded, a life changing secret few people know, and no one can tell.
This was not my favorite Lynn Austin book, but it was still so interesting. And as with all her books there is an amazing amount of history to be enjoyed.
Louise was born in Germany in 1885, who at nineteen was married to Friedrich by arrangement. He was a schoolteacher and pacifist. Because of his stand on war and the Kaiser's draft, he took her away from her beloved family and Germany to find safety in America. Eventually he became a pastor of a protestant German-speaking church.
The story of Emma, Louise's daughter, is also told. Born in 1900 in America, Emma was a free spirit and enjoyed life, but still bound by strong German traditions. After the devastating death of her younger sister, and to honor her parents, she accepted an arrange marriage to Karl Bauer. However hers was not a happy union.
Emma had a daughter named Grace in 1925, born because she ran from her husband who wanted her to have an abortion. Living in poverty and never knowing her father, Grace always sought a father figure, eventually finding one in a Catholic priest. During her college years she came to know the Lord and married a Christian doctor, becoming a stay at home mother.
Emma's daughter Suzanne began life as a wealthy socialite determined to make her parents proud, but falling in love and marrying a Vietnam War protestor in the late 60s, she became rebellious to her parents' stereotypical lifestyle, eventually easing away from the faith in which she was raised.
The book begins with Grace and Suzanne helping Emma (now 80) move to a retirement home. Poignant stories of the women in this family pour out as pieces from Emma's past, like photos, poems and a "crying cup" are being packed or given away. More stories with significant lessons are prompted from the hard topic of Suzanne's imminent divorce. These stories raise multiple complex issues that have Grace and Suzanne delving even deeper into their family history, a history with a secret Emma has heavily guarded, a life changing secret few people know, and no one can tell.
This was not my favorite Lynn Austin book, but it was still so interesting. And as with all her books there is an amazing amount of history to be enjoyed.
March 9, 2020
De la feminitate la feminism, pe parcursul existenței a patru generații de femei, poziționate diferit în relațiile cu bărbații din viețile lor.
Poveste (mult prea lungă) de tip soap-opera, care o să îți amintească, pe alocuri, de Pasărea Spin, gândită și scrisă parcă înadins pentru a fi ecranizată.
Poveste (mult prea lungă) de tip soap-opera, care o să îți amintească, pe alocuri, de Pasărea Spin, gândită și scrisă parcă înadins pentru a fi ecranizată.
February 28, 2010
Have a huge box of kleenex for the last third of the book! I was bawling. I love how the author weaves the story through 4 generations of women. They refer to nessting dolls, how each "new mother" reacted to their marriage based on the perceptions of their mother's marriage. It was so heart rending. Emma, an 80 year old grandma, sees the failure of her grand-daughters marriage and realizes it stems from secrets of her own marriage. The whole book is told in "mini" stories from each of the generations. It was really amazing seeing this patchwork of experiences blend in this amazing work of fiction. I was very impressed with the writing. It was very moving- a book of forgiveness and sacrifice and how much of those attributes we are willing to give in our own marriages. I love a book that keeps me thinking and pondering after the last page is turned. It made me think of what secrets does my own mother hold about her marriage and are they important for me to know to be better in my marrige. Are my actions reactions to what I was raised in? A wonderful, tear jerker book. The end is happy for some and not so for others- the way of life.
January 19, 2019
3.5 stars. This book was a decent read, and I feel that I enjoyed it far more than I initially expected. I had not read anything by Lynn Austin prior to this book, and while this book is fiction, it also falls under the genre of Christian fiction. We follow the story of Emma Bauer- and meet her in the current time of 1980. Her daughter and granddaughter are helping her move into a retirement home. While packing up items, Emma comes across some old photos and mementos which stir up memories of many years ago. From this point the story flips back and forth from 1980 to late 1800s, to the 1920s, among others. Each segment of time is told from the perspective of a different character. Austin’s writing is descriptive and captivating for much of the book. Enjoyable, and I would definitely be interested in some of her other works.
February 18, 2019
Amazing!!!
June 8, 2020
How did I not realize I had an unread Lynn Austin book in my TBR pile?!? How is that even possible! Eve's Daughter is another wonderful tale of family conflict and God's grace among his people. Austin is a wonderful story teller, that has an amazing ability to weave multiple stories into one amazing novel. Each woman's story was interesting and played a huge part in the overall plot of the novel. It's hard to pick a favorite character, as all the women were raw and interesting. I love reading Christian fiction that airs out a believers "dirty laundry", helping us all to relate and remember that no one is perfect. As always, Austin's books keep me thinking about them for weeks after reading them. Eve's Daughters is no exception!
August 5, 2020
This was my first book by Lynn Austin. I love the way she tells stories! At first, I was trying to figure out how all these stories would be connected but once Lynn put it all together, I fell in love with this book! Such a beautiful story about forgiveness and grace.
November 15, 2025
Normaal oordeel ik op de kaft maar als ik dat hier had gedaan had ik een vrij leuk boek niet gelezen.
Vanaf nu zal ik waarschijnlijk nog steeds op de kaft oordelen
Vanaf nu zal ik waarschijnlijk nog steeds op de kaft oordelen
July 25, 2014
I read this book for the first time 8 years ago in the tiny apartment I shared with my new husband. I remember sitting in our handed down blue wingback chair, tossing the book on the floor, and fairly suffocating with emotion. Without even realizing it, I just did the same thing after finishing it for the second time.
I remembered very little about this book other than the powerful emotions it aroused. I was surprised by how sad it was. I gave it a 5 star rating, but I'm not even sure I'd want to read it again soon because it's so heart-wrenching. Haha. How's that for a glowing endorsement?
I can't give it anything less than 5 stars, though. Lynn Austin continually impresses me with her stellar writing, gripping plot-lines, interesting historical research, and compelling character development. I never want to leave her characters. I hate finishing her books. And Eve's Daughters is the perfect representation of why. Read it. Cry with me. Rejoice in the incredible beauty of God's grace that Austin so artfully weaves into every aspect of this story. Don't let a little sadness stop you from enjoying the rest of this amazing story.
I remembered very little about this book other than the powerful emotions it aroused. I was surprised by how sad it was. I gave it a 5 star rating, but I'm not even sure I'd want to read it again soon because it's so heart-wrenching. Haha. How's that for a glowing endorsement?
I can't give it anything less than 5 stars, though. Lynn Austin continually impresses me with her stellar writing, gripping plot-lines, interesting historical research, and compelling character development. I never want to leave her characters. I hate finishing her books. And Eve's Daughters is the perfect representation of why. Read it. Cry with me. Rejoice in the incredible beauty of God's grace that Austin so artfully weaves into every aspect of this story. Don't let a little sadness stop you from enjoying the rest of this amazing story.
March 28, 2021
This is a beautifully written novel about four generations of women and how their individual choices directly impacted the next generations. I think the story is very relatable in that I think we have all felt, at times, as though we have suffered from mistakes made by the previous generation just like my children's generation will no doubt suffer from the mistakes made by my generation.
Despite the title of the book, I did not realize upon picking it up just how vital a role religion would play in the book, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was fascinating to see how faith impacted each character in different ways.
I loved the fact that the author divided the book into parts so that we got thorough backstories of each of the main characters.
My only complaint is that I didn't like that Jeff and Suzanne's story ended where it did. Don't get me wrong, I loved their last interaction, but I would have liked to had had at least one more interaction in which he made a decision.
Overall, I highly recommend this novel. I think this is the best book that I've read in awhile.
Despite the title of the book, I did not realize upon picking it up just how vital a role religion would play in the book, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was fascinating to see how faith impacted each character in different ways.
I loved the fact that the author divided the book into parts so that we got thorough backstories of each of the main characters.
My only complaint is that I didn't like that Jeff and Suzanne's story ended where it did. Don't get me wrong, I loved their last interaction, but I would have liked to had had at least one more interaction in which he made a decision.
Overall, I highly recommend this novel. I think this is the best book that I've read in awhile.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2016
I love a book like this! I couldn't put it down and read every chance I could - even staying up until 2am. It made me want to hug my husband. It made me cry a few times. This is the first I have read of this author and I will for sure try out some of her other novels. She seamlessly weaves the story of 4 women of 4 different generations and how their choices impact each other. I loved the mystery involved, even though I guessed it early on READ THIS BOOK.
September 14, 2013
Such an amazing story about four generations of women. I absolutely loved this book from the first to the last page. What I like so much about this story is the unpredictability in each aspect of each story told. This is definitely one of my favorites I've read by Lynn Austin.
February 10, 2024
This book was absolutely amazing!! It is really long, but every second of it was wonderful. I laughed, I cried. I loved the found family aspect of the story SO MUCH. I did not see the plot twist coming at all!
One of my favorites of the year so far!
One of my favorites of the year so far!
November 6, 2008
Grab a tissue...as the description says a compelling story of four generations. I haven't felt involved in a book in a long time and this did it.
May 22, 2020
Great read, but not as good as some others by Austin such as `Wonderland Creek' and `While We're Far Apart'.
The characters were powerful and very real but I found some of the dialogue stilted unlike other Lynn Austin novels.
It's a story of how one secret can affect the lives of generations of women.
This story sheds some light on the plight of Irish Catholic immigrants versus Protestant German immigrants during WWI & WWII.
Even if you guess the secret before the end when it is revealed you can't help but be moved.
Really good book with wonderful strong women.
The characters were powerful and very real but I found some of the dialogue stilted unlike other Lynn Austin novels.
It's a story of how one secret can affect the lives of generations of women.
This story sheds some light on the plight of Irish Catholic immigrants versus Protestant German immigrants during WWI & WWII.
Even if you guess the secret before the end when it is revealed you can't help but be moved.
Really good book with wonderful strong women.
January 10, 2024
This is the first book I've read of Lynn Austin's work! A gift from my daughter, because it became one of her favourite Familia sagas. I've always enjoyed stories that weave the past and present together, with hints of what the future may be. I purposely took my time reading this book because I didn't want it to end. Filled with all the emotions of what life can bring with joy, sorrow, and everything in between. Characters you can relate to and situations you find yourself recognizing in your own family's story. Also, faith-based, so it had that inspiration as well and brought about the ending that a reader always hopes for! Well done! A saga to read time and again ♡
June 17, 2024
This was a cute little book I read for book club. A historical fiction Christian genre I've never read before. I enjoyed the set up and the way it told each person's story. I found myself getting frustrated with the characters but had to remind myself this was not set in modern day for the most part.
May 29, 2022
"Sorrow and joy come and go as the ebb and flow." How true that life is full of blessings and sorrows! This was a beautiful story of three generations of women. The author portrayed very beautifully how time and history have changed the thinking and roles of our society, particularly in the lives and opportunities of women. Lynn Austin again, as she does in so many of her novels, stresses the importance of forgiving each other, as well as the beautiful forgiveness that we have from our Heavenly Father. The importance of sharing our life's journey with the next generation of those we love was beautifully characterized.
February 8, 2024
I enjoyed all of the stories told about the lives of each of the women. It was not my favorite Lynn Austin book, but it kept my interest and I felt all of the emotions-sad, frustrated, angry and some happiness throughout the telling.
July 26, 2017
The multiple time lines featured in the back stories of 4 generations of related women whose lives and choices all affect one another make for an incredibly well written book by Lynn Austin. From great granddaughter to great grandmother each makes decisions and hides secrets that affect the next generation. The question is one of what the Bible has to say: " I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected--even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me." Or can each of these women be forgiven and given grace.
This saga of the life stories of 4 generations of German women is well crafted with a strong gospel message and the powerful message of how wars can affect people and the choices they make. I was overwhelmed by how Austin showed what little control the women of the first three generations had over their lives basically being treated as chattel, servant, or brood mare. Even if they were educated, it made no difference. Being forced to reject who they felt they were meant to be, Louise and Grace filled the roles their husbands desired for them. Emma and Suzanne fought that stereotype but the results were that they lost their faith and were not truly happy. I loved the ending and how playing detective to solve Emma's mystery brought Emma, Grace and Suzanne to a place of self-forgiveness and a return to their faith.
Take this incredible journey with Lynn Austin. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "A heart that is deadened to pain is also deadened to love."
"Joy and sorrow come and go like the ebb and flow."
"My mother sacrificed her own happiness for my father and me. My grandparents made enormous sacrifices for each other. It's what poeple who love each other are supposed to do. If they don't...Each one is living only for himself, and neither one is willing to budge. Love requires us to give willingly for each other."
This saga of the life stories of 4 generations of German women is well crafted with a strong gospel message and the powerful message of how wars can affect people and the choices they make. I was overwhelmed by how Austin showed what little control the women of the first three generations had over their lives basically being treated as chattel, servant, or brood mare. Even if they were educated, it made no difference. Being forced to reject who they felt they were meant to be, Louise and Grace filled the roles their husbands desired for them. Emma and Suzanne fought that stereotype but the results were that they lost their faith and were not truly happy. I loved the ending and how playing detective to solve Emma's mystery brought Emma, Grace and Suzanne to a place of self-forgiveness and a return to their faith.
Take this incredible journey with Lynn Austin. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "A heart that is deadened to pain is also deadened to love."
"Joy and sorrow come and go like the ebb and flow."
"My mother sacrificed her own happiness for my father and me. My grandparents made enormous sacrifices for each other. It's what poeple who love each other are supposed to do. If they don't...Each one is living only for himself, and neither one is willing to budge. Love requires us to give willingly for each other."
March 19, 2010
I finished this book last night and was prepared to give it 3 stars. It was enjoyable. However, I laid in bed for a long time thinking about it, and my mind has been going back to it all morning, so I decided to give it 4.
This is an interesting story about 4 generations of women and how their choices have had an effect on each other. I really enjoy the way the stories are linked together - the background story that makes them all important. I also appreciate that the characters are all different. You get 4 completely different love stories in one novel, and the relationships are all unique.
I think the thing that interests me the most is seeing people from different points of view. For example, the first sub-story is about the relationship between Friedrich and Louis. You see Friedrich from his wife's point of view. Then, you hear their daughter Emma's story. Emma's view of her father is obviously very different than his wife's. That really struck me in the next generation. Grace's view of her husband as opposed to her daughter Suzanne's view of her father. See, now my mind is wandering back to the story and getting me thinking again ... maybe I should go back and change my rating to 5 stars. :)
It did feel a little 'preachy' to me, but maybe that is because it's the first time I've read a Protestant/Christian novel.
This is an interesting story about 4 generations of women and how their choices have had an effect on each other. I really enjoy the way the stories are linked together - the background story that makes them all important. I also appreciate that the characters are all different. You get 4 completely different love stories in one novel, and the relationships are all unique.
I think the thing that interests me the most is seeing people from different points of view. For example, the first sub-story is about the relationship between Friedrich and Louis. You see Friedrich from his wife's point of view. Then, you hear their daughter Emma's story. Emma's view of her father is obviously very different than his wife's. That really struck me in the next generation. Grace's view of her husband as opposed to her daughter Suzanne's view of her father. See, now my mind is wandering back to the story and getting me thinking again ... maybe I should go back and change my rating to 5 stars. :)
It did feel a little 'preachy' to me, but maybe that is because it's the first time I've read a Protestant/Christian novel.
December 14, 2020
3.5 stars Christian fiction
I almost really like this book but though I can’t exactly say why it’s an almost. It easily kept my attention and the overall storyline is well woven. She did an amazing job of showing the consequences and actions of the mothers affecting their daughters even to the 3rd and fourth generation. That’s a long thread to weave. I wanted to know what would happen in spite of guessing the biggest secret early in the book. Perhaps it was because it seemed a little forced or I didn’t always buy the actions/reactions between characters. Though I can recommend the read, it’s missing a little something. I note that most others rated it more highly than me.
I almost really like this book but though I can’t exactly say why it’s an almost. It easily kept my attention and the overall storyline is well woven. She did an amazing job of showing the consequences and actions of the mothers affecting their daughters even to the 3rd and fourth generation. That’s a long thread to weave. I wanted to know what would happen in spite of guessing the biggest secret early in the book. Perhaps it was because it seemed a little forced or I didn’t always buy the actions/reactions between characters. Though I can recommend the read, it’s missing a little something. I note that most others rated it more highly than me.
July 29, 2010
Eve's daughters is truly a many layered book. I was impacted by the history, the social context within which the characters lived. Austin is a master at conveying the social conventions of the time and avoids bringing in an overlay of today's differences. My take-away from this book is: We are flawed, fallen individuals who are seeking redemption. The four major female characters in this book certainly benefitted from this principle. Bravo! to Austin. I also read another of her books: A Woman's Place. Both books are excellent and left me with an appetite for more.
March 21, 2020
This book is a powerful reminder of how our decisions can impact and affect the lives of others. How important it is that we stop and think about the long term consequences of our decisions. This is a book that is more than just about relationships. It is designed to make us think before we do.
It is also a book that speaks of the wonderful grace of our God. He is always ready to forgive our sin and pick us up again.
Take some time to hear not just the story, but the message that Lynn Austin is trying to convey.
It is also a book that speaks of the wonderful grace of our God. He is always ready to forgive our sin and pick us up again.
Take some time to hear not just the story, but the message that Lynn Austin is trying to convey.
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