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Dreaming of a Father's Love
Sara Brubaker was two years old when a German Baptist couple adopted her. She has become a beautiful woman, and works as a secretary for Alexander's. Now she's torn between wanting to live in the normal world of fun and fashion, or joining the Dunkards to truly belong with her adoptive family. Birdie Alexander thinks if she works at the family business hard enough and long enough she will gain her father's love. Can she learn a thing or two from the German Baptist secretary? Irene West is Birdie's lifelong Sunday school friend. Irene misses having a father figure around, and is very boy crazy, which causes Birdie to struggle with the friendship and Irene to struggle with life. Will Birdie overcome her self-righteous nature before it's too late—for Irene?
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2012
10 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Sharon A. Lavy
46 books42 followersSharon A Lavy lives with her husband in SW Ohio.
When not reading, writing, or sewing for her family, she enjoys traveling with her husband in the small plane they call Papa.
She is best known in the novel writing community, as that German Baptist lady.
In the Old German Baptist community she’s a dressmaker, a pattern maker, and the sister who writes. And in her own mind she’s a wife, a mother, and a grandmother, but above all a child of God. ~~ Her greatest desire is to be a woman after God’s own heart~~ Sharon has a heart for hurting women, and writes women’s fiction. Because when~~it’s all said and done~~It’s all about relationships.
If you enjoy reading this book, would you be so kind as to post an honest review?
When not reading, writing, or sewing for her family, she enjoys traveling with her husband in the small plane they call Papa.
She is best known in the novel writing community, as that German Baptist lady.
In the Old German Baptist community she’s a dressmaker, a pattern maker, and the sister who writes. And in her own mind she’s a wife, a mother, and a grandmother, but above all a child of God. ~~ Her greatest desire is to be a woman after God’s own heart~~ Sharon has a heart for hurting women, and writes women’s fiction. Because when~~it’s all said and done~~It’s all about relationships.
If you enjoy reading this book, would you be so kind as to post an honest review?
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 2, 2013
Note: This review originally appeared on my blog and I've adapted it for placement here.
Just so you know, this stereotype of book is not my category. My range is mostly western, mystery, action-adventure, military, Christian supernatural, allegory e.g. Clive Cussler, Zane Grey, older Tom Clancy, John Grisham, Joel Rosenburg, Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker and any historical non-fiction (especially WW2) I happen to see displayed at the library.
When I learned recently that an acquaintance had written a full-length novel, I'll have to admit I was a little anxious about reading it. What if I didn't like the story, or the writing? How could I review or recommend honestly something a friend wrote which I didn't care for?
Well, I finally decided to take the plunge and purchased Dreaming of a Father's Love by Sharon Lavy on my Kindle last week. I rarely get hooked on any book right away, and usually have 5 or 6 books started at any one time (Attention Novel Disorder?) But I was determined to read this "chick-lit" book through if it killed me, so I dove in and started swiping virtual pages.
There comes a point in every book I've ever read where I lay it down with the intention of picking it up later (and rarely do), or the moment when I suddenly realize that it's 2 AM and I have to go to work tomorrow. Every saga hits those spots at different places. For me, this book's hook was somewhere around Location 2675 (page 175 or so for those following along in the traditional paperback format). In spite of myself, I had somehow forgotten that I was reading a genre I don't care for and that this was an author I knew personally. Suddenly swept, I actually wanted to know what happened next, and realized I was feeling a connection with the characters. They were getting inside my head. I was no longer reading it just to get through. I even found myself being drawn to the iPhone's Kindle app at lunch.
So anyhow, there's this just-graduated-from-high school girl nicknamed Birdie, back in the early nineteen-seventies' Miami Valley (Ohio) region, who wants more than anything to be accepted by her dad. But he keeps ignoring her contributions around the family greenhouse business and criticizes her for things that aren't her fault oftentimes. All he seems to care about is grooming her irresponsible older brother Jason to take over the business someday. The secretary, Sarah, is a girl from a local German Baptist family who was adopted and has her own insecurities. Throw in another spare girl or two, a couple young men of eligible age, a surly stranger. Stir for several months, and voilà! the plot thickens.
I'll not spend more time describing the tale itself, but will reflect a bit on what I appreciated about Sharon's crafting of the book. First, I really liked how most of the characters are Christians, but their lives are still presented as everyday living--warts and all. Because I was raised German Baptist, it was enjoyable to read the GB references interspersed throughout. I chuckled at the little easter eggs--like Dr. Boone! (Sharon's dad, Aretes Boone was a physician.) Appreciated the historical references too, both the "contemporary" ones, like Dr. Boone making house calls, and the much older history of the region such as the Underground Railroad. Finally, I love the way the author didn't sugar-coat spirituality but presented the redeeming Gospel of Christ in a compelling way. God only knows where, how or when this novel may make a difference in a young or not-so-young person's life.
A 'birdie' in golf means one stroke under par, but I'll have to say that this Birdie is above average. I definitely recommend the purchase of this book. Thanks for a quality uplifting read Sharon. Honestly looking forward to what's next!
Just so you know, this stereotype of book is not my category. My range is mostly western, mystery, action-adventure, military, Christian supernatural, allegory e.g. Clive Cussler, Zane Grey, older Tom Clancy, John Grisham, Joel Rosenburg, Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker and any historical non-fiction (especially WW2) I happen to see displayed at the library.
When I learned recently that an acquaintance had written a full-length novel, I'll have to admit I was a little anxious about reading it. What if I didn't like the story, or the writing? How could I review or recommend honestly something a friend wrote which I didn't care for?
Well, I finally decided to take the plunge and purchased Dreaming of a Father's Love by Sharon Lavy on my Kindle last week. I rarely get hooked on any book right away, and usually have 5 or 6 books started at any one time (Attention Novel Disorder?) But I was determined to read this "chick-lit" book through if it killed me, so I dove in and started swiping virtual pages.
There comes a point in every book I've ever read where I lay it down with the intention of picking it up later (and rarely do), or the moment when I suddenly realize that it's 2 AM and I have to go to work tomorrow. Every saga hits those spots at different places. For me, this book's hook was somewhere around Location 2675 (page 175 or so for those following along in the traditional paperback format). In spite of myself, I had somehow forgotten that I was reading a genre I don't care for and that this was an author I knew personally. Suddenly swept, I actually wanted to know what happened next, and realized I was feeling a connection with the characters. They were getting inside my head. I was no longer reading it just to get through. I even found myself being drawn to the iPhone's Kindle app at lunch.
So anyhow, there's this just-graduated-from-high school girl nicknamed Birdie, back in the early nineteen-seventies' Miami Valley (Ohio) region, who wants more than anything to be accepted by her dad. But he keeps ignoring her contributions around the family greenhouse business and criticizes her for things that aren't her fault oftentimes. All he seems to care about is grooming her irresponsible older brother Jason to take over the business someday. The secretary, Sarah, is a girl from a local German Baptist family who was adopted and has her own insecurities. Throw in another spare girl or two, a couple young men of eligible age, a surly stranger. Stir for several months, and voilà! the plot thickens.
I'll not spend more time describing the tale itself, but will reflect a bit on what I appreciated about Sharon's crafting of the book. First, I really liked how most of the characters are Christians, but their lives are still presented as everyday living--warts and all. Because I was raised German Baptist, it was enjoyable to read the GB references interspersed throughout. I chuckled at the little easter eggs--like Dr. Boone! (Sharon's dad, Aretes Boone was a physician.) Appreciated the historical references too, both the "contemporary" ones, like Dr. Boone making house calls, and the much older history of the region such as the Underground Railroad. Finally, I love the way the author didn't sugar-coat spirituality but presented the redeeming Gospel of Christ in a compelling way. God only knows where, how or when this novel may make a difference in a young or not-so-young person's life.
A 'birdie' in golf means one stroke under par, but I'll have to say that this Birdie is above average. I definitely recommend the purchase of this book. Thanks for a quality uplifting read Sharon. Honestly looking forward to what's next!
May 17, 2020
In 1973, three young women want to find their place in a male-dominated world. Roberta "Birdie," Alexander, Sara Brubaker, and Irene West.
Birdie works hard to gain her father's approval and becomes self-righteous. Sara seeks to know the secrets her parents keep. Irene becomes "boy crazy." The three struggle to find their true identity, dreams, and paths in Christ. Can they forgive their fathers and find the courage to grab hold of a new dream?
Sharon does a great job introducing us to Birdie, Sara, and Irene. Ceremonies and customs were brought out in an interesting way. The Biblical themes are wonderfully portrayed: Accepting Christ as Savior, accepting God’s forgiveness and forgiving others. Christian attitudes displayed.
As a young boy, my dad died. I understand the search for an earthly father. I identify with the main characters. Very good read, one I'll remember for a long time. The book was "Splendishious." (You'll have to read the book to find the meaning.)
Birdie works hard to gain her father's approval and becomes self-righteous. Sara seeks to know the secrets her parents keep. Irene becomes "boy crazy." The three struggle to find their true identity, dreams, and paths in Christ. Can they forgive their fathers and find the courage to grab hold of a new dream?
Sharon does a great job introducing us to Birdie, Sara, and Irene. Ceremonies and customs were brought out in an interesting way. The Biblical themes are wonderfully portrayed: Accepting Christ as Savior, accepting God’s forgiveness and forgiving others. Christian attitudes displayed.
As a young boy, my dad died. I understand the search for an earthly father. I identify with the main characters. Very good read, one I'll remember for a long time. The book was "Splendishious." (You'll have to read the book to find the meaning.)
October 12, 2019
Excellent story. I really like Sharon's writing and style.
August 7, 2013
In Sharon Lavy’s book, Dreaming of a Father’s Love: A Tale From the Ohio Valley, she brings us back a few decades to the early 1970’s where Birdie Alexander, the main character, wishes to work alongside her father in their family’s nursery business and pursue her lifelong love of working with plants. Now that she has graduated from high school as the valedictorian, her parents want to send her away from home to a four-year college so she can get a degree, while she wants to stay closer to home and study horticulture at a local institution. Doing this, she believes, will earn her father’s praise, something she’s never had no matter how hard she works to prove herself.
In her efforts to gain her earthly father’s love, appreciation and approval, and to make him happy, Birdie realizes she should have been seeking her heavenly Father’s love and will all along. She learns that following His will is more important than focusing on her own dreams and wishes or seeking for man’s approval and finds herself praying, “Let God be the one who gives me the father’s love I crave.” Through spending time with God and praying, she realizes she was making her dad an idol when God wanted to be the one she called Father. There is a good lesson in this book that we need to listen to Him instead of our own hearts.
Birdie isn’t the only one seeking approval and searching for answers. The secondary characters, Dax Billingsworth and Sara Brubaker, would like a few answers as well. Separated from his sister when he was only a boy when she was adopted into a family and he wasn’t, Dax has spent years wondering why he wasn’t good enough to be adopted too and why he was left alone to grow up in an orphanage without her. Sara Brubaker was adopted as a toddler by a family who doesn’t want to talk about it. Secrets abound! They are both on a journey to find the answers to their questions, and along the way, they discover God’s love and providence, and a special surprise awaits them at the end.
Filled with romance, a little bit of mystery, and a cast of interesting characters, this book is about family, finding God’s love, and is appropriate for teenage girls as well as adults to read. The storyline is sweet, conservative, clean and uplifting.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
In her efforts to gain her earthly father’s love, appreciation and approval, and to make him happy, Birdie realizes she should have been seeking her heavenly Father’s love and will all along. She learns that following His will is more important than focusing on her own dreams and wishes or seeking for man’s approval and finds herself praying, “Let God be the one who gives me the father’s love I crave.” Through spending time with God and praying, she realizes she was making her dad an idol when God wanted to be the one she called Father. There is a good lesson in this book that we need to listen to Him instead of our own hearts.
Birdie isn’t the only one seeking approval and searching for answers. The secondary characters, Dax Billingsworth and Sara Brubaker, would like a few answers as well. Separated from his sister when he was only a boy when she was adopted into a family and he wasn’t, Dax has spent years wondering why he wasn’t good enough to be adopted too and why he was left alone to grow up in an orphanage without her. Sara Brubaker was adopted as a toddler by a family who doesn’t want to talk about it. Secrets abound! They are both on a journey to find the answers to their questions, and along the way, they discover God’s love and providence, and a special surprise awaits them at the end.
Filled with romance, a little bit of mystery, and a cast of interesting characters, this book is about family, finding God’s love, and is appropriate for teenage girls as well as adults to read. The storyline is sweet, conservative, clean and uplifting.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
August 9, 2014
Sharon Lavy has written an intense, intricately woven tale based in the early 1970's.
The main theme is the complexity of a father-daughter relationship. Birdie, aka Roberta, struggles with her desires to find her own way especially in the horticulture scene, During the 70's women began to break away from the home and the venture into the "man's world". This book deals with this from a young woman's viewpoint and her belief that her father rejects her dreams and only want to her follow his plans for her future.
Intertwined with Birdie's story are those of her friends and family, each with their own separate problems.
During this time the culture of the world was changing, more liberation in clothing and beliefs and also in social behaviors. Throughout the book, the conservative nature of the German Baptist reinforced the theme that the desperate longing for a Father's Love was not just the earthly father, but the Heavenly Father.
A great book for a teen to read, since so many things that happen today is the same as then.
What I didn't like about the book is that the many subplots and characters created a mosaic that was hard to follow. I found myself backing up many times to place a certain character. At times I felt bogged down by the pacing of the story.
All in all, Dreaming of a Father's Love, is a rich tale surrounding the lives of three women. Minor characters add flair to the story, giving it a depth of tremendous portions.
Heartwarming, sometimes heart-wrenching, a reader will find this book worthwhile in many ways.
***I was given this book through Book Crash in return for an honest review***
The main theme is the complexity of a father-daughter relationship. Birdie, aka Roberta, struggles with her desires to find her own way especially in the horticulture scene, During the 70's women began to break away from the home and the venture into the "man's world". This book deals with this from a young woman's viewpoint and her belief that her father rejects her dreams and only want to her follow his plans for her future.
Intertwined with Birdie's story are those of her friends and family, each with their own separate problems.
During this time the culture of the world was changing, more liberation in clothing and beliefs and also in social behaviors. Throughout the book, the conservative nature of the German Baptist reinforced the theme that the desperate longing for a Father's Love was not just the earthly father, but the Heavenly Father.
A great book for a teen to read, since so many things that happen today is the same as then.
What I didn't like about the book is that the many subplots and characters created a mosaic that was hard to follow. I found myself backing up many times to place a certain character. At times I felt bogged down by the pacing of the story.
All in all, Dreaming of a Father's Love, is a rich tale surrounding the lives of three women. Minor characters add flair to the story, giving it a depth of tremendous portions.
Heartwarming, sometimes heart-wrenching, a reader will find this book worthwhile in many ways.
***I was given this book through Book Crash in return for an honest review***
August 26, 2013
I wanted to fall in love with this book. I've met some German Baptists and know a little of their history, so I was excited to read this book. However, it didn't turn out like I expected. I could NOT read this book. The characters didn't interest me, and the story line seemed to drag along. I actually tried several times to read this book thinking maybe I just wasn't in the mood for it that day, but each time it just could not keep my attention. I know this book has some really great reviews, so don't let it turn you off that it didn't work for me. You may truly fall in love with the story and characters. I really hope you do.
I received a copy of this book from BookCrash for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from BookCrash for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 17, 2016
This book kept my interest throughout the story. I had hoped to rate it four stars, despite noticeable weaknesses, but the book ends so abruptly, I was shocked. It seems like the author forgot to finish writing the story.
On the plus side, I enjoyed the time period—1973. I think the times are realistically portrayed. Learning about the Dunkard/German Baptist beliefs and way of life was quite interesting, as I was not familiar with them. Also, I found the old mansion and its architecture and history fascinating. The spiritual and Biblical themes are well portrayed—accepting Christ as Savior, God’s forgiveness and forgiving others, and Christian attitudes and behavior.
In conclusion, I will say, this book kept my interest, but didn’t live up to my expectations.
On the plus side, I enjoyed the time period—1973. I think the times are realistically portrayed. Learning about the Dunkard/German Baptist beliefs and way of life was quite interesting, as I was not familiar with them. Also, I found the old mansion and its architecture and history fascinating. The spiritual and Biblical themes are well portrayed—accepting Christ as Savior, God’s forgiveness and forgiving others, and Christian attitudes and behavior.
In conclusion, I will say, this book kept my interest, but didn’t live up to my expectations.
February 24, 2014
I had the honor of reading Dreaming of a Father’s Love by Sharon Lavy. What a great storyline. I think there are many people out there who can relate to the feeling of wanting a father’s love and not feeling as though they measure up for one reason or another. This book appeals on so many levels - relationally, spiritually, and the storyline taking place in a horticulture setting was very realistic and interesting. The author started the story with a bang and kept it going through to the end. What a privilege to get to read this book.
February 4, 2013
A light, heart warming read. I enjoyed this story by Sharon Lavy. Dreaming of a Father's Love is something we all want, whether we already have a wonderful relationship with our fathers or whether it is strained. Many times communication will help heal those misunderstandings. Good job Ms. Lavy.
October 15, 2013
Dreaming of a Father's Love is a wonderful story for all those who've always dreamed of gaining the attention of a parent and failing to do so. In fact, it's a great read for anyone. The characters are well developed and the plot line runs smoothly and completely to the end. I recommend this book as an addition to your list of want to reads!
November 17, 2013
Dreaming of a Father's Love is about God's love, His grace, His forgiveness, and following His will. You will laugh and you will cry as you read how Sharon Lavy has woven this message through the story and how the character's come to understand God's love and His will in their lives as they experience joys and sorrows of life.
November 17, 2013
Dreaming of a Father's Love is about God's love, His grace, His forgiveness, and following His will. You will laugh and you will cry as you read how Sharon Lavy has woven this message through the story and how the character's come to understand God's love and His will in their lives as they experience joys and sorrows of life.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews