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The Dumont Chronicles #1
The Forever Stone
Paralyzing memories of abuse . . .
A beautiful glass paperweight . . .
Escape to the wilderness.
"Don't bury yourself in that wilderness!" her relatives say. "Even though you're a widow, you're still young."
No matter what they think, Madeleine decides to go. She'll help her aunt restore the old house; she'll sign up for an online baking course; and she'll bury--yes, bury--those terrible memories. ''From now on," she tells herself, "I'm going to be strong and independent."
Her plan seems to be working, except for the panic attacks, until she has to deflect the attentions of two men.
The doctor, who has a fire-scarred past, is not upset by her panic attacks and knows he can help her to heal. The writer, who conceals more than one secret, admires her spirit and is certain that she needs him.
God uses both men and her father's gift of a floral paperweight to remind her of His enduring "forever love," and as she yields to Him, she finds the courage to take a new and challenging path.
A beautiful glass paperweight . . .
Escape to the wilderness.
"Don't bury yourself in that wilderness!" her relatives say. "Even though you're a widow, you're still young."
No matter what they think, Madeleine decides to go. She'll help her aunt restore the old house; she'll sign up for an online baking course; and she'll bury--yes, bury--those terrible memories. ''From now on," she tells herself, "I'm going to be strong and independent."
Her plan seems to be working, except for the panic attacks, until she has to deflect the attentions of two men.
The doctor, who has a fire-scarred past, is not upset by her panic attacks and knows he can help her to heal. The writer, who conceals more than one secret, admires her spirit and is certain that she needs him.
God uses both men and her father's gift of a floral paperweight to remind her of His enduring "forever love," and as she yields to Him, she finds the courage to take a new and challenging path.
411 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2012
185 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Repp
47 books57 followersBedtime? Story time! Gloria Repp’s earliest memories center on the stories her father told at bedtime. “What kind of story would you like tonight?” he’d ask, taking her onto his lap.
She always had an answer, different every time: “About a princess. And a lion. And maybe a horse—a brave, kind horse.”
After she learned to read, Gloria found stories on her own, but the ones she told herself seemed the most satisfying. Her mother died, her father remarried, she was sent away to school, and on many nights she treated herself to another imaginary adventure.
She became an omnivorous reader as the years passed, and finally she recognized what she’d always wanted to do: write down her stories for children to read.
She studied the craft of writing juvenile fiction and then began. Her three children seemed to like her stories, so she took the long road to publication and found that others liked them too. Since then, she has taught creative writing, worked as an editor, and written more books—for children, teens, and adults.
Many of Gloria’s books reflect her love for wilderness, and she says that the oceans, mountains, and forests of her childhood in Hawaii and Canada provide an inspiration she has never outgrown.
Recently, she has been exploring the New Jersey Pine Barrens, an incomparable wilderness of woods and rivers, bogs and ruins. One memorable spring evening, she listened to its frogs and found them irresistible. Before long, the hours of tramping through abandoned cranberry bogs bore fruit, and she began to dream of stories about a tiny Pine Barrens Treefrog named Pibbin.
Pibbin’s adventures have taken shape, young readers enjoy them, and each year she goes back to the Pine Barrens for more. The Tales of Friendship Bog continue.
She always had an answer, different every time: “About a princess. And a lion. And maybe a horse—a brave, kind horse.”
After she learned to read, Gloria found stories on her own, but the ones she told herself seemed the most satisfying. Her mother died, her father remarried, she was sent away to school, and on many nights she treated herself to another imaginary adventure.
She became an omnivorous reader as the years passed, and finally she recognized what she’d always wanted to do: write down her stories for children to read.
She studied the craft of writing juvenile fiction and then began. Her three children seemed to like her stories, so she took the long road to publication and found that others liked them too. Since then, she has taught creative writing, worked as an editor, and written more books—for children, teens, and adults.
Many of Gloria’s books reflect her love for wilderness, and she says that the oceans, mountains, and forests of her childhood in Hawaii and Canada provide an inspiration she has never outgrown.
Recently, she has been exploring the New Jersey Pine Barrens, an incomparable wilderness of woods and rivers, bogs and ruins. One memorable spring evening, she listened to its frogs and found them irresistible. Before long, the hours of tramping through abandoned cranberry bogs bore fruit, and she began to dream of stories about a tiny Pine Barrens Treefrog named Pibbin.
Pibbin’s adventures have taken shape, young readers enjoy them, and each year she goes back to the Pine Barrens for more. The Tales of Friendship Bog continue.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Did Not Finish
August 9, 2024I didn't get very far into this book but I found it confusing. I don't understand why the main character is so upset. I don't understand why she is running away. Yes, I know things will be revealed later on but I didn't understand it even from an emotional point of view.
I decided I had other things I wanted to spend my time reading so I'm passing on this one.
I decided I had other things I wanted to spend my time reading so I'm passing on this one.
June 26, 2019
First book in the trilogy started off slow but picked up speed as readers become invested in the dark past that affects a shaky present in hopes for a happy future for Madeline/Mollie. The past comes back to haunt in more ways than one as Repp intertwines the stories and mysteries of Madeline and those she encounters and rescues along the way with the Lord's guiding hand. The journey as she gains strength emotionally and physically will pull on your heartstrings as she opens up her heart to her happy ending.
December 17, 2012
A Touching Story of Brokenness, Healing and Love
This book centers around a young widow named Madeleine, known as "Mollie". She leaves home to go and help her aunt restore an old home in an attempt to escape her grief and painful past. However, instead she finds healing, hope and love. Not only does she find romantic love, but also a "forever love" in God.
I enjoyed reading this book - I enjoyed the story and the deeper meaning behind it. It was a good reminder to me of God's "forever love" - even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Throughout the book is also woven a mystery that is solved at the end.
Recommended!
This book centers around a young widow named Madeleine, known as "Mollie". She leaves home to go and help her aunt restore an old home in an attempt to escape her grief and painful past. However, instead she finds healing, hope and love. Not only does she find romantic love, but also a "forever love" in God.
I enjoyed reading this book - I enjoyed the story and the deeper meaning behind it. It was a good reminder to me of God's "forever love" - even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Throughout the book is also woven a mystery that is solved at the end.
Recommended!
January 21, 2013
The thing I loved most about this book was its writing style. It hooked me to keep reading to the end.
Yes, there were a lot of religious references, but even as a non-believer, I found it a quiet and loving belief - though I suppose Mollie should have been given credit for her strength, I suppose it was the author's way of giving it to her.
It's a great story, I loved the characters. There was suspense, mystery and romance, all superbly written.
I don't give spoilers but will recommend this story as a good read.
Yes, there were a lot of religious references, but even as a non-believer, I found it a quiet and loving belief - though I suppose Mollie should have been given credit for her strength, I suppose it was the author's way of giving it to her.
It's a great story, I loved the characters. There was suspense, mystery and romance, all superbly written.
I don't give spoilers but will recommend this story as a good read.
September 27, 2013
“The Forever Stone” by Gloria Repp is the story of a girl named Madeleine who goes to visit her aunt in a remote, small town in New Jersey. Her aunt just inherited a manor that is filled with antiques, and Madeleine has agreed to help her sell the items and clean out the house.
The book was promoted as a sweet romance, but it’s not. There are several unwritten rules about writing a romance that the author doesn’t follow. As a result, the book is twice as long as it needs to be. It needs to go to the chopping block to cut out all of the fluff that slows the story down. It’s not focused on any one problem that needs to be overcome.
The first thing the author needs to cut is the first few chapters. At a writer’s conference, Vicki Hinze, a best-selling romance author, said that the love interest must be introduced within the first five pages. The first chapter of this book is about a conflict Madeline has with her mother at home. The conflict explains why she decides to go live with her aunt, but it isn’t used again once she gets there. The conflict isn’t repeated throughout the plot as something that needs to be solved. So, since the only purpose for the fight is to get Madeline to leave town, the conflict should be put into back story or conversation. One paragraph is all it needs.
The cast of characters also needs to be cut. After eighteen chapters, the author still hasn’t established who the love interest will be. There are four men for her to choose from, and none of them are doing anything more provocative than winking. It seems that the author wants the love interest to be Kent, an author researching a book, but actually, Madeleine is forming more of a bond with Timothy, the storekeeper. Timothy seems to be a substitute father, but it could also be a May/December romance. But the reader doesn’t know, because no one is making a move on her, she isn’t wrestling with her emotions, and the scenes don’t build to an emotional climax. The other two men, a doctor and a recluse, don’t serve a useful purpose, and only confuse the issue of which man she is going to fall in love with.
Another thing that authors build to a climax in a Christian or clean novel is a substitute for sex. It’s very common to use religion, shopping or food as a sex substitute. The author uses all three.
The shopping scenes need to be cut completely because they undermine the main premise. The premise is that her aunt owns too many antiques and needs to sell them. Then, they go shopping and buy some more. If they are going to go to antique stores, then they need to go there to sell the stuff, not add to the clutter they already have. The shopping scenes not only clutter the house, they clutter the plot at the same time.
In my opinion, the cooking scenes make a better substitute for sex because they slowly build from easy to difficult in the same way that sex builds from warm to steamy. They also offer Madeleine a reason to get out of the house and go see Timothy.
On the other hand, the church scenes come to a premature climax. Usually, when church is a sex substitute, it will start with a worry, then a prayer, then a plea, and finally climax with a church scene with an emotional sermon or Bible verse that captures her heart and provides the emotional release she needs to solve her problem and become satisfied. This author doesn’t follow that plot. She starts off not going to church at all, and then, when invited to church, just changes her mind and becomes a good Christian. When she hears the big sermon, it’s in the middle of the book. The sermon doesn’t have anything to do with her problem. It’s delivered on the pastor’s end, but doesn’t provide an emotional response in the woman.
The church scenes also slow the pace of the book because they introduce a lot of characters that aren’t needed for the plot. The canoe trip doesn’t do anything to move the story along. Choir practice introduces a lot of characters that don’t have anything to do with antiques, cooking or falling in love. So, between the two, food makes a better sex substitute than church does. The Christian element could be completely cut from the book and it would never be missed.
The author also needs to decide what the intellectual element of the book is going to be. She has too many things to teach the reader. The story uses antique paper weights, duck decoys, blown glass, ceramics, a locked bedroom of a deceased child, feral cats, runaway girls, life in Alaska, the history of bread baking, and dysfunctional families struggling with mental illness. All but one of those elements needs to go. Just as the emotional element should focus on one man, as the heroine wraps herself around him, the intellectual element of a book should focus on one topic, and the heroine wraps her brains around the information, coming to understand and appreciate it.
And just what is a forever stone? It’s supposed to be a glass paperweight that doesn’t look anything like a stone. It doesn’t last forever, because Madeleine brings it with her for no reason, looks at it, and drops it back into her suitcase where it remains for the rest of the book.
But, on the plus side, the author has a good writing style. Her conversations are natural, her characters are believable, and the descriptions are good. If you’re looking for a long-winded story that can be read before bed, and that will lull you to sleep, this is a good choice.
The book was promoted as a sweet romance, but it’s not. There are several unwritten rules about writing a romance that the author doesn’t follow. As a result, the book is twice as long as it needs to be. It needs to go to the chopping block to cut out all of the fluff that slows the story down. It’s not focused on any one problem that needs to be overcome.
The first thing the author needs to cut is the first few chapters. At a writer’s conference, Vicki Hinze, a best-selling romance author, said that the love interest must be introduced within the first five pages. The first chapter of this book is about a conflict Madeline has with her mother at home. The conflict explains why she decides to go live with her aunt, but it isn’t used again once she gets there. The conflict isn’t repeated throughout the plot as something that needs to be solved. So, since the only purpose for the fight is to get Madeline to leave town, the conflict should be put into back story or conversation. One paragraph is all it needs.
The cast of characters also needs to be cut. After eighteen chapters, the author still hasn’t established who the love interest will be. There are four men for her to choose from, and none of them are doing anything more provocative than winking. It seems that the author wants the love interest to be Kent, an author researching a book, but actually, Madeleine is forming more of a bond with Timothy, the storekeeper. Timothy seems to be a substitute father, but it could also be a May/December romance. But the reader doesn’t know, because no one is making a move on her, she isn’t wrestling with her emotions, and the scenes don’t build to an emotional climax. The other two men, a doctor and a recluse, don’t serve a useful purpose, and only confuse the issue of which man she is going to fall in love with.
Another thing that authors build to a climax in a Christian or clean novel is a substitute for sex. It’s very common to use religion, shopping or food as a sex substitute. The author uses all three.
The shopping scenes need to be cut completely because they undermine the main premise. The premise is that her aunt owns too many antiques and needs to sell them. Then, they go shopping and buy some more. If they are going to go to antique stores, then they need to go there to sell the stuff, not add to the clutter they already have. The shopping scenes not only clutter the house, they clutter the plot at the same time.
In my opinion, the cooking scenes make a better substitute for sex because they slowly build from easy to difficult in the same way that sex builds from warm to steamy. They also offer Madeleine a reason to get out of the house and go see Timothy.
On the other hand, the church scenes come to a premature climax. Usually, when church is a sex substitute, it will start with a worry, then a prayer, then a plea, and finally climax with a church scene with an emotional sermon or Bible verse that captures her heart and provides the emotional release she needs to solve her problem and become satisfied. This author doesn’t follow that plot. She starts off not going to church at all, and then, when invited to church, just changes her mind and becomes a good Christian. When she hears the big sermon, it’s in the middle of the book. The sermon doesn’t have anything to do with her problem. It’s delivered on the pastor’s end, but doesn’t provide an emotional response in the woman.
The church scenes also slow the pace of the book because they introduce a lot of characters that aren’t needed for the plot. The canoe trip doesn’t do anything to move the story along. Choir practice introduces a lot of characters that don’t have anything to do with antiques, cooking or falling in love. So, between the two, food makes a better sex substitute than church does. The Christian element could be completely cut from the book and it would never be missed.
The author also needs to decide what the intellectual element of the book is going to be. She has too many things to teach the reader. The story uses antique paper weights, duck decoys, blown glass, ceramics, a locked bedroom of a deceased child, feral cats, runaway girls, life in Alaska, the history of bread baking, and dysfunctional families struggling with mental illness. All but one of those elements needs to go. Just as the emotional element should focus on one man, as the heroine wraps herself around him, the intellectual element of a book should focus on one topic, and the heroine wraps her brains around the information, coming to understand and appreciate it.
And just what is a forever stone? It’s supposed to be a glass paperweight that doesn’t look anything like a stone. It doesn’t last forever, because Madeleine brings it with her for no reason, looks at it, and drops it back into her suitcase where it remains for the rest of the book.
But, on the plus side, the author has a good writing style. Her conversations are natural, her characters are believable, and the descriptions are good. If you’re looking for a long-winded story that can be read before bed, and that will lull you to sleep, this is a good choice.
April 15, 2013
April 10, 2013
Review of THE FOREVER STONE by Gloria Repp
I could hardly put this book down.....
THE FOREVER STONE is a story about Madeline Burke, a young widow, in need of time and space (and independence from her overbearing mother) to sort through her life experiences, and to decide "where to go from here."
Madeline suffered through the shooting death of her adoring father, a police officer. She then regretfully jumped into a marriage with a doctor who was controlling and abusive toward her. When the doctor died a couple of years later, Madeline fell apart.
Vulnerable to her mother's criticism and outspoken opinions of how she should live her life, Madeline jumped at the chance to "run" away to live with her Aunt Lin in a big old castle-like house, Dumont Manor, that she had inherited. Aunt Lin needed hands-on help sorting through rooms full of antiques, books, boxes of 'treasures'; cleaning, painting, hauling. Madeline brought her cookbooks, as cooking was her passion, and looked forward to sharing in Aunt Lin's Great Adventure and in starting over.
The adventures that followed were heart-warming, puzzling, endearing, sometimes down right dangerous. Filled with twists and turns, and characters that I came to care about, or to rail against, this is a wonderfully written story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and look forward to reading more from Gloria Repp.
-------------------------------------------------
I received this book, free of charge, in exchange for my honest review.
Review of THE FOREVER STONE by Gloria Repp
I could hardly put this book down.....
THE FOREVER STONE is a story about Madeline Burke, a young widow, in need of time and space (and independence from her overbearing mother) to sort through her life experiences, and to decide "where to go from here."
Madeline suffered through the shooting death of her adoring father, a police officer. She then regretfully jumped into a marriage with a doctor who was controlling and abusive toward her. When the doctor died a couple of years later, Madeline fell apart.
Vulnerable to her mother's criticism and outspoken opinions of how she should live her life, Madeline jumped at the chance to "run" away to live with her Aunt Lin in a big old castle-like house, Dumont Manor, that she had inherited. Aunt Lin needed hands-on help sorting through rooms full of antiques, books, boxes of 'treasures'; cleaning, painting, hauling. Madeline brought her cookbooks, as cooking was her passion, and looked forward to sharing in Aunt Lin's Great Adventure and in starting over.
The adventures that followed were heart-warming, puzzling, endearing, sometimes down right dangerous. Filled with twists and turns, and characters that I came to care about, or to rail against, this is a wonderfully written story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and look forward to reading more from Gloria Repp.
-------------------------------------------------
I received this book, free of charge, in exchange for my honest review.
April 15, 2013
***A tale with an important message about new beginnings..."
Forever Stone, Gloria Repp’s new mystery-romance is set in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens well-known for “sugar-sand roads, tumbled ruins, and gleaming dark rivers.” There readers meet Madeline, a young widow better known as “Mollie.” A year has passed since her abusive husband was killed in an automobile accident, yet her feelings of grief still reflect relief that he can’t hurt her ever again. It’s the relief she feels guilt over.
Since she became a widow Mollie’s scam artist mother, Sylvia, her Cousin Willa, Vera and Uncle Ashton continue to pressure her to join the family business and marry George, a man of their choice, not hers. They also mock her for working in a local antique store and again when she registers for art classes. However they take special delight insulting her passion for cooking and sarcastically call her the “pastry-chef wannabe,” especially her mother.
Just as…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/cs5h7mk
Forever Stone, Gloria Repp’s new mystery-romance is set in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens well-known for “sugar-sand roads, tumbled ruins, and gleaming dark rivers.” There readers meet Madeline, a young widow better known as “Mollie.” A year has passed since her abusive husband was killed in an automobile accident, yet her feelings of grief still reflect relief that he can’t hurt her ever again. It’s the relief she feels guilt over.
Since she became a widow Mollie’s scam artist mother, Sylvia, her Cousin Willa, Vera and Uncle Ashton continue to pressure her to join the family business and marry George, a man of their choice, not hers. They also mock her for working in a local antique store and again when she registers for art classes. However they take special delight insulting her passion for cooking and sarcastically call her the “pastry-chef wannabe,” especially her mother.
Just as…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/cs5h7mk
August 5, 2013
This book was amazing from the start, though it begins as a slow pace and towards the middle is where the real action occurs between the characters. In this book there is a young divorced lady named Madeline and she moves with her Aunt. In her new place she meets new people and there is a lot of mystery going on between the people, the mystery is what makes this books so good. Apart from mystery, there is romance in this novel, she meets a guy named Nathan, and he tries to help her believe in love again and let go of her awful past. As the novel begins, our main character Madeline, is shy and tries not to be so sociable, and further on she gains confidence with herself. What I love about this book is that, you see a frightened lady that must confront all this mystery and problems, but there is a little boy named Jude who is her helper, that invites her to church, and there is when she calls to God and in every situation she's is in, she is not afraid. I'm looking forward for the next book to come out. If you love mystery and romance this is the book for you.
September 26, 2013
Mystery mixed with pathos and bravery
This evocative story explores the growth of its heroine from a victim to a victor. She forces herself to face her demons, strike out on a new path, and face fear. It's evocative and spiritual. I knew Gloria Repp was a talented writer, having really enjoyed her children’s stories, and she proves she can write a compelling adult novel with this story.
This suspenseful novel is grown up but it doesn’t smack the writer with explicit scenes or gratuitous violence. There is danger and tension enough for anyone who enjoys a suspense novel. There is also psychological growth of the character through her faith in God. Don't be afraid of the spiritual nature of the story, it helps the character to mature and face the pain from her past. Highly recommended.
This evocative story explores the growth of its heroine from a victim to a victor. She forces herself to face her demons, strike out on a new path, and face fear. It's evocative and spiritual. I knew Gloria Repp was a talented writer, having really enjoyed her children’s stories, and she proves she can write a compelling adult novel with this story.
This suspenseful novel is grown up but it doesn’t smack the writer with explicit scenes or gratuitous violence. There is danger and tension enough for anyone who enjoys a suspense novel. There is also psychological growth of the character through her faith in God. Don't be afraid of the spiritual nature of the story, it helps the character to mature and face the pain from her past. Highly recommended.
February 3, 2015
This is a story about Madeline, who moves in with her aunt to start a fresh life away from her past. Aunt Lin bought an old Victorian mansion and the two of them take on the task of cleaning it out and redoing it.
While Madeline seeks her independence, and new life, she meets some of the towns' people and befriends a few them. She even starts to attend church with Jude, a teen, who was hired to help with the renovations to the mansion.
There are a lot of characters in this book but the author describes them so well, that I felt as though knew them personally. It isn’t often that one intentionally slows down their reading when getting to the end of a book, but I found myself doing so with this story. Not because I didn’t like it, but because I didn’t want it to end.
While Madeline seeks her independence, and new life, she meets some of the towns' people and befriends a few them. She even starts to attend church with Jude, a teen, who was hired to help with the renovations to the mansion.
There are a lot of characters in this book but the author describes them so well, that I felt as though knew them personally. It isn’t often that one intentionally slows down their reading when getting to the end of a book, but I found myself doing so with this story. Not because I didn’t like it, but because I didn’t want it to end.
July 11, 2019
I'm reviewing The Forever Stone by Gloria Repp, which I kindly received from the author and Booktasters. Our protagonist is Madeline aka Mollie, a young widow who escapes her pain and horrendous family to live with her aunt in Pine Barrens, New Jersey. There she helps Aunt Lin with cleaning out an old manor and attempting to restore it. She also begins to make friends in her new home, and maybe a potential love interest or two.
Repp's writing is very evocative, especially when it came to describing Pine Barrens. She captured this small town and its inhabitants, and I found her word choice and imagery engaging. There is a lot of religious imagery used but I didn't find it overbearing or distracting. The beginning of the novel is slow paced, which will put off some readers. I liked it as it gave me the opportunity to know Mollie and her plight better. I could connect with her more, knowing her background - though some information is revealed later in the plot. She is quite an interesting figure who has led a difficult few years at the beginning of the book, so it is nice to see how she changes throughout.
However, I did have a couple of issues. You know at the beginning of this review I mentioned a love interest or two? There's three (potentially a fourth). Whilst I am a sucker for a good love triangle, the number of men seemed too much. One of the men, Timothy, appears as a father-figure to Mollie, but that only became apparent later in the novel. At a couple of points I couldn't remember which guy was who. I also found some of the drama in Pine Barrens a bit far-fetched. The Forever Stone is marketed as a romance novel, but then we have arson, theft, and murder all get mentioned. The plot became really cluttered and a wee bit OTT. It didn't help that all the things mentioned occur within the second half of the book, contrasting with the beginning's slow pace. Whilst Repp does tie up all the plot strands by the end, it did feel a bit messy.
The Forever Stone was an enjoyable read. I found the character of Mollie really interesting and Repp's writing is excellent. The plot could have been more streamlined, but since this is a first book in a trilogy maybe these events/characters will reoccur. But this was a really sweet, summer read.
Repp's writing is very evocative, especially when it came to describing Pine Barrens. She captured this small town and its inhabitants, and I found her word choice and imagery engaging. There is a lot of religious imagery used but I didn't find it overbearing or distracting. The beginning of the novel is slow paced, which will put off some readers. I liked it as it gave me the opportunity to know Mollie and her plight better. I could connect with her more, knowing her background - though some information is revealed later in the plot. She is quite an interesting figure who has led a difficult few years at the beginning of the book, so it is nice to see how she changes throughout.
However, I did have a couple of issues. You know at the beginning of this review I mentioned a love interest or two? There's three (potentially a fourth). Whilst I am a sucker for a good love triangle, the number of men seemed too much. One of the men, Timothy, appears as a father-figure to Mollie, but that only became apparent later in the novel. At a couple of points I couldn't remember which guy was who. I also found some of the drama in Pine Barrens a bit far-fetched. The Forever Stone is marketed as a romance novel, but then we have arson, theft, and murder all get mentioned. The plot became really cluttered and a wee bit OTT. It didn't help that all the things mentioned occur within the second half of the book, contrasting with the beginning's slow pace. Whilst Repp does tie up all the plot strands by the end, it did feel a bit messy.
The Forever Stone was an enjoyable read. I found the character of Mollie really interesting and Repp's writing is excellent. The plot could have been more streamlined, but since this is a first book in a trilogy maybe these events/characters will reoccur. But this was a really sweet, summer read.
June 18, 2019
I received this book from the author via @Booktasters
The Forever Stone is the first book in the Dumont women chronicles . This is the story of Madeline or Mollie who wants to forget her traumatic past and abusive dead husband and start new in the quiet and away from big city life. She escapes from a scheming, don't care mother, nosy relatives to a new beginning to help her aunt restore an ancient mansion in the somewhat lonely quiet area.
What Madeline finds there forms the crux of the story. Whether she heals from her fearful past and finds peace and all that she deserves or faces another trauma. How she beats the odds and whether she overcomes her problems and helps those in need.
The story is simple and delight to read (gives a kind of M&B feel)
Not too many characters crowd
The only thing that put me off was too much religious content. I do not mind that as I am a believer but not too religious and sometime the book gives the feel that it is kind of propagating one religion which can be a little offputting to those varied readers
despite this it was a pleasant read on a lazy evening
The Forever Stone is the first book in the Dumont women chronicles . This is the story of Madeline or Mollie who wants to forget her traumatic past and abusive dead husband and start new in the quiet and away from big city life. She escapes from a scheming, don't care mother, nosy relatives to a new beginning to help her aunt restore an ancient mansion in the somewhat lonely quiet area.
What Madeline finds there forms the crux of the story. Whether she heals from her fearful past and finds peace and all that she deserves or faces another trauma. How she beats the odds and whether she overcomes her problems and helps those in need.
The story is simple and delight to read (gives a kind of M&B feel)
Not too many characters crowd
The only thing that put me off was too much religious content. I do not mind that as I am a believer but not too religious and sometime the book gives the feel that it is kind of propagating one religion which can be a little offputting to those varied readers
despite this it was a pleasant read on a lazy evening
July 13, 2019
'The Forever Stone', the name itself has a nice ring to it; extrudes a lot of positivity and healing. Also, the imaginative picture of that beautiful paperweight with calico flowers is so soothing. Exceptionally written book. Caught my attention from the very first page and left me wanting more at the last page. Everything about the book - the protagonist's struggle, her time baking those goodies, her time at the church or with those other characters in the book especially at Timothy's store, i felt like I was living it with her and the feeling is ecstatic. Also, her love story with Nathan is not those cliche ones you read about but it is a relationship of love, respect and healing. Every time the characters in the book were praying, i found myself praying with them. Everytime something bad happened to any of them, I found tears rolling out of my eyes. Even when she was praying to Christ not to take Timothy away and even if He did, she would accept; I found myself silently praying for his well-being and beads of tears rolling out of my eyes. Never thought I could feel that connected with a fictional character. Loved it. Can't wait to start reading the next book..
August 12, 2019
A life in turmoil. A past that's so tormenting she still experiences paralyzing fear. Still reeling and healing Madeline takes a chance. Running or escaping, it doesn't matter. Finding, remembering, experiencing the love of God in her new home. She meets a colorful range of characters and meets challenges and struggles as she heals basking in God's love. It's a well written, touching story of how He brings her back to the fold and heals her. She lives and learns while helping her aunt and facing her fears by turning them over to God. The author does well with the placements of scripture and the lessons she learns as they are interwoven into the story. Loved it and getting to know this new to me author. This author sets the scene for this sweet story and gives Madeline what she needs with the tender, soft spoken and Godly man who gives her the time and help she needs to heal and become whole again.
August 9, 2020
Because I’d read the second of this series first, I looked for familiar names as I began to read. The lack of surnames in the opening scene confused me a bit, and I was relieved when it was revealed the Madeleine was also known as Mollie. That grounded me in the story, and the rest was an emotional and enjoyable journey.
While The Forever Stone employs a slightly slower plot than Deep Focus (book 2), the depth of each character drew me in, and the secrets and discoveries kept me riveted. The author deals with deep grief gently and unflinchingly. I learned a great deal through this story, as it took me through grief, hope, puzzlement, anger, joy and understanding. I will carry these characters in my heart for a long time.
I received a copy of The Forever Stone from the author; all opinions are my own and unsolicited. I truly enjoyed this story and give it a strong four stars. Recommended.
While The Forever Stone employs a slightly slower plot than Deep Focus (book 2), the depth of each character drew me in, and the secrets and discoveries kept me riveted. The author deals with deep grief gently and unflinchingly. I learned a great deal through this story, as it took me through grief, hope, puzzlement, anger, joy and understanding. I will carry these characters in my heart for a long time.
I received a copy of The Forever Stone from the author; all opinions are my own and unsolicited. I truly enjoyed this story and give it a strong four stars. Recommended.
June 22, 2019
I found this book to be very enjoyable. It was a story of healing, recovery, and starting over.
I did find it a little slow at the beginning and few things, just didn't make a whole lot of sense to me in regards to the story. But towards the middle it hit a nice stride and I was unable to put the book down. I found myself wanting to continue reading far into the night. I don't generally read stories with a religious undertone, but I found this story to be well written and not overbearing.
I did find it a little slow at the beginning and few things, just didn't make a whole lot of sense to me in regards to the story. But towards the middle it hit a nice stride and I was unable to put the book down. I found myself wanting to continue reading far into the night. I don't generally read stories with a religious undertone, but I found this story to be well written and not overbearing.
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October 24, 2019Depend on the ROCK
Dear Readers, our Madeline meets a forward handsome man and takes an aversion to him immediately. Kent tries to spend time with her and she resists. There is a wonderful, Godly store keeper, Timothy, who has a deep insight to people and he carefully escorts Mollie through God’s Word. As her faith grows she meets the town doctor, a man with his own deep hurts. This is a fast moving, suspenseful and surprising story that will keep you interested from start to finish.
Dear Readers, our Madeline meets a forward handsome man and takes an aversion to him immediately. Kent tries to spend time with her and she resists. There is a wonderful, Godly store keeper, Timothy, who has a deep insight to people and he carefully escorts Mollie through God’s Word. As her faith grows she meets the town doctor, a man with his own deep hurts. This is a fast moving, suspenseful and surprising story that will keep you interested from start to finish.
April 12, 2018
This is a unique book, not like anything I've read. Fascinating characters and great story. I had a little trouble getting into it, because of so many unsavory characters in the first chapter. But after that, it really held my attention. This widow fights heroically for others, but has trouble fighting her way out of her own past. With the help of a compassionate and patient man, she finally begins to move ahead into better relationships.
February 18, 2022
This is my first Gloria Repp book and I have to say, I like her writing. Intelligent, interesting, and the Christian element ran throughout the book, not just as an addition here and there to give credence to the Christian fiction label. That was definitely the b est part of this book.
The story was good. I felt it could have been fifty pages shorter, leaving out minor incidents that didn’t add to the story at all. But, would I read another book by this author? Absolutely!
The story was good. I felt it could have been fifty pages shorter, leaving out minor incidents that didn’t add to the story at all. But, would I read another book by this author? Absolutely!
April 28, 2020
Faith and love
A story of hope and returning to our Forever love, God. Our father, our protector. Mollie refunds her faith and strength after a brutal marriage and the loss of her father. A sweet love story. Beautifully written. I was eager to dive back into reading Ephesians with my eyes opened.
A story of hope and returning to our Forever love, God. Our father, our protector. Mollie refunds her faith and strength after a brutal marriage and the loss of her father. A sweet love story. Beautifully written. I was eager to dive back into reading Ephesians with my eyes opened.
August 29, 2021
It took a while to get into this story and figure out what was going on, but it edged up being quite good.
It’s the story of Madeline (Mollie), the losses shed difficulties of her life, and how she goes yo her shut Lin’s inherited old hone to get away from her mother and begin life anew.
Other main characters: Dr Nathan, Timothy, Jude & Bria, Remie, and Tara.
It’s the story of Madeline (Mollie), the losses shed difficulties of her life, and how she goes yo her shut Lin’s inherited old hone to get away from her mother and begin life anew.
Other main characters: Dr Nathan, Timothy, Jude & Bria, Remie, and Tara.
September 16, 2021
This was an excellent Christian book. The main character came from an abusive marriage and a family that wanted to rule her life. Especially her mother. She found a man that like herself was a Christian, although they were both struggling at the time with their beliefs. The villain, you was able to recognize right away. Only thing was you didn't know just how evil he was. I would recommend this book to any one that likes this style of writing. No sex, and no foul language.
January 15, 2025
To God be the glory
This is a comfortable read. No shocking twists, just a pleasant tale . The is mystery and friendships developed. Good character development. You can experience small town relationships.
Just sit back and relax as you journey through the story. You won't be embarrassed from foul language, graphic violence or sexual overtones.
This is a comfortable read. No shocking twists, just a pleasant tale . The is mystery and friendships developed. Good character development. You can experience small town relationships.
Just sit back and relax as you journey through the story. You won't be embarrassed from foul language, graphic violence or sexual overtones.
Read
October 24, 2020Interesting story
Madeline has been through a great deal even before we meet her in this story. Now she is helping her aunt with an old house she is restoring. She encounters teens in trouble, a man who won't leave her alone, and a man who falls in love with her. Lots of drama.
Madeline has been through a great deal even before we meet her in this story. Now she is helping her aunt with an old house she is restoring. She encounters teens in trouble, a man who won't leave her alone, and a man who falls in love with her. Lots of drama.
June 2, 2021
The Fore er Stone
Great story! And there are many nuggets of wisdom that provoke thoughts of God's goodness, and mercy. On passage That touched me deeply was,that God only , can give us hearts to love him with all our strength,mind,body ,and soul.
Great story! And there are many nuggets of wisdom that provoke thoughts of God's goodness, and mercy. On passage That touched me deeply was,that God only , can give us hearts to love him with all our strength,mind,body ,and soul.
August 29, 2021
Mystery
There are a lot of twists and turns in this story and characters who have been hurt in the past. God helps them as they try to heal from their pasts and find their way on the path God has for them.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this story and characters who have been hurt in the past. God helps them as they try to heal from their pasts and find their way on the path God has for them.
September 1, 2021
Superb!
I truly enjoyed this read. Three cheers for Mollie pushing through her grief and trauma. And learning to trust God. Would love more on her continued journey and life with Nathan.
I truly enjoyed this read. Three cheers for Mollie pushing through her grief and trauma. And learning to trust God. Would love more on her continued journey and life with Nathan.
September 28, 2023
Beautifully captures the love of God
Loved how the author was able to relate how we can approach God with our cares and shortcomings knowing that He will be there for us.
And how we respond to Him with love and trust.
Loved how the author was able to relate how we can approach God with our cares and shortcomings knowing that He will be there for us.
And how we respond to Him with love and trust.
December 9, 2024
Truly enjoyable!
I had never heard of this author, so I was pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed her book! I enjoy reading stories with mystery and intrigue and with the message of God's love.
I had never heard of this author, so I was pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed her book! I enjoy reading stories with mystery and intrigue and with the message of God's love.
October 10, 2019
Starts slow, but gets better
I prefer a faster paced book, but it improved toward the end. The characters were well defined. Good read if you can get through the beginning .
I prefer a faster paced book, but it improved toward the end. The characters were well defined. Good read if you can get through the beginning .
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