Ascension of Larks

by Rachel Linden

When globetrotting photographer Maggie Henry loses the only man she’s ever loved, she jeopardizes her rising career and steps in to care for her best friends’ three young children on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest.

Free-spirited and fiercely independent, Maggie’s star is rising fast. But she has a secret. She can’t let go of her first and only love, renowned architect Marco Firelli, now married to her best friend Lena.

With the shattering news of Marco’s death, Maggie rushes to the Firelli family’s summer home on San Juan Island and attempts to provide stability for the children as fragile, perfectionist Lena slowly falls apart.

When Maggie is offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete in the world’s most prestigious photography competition, she finds herself unable to leave the only family she has during their time of need. Devastated, Maggie takes a series of photographs documenting their life in limbo.

A mysterious man appears on the island, and Maggie soon realizes there is more to him than meets the eye. Daniel Wolfe, an award-winning Native American poet hiding in exile on the island, is responsible for Marco’s death. Maggie is both drawn to and repelled by Daniel, a sensitive, tortured soul with secrets of his own. Out of their loneliness and grief they form an unlikely friendship.

Maggie develops her recent photographs, and she’s elated to discover that they are good enough for the photography competition. She still has a chance to win. But she must first relinquish the past so that she can move forward and embrace the reality of her unexpected life.

Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Christian, Adult

336 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2017

About the author

Rachel Linden is a novelist and international aid worker whose adventures in over fifty countries around the world provide excellent grist for her writing. She is the author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, The Enlightenment of Bees, Becoming the Talbot Sisters, and Ascension of Larks. Currently Rachel lives with her family on a sweet little island near Seattle, WA where she enjoys creating stories about strong women facing big challenges, travel, food, and second chances at love. She promises her readers a happy, or at least very hopeful, ending and infuses each of her stories with a touch of magical realism.

To learn more about Rachel Linden, visit her at www.rachellinden.com or connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorRachellinden/ or Instagram at www.instagram.com/rachellinden_writer

Reviews

[Suzanne Leopold (Suzy Approved Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maggie Henry is a successful photographer but less accomplished at relationships. She is single and travels the world taking pictures in remote parts of the world. Maggie has not had time to develop friends due to her hectic schedule but remains in contact with her married college friends, Lena and Marco. Deep down she has repressed a longtime crush on Marco for almost a decade.

Maggie learns that Marco has drowned in a kayaking accident and rushes to Lena’s home to comfort her friend. She is forced to confront the divergent paths that each of their lives have taken since college. Lena was married with three kids living in the suburbs while Maggie remained alone to enhance her career. Maggie has always been jealous that Marco chose Lena over herself while she was studying abroad. As she evaluates her current surroundings she begins to examine who has had the happier life. During her stay, secrets about Marco are quickly uncovered and she must decide what role she will take to help Lena and her family.

This book is about long term friendships and how they evolve over time. It is about changing perspectives and not getting stuck in our old identities. Rachel Linden’s next book, Becoming The Talbot Sisters, will be released in May 2018.

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book summed up in two statements: It's what I expected. It wasn't what I expected.

I loved, loved, loved the style of writing, the deepness of the characters, and just how everything was written in a way that you could see it so vividly. The lessons throughout the book are a reality for every individual today. Maggie's story is encouraging because it shows there's a life that is greater than ourselves.

So why the low rating?

First, I would not consider this book Christian fiction. There's a priest. There's the altar set up. There's mentions of absolution and so forth, but only maybe two mentions of God during the whole book. I kept wanting to shout "What about God!" when some of the characters were saying how thing would get better if they tried to keep happy or whatever. The part with the porpoise had me cringing inwardly, and I also did not feel comfortable with a few other religious actions and statements. It just seemed so void of hope for those who pass on.

I didn't feel comfortable with Maggie's infatuation of Marco, even after he was married. It threw the first 1/3 of the story off balance for me. But I was very thankful what she recognized later on.

There are several mentions of drinking and smoking. Most are in passing, but I just didn't like how acceptable it was for some of the characters.

So would I reccommend this? Not especially, partly because all the religious actions that go against the Bible.

*I received this from Thomas Nelson publishers in exchange for an honest review*

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ascension of Larks is haunting… and heartwrenching … and heartwarming. It’s a story of loss, grief, loneliness, survival and redemption. Complex characters leap off the page and into your heart, and you’ll find yourself captivated by their journey.

While this is in many ways a novel about death – death of a person, death of dreams, death of hope – it is even more so a novel of survival. Of picking up the pieces and figuring out how to make a beautiful mosaic. Of allowing your heart to grieve but also of allowing your heart to celebrate – and knowing the difference even as they co-exist. The author captures these dichotomies beautifully with words, mirroring the way that Maggie captures them with her camera.

Bottom Line: I really enjoyed this debut novel from Rachel Linden. It’s compelling and very well-written, and the characters are still hanging around in my heart. The spiritual thread is subtle and strays a little into the mystical, but hope lingers between the lines. The ending is just as poignant and complex as the rest of the novel, and I so hope we get to revisit Maggie and her ‘family’ again one day. I need to know more of the story, of what happens next, and while I realize that life doesn’t always work out that way it doesn’t stop me from wishing! If you are a fan of Katie Ganshert and Catherine West, you will love Ascension of Larks too.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

" . . . .remember I loved you enough to let you go."

How fitting, and yet how prophetic, because in the end it is Magdalena who learns the value of letting go.

Flying home from Managua, Nicaragua in response to the trembling voice of her best friend, internationally recognized photographer Maggie Henry cannot fully understand what life will be like for either of them without Marco Firelli. Maggie, Marco and Lena had been inseparable during college, but the unremitting connection between Marco and Maggie was severed the day that he married her best friend.

Having drowned while trying to rescue a man from a kayaking accident, Marco left his affairs in less than ideal order; internal conflict and financial burdens lurking below the surface, driving his overwhelmed widow into despair. Giving up a golden opportunity to enter a prestigious photography contest, Maggie grapples with the overwhelming need for a miracle, while sacrificing her own aspirations to make sure Marco's family is well tended. How unlikely, that another broken soul with an uncanny knowledge of the tragedy, should turn the tide for Magdalena.

"Ascension of Larks" plays a soulful melody, dark at times and pleasantly optimistic at others. Beautifully written, the story bleeds for eternal hope, but falls a bit short in the source, for there is only One who promises to be the "resurrection and the life".

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was rather sad. The storyline was suppose to be, but it was SO solemn in many parts. The book was well written, and I really enjoyed the writing style. I might be interested in reading more from this author.

This was a hard book to give stars. Had it had a faith and hope theme, it could have been a five star read. It needed HOPE...and there wasn't any. The mystic parts were odd and seemed a bit out of place. It wasn't a Christian book even though published by a Christian publisher.

I did enjoy several things about this book. The characters were so well done! Several lessons in this book, too, that made it worth the read. One character gives up a career because she knows that isn't the life she wants. She understands that money and career aren't everything. I really liked that. Also the realization that comes revealing the character trait of selfishness and love of self was well done!

Sometimes in life we realize later on what we missed that was important and that we put value on the wrong things...that was the redeeming quality of this read despite the dark sadness and lack of hope for the characters.

The book was given to me by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Staci]

This debut is deep and engaging.

Professional photographer Maggie is married to her work and must determine what is most important when tragedy strikes.

This novel takes many unexpected and expected twists and turns to expose the heart and desires of Maggie and other key characters. It was a meaningful journey and caused this reader to do some reflecting.

While I've only read one Cynthia Ruchti novel, The Ascension of Larks, reminded me of Cynthia's novel A Fragile Hope.

The Ascension of Larks was a solid debut and I look forward to reading other novels by the author. My gratitude to the publisher Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful heart-wrenching story about the complexity of love, enduring friendship, and the bond that creates a family. With characters who step off the page into your heart, Ascension of Larks will burrow deep into your soul, evoke emotion and prod the reader to ponder how best we can move on after loss, and make the most of the life we have been gifted. Highly recommended.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the beginning, there was some warming up to both the story and the characters. Yet, after I got over that small hurdle I was able to really enjoy the story as well as the characters. There was a bit of a message as well "All shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well."

To be honest, it was not only Lena and her three children, Gabby, Luca, and Jonah that needed assistance; Maggie did as well. She just did not know it at first. Yet, by the end of the story, everyone had grown stronger. I can't forget to mention Lena's Aunt Ellen. She was a bit of the glue that helped bind everyone together as well.

Daniel was the mystery wild card in the story. However, as his story was slowly revealed, I came to like him as well. He brought great knowledge as his profession in poetry. He may not have fully found his peace but it was coming. This book will stick with you even after you have finished the last page with engaging characters and a well written story.

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book that sort of blew you away, and you needed to take a few days to figure out what you really thought about it? That was definitely the case for me with a new release published by Thomas Nelson, and written by Rachel Linden. “Ascension of Larks” is a beautiful story written in a rare, vivid, insightful, descriptive, voice. Although a novel of prose, it almost reads like lyrical poetry at times—that’s how amazing and compelling the writing voice is!

As far as the content of the book, well, it isn’t just a cut-and-dried Contemporary Fiction novel. There are various elements of mysticism mixed in with the more traditional Christian aspects, and at times the border between the two becomes a little fuzzy. While the spiritualism didn’t exactly bother me, it did surprise me at times. Why? Perhaps because “Ascension of Larks” wasn’t truly a supernatural novel, nor a fairy tale, but it still contained hints of those genres. Photography is also a huge part of the fabric of this novel, and I loved how the art of being a photographer was showcased in breathtaking ways.

The romance in this book was also a little controversial, because it consisted of a love triangle between three best friends. Unfortunately this allowed room for some uncomfortable dialogue and scenes that bordered on inappropriate, but thankfully it did not cross the line more than once or twice. Towards the end of the novel, a beautiful scene occurs that actually helps some of the more controversial romantic scenes become easier to deal with.

In the end, if you enjoy beautifully written and extremely compelling novels that contain hints of mysticism and whimsy, you should definitely give this book a try. On the other hand, if you are like me and tend to stick with a favorite genre or two and rarely step out of that reading-comfort-zone, “Ascension of Larks” might just prove to be an intriguing journey, and perhaps even one of personal growth. In any case, this novel will make you think, and the beautiful writing style will draw you in and captivate you from the very first page.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book! I so enjoyed it.

[Rebekah Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing extraordinary, quite cringe and predictable, and yet I still kinda ate it up

[Fiction Aficionado · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful and engaging read. Rachel Linden’s writing style alone—lyrical and full of imagery—is enough to make me eager for another book from her. The fact that it tells a story that tugs at the heartstrings is an added, and very welcome bonus.

Maggie was a quietly intense character, driven by her desire to capture beautiful images—“intimate portrayals of daily life around the globe that highlighted people often unseen by the camera’s eye...striking in their display of basic humanity, their sense of real life in all its grit and vibrancy, its specific and often brutal beauty.” And yet when she was first offered a place with Alistair Finney’s prestigious agency, he warned her that she had a flaw as a photographer: “You’re removed from your subjects, the observer who never quite enters in... Life has to be touched and tasted and smelled in all its bloody, messy glory...You have to live in the world, not just observe it.”

Touching, tasting, and smelling life in all its bloody, messy glory is exactly what Maggie does when she goes to comfort Lena after the death of her husband, Marco. This is a complex and emotionally involved process for Maggie, for many reasons that I won’t share here as that would spoil the story, but I will say that she has to deal with the loss of Marcus on more than one level. Not only that, but the need to care for Lena and her children comes at the same time as a once in a lifetime career opportunity, and she can’t do both. For a woman who has always been driven to succeed in her career, it's a difficult decision to make.

The one thing I wasn’t entirely sold on in this story was the element of mysticism. It wasn’t a large element, but I felt as though the characters drew more comfort from their improvised ceremony based on the practice of ‘beckoning’—helping the dead person’s soul find its way to heaven—than they did from God.  True, it was largely for the benefit of the children, to give them a tangible way of dealing with what had happened (and there was some staunch Lutheran disapproval from one of the characters, who did end up praying during the ceremony), but it comprised the larger part of the ‘spiritual’ content in the novel, which seemed a little odd from a Christian publisher.

Nevertheless, this was a poignant story of working through loss and discovering what’s important in life; of learning to live in the world and not just observe it; and of learning to embrace life in all its bloody, messy glory.

I received a copy of this novel through TLC Book Tours. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Jean Beattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books are like magnets, they draw you to them and find you when you need them. When you are slowly wooed by a well crafted story that captures your imagination, you become a part of the tale. You live in the town where the book takes place. Well drawn characters in these book gems become your friends. Every triumph that a character wins is yours as well and every setback or tragedy they overcome can bring you to your knees only to rise again. Isn’t that what books should be, not just an escape but a full experience of a life lived. That is what Rachel Linden has given us in the Ascension of Larks, a gift of a full life experience. There is great friendship, love, loss and the ever present choices that we all experience each day, “should I choose the road less traveled or the mainstream path” and "did I make the right life’s choices”? Rachel accomplishes this with humor, grace and an open heart. She handles the topic of religious beliefs from the perspective of two difference characters, one who believes and one whose beliefs have been shattered by life’s experiences. Run, don’t walk to buy this book. In times like these of strife and uncertainty it is simply a joy to settle in with such a good book and the friends that will surround you from this tale.

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making the hard choice is never easy, but in some cases, it is a leap of faith that just might prove worth it in the end.

Magdalena (Maggie) Henry loves her life of traveling and being a renowned photographer. She is a free spirit and has never been tied down to anyone or anything before. When her best friend Lena calls to say her husband, Marco, has died in an accident on the lake, she drops everything to go help her friend. Maggie has always been secretly in love with Marco and being at their house with the family is harder than she thought it was going to be. Maggie gets a call from her boss to give her a once in a lifetime opportunity to compete for the biggest award in the photography community. Naturally, she doesn’t want to pass it up. However, she must now decide between her career and being there for some of the only family she has ever had is the hardest decision she has ever had to make. She knows what her heart is telling her to follow the magic of being with a family and settling down, but will she be able to make the decision?

This is not my normal go to book for a quick enjoyable read, but was worth every minute of my time. The setting was beautiful! I love the islands of the Pacific Northwest, and every time Maggie went for a run I imagined myself on the beach with her. While this is marketed towards women, it is one that male readers can still find enjoyable. Lena finding out the problems her husband has left her with is something that probably happens far more often than any of us realize and was addressed well. Lena had a hard time dealing with the stress of everything but was fortunate enough to have wonderful people in her life she could rely on to help her through the difficult times. The few almost romance scenes were done well and not rushed. I can’t stand to read a scene where you know the relationships are being rushed and completely not believable. There are religious aspects to the book but nothing that is too “in your face” that might put readers off. Linden did a fantastic job of writing a smooth flowing dialogue as well as narrative scenes. I enjoyed the message Linden drove home of no matter how bad your situation is, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, but at the same time seeing the other side can show you a little bit of what you are missing in life. I recommend this to readers that enjoy a story with heart and a message that will touch them and help them if they are struggling through a difficult time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Lou · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's one thing that stands out from this book: the writing. It's superb! I really highly enjoyed the writer's style. She delved into the characters personalities and their development was incredible to see. However, the thing that made me give this two stars is the plot. It's predictable. You already know how it's going to end. Unfortunately, that was the disappointing part.




I won this book through GoodReads and I thank to publishers for providing me this copy. My review isn't influenced by this fact.

[Alicia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my wheelhouse. I have no commentary other than this brand of adult fiction is really just not my thing both in what the character's situations are as well as their lifestyle, struggles, and issues. I tried but was really off-put from the start.

[Angela Bycroft · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating story - Rachel Linden’s debut novel is a fantastic saga which I found hard to define. It’s a love story which takes place after the main love interest has died in a tragic boating accident, it’s a story of long held friendship tested under the most extreme of circumstances and also a family story with a bunch of precious but precious children keeping us all on our toes.

Magdalena, a international recognised photographer returns home to help her best friend who has just lost her husband and Magdalena’s secret first love. Upon her return she finds a home in turmoil and a family on the brink of tearing itself apart.

She tries her best to step in and help but unsurprisingly, secrets long buried begin to surface and more than one person will be changed as part of this season of all their lives.

I throughly enjoyed Ascension of Larks - it was different, imaginative and heartbreaking, all at the same time and sometimes on the same page. So many twists and turns I never saw coming. Perfect reading for a chilly afternoon by the fire.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via The Fiction Guild, and was not required to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't imagine living a life loving someone who loves you back but whom you can never truly be with. That is the life of Maggie Henry who spent her college years with her best friend Lena and Marco Firelli. A truer friendship none could find anywhere. Maggie was a talented photographer who has been gifted with the opportunity to travel all over the world showing the world what life looked like someplace else. Marco was so much like Maggie, craving the lime light of success as a budding architect who dreamed one day to have it all, a successful self made business and a wife and family. Maggie and Marco were so alike that is seemed natural that they would be a power couple, but soon it dawned on Maggie that Marco wasn't willing to settle for someone so much like himself that they would burn one another out. So he married Lena and broke Maggie's heart.

While he built a family and a business, Maggie stayed gone for as long as it would take for her heart to mend. Unfortunately it never would and soon, she found herself spending more time alone and leaving her truest friends behind. Just as she was about to finish up a photo shoot abroad, Lena calls her to tell her Marco is dead. A tragic accident that has left Lena and her three children all alone. Of course, Maggie heads back to San Juan Island to figure out just what happened and to help manage things for Lena while she struggles with her own grief. Unwilling to admit and acknowledge the death of her husband, Lena spends all her time, baking, canning and creating to keep the present day from dawning on her doorstep. Maggie knew that people needed their own way to grieve and when Lena woke up one morning, said goodbye and walked out the door, Maggie just assumed she was running errands. She never expected for Lena to attempt to take her own life driving her car into a wall hoping to put an end to the pain. Now locked away from her pain in a coma, Maggie works with Ellen, Lena's aunt to help the children deal with their grief not knowing in their mom will come back to them.

Maggie meets Daniel and man that seems intent on keeping watch over the house and family but staying far away. She learns that he is serving out a self penance of sorts as he is the man responsible for Marco's death. He believes he is doomed to spend his life trying to write all the wrongs in his own life and it will take an experience like no other for all of them to find a way back to life and for healing to finally begin. But with so many unanswered questions Maggie isn't sure what is next in her life. She imagined Marco would always be there and now she spends her own solitude dealing with the feelings she had for him and how to resolve it now possibly having to raise three children all on her own. But soon she will learn that there are more secrets to Marco's life than she ever imagined and now she will have to deal with the possibility she could have had the life she might have always dreamed of before it was snuffed out much too soon.

I received The Ascension of Larks by Rachel Linden compliments of Thomas Nelson Publishers and TLC Book Tours. This is such an exceptional novel once you get past the slow beginning. Trust me, hang in there it is so worth it when the novel picks up speed and gains momentum. I love the legend of the island that helps the family come to terms with their loss. "They were waiting for a sign, you see. They needed to know the soul had come back home and could now rest peacefully. The sign could be anything - a strange bird flying by the window, a whistle of wind that sounded like the deceased persons' voice. They just had to believe it was the sign they had been waiting for. Then they could go on about their lives, assured that their loved one was safely on his or her way to heaven. The sign will always come, you see, the island is full of surprises. Strange and wonderful things can happen here, things you can't explain, things that don't happen anywhere else."

This is so poignant because it deals with so many of those "what if" moments people have when they are suddenly faced with loss, even death. All those things unspoken, undone, and now they live with the regrets of a life of maybe's instead of simply moving on and accepting what is now. A skylark and their call was a song for travelers and weary pilgrims, for those who had lost their way and were longing for a place to rest. This sums up and the characters in this novel for they each needed to find their own way home and find a place to finally rest. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. Such a beautiful and truly heartwarming story of love, loss, regret and healing.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Ohhh, this book just pulled me in and tugged at my heart with a deep story, lost love, and much more.

Maggie Henry is a wildly successful photographer who travels the world for work and is not tied down by anything. She’s kept a secret though that has torn her apart for years: she’s in love with Marco, a man who is married to her best friend, Lena. The three were inseparable in college, until Lena and Marco became a two-some. Though love and passion between Marco and Maggie is evident, as they both have fiery personalities and a deep understanding of one another and their pasts… he chooses Lena, the safer and easier option. Maggie is heartbroken but must hide how she feels in order to maintain her friendship with Lena, the woman who loves her like a sister. She begins to travel the world for work so she can get away, but is pulled back into their orbit, quickly becoming a trio of best friends once again.

When Marco dies in a tragic accident, Lena calls on Maggie to come home and help her with their three young children and all their grief. At the same time, she is offered the opportunity of a lifetime in her career, which makes her feel torn, as though she must decide between the two. Throw in some interesting side characters like the mysterious Daniel, a man responsible for Marco’s accident, and Aunt Ellen, who helps hold the family together, and you have one heck of a novel.

While the first couple of chapters were a bit slow to start, I quickly got to a point where I didn’t want to put the book down. I was taken back in time to the trio’s college years and saw the evolution of all these relationships and my heart was so heavy. While it truly seemed as though Maggie and Marco were soulmates, he pushed her away, or “let her go,” supposedly for her own good.

I love how this book deals with so many hard things – death, heartbreak, family, lost love, grief – while also bringing the characters to life as we see them grapple with their emotions. I cared so much about these people and became so invested in Maggie’s life, wanting desperately for her to be happy. I was heartbroken and angry for her and felt so many of the emotions right alongside her. This is by no means a light and fluffy book and deals with some real, deep issues and I was racing through it to see what resolution, if any, there would be. Ultimately, it was such a powerful and moving story.

While this book is published by a Christian publisher, don’t let that deter you in any way if Christian fiction isn’t your thing. It’s not really my thing either, but I do read it on occasion. Honestly, this story was SO SO compelling and not preachy in any way, shape or form. It didn’t read like typical Christian fiction at all and I devoured it as quickly as I could because it was just so good.

If you enjoy books that deal with hard topics and heartbreak and stories that bring characters to life in a really good way, pick this book up. You won’t be sorry. I know I’m going to be on the lookout for other books by this author now. These characters and this story will stay with me for a long time to come!

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this new book by a new author set in the San Juan Islands off the Washington Coast. Though I have family living in Washington State, I’ve never visited this area.

The first part—probably about the first quarter—of the book was hard for me to get through. Authors are told over and over again to “show, not tell” but that can be taken to an extreme. In Ascension of Larks, Rachel Linden spends so much time describing everything in the first 25% of the book, it bogged the story down for me a bit.

Yes, I get that Maggie is an artist and her attention to detail is what makes her an excellent photographer and it’s part of her personality to notice these things. And others may enjoy that much detail but it slowed me down a bit.

With that said, it did get better. As Maggie settles into her new reality, the story turns from details about her surroundings to the emotional aspect of what she’s experiencing. Personally, drawing me into a character’s emotions is what makes a story great.

This book is not an easy book to read. It deals with loss—loss of a family member and friend, loss of dreams, and loss of hope. Linden carries readers through Maggie’s grief process with delicacy while immersing them in the pain and heartache that comes along with it.

A good read overall, but the description of the book (book cover and about the book) are a little off. Everything listed happens but not like the description makes them sound. Both the photography competition and the mysterious man are a much smaller part of the story than I was expecting. And I can’t help but think that if we had fewer details at the beginning of the book, we may have ended with Maggie’s HEA instead of her HFN (happy for now).

I’m not sure if this is a standalone book or if we’ll get to visit Maggie again in the future, but I hope so.


Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Angie Fehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

For years, globetrotting photographer Magdalena "Maggie" Henry has been in love with her first love, architect Marco Firelli, whom she met in college. Problem is, Marco is married to Maggie's best friend (and college roommate) Lena. Or at least he was, that is...Maggie just got news that Marco has been killed in a kayaking accident. Now Maggie must rush to Lena's side to offer emotional support to the fragile widow as well as help with the Firelli children.

While helping Lena through this difficult time, Maggie can't help but revisit old emotions she thought she had overcome. Memories of early days with Marco come swirling back, the possessiveness she felt over him, having known him first before introducing Lena to him. Lena had tearily confessed that she was struggling to make friends at school. Thinking she was doing a good friend a favor, Maggie introduces Lena to Marco, having no idea that the two would hit it off quite so well, quietly slipping under her radar and falling in love. Though she loves (in different ways) both of them, she can't help but feel a combination of jealousy and annoyance at the turn of events.

So as you can guess, it was largely an unrequited love for Maggie. Marco expresses interest, even a love of sorts, but confesses being drawn to Lena because he and Maggie are too alike in their intense, all-consuming artistic temperaments while Lena was more level-headed and easy-going in nature, more suitable for building a life & family with him. Taking into account Maggie's behavior up to the moment of this confession of Marco's --- her desperately reading into every passing glance from the guy, speaking of them as "kindred spirits", "twin souls" etc --, she likely found this revealing speech quite romantic. To me, however, it came off more as "let her down easy" spin.

But rather than go the crazy "he's MINE!" route, Maggie bows out of the running with a fair amount of grace, serving as main witness at Lena & Marco's wedding and then promptly starting up her work as globetrotting picture-taker extraordinaire. Over the years, the trio is able to put the college drama behind them and become the close-knit crew they were before. Maggie even becomes "Aunt Maggie" to the Firelli children as they grow up. Now, in the wake of tragedy, Maggie doesn't hesitate to be at Lena's side. But only too late does she realize the timing could not be worse.

While staying with Lena and the kids, Maggie's agent calls to notify her that she has been offered an opportunity to submit some of her work to one of the most prestigious photography competitions in the world. But how is she to find the time to prepare a presentation for submission in the mix of everything else going on? Will she have to decide between helping a friend and need and jumping at the chance of a lifetime (professionally), or will the fates allow her to have a solution to both?

There is also the mystery of this Daniel guy who spends most of the book hanging out creeper-style in Lena's bushes, observing the family from afar, always hesitating to reveal himself. What is his connection to Marco's death and what does he feel so guilty about?

One of my favorite aspects of Ascension of Larks was the exceptional environment building author Rachel Linden offers. Whether on location with Maggie in Nicaragua, moving through her memories to past international travels, or at the Firelli summer home in the Pacific Northwest (where the bulk of the novel is set), the reader is fantastically immersed in the textures of all the various landscapes. Just as an example, check out this little snippet where Maggie recalls a distinct memory of her Puerto Rican mother:

The kitchen was always warm, redolent with the smell of cilantro and oregano, and in the background, playing on the crackly cassette player on the fridge, was the music of her mother's youth -- folk singers like Pete Seeger and Peter, Paul and Mary, songs of peace and protest from the sixties. Ana had especially favored Joan Baez and Linda Ronstadt because of their Hispanic heritage. She would let Maggie rifle through the shoe box of cassettes and choose one tape after another. In those moments, in the tiny kitchen with a pot bubbling on the stove and the calls for peace and love ringing out with the strains of guitar and tambourine, it felt as though nothing could touch them, as though if they could stay there in the kitchen forever, nothing bad would ever happen.

That being said, the plot itself had its share of tiring moments for me. I enjoyed the secondary characters such as Daniel and the charming motorcycle riding Pastor Griffin (the way Linden writes his character reminded me a bit of John Corbin's portrayal of the DJ Chris on the 90s tv show Northern Exposure). But storyline-wise, it veered on the soapy, most noticeably when it came to Lena's accident. When Lena acts all weird at breakfast that day, I immediately guessed (correctly) where Linden was headed with the plot. And that is where a good chunk of my investment in the plot checked out!

The children's lives were suddenly being decided by people who understood the letter of the law but knew nothing about them, not who they were and certainly not what was truly in their best interest. They didn't know Gabby would fall asleep only if Bun Bun's head was tucked under her chin, or that you had to keep sweet snacks hidden behind the bins of beans and flour in the cupboard so Luca couldn't sneak them. And Jonah... she winced when she thought of Jonah, those dark, somber eyes and the downward slope of his young shoulders. He was a little boy carrying a misplaced guilt so heavy it was slowly crushing him.

Still, this novel offers up another, unexpected but important side story that serves almost as a moral lesson to readers with children -- the importance of having your final wishes regarding dependents, godparents, etc all clearly outlined on paper! What Linden illustrates here, the power of the state to come in and completely tear up a home because they don't agree with the living arrangements (regardless of how happy and well-taken care of the children seem) is seriously terrifying! I don't even have kids and I was disturbed at the thought! So, people, get your final wishes on paper!

While maybe the plot fell short for me here, as I mentioned earlier I did quite enjoy Linden's writing style in general and would be interested to check out more of her work in the future.

FTC Disclaimer: TNZ Fiction Guild kindly provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions above are entirely my own.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very beginning I was captivated with this story, and with Maggie. First of all, her professions as a photographer intrigued me. But I also found myself intrigued by her predicament. I mean, could you help the wife of the only man you ever loved after his death? How could you even be friends with her. It really showed you what type of person Maggie really was - a good one!

With so much turmoil and emotion inside, I felt Ms. Linden wrote Maggie's character perfectly. She was not necessarily afraid of her feelings, she just didn't always let them out into the open. This was the remarkable story not only of grieving her lost loved one, but the journey she had along the grieving process. She learned a lot in this process, not only about her friend, but about herself. And the reality of it all comes to a head near the end in an emotional yet beautiful way.

All the while there are two gentlemen in the mix that I felt did not get the attention they deserve. I would have liked to author to explore this interesting love triangle between Maggie, Daniel and Griffin. I think it would have added a little bit more to Maggie's growth during this story, but perhaps that is yet another story to be told. Overall it was still a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Please note that this review is for the audio book.
I thought the writing style was fantastic. The story itself just did not appeal to me. I could not really connect with any of the characters. One note is that I did not care for the style of the narrator. I found that there really was not any feeling in the reading. I might choose to read the actual book at a later date. I would, however, recommend this to a few of my friends who would love, love, love, this book/audio.

[Lauren Denton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Linden writes beautifully about our yearning to be truly known by someone who really loves us. With lush descriptions and rich language, Ascension of Larks is a heartbreaking and ultimately redeeming story of one woman's search for a place to call home.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful.

[Chelsea Faith Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being sick at home meant I could finish this book in two days! It was such a sad book, but I’m glad I read till the end. I loved seeing Maggie discover her purpose and find hope and family.

[Janka H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars are given because of the inspirational context and that the main character Maggie matures through the book. I also recognize that this is a debut. The authoress can write vividly and with lovely imagination, so I plan to read more of her in hopes for more real deepness.

To be very blunt, this novel is quite uneven in what I see as the plans for the message (the setup), and the real execution. The idea of fierce, professional photographer's growth in the times of need into a more loving woman capable of sacrifice is nice, as is the idea of healing the old wounds of rejection in both spiritual and romantic life. But I have to say this - firstly, there is nothing wrong with fiercely independent women (and men) and they can be that and also loving and caring people. Secondly, the romances here are just weird, as are the swift turns in the romances - Maggie is in one-sided love with a married man for the most of the plot, only to realizing her growth and his misgivings - and to swifly see the possiblities in another (freshly divorced) man. There is also a hint of the future romance of a fresh widow and a sexy Anglican priest (of all the people). Thirdly, the authoress tries too hard with the trendy inclusiveness, but this trend does add nothing to the plot, really (so I see no point).

From the Christian reviewer angle - this is simply not a Christian book. I would call it inspirational. Christian fiction deals with God and His/ours mutual relationship, to put it simply. There is nothing like that. And I am all for edgy, fresh, unconventional - but what we have there are some mentions of prayers, one handsome and nice priest and (possible) healing from the old religion-related wound Maggie carries (later more on that) - and while these are all nice things, they are not about the relationship with living God. Also I find highly problematic that the "non-Christian" (more like shamanistic) ritual does have more prominent place and also much larger impact on plot than any Christianity-related rituals and services. I do not understand why the Christian publishing house would support that.

As a Catholic I was unpleasantly surprised with the scene where Maggie describes how ugly her priest had treated her unmarried mother and even her, using the words of cruel condemnation. Now, the novel has been published in 2017 as a contemporary novel and Maggie is a young woman, so this situations would have been happening in the 1990s and in the big city environment. While I do not know the American realities well and surely there are undeserving priests in all the world, I somehow see this subplot as unprobable given the time period. In my strongly Catholic country of origin this would be unimaginable in the given time setting, the mother and the daughter would be much more cared for. So I see this more of a case of an uninformed writer than a real situation.

[Beckie Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ascension of Larks by author Rachel Linden is a beautifully constructed novel. Complex characters and plotting kept me interested and engaged. The setting of San Juan Island in Washington brought a richness and perhaps a bit of magic to the narrative. The themes of loss and aloneness will speak to most readers. This is a novel I loved, and I recommend it. The only drawback is the mix of spiritual elements that, while pointing to restoration and healing, for me, only presented a confusing message.

Maggie Henry travels to the only home she knows — the summer getaway of best friends Lena and Marco. But it is tragedy that brings her there. In the depths of grief, Maggie must navigate more and more loss as she attempts to help a hurting family. As the weeks go on, Maggie is confronted with the truth of her life and the road to healing she must take.

Ascension of Larks can be termed women’s fiction. The point of view is from main character Maggie. The story is told in a series of present day events interspersed with memories. All of the characters are well-developed and believable in their actions, motives, emotions, and flaws. No one is perfect, but all are perfectly human. Healing for photographer Maggie comes in the realization that she has been living life looking through the viewfinder of her camera. “It made her feel better to have her camera in her hands. Life made more sense when she could see it through a viewfinder.” (page 101) Maggie has unconsciously kept herself away from pain and messiness, choosing to document life rather than feel it. But life is messy and it does hurt, and aloofness from the world only isolates. Linden is a very talented writer and has created a book that is a joy to read.

Because of all the above, I would normally have given Ascension of Larks a highly recommended rating. But . . . the spiritual messages of the book are a mix of Christianity and manmade ritual seeking to make sense of the world. As a child, Maggie was hurt by rigid and legalistic church practices and attitudes that are definitely not Christ-like, so she is at once a sceptic and a seeker. The one character in the book that articulates God’s grace, does so in a round about fashion. I think this, combined with the other mystical elements, obscures the real truth. All of that would be okay if this book was marketed to a general market audience, but this is Christian fiction. As such, I think that it should have had a more definitive message. Obviously, these are just my subjective thoughts (make sure to visit other blogs on the tour for more thoughts and insights). The novel certainly made me think, and would make for great discussion for a book club.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

Great for Book Clubs.

(Thanks to TLC Book Tours for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[Just Commonly · Rating 4 out of 5]

". . . a skylark. Their call was a song for travelers and weary pilgrims, for those who had lost their way or were longing for a place to rest."

"Wherever you go in life. . . remember I loved you enough to let you go. "

Complex and engaging, Ascension of Larks by Rachel Linden is a promising debut novel. There's an element of imagery that is somewhat poetic as it was wistfully haunting. A story that dives into the psyche of our characters that readers can't help but be drawn to. Be careful though, you might not like what you read about the characters, but you can be sure it evokes some type of reaction.

"He kept his vigil through the darkness until he heard the first trill of a lark from the meadow nearby, signaling the dawn. Only then did he rise. . . his job for the day was done."

Vivid in its language, I was drawn into Maggie's thoughts, and finding along with her what it is that she wants. Ascension of Larks is very much about loss, as it is about finding the answers for hope. It's about ascending beyond that grief to see clearly what there is. I wouldn't call this a Christian fiction, as many areas border on the mystical aspect that many might find uncomfortable. Despite that, I was enthralled with the story early on. Though I did find the end a tad bit rushed to tie up loose ends, I still felt it closed as it should.

"We can't always live behind a camera, my dear. Life has to be touched and tasted and smelled in all its bloody, messy glory. Remember that. You have to live in the world, not just observe it."
". . . a skylark. Their call was a song for travelers and weary pilgrims, for those who had lost their way or were longing for a place to rest."" . . . he gave his life to save yours. That's the biggest gift anyone can give another person. So don't treat it lightly, don't throw it away. If you do, you'll waste the life he gave for you."

In all, I enjoyed Ascension of Larks for the complexity of its characters, as well as the message of loss, grief and hope.


This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

Please note, all quotes are taken from ARC (essentially an uncorrected proof). Please do not share quote or if do, please make note that it is taken from an ARC.

[Sara Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

** “Faith is an open door for everyone. It’s not closed to you just because of how you were born. … I imagine God standing at the door, inviting us to come back. And the door is wide open for us if we want to come in. It’s as simple as that.” **

In her debut novel, “Ascension of Larks,” Rachel Linden offers a story that defines home and deals with loss and hope.

Maggie Henry, a documentary photographer, is on scene in Nicaragua when she receives devastating news — the husband of her dearest college friends, Marco and Lena Firelli, died in a tragic drowning accident. She quickly rushes to their home on San Juan Island, off the shore of Washington, to care for Lena and her three children in the aftermath of Marco’s death.

But when the family learns of financial difficulties Marco left them in, and another accident rocks the family, Maggie must decide between her burgeoning career and her love for her “family.” She must figure out how to protect the family she has grown to deeply love.

“Ascension of Larks” is a lovely story of facing loss — lost loves, lost relationships and lost clarity — and how one deals with these losses. Does one turn to despair or hope? The book does offer a vague concept of hope and the idea that everything will turn out OK in the end, especially for those who have faith.

It has a slight — albeit very slight — religious undertone, with discussions on faith and how God invites all to him. It also includes some “mystical” aspects, with quotes from some well-known mystics and a “beckoning” ceremony — one that helps lost loved ones find their way back home — performed by Maggie and the children.

Linden’s novel also touches on the topics of devotion and sacrifice, choosing to do the right thing in all circumstances, acting out of goodness versus ulterior motives, and where and in whom home can be found. Through these lessons, she allows her characters to grow, learning new things about themselves and those around them.

“Ascension of Larks,” although at times a dark, depressing read, is also filled with many moments of levity and tenderness. Linden also fills her novel with beautiful imagery — including the image of the skylark.

Four stars out of five.

Thomas Nelson provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.