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Searching for Eternity
A youth yanked out of the only life he's known to live on the other side of the Atlantic with a grandmother he's never seen before...
A mother who shrugs off her son's anguish with breezy assurances like, "You'll love America, Emile."...
A father's sudden disappearance from his son's life with no explanation or even a good-bye...
French-born Emile de Bonnery lands in the strange environment of 1960s Atlanta with decidedly mixed emotions. Some memories make Emile want to believe the best of his father. Others cause him to fear the worst. Does his mother know more than she's willing to tell?
Determined to learn the truth, Emile finds an ally and friend--who seems to be hiding secrets of her own. Together they search for answers...and what they find changes everything.
A mother who shrugs off her son's anguish with breezy assurances like, "You'll love America, Emile."...
A father's sudden disappearance from his son's life with no explanation or even a good-bye...
French-born Emile de Bonnery lands in the strange environment of 1960s Atlanta with decidedly mixed emotions. Some memories make Emile want to believe the best of his father. Others cause him to fear the worst. Does his mother know more than she's willing to tell?
Determined to learn the truth, Emile finds an ally and friend--who seems to be hiding secrets of her own. Together they search for answers...and what they find changes everything.
430 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2007
About the author
Elizabeth Musser
44 books740 followersELIZABETH MUSSER writes ‘entertainment with a soul’ from her writing chalet—tool shed—outside Lyon, France. Elizabeth’s award winning, best-selling novel, The Swan House, was named one of Amazon’s Top Christian Books of the Year, one of Georgia’s Top Ten Novels of the Past 100 Years and was awarded the Gold Illumination Book Award 2021 for Enduring Light Fiction. All of Elizabeth’s novels have been translated into multiple languages and have been international bestsellers. Two Destinies, the final novel in The Secrets of the Cross trilogy, was a finalist for the 2013 Christy Award. The Long Highway Home was a finalist for the 2018 Carol Award. The Promised Land won second place in Literary Fiction at the 2021 Georgia Author of the Year Awards and won the 2021 Carol Award for Contemporary Fiction. Elizabeth’s most recent novel, By Way of the Moonlight, is a Publisher’s Weekly Top Ten Pick in Religion and Spirituality for Fall Releases in 2022 and Parable and ECPA bestseller and was a finalist for the 2023 Christy Award.
For over thirty-five years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in missions’ work in Europe with One Collective, formerly International Teams. The Mussers have two sons, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren.
Find more about Elizabeth’s novels on her website and on Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and Pinterest.
Sign up for her email list https://6231db35.sibforms.com/serve/M....
For over thirty-five years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in missions’ work in Europe with One Collective, formerly International Teams. The Mussers have two sons, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren.
Find more about Elizabeth’s novels on her website and on Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and Pinterest.
Sign up for her email list https://6231db35.sibforms.com/serve/M....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
July 22, 2018
This is the first Elizabeth Musser book I've read, and, overall, I really enjoyed it - I would definitely pick up a novel by her again. Set in the 1960s-1980s, Searching for Eternity explores how hurts done by us and to us (on purpose, by mistake, or because someone meant well, but did wrong) can affect us and others for generations, unless we bring those things to God, allowing Him to work in and through us, despite our brokenness. From a teenage boy (the main character) who suffers from a father's seeming abandonment to a black man suffering from cultural racism to a teen girl hurt by her horrendous childhood, we see how God suffers alongside us and will bring good from the evil, if we allow Him to do so.
In particular, I loved the very authentic French feeling of the story. The author did a marvelous job with depicting the challenges a French boy would face upon being dropped into the American South in the 1960s and how he would adapt. I also really - and this was probably my favorite part of the book - admired the way Emile's American grandmother was depicted - Her empathy, wisdom, discernment, and compassion made her into the kind of character that, as a reader, I would love to meet and know in "real life."
I recommend this to historical and contemporary fiction fans. The romance thread is not heavy at all, and the book will really appeal to folks who, like me, don't want that to be at the forefront throughout the book. I'd say it's probably appropriate for age 15+, due to mature themes such as rape, beatings, alcoholism, etc.
In particular, I loved the very authentic French feeling of the story. The author did a marvelous job with depicting the challenges a French boy would face upon being dropped into the American South in the 1960s and how he would adapt. I also really - and this was probably my favorite part of the book - admired the way Emile's American grandmother was depicted - Her empathy, wisdom, discernment, and compassion made her into the kind of character that, as a reader, I would love to meet and know in "real life."
I recommend this to historical and contemporary fiction fans. The romance thread is not heavy at all, and the book will really appeal to folks who, like me, don't want that to be at the forefront throughout the book. I'd say it's probably appropriate for age 15+, due to mature themes such as rape, beatings, alcoholism, etc.
July 27, 2016
Searching for Eternity is a great read. It is the first book I have read by Elizabeth Musser and it will not be the last. A beautifully well written story of overcoming, forgiveness and faith. Highly recommended.
5 stars.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion, which was given.
5 stars.
I received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest opinion, which was given.
October 14, 2011
I love this book! The last part of the book brought everything together for me in such a way that I felt that it was exactly how it should have been. My favorite Elizabeth Musser book. I just finished reading this book again, and I still love it.
April 15, 2016
Een prachtig, indrukwekkend verhaal...
May 30, 2024
Memorable and moving story but the author didn’t have a charitable attitude towards obese people.
March 10, 2024
(A 2024 update follows this review.) I first read this book in 2012, but wanted to read it again. I was not disappointed the second time around (2014) and I'm going to stick with my first review written here.
This is the best book I've read all year. It is well written, an incredibly interesting topic to me, and an in-depth story that makes you evaluate how you handle "les moments difficiles de la vie" (the difficult times of life). It reminded me of people I've known who have overcome unimaginably painful things and have done so with grace and trust in the Lord. Even though I have never had to face such horrors, it encouraged me to make sure I face whatever hard times I have with true faith, leaning on the Lord, giving love and forgiveness.
Since I've been to some of the French towns mentioned in the book and to Dachau, the story came alive even more and it even led me to do a little further research & reading on my own about the French Resistance, Lyon, and Klaus Barbie.
The only problem with this book was--life got in the way. Once I started reading I did not want to put it down, yet this was probably one of the busiest weeks with a new semester starting. It was frustrating not be able to read it in one sitting--which I could have easily done if I'd started it in the summer. I want to read more books by Elizabeth Musser. I've read The Swan House which is another excellent story so I need to see what else she has written.
I don't write glowing reviews often--but this book deserves it. You can find the story line elsewhere and on other reviews. I just wanted to let you know what I thought about the book. There are plenty of "sweet, cute, romantic" Christian stories out there--this isn't one of those-- but if you want a riveting story that challenges your thinking, read Searching for Eternity.
2024–this is the third time I’ve read this book. It’s been ten years since I picked it up. Since the last time through, I have been to Lyon, to Auschwitz and Ravensbrück, and been to France four more times. This still is my favorite book. Usually authors grow and their older books fall off. This book is as amazing of story and writing as Elizabeth Musser is creating today—and that, my friends is a high compliment.
This is the best book I've read all year. It is well written, an incredibly interesting topic to me, and an in-depth story that makes you evaluate how you handle "les moments difficiles de la vie" (the difficult times of life). It reminded me of people I've known who have overcome unimaginably painful things and have done so with grace and trust in the Lord. Even though I have never had to face such horrors, it encouraged me to make sure I face whatever hard times I have with true faith, leaning on the Lord, giving love and forgiveness.
Since I've been to some of the French towns mentioned in the book and to Dachau, the story came alive even more and it even led me to do a little further research & reading on my own about the French Resistance, Lyon, and Klaus Barbie.
The only problem with this book was--life got in the way. Once I started reading I did not want to put it down, yet this was probably one of the busiest weeks with a new semester starting. It was frustrating not be able to read it in one sitting--which I could have easily done if I'd started it in the summer. I want to read more books by Elizabeth Musser. I've read The Swan House which is another excellent story so I need to see what else she has written.
I don't write glowing reviews often--but this book deserves it. You can find the story line elsewhere and on other reviews. I just wanted to let you know what I thought about the book. There are plenty of "sweet, cute, romantic" Christian stories out there--this isn't one of those-- but if you want a riveting story that challenges your thinking, read Searching for Eternity.
2024–this is the third time I’ve read this book. It’s been ten years since I picked it up. Since the last time through, I have been to Lyon, to Auschwitz and Ravensbrück, and been to France four more times. This still is my favorite book. Usually authors grow and their older books fall off. This book is as amazing of story and writing as Elizabeth Musser is creating today—and that, my friends is a high compliment.
August 1, 2016
This was to me, a very emotional book.
I felt Emiles pain at having to move from one country to another. I hated that he's had to wait and watch with worry to wonder of his papa we still alive after all these years.
I enjoyed watching Emily grow and learn through his Grandma and his best friend Eternity.
Klaus Barbie is a real killer he was nicknamed The Butcher of Lyon. He was as heartless as Hitler was in sending ppl to the concentration camps during ww2. I was saddened by all that happened and I praised the Lord the survivors of the concentration camps finally got what they called peace.
Elizabeth really made her characters come alive in the telling of the 1st person genre. I really like reading a book this way because I can relate to the characters much better!!
Great job Elizabeth for a wonderful story.
I couldn't put this book down and it only took me 3 days to read it it was so good!!!
I felt Emiles pain at having to move from one country to another. I hated that he's had to wait and watch with worry to wonder of his papa we still alive after all these years.
I enjoyed watching Emily grow and learn through his Grandma and his best friend Eternity.
Klaus Barbie is a real killer he was nicknamed The Butcher of Lyon. He was as heartless as Hitler was in sending ppl to the concentration camps during ww2. I was saddened by all that happened and I praised the Lord the survivors of the concentration camps finally got what they called peace.
Elizabeth really made her characters come alive in the telling of the 1st person genre. I really like reading a book this way because I can relate to the characters much better!!
Great job Elizabeth for a wonderful story.
I couldn't put this book down and it only took me 3 days to read it it was so good!!!
March 11, 2019
Musser is one of my go-to authors now when I need a good story that will challenge, encourage, and teach me. I enjoy Musser, because the characters are well-developed and if there is romance it is clean and realistic.
November 9, 2024
I have read many books by this author, but this is one of my very favorites. It is a coming of age story concerning Emile, a French boy who is forced to leave his beloved Lyon and move to the United States due to (unbeknownst to him) dangerous threats made on his life as well as his mother's life. Emile's parents and grandparents are both part of the underground French resistance during WWII. He settles in Atlanta and immediately feels out of place and is even bullied at times. His encounter with another oddball girl named Eternity is one that will be a continuing thread throughout the novel. There are some descriptions of torture and atrocities of war, but this is above all a novel of redemption and hope. I highly recommend it!
December 23, 2019
Musser takes us from the time 13-year-old Emile has moved suddenly from France with his mother the day after his father left suddenly. The years that follow, Emile tries to figure out the mystery of his father's disappearance. Now living with his American grandmother, he finally acclimates to living in America. Years later, the mystery unravels when a friend who has become a journalist and knew him since he moved to America stays in communication with him.
Well written story of hope and love.
Well written story of hope and love.
August 7, 2026
This was a heavy book! I had a hard time getting into it at first. Not sure if it was the book or life. But once I was halfway, I was hooked and had to keep reading to find out what happened! There are some very heavy themes: physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, bullying, possible infidelity, etc. Being a licensed foster parent many of the details were heartbreaking but also spurred me on in the work of caring for children in hard situations. I loved the faith elements and loved the ending!
August 14, 2026
Wow, what an amazing book! I LOVE that it wasn't a book that took forever to get into or forever for the story to get going. The storyline started right away and kept going until the very end. I loved that it didn't feel like this long, drawn-out story but that it was good from beginning to end. It was great too because it wasn't predictable or cliche. The storyline had actual substance, which is so good.
June 12, 2018
Fantastic story
I had a hard time getting excited about this book in chapters one and two, but once Eternity came into the picture, I couldn’t put it down. The children in this story go through some hard times that no child should have to endure but due to God’s sovereignty they become some great adults. It is a great read.
I had a hard time getting excited about this book in chapters one and two, but once Eternity came into the picture, I couldn’t put it down. The children in this story go through some hard times that no child should have to endure but due to God’s sovereignty they become some great adults. It is a great read.
March 20, 2019
Really loved this one!
Another winner by Elizabeth Musser. Love stories told from a childs/adolescents view. Covered so many good/heavy issues in such a beautiful way. Loved following Emile's journey with friendships, heartaches and questions. The third book by this author that I thoroughly enjoyed. Was a refreshing read and I highly recommend this book.
Another winner by Elizabeth Musser. Love stories told from a childs/adolescents view. Covered so many good/heavy issues in such a beautiful way. Loved following Emile's journey with friendships, heartaches and questions. The third book by this author that I thoroughly enjoyed. Was a refreshing read and I highly recommend this book.
December 24, 2025
1969-1992
Nice, France and later Nashville
I will have to finish this review tomorrow. I’m have to get eariy to cook for a larch church group, fs I
just took a cold medicine so I’m about to fly away. I’ll fill this in tomorrow.im falling asleep, for now.
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Hahaha… I just looked back at this review and realized I was falling asleep as I was writing it and could barely get my fingers and brain to cooperate. Feeling somewhat better but still need to finish the review. Traveling right now, though.
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The story begins with Emile de Bonnery's mother forcing him to to leave his beloved France to move to the U.S…and Georgia of all things. The reason given was his mother couldn’t take it any more. That’s it. He never believes it. And all his life he seeks the truth about his father.
This was such a good book. I can’t do a review justice so I’ll just say that it was hard to put down. Wonderful character development and storylines.
I had no idea what an amazing author Elizabeth Musser is. Because of this book I went into an even more intriguing book called From the Valley We Rise about the French Resistance in war torn France. Amazing!!
Nice, France and later Nashville
I will have to finish this review tomorrow. I’m have to get eariy to cook for a larch church group, fs I
just took a cold medicine so I’m about to fly away. I’ll fill this in tomorrow.im falling asleep, for now.
********************************************
Hahaha… I just looked back at this review and realized I was falling asleep as I was writing it and could barely get my fingers and brain to cooperate. Feeling somewhat better but still need to finish the review. Traveling right now, though.
********************************************
The story begins with Emile de Bonnery's mother forcing him to to leave his beloved France to move to the U.S…and Georgia of all things. The reason given was his mother couldn’t take it any more. That’s it. He never believes it. And all his life he seeks the truth about his father.
This was such a good book. I can’t do a review justice so I’ll just say that it was hard to put down. Wonderful character development and storylines.
I had no idea what an amazing author Elizabeth Musser is. Because of this book I went into an even more intriguing book called From the Valley We Rise about the French Resistance in war torn France. Amazing!!
July 26, 2026
Musser always offers a unique perspective and this book did not disappoint. Revenge or forgiveness, trust or argue, stubborn or flexible, the questions we all must answer every day. Living in Atlanta or Lyon...Emile is faced with these throughout his life. His lessons occur at every turn. Follow his struggles and gain a clear vision for your answers.
February 17, 2019
A story of a young man’s life as he is uprooted from his French home to an Atlanta home with his mother and grandmother. The mystery here is the whereabouts of his father who abruptly disappeared. The story follows Emile’s life as well as the life of his best friend, Eternity, over 25 years.
July 25, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, highly recommend it! Loved how she lets feel how the Emile felt from childhood to manhood clearly bringing out God's sovereignty in all circumstances. The romance is super clean and relatable which is such a healthy aspect of this book!
August 10, 2019
Romantisk bok, dyktig skrevet som i bunnen handler om ettervirkninger av Klaus Barbies grusomhetene han utførte under 2. verdenskrig, og om rasediskriminering og alkoholisme og vold, men også om tilgivelse og kjærlighet og liv som går videre i kjølvannet av det.
March 19, 2021
SUCH a good book. I loved that it dug into a branch of WW2 that I wasn't familiar with, and it didn't feel formulaic. The storyline was way more relational than history-heavy, which I prefer, but the history bits were great and led me to doing my own research afterward. Definitely recommend!
September 18, 2021
This novel was a good read on so many levels--the experiences of resisters in France during World War II, contrasting cultures of France with the U.S., racism in Atlanta, abandonment of fathers, poverty, gardening, alcoholism, bullying, faith, forgiveness, love.
August 10, 2026
This novel manages to somehow discuss the darkest topics imaginable and yet has a perfectly balanced tone. Maybe the daily life in nostalgic America is what helped, I don't know. All I know is that I want to write something like this.
June 17, 2019
Musser is a fave author and she doesn't disappoint here.
December 6, 2021
I felt like it started slow but I was a beautiful story.
August 24, 2022
I enjoyed the first two more. This one took a while to get into, but the ending chapter was worth it. A lot of hard history to swollow.
November 4, 2023
I couldn't put the book down! It tied so much history that I wasn't even aware of into the story.
February 5, 2024
Wonderful story! Kept me up late finishing it!
May 24, 2024
Emotionele dingen, goed beschrijvend en leuke humor
June 27, 2025
Definitely not an easy story to read, but such memorable characters
May 10, 2026
Very interesting storyline, especially if you enjoy history and espionage.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews