Eve's Daughters

Amazing story of God’s grace and forgiveness and the consequences of our choices. Even in that He gives beauty for ashes.

Like all of Lynn Austin's books, this was a page-turner. I loved this and couldn't put it down. This is the story of four generations of women. I won't give any spoilers, but it was an engaging and intriguing story, ranging from 1890's Germany to 1980's New York/Pennsylvania. It illustrates how one family member's sin affects everyone. There is grace and redemption...but oh, man, I cried my eyes out. I cried harder over this book than over any other work of fiction (including the tear-jerker parts in Little Women or Anne of Green Gables!). From lost love and lost opportunities, to the redemption and new life, I cried. Lynn Austin knows how to touch the soul! If it wasn't so beautiful and well-written, I'd have given it fewer stars for being so sad in so many parts. I will say that it ends on a happy note. My very favorite character was Patrick O'Duggan, followed closely by Jeff Pulaski, then Grace Bradford. The characters were all so lifelike and real, I felt like I knew them, and shared their hurts and joys. If I could have changed one thing about it, it would have been to add another chapter, or at least an epilogue. There are a few things that appear to be ending in a good way, but you're not 100% sure how it'll turn out, and I'd like to have had that finalized and made clear. If I could have changed MORE than one thing about this book, Patrick and Emma's story would have been vastly different! It's beautiful, but man! Enough said! Read this book!

Lynn Austin is an amazing writer. She is a master had historical fiction and not afraid to deal with difficult situations

Hoped for happier ending!

Great book!!! I couldn’t put this book down! The way Lynn Austin brings the characters to life is fascinating to me.

This saga of four generations of women in this German immigrant family is a stupendous and edifying work of Christian fiction by Lynn Austin.I am overwhelmed by her mastery of her craft, and her ability to share the gospel in this way! It captures the differing views and effects of war, the sacrifices required of individuals and their families. Also, we get a glimpse of the devastation of German families who were pawns of evil rulers and required to give their children to feed the wicked desires of evil men. As always when I read these type of stories that tell of a woman's lack of control of almost everything in her life -- except how she trusts God with her heart -- I am overwhelmed with gratefulness that I was born in the 20th century! We stand on the backs of strong women who persevered in faithfulness to their husbands, their families, and their God. Stories of their faith are a legacy and a foundation for us and always encourage me to trust God in a greater way. But, I love the individual stories of each woman, beginning with Louise, as she is torn from her beloved family in Germany when her husband refuses to fight. I suffered with her as she didn't think she could ever be happy or forgive her husband for taking her away. Until that terrible night when she has fight the storm to save her children's lives. I was so tempted to read ahead to see if all were spared! Emma's sweet song in the storm that gave them courage and a light of God's presence was so poignant I could weep now just remembering that section of the book. Emma's story, as the first American born child, carries the thread all the way through to the end and it is so compelling -- touches every other family member's life, as well as every other character's life, in her hometown and everywhere she lives. Ms. Austin parcels out the elements of the story as a grand multi-course meal! She feeds you an hearty entree, which may be painful to swallow, then cleanses your palate, gives you a short rest and then brings out another enticing dish in just the right pace all the way to the tense, yet, hopeful ending. As the mother of sons, I have to mention the blood sacrifice required of the men, many while still boys, to keep civilization civil. Heart wrenching for every grandfather, father, son, brother, uncle, friend and husband -- hard to imagine the hopeless feeling that they were not in control of their own lives -- as well as all the women who had to release them to fulfill their destiny. This is a work that encapsulates 100 years of history and makes you feel as if you lived each decade with this family! There were a few editing issues, that was a shame, but didn't keep the reader from following the story. Just a satisfying read!

This book had love, sadness, beauty, tears and acceptance all mixed in with faith and overcoming sin to portray a family’s life over 2 wars and many heartaches. I really loved it.

Wonderfull story baesd on human weakness and God’ forgiveness. Turning to human forgiveness and Father’s will be done! A must read as always by Lynn!

This book has been a delight to read. The last few chapters were read late into the night as I couldn't put it down. Stories of God's forgiveness and healing, His redemption and great love. Beautiful.

Read this book about two years ago and vaguely remembered it. But as I scanned the pages the pictures began to form like a puzzle. Then I remembered the sadness and the joy. I too was brought in strict church circles. Today I’m glad about it but back then no way.

This was my first time reading a book by Lynn Austin. I picked it for our book club and I really enjoyed it. It was an excellent story and very well written. I will certainly look out for more books by this author.

The generational storylines and history were beautifully woven into a story of grace. So very tempted to read it all over again, and I just put it down!

This book was a very enjoyable and gripping read. It arrived promptly and was in good condition. I recommend this author if you want to be sure of reading something wholesome.