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Reclaiming Lily
An unforgettable drama of two women conquering mistrust in a race against the clock to save a young woman's life.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2011
68 people are currently reading
928 people want to read
About the author
Patti Lacy
8 books57 followersPatti Lacy, a Baylor University graduate, taught community college humanities until God called her to span seas and secrets in her Kregel-published novels, An Irishwoman’s Tale and What the Bayou Saw.
2011 brings two new Patti Lacy novels to bookstore shelves. The Rhythm of Secrets will release with Kregel in January; Bethany House will publish Reclaiming Lily in October.
Patti has two grown children and a dog named Laura. She and her husband can be seen jog-walking the streets of Normal, an amazing place to live for a woman born in a car. Visit Patti’s website at www.pattilacy.com, her blog at www.pattilacy.com/blog, and her Facebook daily Artbites.
I love to hear from readers, manna for a writer's hungry soul!
2011 brings two new Patti Lacy novels to bookstore shelves. The Rhythm of Secrets will release with Kregel in January; Bethany House will publish Reclaiming Lily in October.
Patti has two grown children and a dog named Laura. She and her husband can be seen jog-walking the streets of Normal, an amazing place to live for a woman born in a car. Visit Patti’s website at www.pattilacy.com, her blog at www.pattilacy.com/blog, and her Facebook daily Artbites.
I love to hear from readers, manna for a writer's hungry soul!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
March 11, 2014
What a gem of a book. The story of Kai's journey to reunite with her sister who was adopted from a Chinese orphanage to a family in America is in a word- precious. If you like characters with depth and a story that warms your heart. This is a story for you. The passion that Patti writes with is inspiring. There is no denying that God is the center of that passion. This story is a telling of not only a physical transformation in the form of a miracle only God could provide, but it is very much a story of spiritual transformation. I highly recommend this read to anyone. There is something in it for all.
November 28, 2011
Wow, wow, wow! This book is an awesome book about the joy of adoption for one family, yet how another family is left wondering and hoping to be reunited one day. I really appreciate that the story line is about an older child, as many times older children in orphanages are "unwanted". Gloria knew the moment she was told that there were no infants available and upon seeing Lily that God was directing her that Lily was meant to be a part of their family. As Lily grows into her teens, she becomes rebellious and has struggles. Her older sister, Kai, locates her to let her know about a potentially fatal genetic disease that Lily is at risk for. Kai and Gloria are both trying to help Lily with her struggles and try to help Lily try to make through the rough years. Lily is the one who finally has to make the decisions for herself.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The bringing together of 2 cultures and 2 families from across the globe is very fascinating. The heartaches and joys of this book, have you grabbing for that box of tissue. Adoption is a topic very near and dear to my heart. I am a Birth Mom(21 years on October 21st) and I know it is a joy to make a great sacrifice, but there is always that space in your heart longing for a reunion one day. I was very emotional reading this book, but most of it emotions of joy and comfort! THANK YOU Patti Lacy for writing such a great novel on Adoption. The story felt soo real even though it is a fiction book! Patti Lacy is a 'new to me" author, but I am going to be reading her other books as soon as possible. EXCELLENT Book and I highly recommend it for everyone!
I really enjoyed reading this book. The bringing together of 2 cultures and 2 families from across the globe is very fascinating. The heartaches and joys of this book, have you grabbing for that box of tissue. Adoption is a topic very near and dear to my heart. I am a Birth Mom(21 years on October 21st) and I know it is a joy to make a great sacrifice, but there is always that space in your heart longing for a reunion one day. I was very emotional reading this book, but most of it emotions of joy and comfort! THANK YOU Patti Lacy for writing such a great novel on Adoption. The story felt soo real even though it is a fiction book! Patti Lacy is a 'new to me" author, but I am going to be reading her other books as soon as possible. EXCELLENT Book and I highly recommend it for everyone!
October 14, 2011
When I heard what this story was about (a little girl adopted from China) I knew I had to read the story. One of my dreams is to adopt a little girl from China someday should the Lord provide a way. But before I can go myself, I wanted to be taken there through the pages of this story.
I was there. I was taken from China back to America and through the gauntlet of emotion this family went through. The emotions are so entwined and complex! I was pulled from the struggles of being parents to a rebelling teen, prejudice, worry, fear, reconciliation, sickness…You get the picture.
Overall there is a great deal going on in the story, but at the same time it keeps the story moving forward and doesn’t become overwhelming.
I will say the ending held a bit of a surprise for me. Not what I expected, more of one of those “oh yeah, I can see that coming, now” moments.
Sometimes the story can become a bit lost in all the words, but once I got past the first bit, the story really took off.
I wished a few more dynamics had been brought in about Gloria’s family history and the relationship with Kia and her boyfriend, but word count only allows for so much – and the story I got as the reader is moving.
All in all, “Reclaiming Lily” is a great contemporary novel, one whose story will “stick with me”.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review through CFBA.
I was there. I was taken from China back to America and through the gauntlet of emotion this family went through. The emotions are so entwined and complex! I was pulled from the struggles of being parents to a rebelling teen, prejudice, worry, fear, reconciliation, sickness…You get the picture.
Overall there is a great deal going on in the story, but at the same time it keeps the story moving forward and doesn’t become overwhelming.
I will say the ending held a bit of a surprise for me. Not what I expected, more of one of those “oh yeah, I can see that coming, now” moments.
Sometimes the story can become a bit lost in all the words, but once I got past the first bit, the story really took off.
I wished a few more dynamics had been brought in about Gloria’s family history and the relationship with Kia and her boyfriend, but word count only allows for so much – and the story I got as the reader is moving.
All in all, “Reclaiming Lily” is a great contemporary novel, one whose story will “stick with me”.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review through CFBA.
November 5, 2011
Two worlds literally collide in this story. Adoptive parents, Rev. Andrew and Gloria Powell have their world turned upside down when out of nowhere a physician contacts them about their daughter, Joy. Dr. Kai Chang, has information about a rare inherited disorder, PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) that may be affecting their seventeen year old adopted daughter Joy, who was known as Lily in China.
And if that revelation isn’t enough, Joy also happens to be Dr. Chang’s birth sister. With a vested interest in Joy’s well-being, Dr. Chang is also determined to keep her promise to her mother to find and “reclaim Lily”. An emotional tug of war ensues over this young woman who is loved by so many.
This book was intense and informative but a little hard for me to get into. At times the story flipped from the present to the past and I found myself having a difficult time following it. There were so many layers to peel back that it felt a bit chaotic at times, but this book is getting great reviews from other readers who obviously found their connection to the story.
And if that revelation isn’t enough, Joy also happens to be Dr. Chang’s birth sister. With a vested interest in Joy’s well-being, Dr. Chang is also determined to keep her promise to her mother to find and “reclaim Lily”. An emotional tug of war ensues over this young woman who is loved by so many.
This book was intense and informative but a little hard for me to get into. At times the story flipped from the present to the past and I found myself having a difficult time following it. There were so many layers to peel back that it felt a bit chaotic at times, but this book is getting great reviews from other readers who obviously found their connection to the story.
July 28, 2018
This has sat on my shelf for a long time. This book is Contemporary/Christian Fiction. It is about a US family who adopted a little girl from China. I liked the overall story. It kept me engaged. It was a little on the glossy side about so many things, (culture, adjustments, parenting, teens woes, etc.,) but it had a nice even pace.
But there were a few snags. The characters were a bit annoying. For the parents, they were a little wishy-washy....it felt like they were in a constant "Oh no...what should we do?" world. It felt like they should have been the anchors of the story, but they weren't. The girl was a brat and miraculously does a 180 in the book. And the biological sister, who hunted down her Americanized sister, turns out to be the solid anchor, but she also goes through a BIG change. However, she stood strong in the face of adversity....someone had to do it. As with most books in this genre, everything tends to be so neat and tidy.....this one isn't any different. This was 2.5 stars for me, but I rounded up. So 3 stars.
But there were a few snags. The characters were a bit annoying. For the parents, they were a little wishy-washy....it felt like they were in a constant "Oh no...what should we do?" world. It felt like they should have been the anchors of the story, but they weren't. The girl was a brat and miraculously does a 180 in the book. And the biological sister, who hunted down her Americanized sister, turns out to be the solid anchor, but she also goes through a BIG change. However, she stood strong in the face of adversity....someone had to do it. As with most books in this genre, everything tends to be so neat and tidy.....this one isn't any different. This was 2.5 stars for me, but I rounded up. So 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2017
A storm the size of Texas brews when Gloria Powell and Kai Chang meet in a Dallas hotel. They have come to discuss the future of Lily, the daughter Gloria adopted from China and the sister Kai hopes to reclaim. Kai is a doctor who had to give up her little sister during the Cultural Revolution and has since discovered that an inherited genetic defect may be waiting to fatally strike Lily. Gloria's relationship with her daughter is tattered and strained, and the arrival of Kai, despite the woman's apparent good intentions, makes Gloria fearful. Gloria longs to restore her relationship with Lily, but in the wake of this potentially devastating diagnosis, is Kai an answer to prayer...or will her arrival force Gloria to sacrifice more than she ever imagined?
This new-to-me author painted a poignant story of the tragedy of Chinese adoptions during the Cultural Revolution and how it affected the family, the child, and those left behind who felt they had no choice but to give up a child (especially girls) in order for that child to have a chance at life. The characters were rich and filled with the joys and heartbreaks of life. Her storyline hooked me from the start to the finish. I particularly liked Kai's flashbacks to life in China and what had happened to her family of intellectuals during the Cultural Revolution. Lacy's faith thread for those whose faith was strong and those who were searching was portrayed beautifully. Kai's search for God was so well written as a person who came from an entirely different culture and faith background and who was seeking so hard to find the connection to God through Jesus Christ. The growing and changing relationships between the 4 main characters - Lily/Joy, Gloria, Andrew, and Kai - brought the book together perfectly. This one definitely made my 2017 Favorites list.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Sorrow straddled racial divides and trespassed the house of the rich, the poor, and everything in between. The Captialist, the Communist, and everything in between."
"Prayer is talking to the One who created heaven and earth. The One who, through mercy and grace, saves those who believe in Him."
"As to reconciling science and faith, I leave that to Him. Who can fathom His complexities? Yet I trust Him with them...and with my life.
"...don't let questions blind you to God's goodness and mercy. New with every patient who walks in here. New with every experimental drug. New with discoveries on horizons we never imagined."
This new-to-me author painted a poignant story of the tragedy of Chinese adoptions during the Cultural Revolution and how it affected the family, the child, and those left behind who felt they had no choice but to give up a child (especially girls) in order for that child to have a chance at life. The characters were rich and filled with the joys and heartbreaks of life. Her storyline hooked me from the start to the finish. I particularly liked Kai's flashbacks to life in China and what had happened to her family of intellectuals during the Cultural Revolution. Lacy's faith thread for those whose faith was strong and those who were searching was portrayed beautifully. Kai's search for God was so well written as a person who came from an entirely different culture and faith background and who was seeking so hard to find the connection to God through Jesus Christ. The growing and changing relationships between the 4 main characters - Lily/Joy, Gloria, Andrew, and Kai - brought the book together perfectly. This one definitely made my 2017 Favorites list.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Sorrow straddled racial divides and trespassed the house of the rich, the poor, and everything in between. The Captialist, the Communist, and everything in between."
"Prayer is talking to the One who created heaven and earth. The One who, through mercy and grace, saves those who believe in Him."
"As to reconciling science and faith, I leave that to Him. Who can fathom His complexities? Yet I trust Him with them...and with my life.
"...don't let questions blind you to God's goodness and mercy. New with every patient who walks in here. New with every experimental drug. New with discoveries on horizons we never imagined."
May 27, 2020
Plot: 7 years ago, Reverend and Mrs Andrew Powell adopted 10 year old Joy from China. Recently, their relationship with her has gone sour after the church arson affected her self esteem and caused to become a juvenile delinquent. Now, she’s been arrested for shoplifting a pair of lingerie! And to top it all off, a uppity, unbelieving kidney doctor from Boston, named Miss Kai Chang, shows up, claiming that Joy has PKD and is her biological sister. Will Gloria let her into Joys chaotic life? Is Joy really dying with PKD? Will Gloria ever have a baby of her own or adopt? Will Kai become a Christian? Will she be a good influence on Joy?
Rating: 5 stars
Warning: some frank details about suicide, sexual activity, childbirth, abortion, and life in communist China
Recommend: for older readers
What I loved: this is the most amazing novel on adoptive family issues and China that I’ve read!
What I disliked: Kai dates a Christian when she’s not a Christian herself. I was like to the guy, “ why you dating her? You know that’s unbiblical?” {yes, I talk out loud to book characters 🤣👌)
Read: 2x; (1)8/12-17/18 & (2)5/23-26/20
Rating: 5 stars
Warning: some frank details about suicide, sexual activity, childbirth, abortion, and life in communist China
Recommend: for older readers
What I loved: this is the most amazing novel on adoptive family issues and China that I’ve read!
What I disliked: Kai dates a Christian when she’s not a Christian herself. I was like to the guy, “ why you dating her? You know that’s unbiblical?” {yes, I talk out loud to book characters 🤣👌)
Read: 2x; (1)8/12-17/18 & (2)5/23-26/20
January 3, 2012
Patti Lacy wrote a powerful story about two cultures and two women who collide over their love for one special girl. Lily, a young girl in a Chinese Orphanage is adopted and relocated to the Long Horn State in the U.S.A. She is renamed Joy and expected to live the life of an American girl.
Gloria, Joy's adoptive mother, struggles with a deep fear that she will lose Joy, so she holds on to her with an iron grip. Too tight - to the point of pushing her away.
Many years after her adoption Joy is tracked down by her adoring sister, Kai who has spent her life on the mission to reclaim Lily into her Chinese family. Kai brings a sense of family Joy has been missing. She also brings bad news of a genetic disease, PKD, that has attacked the Chinese Chang family and fears it may be poised to take Joy as well.
This story is moving and deep as it follows the roller coaster ride of international adoption, diverse cultures, teenage angst and rebellion, and life changing illnesses. Patti Lacy has also pulled back the veil of the Chinese Cultural Revolution in this story of healing and restoration. The story line is definitely worth the read.
As a reader I struggled with the lay out of the story. The backstory, flashbacks and switching view points made the beginning half of the story difficult to follow and frustrating to continue on. The two main characters, both women, were not easy to relate to from my perspective. However, by the middle of the story I was engaged and invested in the characters plights. There were elements of the story that I struggled to see the connection to the plot. This slowed down the flow of the book. The ending/epilogue felt a little rushed and disconnected but by the wrap up of the story I was able to see what Lacy was trying to show.
The aspects of the story I enjoyed were redeeming. The transitions in the characters was realistic and understandable. The faith issue was handles well without cliché or contrived 'Christianese'. A strong voice for Kai helped the cultural differences to stand center stage at all times. I felt the character of Kai was the most interesting and compelling. Kai's story became more of the focus of the plot than Joy. The research Lacy must have done for the story was extensive, but her accounts showed a confidence and power. There were many emotive experiences she needed to draw from. Well done.
My recommendation for Reclaiming Lily is to readers who are looking for a deep story, written with poetic prose and rich historical basis. The story will touch your heart and leave you encouraged.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
Gloria, Joy's adoptive mother, struggles with a deep fear that she will lose Joy, so she holds on to her with an iron grip. Too tight - to the point of pushing her away.
Many years after her adoption Joy is tracked down by her adoring sister, Kai who has spent her life on the mission to reclaim Lily into her Chinese family. Kai brings a sense of family Joy has been missing. She also brings bad news of a genetic disease, PKD, that has attacked the Chinese Chang family and fears it may be poised to take Joy as well.
This story is moving and deep as it follows the roller coaster ride of international adoption, diverse cultures, teenage angst and rebellion, and life changing illnesses. Patti Lacy has also pulled back the veil of the Chinese Cultural Revolution in this story of healing and restoration. The story line is definitely worth the read.
As a reader I struggled with the lay out of the story. The backstory, flashbacks and switching view points made the beginning half of the story difficult to follow and frustrating to continue on. The two main characters, both women, were not easy to relate to from my perspective. However, by the middle of the story I was engaged and invested in the characters plights. There were elements of the story that I struggled to see the connection to the plot. This slowed down the flow of the book. The ending/epilogue felt a little rushed and disconnected but by the wrap up of the story I was able to see what Lacy was trying to show.
The aspects of the story I enjoyed were redeeming. The transitions in the characters was realistic and understandable. The faith issue was handles well without cliché or contrived 'Christianese'. A strong voice for Kai helped the cultural differences to stand center stage at all times. I felt the character of Kai was the most interesting and compelling. Kai's story became more of the focus of the plot than Joy. The research Lacy must have done for the story was extensive, but her accounts showed a confidence and power. There were many emotive experiences she needed to draw from. Well done.
My recommendation for Reclaiming Lily is to readers who are looking for a deep story, written with poetic prose and rich historical basis. The story will touch your heart and leave you encouraged.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
October 17, 2011
First posted on my blog, Legacy of a Writer.
Patti Lacy first grabbed my attention with her previous release, The Rhythms of Secrets. (Which you can read my review HERE). It wasn't just her real-life characters and amazing story plot, but also her writing style that captured me from the very beginning. And she has done it again in Reclaiming Lily. Once again, I am swept off my feet in an amazing, believable tale of heartache, loss, family, and sacrificial love.
Like a painter wielding a brush, Patti Lacy uses the powers of her words to capture her readers attention and convey the overwhelming emotions that these characters -- Gloria and Kai -- are going through and experiencing. What an amazing, awe-inspiring, and realistic tale!
I admit that Reclaiming Lily isn't the genre I normally read, but I make exceptions for this author. When I pick up a book by her, I know I'm going to be taken on an emotional journey that I will remember for years to come. Like in her other book, The Rhythms of Secrets, Patti tells a story that has a history woven together into the present lives of Gloria and Kai. I love how the reader gets to revisit Kai's painful past as she is trying to push forward with her future and meet up with her long-lost sister. Truly, a powerful story!
There are one or two places where a teenager uses God's name in vain. There's also an instance where a parent thinks her teenager has slept around, but when she asks her straight out, the teenager assures her she has not. The issues that are dealt with in this book would probably not make it a good read for a young teenager, but older ones and adults will find this book an inspiring and eye-opening read.
All in all, I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. Each word that Patti uses conveys so much strength and emotion, the reader cannot help but be immersed into the character's lives. Centered around a young girl adopted from China, this book spans countries and years as two women struggle to do what's best for the child they love. Truly, a heartwarming read that will capture your attention.
Patti Lacy first grabbed my attention with her previous release, The Rhythms of Secrets. (Which you can read my review HERE). It wasn't just her real-life characters and amazing story plot, but also her writing style that captured me from the very beginning. And she has done it again in Reclaiming Lily. Once again, I am swept off my feet in an amazing, believable tale of heartache, loss, family, and sacrificial love.
Like a painter wielding a brush, Patti Lacy uses the powers of her words to capture her readers attention and convey the overwhelming emotions that these characters -- Gloria and Kai -- are going through and experiencing. What an amazing, awe-inspiring, and realistic tale!
I admit that Reclaiming Lily isn't the genre I normally read, but I make exceptions for this author. When I pick up a book by her, I know I'm going to be taken on an emotional journey that I will remember for years to come. Like in her other book, The Rhythms of Secrets, Patti tells a story that has a history woven together into the present lives of Gloria and Kai. I love how the reader gets to revisit Kai's painful past as she is trying to push forward with her future and meet up with her long-lost sister. Truly, a powerful story!
There are one or two places where a teenager uses God's name in vain. There's also an instance where a parent thinks her teenager has slept around, but when she asks her straight out, the teenager assures her she has not. The issues that are dealt with in this book would probably not make it a good read for a young teenager, but older ones and adults will find this book an inspiring and eye-opening read.
All in all, I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. Each word that Patti uses conveys so much strength and emotion, the reader cannot help but be immersed into the character's lives. Centered around a young girl adopted from China, this book spans countries and years as two women struggle to do what's best for the child they love. Truly, a heartwarming read that will capture your attention.
December 23, 2011
Reclaiming Lily left me spellbound. The rich writing of Ms. Lacy beckons, and draws one into the story and emotions of the characters. I was surprised at how immersed I became in the story, I couldn't believe how fast the time flew by!
Miles deep emotionally, done in such a way that is un-put-down-able, and page-turning. This book was a beautiful masterpiece, painful, yet inspiring, with a beautiful message of hope, perseverance, and faith.
I really liked how Ms. Lacy used two characters, Kai and Gloria, who couldn't be more different from each other to tell the story. I was amazed at how well done the character of Kai was. She was outwardly calm and in control, but on the inside she was confused, hurting, and in need of something more in her life. There was so much attention to detail in the way that Ms. Lacy integrated the Chinese culture and the American lifestyle into to Kai, I loved just how much detail was paid to that, I would have read this book just for how well developed Kai was :)
Lily/Joy is the fourth daughter of a struggling Chinese family during the counterrevolution of China. After leaving her youngest sister on the doorstep of an orphanage, Kai is determined to succeed in school and become a doctor as a way to help her family and get out of China's crushing system. Lily gets adopted by a pastor and his wife who rename her Joy. Joy grows up to be a trouble teen, but one tornado might just be the beginning of a life-changing journey.
Reclaiming Lily is a book that will inspire and entertain. Emotionally deep, with characters who will tug at your heart strings. Ms. Lacy has written a beautiful story that will capture your hearts and you will be loath to see this story end. This is a book that you will not regret picking up!
Final Rating 5.3 out of 5
Thanks to Bethany House Publishers who provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Miles deep emotionally, done in such a way that is un-put-down-able, and page-turning. This book was a beautiful masterpiece, painful, yet inspiring, with a beautiful message of hope, perseverance, and faith.
I really liked how Ms. Lacy used two characters, Kai and Gloria, who couldn't be more different from each other to tell the story. I was amazed at how well done the character of Kai was. She was outwardly calm and in control, but on the inside she was confused, hurting, and in need of something more in her life. There was so much attention to detail in the way that Ms. Lacy integrated the Chinese culture and the American lifestyle into to Kai, I loved just how much detail was paid to that, I would have read this book just for how well developed Kai was :)
Lily/Joy is the fourth daughter of a struggling Chinese family during the counterrevolution of China. After leaving her youngest sister on the doorstep of an orphanage, Kai is determined to succeed in school and become a doctor as a way to help her family and get out of China's crushing system. Lily gets adopted by a pastor and his wife who rename her Joy. Joy grows up to be a trouble teen, but one tornado might just be the beginning of a life-changing journey.
Reclaiming Lily is a book that will inspire and entertain. Emotionally deep, with characters who will tug at your heart strings. Ms. Lacy has written a beautiful story that will capture your hearts and you will be loath to see this story end. This is a book that you will not regret picking up!
Final Rating 5.3 out of 5
Thanks to Bethany House Publishers who provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2011
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a sibling but not be able to see them? What if you found out that they could be dying? What would you do to save them? On the other hand, what if you were an adoptive parent and someone claimed your child might have a rare disease, how would you react? In the new book, "Reclaiming Lily," those questions are posed and answered.
Kai Chang and Gloria Powell are two women fighting for one girl - Lily. Kai left China to find her sister, not only because of love or a promise, but also because of the rare disease she might have. Gloria has her heart wrapped around her rebellious teenage daughter and the thought that Kai might take her away is excruciatingly painful. As the story unfolds, Kai and Gloria must figure out how to work together to save Lily and to have a relationship with her. This powerful story deals with love, loss, adoption, clashing cultures, and faith.
I loved this book. The story was vivid and at times painful. The clash of cultures was sobering. I highly recommend this book to both individual readers and groups. There is so much to discuss here. I received my free review copy of this book from Litfuse and thank them for the opportunity!
Kai Chang and Gloria Powell are two women fighting for one girl - Lily. Kai left China to find her sister, not only because of love or a promise, but also because of the rare disease she might have. Gloria has her heart wrapped around her rebellious teenage daughter and the thought that Kai might take her away is excruciatingly painful. As the story unfolds, Kai and Gloria must figure out how to work together to save Lily and to have a relationship with her. This powerful story deals with love, loss, adoption, clashing cultures, and faith.
I loved this book. The story was vivid and at times painful. The clash of cultures was sobering. I highly recommend this book to both individual readers and groups. There is so much to discuss here. I received my free review copy of this book from Litfuse and thank them for the opportunity!
October 14, 2011
Years ago a Chinese family had to give up their baby to an orphanage with every intent of reclaiming her once they could take care of her. When that day came it was one day too late and she was being adopted by an American family. 7 years later her sister, Kai, is seeking out Lily's American family to give them the news that their mother had a hereditary disease that Lily could be carrying. She finds the perfect little American family isn't so perfect and maybe just maybe they need her after all.
There are many points in the story where Lily is connecting with Kai and in turn she develops a better relationship with her American parents as well. There is a turning point in the story when we find that Kai can't be the saviour she was hoping to be but someone else can.
This book was intriguing and even though it was not a mystery I loved the twists and turns along the way. Patti Lacy has penned an incredible story that again reminds me that while women's fiction is not my favorite genre, when she writes it she crafts incredible stories that make them favorites on my bookshelves!
There are many points in the story where Lily is connecting with Kai and in turn she develops a better relationship with her American parents as well. There is a turning point in the story when we find that Kai can't be the saviour she was hoping to be but someone else can.
This book was intriguing and even though it was not a mystery I loved the twists and turns along the way. Patti Lacy has penned an incredible story that again reminds me that while women's fiction is not my favorite genre, when she writes it she crafts incredible stories that make them favorites on my bookshelves!
July 19, 2015
First, I very much empathized with the adoptive mom's qualms about letting this unknown woman into her child's life. However, I felt the representation of the child's turn from rebellion to redemption was a bit simplistic. Second, the salvation experience of a major character was absolutely unrealistic for me. It goes against what many main-stream Bible believing Christians accept, and completely removed the responsibility of the character to respond to God's grace. Fortunately, it came late enough in the story that I was already wrapped up and had to finish it. Otherwise, it would have been enough to cause me to put the book down without finishing.... something I am loathe to do!
January 19, 2015
I loved reading this book! It both touched home and my heart.
November 8, 2019
I have had "Reclaiming Lily" on my To-Read list since July, 2015, and now I'm wishing I'd read it earlier.
This is a sweeping panorama that takes the reader from an orphanage in a peasant village in China, to a juvenile detention center in Fort Worth, Texas, to a renal hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and ultimately back to the same Chinese orphanage. Along the way, there are several love stories: the love of an older sister for her youngest sister, the love of adopted parents for their rebellious teenage daughter, the love of a man for a woman, the love of God for them all. I will not soon forget this multi-faceted story. Thank you, Ms. Lacy!
This is a sweeping panorama that takes the reader from an orphanage in a peasant village in China, to a juvenile detention center in Fort Worth, Texas, to a renal hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and ultimately back to the same Chinese orphanage. Along the way, there are several love stories: the love of an older sister for her youngest sister, the love of adopted parents for their rebellious teenage daughter, the love of a man for a woman, the love of God for them all. I will not soon forget this multi-faceted story. Thank you, Ms. Lacy!
May 17, 2020
It took me a while to get into this story, but then I was hooked. The Christianity part bothered me a bit -- I'm a Christian and a firm believer, but I don't see the need to convert the world which this book seemed to insinuate was necessary. And the "healing hand" was a bit over the top and never fully explained. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book overall.
December 18, 2024
Reclaiming Lily was the last fiction book Patti Lacy wrote before announcing she would shift her focus to nonfiction. While I understood her choice, I was crushed to find out there would be no more of her deft, complex, subtly faithful books. That said, Reclaiming Lily ended Patti's fiction run on a great note. Nothing will ever beat An Irishwoman's Tale, as I know now after rereading her books, but Reclaiming Lily ranks right up there.
Once again, what keeps drawing me back to stories like this is how Patti takes a familiar premise and turns it on its head. With Reclaiming Lily, it looks like readers will get the story of two Chinese sisters separated by the Cultural Revolution. That alone would've been enough to get me to read or reread the book; I love sisterhood stories and tales of other countries, particularly those involving history and characters who went against the grain or stood up against cruelty. But Kai and Lily's story hides a lot of layers underneath the expected premise, from the nature of their sisterhood and what brings them together to an unexpected, very much invested third party.
That third party, Gloria Powell, threw me for a loop in the best way. At first, she annoyed the heck out of me. She seemed like a stereotypical blonde, big-haired, Texas Baptist who had no clue about anyone outside her own world. I remember thinking, "Good Lord, no wonder Lily rebels against this woman!" Gloria also made me squirm, as in, "I have tried so hard to be the antithesis of this, but I'm human, so I'm sure I've been somebody's Gloria."
Yet, given time, I warmed up to Gloria, if not completely. Meaning, she didn't get my complete empathy or sympathy, but I rooted for her, Kai, and Lily to form some kind of amicable circle, if not a family. Watching them try to do that, weaving Lily's past and present, her fractured understanding of Christianity and Kai's clinical agnosticism, "linear" Western thinking and "circular" Eastern thinking, kept my pages flying. I remember on my first read-through as a naive grad student, having a definite idea of which views were "right" and who needed to "come around." But by the end, I had seen the points and value in all three women and was more focused on, "What is the best way for these women to ensure everyone comes out of this whole?"
Patti doesn't answer that question, at least not if you're looking for a neat, pretty bow of a story. What she does, is challenge a lot of assumptions and long-held hurts, without being direct or preachy. For instance, when Lily opens up about what being Asian in an American Christian environment has meant for her and done to her, neither Gloria nor Kai jump to defend or comfort her right away (though I had hoped they would). But the knowledge of that experience does drive the story forward, and it does inform what and who are, or are not, allowed to influence what happens afterward.
Finally, I want to give Patti kudos for how she does, or does not, handle PKU in Reclaiming Lily. That is, yes, there is a definite sense of urgency there, and yes, PKU fits into the plot because of that. But Patti doesn't use PKU as a device or way to manipulate. It doesn't drop in and out of the story whenever it's convenient. Rather, PKU stays in the background. It informs the story when necessary, but it's rarely in the direct spotlight. Rather, Reclaiming Lily focuses on Kai, Lily, and Gloria reclaiming what they can, of who they should have been, had the tragedies of revolution and disease not swept in. Since they can't do that completely, they also "reclaim" who they will become once they've faced their personal demons. Yes, this involves acknowledging, time may be very short. But more than that, it involves choosing what each woman will take with her when any kind of separation must happen.
Reclaiming Lily does have a couple weak spots. As noted, Gloria does read stereotypical at first. For that matter, so do Kai and Lily, the former as cold and inscrutable, the latter as a typical rebellious teen. In Kai and Lily's cases, it's forgivable given their situations, but with Lily in particular, I remember thinking, "Can we please have one teenage character, regardless of circumstance, who has not spent half her years since age 13 in detention?" That may well be a nitpick, but there you have it.
On a less personal note, I remember enjoying Reclaiming Lily as is, but wanting to see much more of China as a country, and a bit more of the Cultural Revolution. I didn't need much more of the latter; growing up in an orphanage would provide enough justification for a story like Lily's on its own. But Kai, on the other hand, is much older and would have had more complex thoughts and feelings about what her nation experienced. I kind of wanted to see these and see how they impacted her views of the U.S. and Americans.
Those notes aside though, Reclaiming Lily earned a reread and a place on my keeper shelf. It's another of my "book club picks," and like any Patti Lacy book, can be read in sequence with her others or as a standalone. However you choose to read it, I'd say grab a copy if you haven't already and claim a spot among Patti's fans.
Once again, what keeps drawing me back to stories like this is how Patti takes a familiar premise and turns it on its head. With Reclaiming Lily, it looks like readers will get the story of two Chinese sisters separated by the Cultural Revolution. That alone would've been enough to get me to read or reread the book; I love sisterhood stories and tales of other countries, particularly those involving history and characters who went against the grain or stood up against cruelty. But Kai and Lily's story hides a lot of layers underneath the expected premise, from the nature of their sisterhood and what brings them together to an unexpected, very much invested third party.
That third party, Gloria Powell, threw me for a loop in the best way. At first, she annoyed the heck out of me. She seemed like a stereotypical blonde, big-haired, Texas Baptist who had no clue about anyone outside her own world. I remember thinking, "Good Lord, no wonder Lily rebels against this woman!" Gloria also made me squirm, as in, "I have tried so hard to be the antithesis of this, but I'm human, so I'm sure I've been somebody's Gloria."
Yet, given time, I warmed up to Gloria, if not completely. Meaning, she didn't get my complete empathy or sympathy, but I rooted for her, Kai, and Lily to form some kind of amicable circle, if not a family. Watching them try to do that, weaving Lily's past and present, her fractured understanding of Christianity and Kai's clinical agnosticism, "linear" Western thinking and "circular" Eastern thinking, kept my pages flying. I remember on my first read-through as a naive grad student, having a definite idea of which views were "right" and who needed to "come around." But by the end, I had seen the points and value in all three women and was more focused on, "What is the best way for these women to ensure everyone comes out of this whole?"
Patti doesn't answer that question, at least not if you're looking for a neat, pretty bow of a story. What she does, is challenge a lot of assumptions and long-held hurts, without being direct or preachy. For instance, when Lily opens up about what being Asian in an American Christian environment has meant for her and done to her, neither Gloria nor Kai jump to defend or comfort her right away (though I had hoped they would). But the knowledge of that experience does drive the story forward, and it does inform what and who are, or are not, allowed to influence what happens afterward.
Finally, I want to give Patti kudos for how she does, or does not, handle PKU in Reclaiming Lily. That is, yes, there is a definite sense of urgency there, and yes, PKU fits into the plot because of that. But Patti doesn't use PKU as a device or way to manipulate. It doesn't drop in and out of the story whenever it's convenient. Rather, PKU stays in the background. It informs the story when necessary, but it's rarely in the direct spotlight. Rather, Reclaiming Lily focuses on Kai, Lily, and Gloria reclaiming what they can, of who they should have been, had the tragedies of revolution and disease not swept in. Since they can't do that completely, they also "reclaim" who they will become once they've faced their personal demons. Yes, this involves acknowledging, time may be very short. But more than that, it involves choosing what each woman will take with her when any kind of separation must happen.
Reclaiming Lily does have a couple weak spots. As noted, Gloria does read stereotypical at first. For that matter, so do Kai and Lily, the former as cold and inscrutable, the latter as a typical rebellious teen. In Kai and Lily's cases, it's forgivable given their situations, but with Lily in particular, I remember thinking, "Can we please have one teenage character, regardless of circumstance, who has not spent half her years since age 13 in detention?" That may well be a nitpick, but there you have it.
On a less personal note, I remember enjoying Reclaiming Lily as is, but wanting to see much more of China as a country, and a bit more of the Cultural Revolution. I didn't need much more of the latter; growing up in an orphanage would provide enough justification for a story like Lily's on its own. But Kai, on the other hand, is much older and would have had more complex thoughts and feelings about what her nation experienced. I kind of wanted to see these and see how they impacted her views of the U.S. and Americans.
Those notes aside though, Reclaiming Lily earned a reread and a place on my keeper shelf. It's another of my "book club picks," and like any Patti Lacy book, can be read in sequence with her others or as a standalone. However you choose to read it, I'd say grab a copy if you haven't already and claim a spot among Patti's fans.
April 13, 2020
This book started off pretty good, but somehow veered off into Christianity is the one religion that can save the poor persons soul. I found it offensive as it minimized the spiritual history of other cultures.
July 12, 2020
Into the heart of a sister left behind
This book really made me think about how the families who were forced to leave a child in an orphanage must have felt. This is especially true of people who were in countries where orphans were neglected.
This book really made me think about how the families who were forced to leave a child in an orphanage must have felt. This is especially true of people who were in countries where orphans were neglected.
January 16, 2022
Captivating
The way this story was written, where it weaved in and out, from one character to another, made it difficult to put down. I was captivated throughout the entire book to the very ending!
The way this story was written, where it weaved in and out, from one character to another, made it difficult to put down. I was captivated throughout the entire book to the very ending!
July 31, 2019
Parts of this is hard to read because it is based on history but I really enjoyed this book.
July 26, 2020
Great book.
January 3, 2025
Wonderful book! I loved it!
November 10, 2025
A sweet read :)
October 8, 2011
I had a really hard time getting into this book. The first half of 'Reclaiming Lily' covered just one day and was very slow moving. It would alternate between the present day and the stories that Kai would tell about her life in China. However, about two-thirds into the book the story really got interesting, and I found myself rushing to reach the conclusion. The last twenty or so pages were especially moving, although abit abrupt, and left me guessing until the very end - literally until the last paragraph!
The story of Kai's life in China was so vividly written. I have heard of China's one child policy, but this story drives home how difficult that policy really is. Kai's mother had three daughters before the policy was put in place, but shortly after it goes into effect she finds herself pregnant again. Fearing what the government might do, her husband demands that she get an abortion, but she refuses to kill her child. Knowing that she can't keep her baby, she makes the heart breaking decision to leave her baby (Lily) at an orphanage (because a healthy child that was left at an orphanage would be taken care of), with the hopes of one day reclaiming her. But it would not go as planned.
When Lily was ten years old Pastor Andrew and Gloria Powell, an American couple, adopted her, changed her name to Joy and brought her home to Texas. Kai was there when they took her from the orphanage, watching from a distance horrified that her baby sister was being taken away and helpless to stop it.
The Powells have raised Joy to believe in God, but lately she has been rebeling against them at ever turn. Joy turns against a God that she at one time claimed to believe in and not only that but she acts out in so many different ways, that they never know what to expect from her anymore.
When Kai brings the news to them that Joy might have Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), they are wary of Kai at first, but she soons endears herself to them. PKD is an hereditery disease, and Kai and Joy's mother had had it. The only treatment is dialysis or a kidney transplant and Kai wants her tested for it right away.
I didn't like how long it took for me to get into the book and how when it got to the more crucial parts of the story it would jump ahead - sometimes by years. I felt that for a book that has 384 pages, it seemed rushed at the end, like the story was getting to long and so was just quickly finished.
Overall, I found 'Reclaiming Lily' to be an enjoyable book, but not one that I would be quick to recommend and likely won't be a book that I will read again.
*** I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done. ***
The story of Kai's life in China was so vividly written. I have heard of China's one child policy, but this story drives home how difficult that policy really is. Kai's mother had three daughters before the policy was put in place, but shortly after it goes into effect she finds herself pregnant again. Fearing what the government might do, her husband demands that she get an abortion, but she refuses to kill her child. Knowing that she can't keep her baby, she makes the heart breaking decision to leave her baby (Lily) at an orphanage (because a healthy child that was left at an orphanage would be taken care of), with the hopes of one day reclaiming her. But it would not go as planned.
When Lily was ten years old Pastor Andrew and Gloria Powell, an American couple, adopted her, changed her name to Joy and brought her home to Texas. Kai was there when they took her from the orphanage, watching from a distance horrified that her baby sister was being taken away and helpless to stop it.
The Powells have raised Joy to believe in God, but lately she has been rebeling against them at ever turn. Joy turns against a God that she at one time claimed to believe in and not only that but she acts out in so many different ways, that they never know what to expect from her anymore.
When Kai brings the news to them that Joy might have Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), they are wary of Kai at first, but she soons endears herself to them. PKD is an hereditery disease, and Kai and Joy's mother had had it. The only treatment is dialysis or a kidney transplant and Kai wants her tested for it right away.
I didn't like how long it took for me to get into the book and how when it got to the more crucial parts of the story it would jump ahead - sometimes by years. I felt that for a book that has 384 pages, it seemed rushed at the end, like the story was getting to long and so was just quickly finished.
Overall, I found 'Reclaiming Lily' to be an enjoyable book, but not one that I would be quick to recommend and likely won't be a book that I will read again.
*** I received a complimentary copy of this book through Litfuse to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done. ***
October 7, 2011
"Reclaiming Lily" is a beautiful, flawless written book, that would capture the heart and tears in the eyes, as the reader travels with the characters on a journey of discovery and understanding.
Set in Texas, and inter-spaced with tales of one of the characters experiences, growing up in revolutionary China, the reader is brought into the lives of two very different set of families, that are united through a common love and concern for Lily, the adopted daughter of Gloria and Andrew.
If I could rate,"Reclaiming Lily" with tissue boxes, I would have to say, you would need three tissue boxes (for good measure) prior to starting this book; Covering themes of adoption, family, what is family, mother-daughter relationships, faith, finding hope, and bridging cultural divides, one would think...how could an author manage to cover all that, but Patti Lacy is able to do that and more with, "Reclaiming Lily".
By the time, I was finished with the book, I was bawling with tears of sadness and joy at the tightly woven story of two families, in two different countries, tightly woven in one girl, and the often complicated relationships and understandings that are prevalent with adoptions.
Patti Lacy, brilliantly, weaves a tale of two different cultures and presents to the reader, strong characters, that by the end of the book, you will find yourself captivated and unable to let go of the book, even knowing you're at the end.
Normally, when writing about very strong characters, it seems difficult to balance,the many stories going on, but "Reclaiming Lily" is an amazingly strong book, that draws the readers in and before you know it, you are lost within the characters that are incredibly fleshed out, with rich, complicated backgrounds and present day struggles.
There are no confusions of where the story going, there is not finding oneself on rabbit trails, instead, there is a feeling, of, "I have to know more, don't stop, not here, go on".
Patti Lacy, presents real people, with real issues, and real emotions, that one would find in an often complicated situation of different values, beliefs and cultures and weaves together, seamlessly, a story of growth, understanding, and eye opening faith that just left me breathless with each page.
What words can describe how as much I would like to share this book with others, this is one of those rare gems, I hesitate to give out,for fear of not getting it back, but yet find myself, going, "You HAVE to read this book; It's not just amazing, but just will take your breathe away".
If you are seeking a story about the power of love, hope and what is family, I highly recommend to read, "Reclaiming Lily".
Set in Texas, and inter-spaced with tales of one of the characters experiences, growing up in revolutionary China, the reader is brought into the lives of two very different set of families, that are united through a common love and concern for Lily, the adopted daughter of Gloria and Andrew.
If I could rate,"Reclaiming Lily" with tissue boxes, I would have to say, you would need three tissue boxes (for good measure) prior to starting this book; Covering themes of adoption, family, what is family, mother-daughter relationships, faith, finding hope, and bridging cultural divides, one would think...how could an author manage to cover all that, but Patti Lacy is able to do that and more with, "Reclaiming Lily".
By the time, I was finished with the book, I was bawling with tears of sadness and joy at the tightly woven story of two families, in two different countries, tightly woven in one girl, and the often complicated relationships and understandings that are prevalent with adoptions.
Patti Lacy, brilliantly, weaves a tale of two different cultures and presents to the reader, strong characters, that by the end of the book, you will find yourself captivated and unable to let go of the book, even knowing you're at the end.
Normally, when writing about very strong characters, it seems difficult to balance,the many stories going on, but "Reclaiming Lily" is an amazingly strong book, that draws the readers in and before you know it, you are lost within the characters that are incredibly fleshed out, with rich, complicated backgrounds and present day struggles.
There are no confusions of where the story going, there is not finding oneself on rabbit trails, instead, there is a feeling, of, "I have to know more, don't stop, not here, go on".
Patti Lacy, presents real people, with real issues, and real emotions, that one would find in an often complicated situation of different values, beliefs and cultures and weaves together, seamlessly, a story of growth, understanding, and eye opening faith that just left me breathless with each page.
What words can describe how as much I would like to share this book with others, this is one of those rare gems, I hesitate to give out,for fear of not getting it back, but yet find myself, going, "You HAVE to read this book; It's not just amazing, but just will take your breathe away".
If you are seeking a story about the power of love, hope and what is family, I highly recommend to read, "Reclaiming Lily".
November 13, 2011
Patti Lacy and I met via the internet. We visited each others blogs. Her warm and chipper personality made me wonder if her novels would have that same lovely heart that comes through so freely in her comments. In her new novel, Reclaiming Lily, I saw all the research and hard work she put into the novel.
Reclaiming Lily is an adoption story peppered with the issues of infertility, difficulty in relating as a Chinese-born teen to white Americans, and searching for home. It’s a story of a parent seeking to understand her adopted Chinese-born teenager who doesn’t know how to express her anger at not fitting in.
Reclaiming Lily starts us in China at a poor orphanage where we first meet Dr. Kai Chang watching from the sidelines as her sister, Lily, is taken away by an American couple for adoption. A life long desire spurs Dr. Chang forward to succeed professionally and find a cure for the disease that took her mother—PKD or Polycystic Kidney Disease; a terminal illness remedied only by a transplant.
Gloria Powell, the mother of Lily or now legally named Joy Powell, is afraid of Dr. Chang’s intentions. Joy is her only child and she expresses her fears through her anger towards Dr. Chang. It’s hard to like Gloria. She doesn’t behave as most characters behave in tame, Christian novels. Gloria is quick tempered and prideful, but you can’t help but like her anyway. You can relate to her reflexes. Her husband is the least likable until he stands up to his wife’s willful ways, but in a way that honors Gloria. Joy is a typically angry teenager going through issues she can’t yet express in words. Dr. Chang is also likable and in the beginning, hardly emotional.
I love the way Patti pulls the story together, allowing the characters to develop and change in the most natural way a 373-page novel could, and the end was a pleasant twist. In truth, I was secretly rooting for that end. The twist she also puts in the middle of the story keeps this novel from becoming predictable. You can tell her trip to China in 2010 was a huge influence. You can read those entries here. http://www.pattilacy.com/blog/?s=chin...
All in all I found nothing objectionable or inaccurate in the story. It’s clearly a culture shock between America and China. I do wonder if in Texas there is truly a racist bent against Asians or if that was just a part of the story to further Joy’s alienation in church. Having grown up in Southern California, Asians were a common sight and wonderful people. I had an Asian friend next door that I loved to hang around. I gave the book five stars.
Bethany House gave me the book to review.
Reclaiming Lily is an adoption story peppered with the issues of infertility, difficulty in relating as a Chinese-born teen to white Americans, and searching for home. It’s a story of a parent seeking to understand her adopted Chinese-born teenager who doesn’t know how to express her anger at not fitting in.
Reclaiming Lily starts us in China at a poor orphanage where we first meet Dr. Kai Chang watching from the sidelines as her sister, Lily, is taken away by an American couple for adoption. A life long desire spurs Dr. Chang forward to succeed professionally and find a cure for the disease that took her mother—PKD or Polycystic Kidney Disease; a terminal illness remedied only by a transplant.
Gloria Powell, the mother of Lily or now legally named Joy Powell, is afraid of Dr. Chang’s intentions. Joy is her only child and she expresses her fears through her anger towards Dr. Chang. It’s hard to like Gloria. She doesn’t behave as most characters behave in tame, Christian novels. Gloria is quick tempered and prideful, but you can’t help but like her anyway. You can relate to her reflexes. Her husband is the least likable until he stands up to his wife’s willful ways, but in a way that honors Gloria. Joy is a typically angry teenager going through issues she can’t yet express in words. Dr. Chang is also likable and in the beginning, hardly emotional.
I love the way Patti pulls the story together, allowing the characters to develop and change in the most natural way a 373-page novel could, and the end was a pleasant twist. In truth, I was secretly rooting for that end. The twist she also puts in the middle of the story keeps this novel from becoming predictable. You can tell her trip to China in 2010 was a huge influence. You can read those entries here. http://www.pattilacy.com/blog/?s=chin...
All in all I found nothing objectionable or inaccurate in the story. It’s clearly a culture shock between America and China. I do wonder if in Texas there is truly a racist bent against Asians or if that was just a part of the story to further Joy’s alienation in church. Having grown up in Southern California, Asians were a common sight and wonderful people. I had an Asian friend next door that I loved to hang around. I gave the book five stars.
Bethany House gave me the book to review.
December 28, 2012
Lily is a girl born in China, the third daughter of the Changs, an intellectual and independent family that faces the harshness of the Cultural Revolution. In a country where fathering more than one child is simply out of line, Lily's sisters save her by taking her to an orphanage; Kai, the middle sister promises to bring Lily back into the family one day. Kai ends up studying medicine in Harvard, and she is residing in Boston when she learns about a fatal hereditary illness that could claim Lily's life. In order to fulfill her promise, she goes back to China, but just in time to see Lily get on the van with the Powells, her adoptive parents.
Andrew Powell is a Minister, always with the right words and tone to deter any catastrophe of any kind. Gloria is his wife, involved in church, weathering issues that come about in church, but incapable of restraining her emotions when it comes to Kai, the woman that might shatter her already fragile relationship with Lily. A test of faith for both, Gloria and Kai, saving Lily's life is the motivation to go ahead and both learn valuable lessons that will shape them (I hope) for the rest of their lives.
In a poor intent at imprinting suspense, the author uses almost unending flashbacks that are really confusing, leaving an overall taste of shallowness, which is really sad, as the idea is really deep, and a good example of love and forgiveness is always welcome. The frequent long descriptions distract from the situation, rather than enhance it; they feel forced and fake. I am sorry to say that the book became boring and that it was difficult to finish; at no moment did it interest me in a way that made me want to know what happened next. I did enjoy the references to the Chinese culture, which sparked my curiosity about doing some research, so I can also say that I got something out of this reading.
I must say that this would be a good book if you appreciate clean vocabulary, and want to be entertained with an easy book. Also, as I mentioned before, the idea is good, so it could be used as a teaching tool. For example, Gloria's faith is shaky, so we can see a real person with struggles; Kai is someone who has been in touch with some Christian faith, but she has to deal with her ancestors and the teachings of a lifetime without God.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. In no way has this influenced my opinion on the book or the author.
Andrew Powell is a Minister, always with the right words and tone to deter any catastrophe of any kind. Gloria is his wife, involved in church, weathering issues that come about in church, but incapable of restraining her emotions when it comes to Kai, the woman that might shatter her already fragile relationship with Lily. A test of faith for both, Gloria and Kai, saving Lily's life is the motivation to go ahead and both learn valuable lessons that will shape them (I hope) for the rest of their lives.
In a poor intent at imprinting suspense, the author uses almost unending flashbacks that are really confusing, leaving an overall taste of shallowness, which is really sad, as the idea is really deep, and a good example of love and forgiveness is always welcome. The frequent long descriptions distract from the situation, rather than enhance it; they feel forced and fake. I am sorry to say that the book became boring and that it was difficult to finish; at no moment did it interest me in a way that made me want to know what happened next. I did enjoy the references to the Chinese culture, which sparked my curiosity about doing some research, so I can also say that I got something out of this reading.
I must say that this would be a good book if you appreciate clean vocabulary, and want to be entertained with an easy book. Also, as I mentioned before, the idea is good, so it could be used as a teaching tool. For example, Gloria's faith is shaky, so we can see a real person with struggles; Kai is someone who has been in touch with some Christian faith, but she has to deal with her ancestors and the teachings of a lifetime without God.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. In no way has this influenced my opinion on the book or the author.
October 6, 2011
“Reclaiming Lily” is a gut wrenching tale of two families who love and claim the same little girl as their daughter.
A Texas Pastor and his wife adopt a young Chinese girl, believing their family will finally be complete. They name her Joy–the thing that has been missing in their lives.
Joy, whose name is actually Lily, already has a family, but due to horrible circumstances, was left at the orphanage. Lily’s older sister, Kai, has vowed to someday bring her home. When she witnesses the Powells taking her from the orphanage, she knows it will be many years before they will meet again.
Patti Lacy has once again written a story with real fleshed-out characters struggling with life’s tough questions. If God is a good God, why does he allow bad things to happen? Infertility, abandonment, prejudice, tornadoes, starvation, sickness, death. Why do miracles happen sometimes, but not all the time? How does God use bad things to further his perfect plan?
The sweet little girl from China that the Powells adopted seven years earlier is now an angry and rebellious teenager, and they are at their wits end in dealing with her. Into their lives walks Dr. Kai Chang, a Boston specialist and Lily’s (Joy’s) sister. She has worked hard her entire life with the sole purpose of finding and reclaiming Lily, to let her know that she was not forgotten. She has something very important to discuss with them.
Gloria is fearful that this Chinese sister will take her daughter from her, but Kai has no intention of that. She is fulfilling a promise she made to her mother that she would find Lily (Joy) and let her know that she was wanted and loved.
Dr. Kai Chang is a renal specialist dealing with PKD. A disease that destroys the kidneys and leads to death. Their mother died of PKD and it is passed through the genes. She is fearful that Lily might already be carrying the disease in her body.
I truly enjoyed “Reclaiming Lily.” The author did a wonderful job of getting into the mind of this Chinese doctor as well as showing the American mother’s desperate need for her adopted daughter’s acceptance and love. It was definitely an East meets West story and how we often perceive those we don’t understand out of mindless fear.
(I was given a free copy of Reclaiming Lily in exchange for writing an honest review.)
A Texas Pastor and his wife adopt a young Chinese girl, believing their family will finally be complete. They name her Joy–the thing that has been missing in their lives.
Joy, whose name is actually Lily, already has a family, but due to horrible circumstances, was left at the orphanage. Lily’s older sister, Kai, has vowed to someday bring her home. When she witnesses the Powells taking her from the orphanage, she knows it will be many years before they will meet again.
Patti Lacy has once again written a story with real fleshed-out characters struggling with life’s tough questions. If God is a good God, why does he allow bad things to happen? Infertility, abandonment, prejudice, tornadoes, starvation, sickness, death. Why do miracles happen sometimes, but not all the time? How does God use bad things to further his perfect plan?
The sweet little girl from China that the Powells adopted seven years earlier is now an angry and rebellious teenager, and they are at their wits end in dealing with her. Into their lives walks Dr. Kai Chang, a Boston specialist and Lily’s (Joy’s) sister. She has worked hard her entire life with the sole purpose of finding and reclaiming Lily, to let her know that she was not forgotten. She has something very important to discuss with them.
Gloria is fearful that this Chinese sister will take her daughter from her, but Kai has no intention of that. She is fulfilling a promise she made to her mother that she would find Lily (Joy) and let her know that she was wanted and loved.
Dr. Kai Chang is a renal specialist dealing with PKD. A disease that destroys the kidneys and leads to death. Their mother died of PKD and it is passed through the genes. She is fearful that Lily might already be carrying the disease in her body.
I truly enjoyed “Reclaiming Lily.” The author did a wonderful job of getting into the mind of this Chinese doctor as well as showing the American mother’s desperate need for her adopted daughter’s acceptance and love. It was definitely an East meets West story and how we often perceive those we don’t understand out of mindless fear.
(I was given a free copy of Reclaiming Lily in exchange for writing an honest review.)
November 27, 2011
The story begins at an orphanage in Eastern China in 1990. From that moment you are drawn into the story of not only two different lives but two different cultures. The long lost sisters Kai and Lily somehow must span the two worlds to find wholeness. The story reflects back and forth between China during the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s to present day America.
Kai is the second daughter of the Chang family. She suffered greatly as did the rest of her family during the Cultural Revolution in China. She eventually makes her way to America where she becomes a doctor that specializes in renal medicine in a prestigious practice in Boston.
Lily is the fourth daughter of the Chang family. Because of the family size restrictions in China she is placed in an orphanage. At the age of ten she is adopted by Rev. Andrew and Gloria Powell. They bring Lily to their home in Fort Worth where she is known as Joy.
Both sisters suffer many hardships in America. The adjustment to the American lifestyle is difficult for each of them. By the time Kai finds Joy, Joy has become a very rebellious teenager. In fact the first meeting of the two sisters takes place in a detention center. This providential meeting is the beginning of a relationship that will heal both of the girls.
This is a beautiful love story. It is a story about the love of one sister for another. It is the story about a love of a mother for her daughter. But mostly it is a love story about a Heavenly Father pursuing His beautiful daughters. Patty Lacy does a wonderful job of weaving a story that reminds us again and again that God’s thoughts are not like our thoughts and His ways are not like our ways.
It was very interesting to read the inspiration for the story in the author’s note in the back of the book. I’m thoroughly convinced it is why the story read so well. This is a book of deep subjects. The discussion questions in the back of the book along with the subject matter are sure to evoke thought provoking conversation for any book club.
While this was the first book that I have read by Patti Lacy, I can guarantee it will not be my last. This author has a wonderful writing style that I look forward to reading again and again.
*I received a copy of this book for my participation in this book tour from Litfuse. All thoughts are my own and may differ from others.
Kai is the second daughter of the Chang family. She suffered greatly as did the rest of her family during the Cultural Revolution in China. She eventually makes her way to America where she becomes a doctor that specializes in renal medicine in a prestigious practice in Boston.
Lily is the fourth daughter of the Chang family. Because of the family size restrictions in China she is placed in an orphanage. At the age of ten she is adopted by Rev. Andrew and Gloria Powell. They bring Lily to their home in Fort Worth where she is known as Joy.
Both sisters suffer many hardships in America. The adjustment to the American lifestyle is difficult for each of them. By the time Kai finds Joy, Joy has become a very rebellious teenager. In fact the first meeting of the two sisters takes place in a detention center. This providential meeting is the beginning of a relationship that will heal both of the girls.
This is a beautiful love story. It is a story about the love of one sister for another. It is the story about a love of a mother for her daughter. But mostly it is a love story about a Heavenly Father pursuing His beautiful daughters. Patty Lacy does a wonderful job of weaving a story that reminds us again and again that God’s thoughts are not like our thoughts and His ways are not like our ways.
It was very interesting to read the inspiration for the story in the author’s note in the back of the book. I’m thoroughly convinced it is why the story read so well. This is a book of deep subjects. The discussion questions in the back of the book along with the subject matter are sure to evoke thought provoking conversation for any book club.
While this was the first book that I have read by Patti Lacy, I can guarantee it will not be my last. This author has a wonderful writing style that I look forward to reading again and again.
*I received a copy of this book for my participation in this book tour from Litfuse. All thoughts are my own and may differ from others.
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