- READERS’ FAVORITE, 1ST PLACE GOLD MEDAL
- GRACE AWARDS, 1ST PLACE
- WOMEN OF FAITH WRITING CONTEST, 2ND PLACE
- BOOK CLUB NETWORK, 1ST PLACE BOOK OF THE MONTH
- INDIEFAB FINALIST, RELIGIOUS FICTION
I don’t rave about books very often, but this one blew me away. I’ve familiarized myself with some of the inhumane activities going on in North Korea under the current Kim dynasty. It’s gut-wrenching. Nauseating. I almost can’t believe these Nazi-like atrocities are going on in the 21st century, but then again, I’ve been shocked by recent events in the Middle East. Obviously, people still have the flaws of power, greed, lust, and violence. Dictators seem to have them in abundance.
Let me warn you now. The Beloved Daughter is highly disturbing and appropriate only for a mature audience of high school age or older. From everything I’ve read, this fictional account is extremely accurate and takes no pains to soften the truth of what’s really going on behind North Korea’s closed borders. Chung-Cha is abused in every way. But this isn’t a dark, morbid read. It’s a celebration of life and love and of the human spirit. It’s also a hard look at why God lets such atrocities go unaccounted for.
The Beloved Daughter is written from a Christian perspective. The atheistic communist government allows for the worship of only one god, the “Beloved Leader” (emperor). Anyone who runs amuck of the ruling dynasty finds themselves dead or imprisoned, and Christians are among the most hunted subgroups. But the book is not at all preachy. It’s brutally honest. After giving the most horrific examples of evil, it cries out, “How can a God of love permit this to happen?” The answers are as hard and muddied and honest as the question.
This is a phenomenal read. It’s won numerous awards. And I’m proud to say it’s independently published. Put it on your must read list. Ages 14+
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Excellent review! This book really grabbed my attention and I want to read it! I didn’t know this was/is happening in North Korea! History repeating itself. So sad.
Read Ella Wood while in Scottsdale last week. Picked up on things I missed last time I read it. See that Blood Moon is available now in paperback. Will order it. Can’t wait to continue Emily’s compelling story. Have one other novel to read before I can start it. Happy sales.
This one is well worth your time, Pat. And reasonably priced. It really did blow me away. This stuff has been ongoing since the 50’s, three generations of this dynasty, all horrible men.
Glad you enjoyed Ella Wood again. Holler if you want me to order Blood Moon for you. It will save you four bucks on the price. I’ve been so busy I forgot to contact you. Just got back from Cedar Point with the kids an hour ago. Summer fun!
I didn’t see The Beloved Daughter on B&N. Need to check Amazon. Meant to tell you how much I like how you reworked the ending on Ella Wood. It gave the sense of hope for Lizzie and Ketch and the horror of Charleston burning. I want Blood Moon, so will order on Amazon. I don’t pay shipping and that saves me.