The church librarian recommended this book to me because she knew my novel was on a similar topic, of a young unwed woman who finds herself pregnant. Although times have changed since the ’90s, some things have always been the same for women. 
Francine Rivers is an expert at bringing out all the factors around the situation in a way that captivates and draws the reader into the story. Her writing flows smoothly so this 375 page book doesn’t feel like a long read.
The young woman has a genuine faith in God. There are many voices all around her pushing her to make a decision she doesn’t feel right about. She is betrayed by those who she thought loved her the most. Will she go with their advice or bravely make her own decision? It looks like God has betrayed her too. How can she keep trusting in Him when He let this happen to her? Is her life ruined? Surely she would not be expected to bear this child under the circumstances, at least that is what everyone is telling her.
However, the pregnancy reveals the hypocrisy of those she thought she could count on. In an unexpected twist, she finally finds help from the least likely source.
The author exposes the motives of all the people and organizations in the young woman’s life. It brings up the issues that surround illegitimate pregnancy in the realm of Christianity as well as the unfairness between men and women. Thankfully, it seems to me that Christians are less judgmental than 20 years ago, but the book is definitely worth reading! Also, Christianity isn’t the only faith that grapples with these issues. People of other religions or even atheists and humanists could exlore the ways they think of illegitimate pregnancy too through reading this.
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