In honor of Respect Life Month, I will be reviewing a newly released Catholic, pro-life novel, For Eden’s Sake. Keep reading to find out more about this story, the author’s inspiration, and why civil rights activist Alveda King (yes – the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) has personally endorsed this book.
For Eden's Sake is a fast yet compelling read; touching every heart and mind with hope for what matters most; God’s redeeming love and grace. -Evangelist Alveda C. King, Civil Rights for the Unborn
Summary:
Barely out of college, Isaac trades the quiet of his family ranch for the excitement of the big city with his dream job at an up-and-coming advertising agency. Until his perfect new world is shattered by bad choices, a pretty girl, a moment's temptation — and a late night walk that quickly spirals out of control. Reeling with the horror of a mistake that can't be undone, Isaac struggles to get his soul in order. Can he forgive himself? Can he make things right with God? What about Rebecca? With both their lives desperately upended, and life-changing consequences no matter what they choose, Isaac must finally overcome the pain from his past and find the strength from God to do the right thing ... and somehow convince Rebecca to do the same.
Review:
Author TM Gauoette’s collection of faith-affirming Catholic teen novels has a new addition, For Eden’s Sake. I’m impressed with how unique and different all Gaouette’s books are, from her heart-warming middle-grade story, her exciting contemporary YA series, to this newly released powerful pro-life novel for older teens. After a night he desperately wishes he could change, college graduate Isaac finds himself fighting for the life of his unborn child. While the characters are a little older, I think this is a fantastic book with an important message for teens to read. When our teens leave the protection of our homes and move on to college and the working world, they will probably find themselves in situations where they will need to defend their values and beliefs. Sadly, out in the “real world,” the foundation we teach our kids at home is often questioned, ridiculed, and attacked. It takes a strong person to hold true to Christian values. I love the message that even when the decisions we make might throw our goals off track if we trust in God, we will get through any troubles. Even in the darkest of times, God has a plan for us. For Eden’s Sake is a powerful story about fighting for what is right, believing that God is with us even in the darkest of times, and trusting that He will get us through any situation. I recently asked the author about the inspiration for this story and the unique perspective from which it is told.For Eden’s Sake had been on the back burner for many years. As with my other books, it came to me as a scene. A young male protagonist begging for the life of his child in a coffee shop or restaurant. The girl he begs shows indifference, embarrassment, as their conversation generates a multitude of emotions from him. The story sat a long time, until recently when the abortion issues and state laws and political debates became so center stage, everyone started talking about it, and so I was reminded of my story’s existence. Or more likely its existence was pressed upon me by the Lord, and so I went back to work on it. We don’t often hear the guy’s side. He’s usually told he doesn’t get a say. But how does that make any sense when the man is 50% responsible for all pregnancies. And of course, if a woman chooses to have her child, she can make him pay for it, even if she doesn’t want him to be in the baby’s life. To assume that guys don’t care or shouldn’t care is to suggest they don’t have emotions or common sense. The debate is not a woman’s alone. And this pro-life story gives both sides of the story. But I also wanted this to be a teen story. I wanted to share the truth about life with a generation just setting out to begin theirs. At a time when relationships are a norm but really shouldn’t be. Because all intimate relationships should begin when both parties are ready to get serious and married, so that when life happens as a result of their marital intimacy, it’s okay. It’s the way God had intended. (T.M. Gaouette)
Visit our Book Notes archive.
Copyright 2019 Leslea Wahl
About the Author
.png?width=1806&height=731&name=CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png "CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)"){kind=logo}
Comments