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The Mendocino Village #2
Illusion
A Mendocino Village Novel - Book 2
Four women in love. Four fractured romances. Through their friendships with one another will they uncover the illusion that’s keeping them from their hearts’ desires?
Ellyn—chef, café owner, and newlywed—loves her life as Mrs. Miles Becker, but does her husband love their life together? Ellyn isn’t sure. Doesn’t it make sense that he may still have feelings for his first wife, the woman he lost to cancer after nearly thirty years of marriage? And what about Nerissa, Miles’s closest friend? Why didn’t he marry her?
After her divorce, Nerissa committed to live as the bride of Christ. But her commitment is challenged when her financial security is threatened. Sensing trouble, her daughter, Twila, returns home to stand by her mom, leaving her fiancé behind. Yet Nerissa’s sense of aloneness persists, leading her into dangerous waters.
Pia, at nineteen, in the throes of love and passion, has her dreams shattered when her boyfriend reveals a truth he’s withheld. And when her mother, Rosa, learns that truth? She’ll do everything in her power to keep Pia and Manuel apart. Only Pia’s Auntie Ellyn understands the level of her mother’s control.
As Ellyn, Nerissa, Twila, Pia, and Rosa struggle together, will they, through the friendships they share with one another, uncover the illusion that’s keeping each of them bound?
Four women in love. Four fractured romances. Through their friendships with one another will they uncover the illusion that’s keeping them from their hearts’ desires?
Ellyn—chef, café owner, and newlywed—loves her life as Mrs. Miles Becker, but does her husband love their life together? Ellyn isn’t sure. Doesn’t it make sense that he may still have feelings for his first wife, the woman he lost to cancer after nearly thirty years of marriage? And what about Nerissa, Miles’s closest friend? Why didn’t he marry her?
After her divorce, Nerissa committed to live as the bride of Christ. But her commitment is challenged when her financial security is threatened. Sensing trouble, her daughter, Twila, returns home to stand by her mom, leaving her fiancé behind. Yet Nerissa’s sense of aloneness persists, leading her into dangerous waters.
Pia, at nineteen, in the throes of love and passion, has her dreams shattered when her boyfriend reveals a truth he’s withheld. And when her mother, Rosa, learns that truth? She’ll do everything in her power to keep Pia and Manuel apart. Only Pia’s Auntie Ellyn understands the level of her mother’s control.
As Ellyn, Nerissa, Twila, Pia, and Rosa struggle together, will they, through the friendships they share with one another, uncover the illusion that’s keeping each of them bound?
- GenresChristian Fiction
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2020
71 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Ginny L. Yttrup
10 books360 followersGinny L. Yttrup is the Christy Award winning author of Words, and six other titles, the award-winning Mendocino Village Novels, Invisible and Illusion. She writes women's fiction and suspense. Ginny is also a sought after writing coach, developmental editor, and speaker. When not writing she loves to spend time with her adult children, and the circle of dear friends who enrich her life. She lives in northern California with the man in her life, her rescue pup Henry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 2, 2020
Illusion…I’m not sure I have the words to do this book justice. Let me just say that it engulfed me. I don’t know how Ginny Yttrup does it, but the level of insight she pours forth from her characters is astounding. This book, the second in her Medocino Village series (yes, you do need to read the previous book before this one!) continues right after the conclusion of the first book, Invisible. Here, we enter into the lives of four women, each striving to under-stand themselves as life attacks from all directions. The issues these women face are ones I see in my life and the lives of those around me – issues that bring us to our knees and are so intense that fighting through the fog seems impossible. Yet, Yttrup seeks to shed some light, lifting the fog not only for her characters, but also for her readers.
Refreshing, insightful, thought provoking, tear jerking, and hopeful, this is one book I will read again. My only complaint is having to wait until book three releases!
I received this book form the author. All opinions are my own.
Refreshing, insightful, thought provoking, tear jerking, and hopeful, this is one book I will read again. My only complaint is having to wait until book three releases!
I received this book form the author. All opinions are my own.
October 3, 2020
I haven't read the first book in the Mendocino Village series, Invisible, but am fortunate to be on Ginny's team for the launch of Illusion.
I thoroughly enjoyed this exploration of four friends spanning two generations and set in Northern California's coastal Mendocino County. Ellyn, Nerissa, Twila and Pia come to life in the pages of Illusion, each getting her own chapter written from her perspective. You get a deep look at their hopes, dreams and darkest fears.
I had a hard time putting the book down, finishing it well after midnight the third night after I started reading it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this exploration of four friends spanning two generations and set in Northern California's coastal Mendocino County. Ellyn, Nerissa, Twila and Pia come to life in the pages of Illusion, each getting her own chapter written from her perspective. You get a deep look at their hopes, dreams and darkest fears.
I had a hard time putting the book down, finishing it well after midnight the third night after I started reading it.
September 28, 2020
I wasn’t sure how a sequel would measure up to Invisible, but Illusions sure did. Her ability to create characters that I can see within myself pulls you in immediately. As in all her books, the hope of real change and redemption, give me an incredible feeling of hope. Thank you Ginny.
September 27, 2020
3.8 stars
4 main characters, different ages and different issues.
Ginny's stories are realistic portrayals of the issues people face both before and within a marriage. These books are recommended for women who struggle with the voice/fears in their head and find it difficult to take God at his word.
4 main characters, different ages and different issues.
Ginny's stories are realistic portrayals of the issues people face both before and within a marriage. These books are recommended for women who struggle with the voice/fears in their head and find it difficult to take God at his word.
September 28, 2020
I’m almost finished and WOW. The first book in this series is my favorite book by Ginny Yttrup. This one will be a contender I think. All of her books are so, so good.
September 28, 2020
Before you read this new book by Ginny Yttrup, you definitely will want to read the first book in the series, Invisible. The characters in Illusion are all introduced in Invisible, along with their back stories and many of the issues that are dealt with in the new book.
If you want a fast-paced, passionate romance, go find something else to read. There is romance in Illusion, but at a much deeper level than most books that call themselves romances. Both Invisible and Illusion are very introspective books. They move at a slow pace so that the characters, and readers, can process and deal with challenges that life brings. As each of four women deals with her illusions, she and those around her grow and mature in various ways.
Illusion deals with truth vs lies, faith vs feelings, knowing something vs putting it into practice. Each chapter is prefaced by a quote from Thomas Merton – a rich collection just in those quotes!
I will be mulling over the insights of this book for quite awhile, and I highly recommend it. It probably will appeal mostly to women, but I think it will also help the men in their lives understand them better.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
If you want a fast-paced, passionate romance, go find something else to read. There is romance in Illusion, but at a much deeper level than most books that call themselves romances. Both Invisible and Illusion are very introspective books. They move at a slow pace so that the characters, and readers, can process and deal with challenges that life brings. As each of four women deals with her illusions, she and those around her grow and mature in various ways.
Illusion deals with truth vs lies, faith vs feelings, knowing something vs putting it into practice. Each chapter is prefaced by a quote from Thomas Merton – a rich collection just in those quotes!
I will be mulling over the insights of this book for quite awhile, and I highly recommend it. It probably will appeal mostly to women, but I think it will also help the men in their lives understand them better.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 3, 2020
Tears running down my cheeks, I just finished Illusion. Oh how I love these characters and the lessons they teach me! My prayer: May we clearly see the truth of who God is and who we are and may that truth set us free! Thank you, Ginny, for writing fiction that inspires me to go deeper with God and reminds me that I am created in His image.
October 20, 2020
This is the second book in the Mendocino Village series. I loved revisiting all of the characters I had come to love and relate to in the first book INVISIBLE. My favorite character was Ellyn. I found that I related with her the most. Her struggle with weight and self-image continues in this book and it resonated with me. I loved Rosa as well. She is a bossy woman who tends to drive people crazy but her heart is big and she truly loves those that she tends to mother. Pia is Rosa's daughter. I love how obedient and respectful she is to her mother even when it hurts her. Miles...such an understanding and loving man. He's much more understanding with Ellyn than I think most men would be, but then he was married a long time before so maybe he is just seasoned. I have to admit Twila's "gift" is a bit beyond me and something I would be leery of, but her insight helps a lot of people and was interesting in the story. I liked Nerissa's strength and determination to hang on to what she knows about God even when she was receiving no answers and not feeling his presence. The spiritual battles that were fought and won were heart-breaking and heart-warming. There was even a thread of humor throughout, because honestly, if we can't have a bit of humor in our struggles then we truly would sink into despair. At the beginning of each chapter there is an inspirational quote from Thomas Merton and each one touched my heart, but my favorite quote in the whole book was something that Nerissa had said to Ellyn early in the book and then Ellyn reminds Nerissa of it in this quote:
"When we believe God is anyone other than who He says He is, we believe an illusion." "And if we believe we are anyone other than who God says we are, we also believe an illusion."
A great reminder for sure. ILLUSION touches the heart and speaks to so many different emotions, I smiled and I cried and I was definitely satisfied with the ending. If you like contemporary fiction, strong female characters and spiritual insight in your reading then you will definitely want to pick up ILLUSION, but I recommend that you read INVISIBLE first because it is just as wonderful!
"When we believe God is anyone other than who He says He is, we believe an illusion." "And if we believe we are anyone other than who God says we are, we also believe an illusion."
A great reminder for sure. ILLUSION touches the heart and speaks to so many different emotions, I smiled and I cried and I was definitely satisfied with the ending. If you like contemporary fiction, strong female characters and spiritual insight in your reading then you will definitely want to pick up ILLUSION, but I recommend that you read INVISIBLE first because it is just as wonderful!
September 30, 2020
WOW!! What a book! This book is full of real life problems and how people struggle to overcome them. This book is full of hope and redemption. Before you start reading Illusion, you need to read book one, Invisible, to get the back story of all the characters. I loved both of the books and highly recommend them.
September 30, 2020
Ginny's beloved characters once again come to life in this book you won't be able to put down. It's wonderful to see how their lives are wound together through faith and love for one another. You're sure to find a piece of you in one of them!
September 28, 2020
I just finished this book. Talk about the Truth! As Ellyn's, Nerissa, Pia, Rosa and Twila's story continues, you can see how God takes those golden strands and cords the five women together. From financial hardships, spiritual battles and trust issues unbreakable bonds are forged! I can't wait as the next in the series unfold.
October 5, 2020
This long awaited sequel to Invisible has been on my to-be-read list for a long time, for as long as I heard the rumor that it would be written. It really didn't disappoint in so many ways. I loved getting to see Ellyn again, along with the fact that marriage treated her right, but didn't erase all her humanness. I am not a big fan of cutting out foods as a diet plan or "health plan", but this was handled really well as well as the struggles with it.
Overall, I would recommend to read "Invisible" before reading this book, but you could read it as a stand alone. You may not get all the nuances of the story though. The author captured the stories of the three women you met in the previous book and tied up a few loose ends.
Overall, I would recommend to read "Invisible" before reading this book, but you could read it as a stand alone. You may not get all the nuances of the story though. The author captured the stories of the three women you met in the previous book and tied up a few loose ends.
October 20, 2020
Once again, Ginny Yttrup does not disappoint. She takes us back to The Mendocino Village with our favorite characters as they search out what identity, home, and family mean. The characters discover the truth of love that being created in God's image means. They, in turn, learn to live into this journey. Yttrup is a master wordsmith and adept at weaving story as she draws the reader into the depths of the story world and into relationship right alongside the characters.
I received an advanced copy of Illusion.
I received an advanced copy of Illusion.
October 21, 2020
Ginny Yttrup continues to provide me with reasons to stay up late at night with her new novel, Illusion. I didn’t want to stop reading! Ginny continues to address real-life issues that many of us deal with daily. Her characters have depth and the emotion you feel is real. And I always find something of myself in her books. This series is a must-read.
November 8, 2020
Lovely story
I love the way this author weaves a great story with great characters and great truth. I highly recommend this book.
I love the way this author weaves a great story with great characters and great truth. I highly recommend this book.
October 21, 2020
I can’t say enough good things about this novel. The written word came alive for me. The spiritual element was what drew me in the most. As the characters grew in their Christ walk, so did I. Family elements were portrayed so real. A mother/daughter dynamic with all the issues and problems played a big part. Rosa and her daughter Pia and Nerissa and her daughter Twila were at odds some of the time. Being a mother is hard enough but having grown daughters living at home and trying to spread their wings makes for some heated arguments. But foremost is the love that you realize is still there in these families. Pia loves Manuel and Twila loves Will but problems come up that seem to tear them apart as well.
I identified the most with Ellyn, who married Miles at the beginning of the story. She had food issues and low self esteem that seemed to pull her into a dark pit. I felt for her in her struggles with being a second wife living in the first wife’s house. Her coping skills are not the best unfortunately.
A quote from the book that stayed with me, “Anytime we believe God is anyone other than who Scripture says He is, we believe an illusion.”
This was the second book in the Mendocino Village series, Invisible being the first. I’m so looking forward to the third book focusing on one of the couples mentioned above.
I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book but was not required to write a review.
I identified the most with Ellyn, who married Miles at the beginning of the story. She had food issues and low self esteem that seemed to pull her into a dark pit. I felt for her in her struggles with being a second wife living in the first wife’s house. Her coping skills are not the best unfortunately.
A quote from the book that stayed with me, “Anytime we believe God is anyone other than who Scripture says He is, we believe an illusion.”
This was the second book in the Mendocino Village series, Invisible being the first. I’m so looking forward to the third book focusing on one of the couples mentioned above.
I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book but was not required to write a review.
October 6, 2020
ILLUSION
Illusion….if we’d stop to think so many things are illusions. So many relationships are real and genuine, but some are illusions. Even our relationships with God, how many are illusions that we create and just that thought can bring you to your knees. This book is about illusions, but it’s so much more. It’s about relationships with mothers and daughters, what we want them to be and what they are, about some things we need to accept to move on. It’s about friendships, new and old, yet seeing old friendships in new ways. It’s about helping each other along the way and accountability, being brave enough to do both. It’s about working and dealing, about finances and dealing. It’s about letting go of old things and ways to make paths for the new. The women of this book represent so many of us and their lives pull you in deeper and deeper the longer you read. So take the dive and float through each new experience. Ginny Yttrup has nailed so much about working companionships, and letting go and forging on. The characters are a joy and funny and sad and enlightening. Take the trip to Mendocino Bay and dare to dream of the possibilities…
Illusion….if we’d stop to think so many things are illusions. So many relationships are real and genuine, but some are illusions. Even our relationships with God, how many are illusions that we create and just that thought can bring you to your knees. This book is about illusions, but it’s so much more. It’s about relationships with mothers and daughters, what we want them to be and what they are, about some things we need to accept to move on. It’s about friendships, new and old, yet seeing old friendships in new ways. It’s about helping each other along the way and accountability, being brave enough to do both. It’s about working and dealing, about finances and dealing. It’s about letting go of old things and ways to make paths for the new. The women of this book represent so many of us and their lives pull you in deeper and deeper the longer you read. So take the dive and float through each new experience. Ginny Yttrup has nailed so much about working companionships, and letting go and forging on. The characters are a joy and funny and sad and enlightening. Take the trip to Mendocino Bay and dare to dream of the possibilities…
October 13, 2020
I have been a fan of Ginny Yttrup’s novels since she published her first one, and Invisible is probably my favorite. So when I read the news about a sequel, I was thrilled. Reading it felt like catching up with friends after a long absence.
Illusion picks up where Invisible left off. It’s a beautiful story of friendship, love, and the struggle to live into the truth that we are created in the image of God. I connected deeply with Ellyn, Pia, and Nerissa’s journeys—their insecurities, their questions, their desires to trust while also finding it difficult—even though my experiences have been different. My inability to put the book away for the night is a reminder of why I love Ginny’s writing: she creates a world filled with characters who seem so real that I must remind myself that I’m reading fiction, and who wrestle and grow in ways that many of us can relate to.
I highly recommend reading Invisible before reading Illusion, so you can jump right in without feeling lost. This is a book that I plan to recommend to all of my fiction-loving friends!
Illusion picks up where Invisible left off. It’s a beautiful story of friendship, love, and the struggle to live into the truth that we are created in the image of God. I connected deeply with Ellyn, Pia, and Nerissa’s journeys—their insecurities, their questions, their desires to trust while also finding it difficult—even though my experiences have been different. My inability to put the book away for the night is a reminder of why I love Ginny’s writing: she creates a world filled with characters who seem so real that I must remind myself that I’m reading fiction, and who wrestle and grow in ways that many of us can relate to.
I highly recommend reading Invisible before reading Illusion, so you can jump right in without feeling lost. This is a book that I plan to recommend to all of my fiction-loving friends!
October 10, 2020
Loved this book! It is #2 in the series. I think you could read this without reading the first one but I think you will get even more out of it if you’ve read the beginning of Ellyn’s journey.
One thing about me is I don’t give 5 stars to books unless they are books that could change a person’s life and this is one. The truth contained in here helped remind me of how God sees me- that I am made in His Image - even with my warts and all and the struggle with food I have had all my life. The food battles depicted within range from using food as a form of comfort to trying to control circumstances by NOT eating. I related so much to Ellyn’s struggle with avoiding feelings with foo but you may relate more to Twila’s battle with anorexia. Either way I think you will come away with something life giving and with renewed hope.
One thing about me is I don’t give 5 stars to books unless they are books that could change a person’s life and this is one. The truth contained in here helped remind me of how God sees me- that I am made in His Image - even with my warts and all and the struggle with food I have had all my life. The food battles depicted within range from using food as a form of comfort to trying to control circumstances by NOT eating. I related so much to Ellyn’s struggle with avoiding feelings with foo but you may relate more to Twila’s battle with anorexia. Either way I think you will come away with something life giving and with renewed hope.
December 25, 2020
Illusion, the second volume in the Mendocino Village series picks up beautifully where Invisible left off. Just as in real the real world, the lives of the novel's characters don't melt away in perfection, just because the first part of the story is finished. There are still physical obstacles to overcome, spiritual battles to fight, and pain of personal growth that must be endured. Ellyn, chef extraordinaire has everything she needs for happiness, yet struggles with feeling unworthy to the point of losing her sense of belonging. Nerissa's very real financial problems morph into a spiritual battle that make her doubt her decisions. Rosa fears that an old secret has come back to haunt her in the worst way possible. The characters develop both inward and outwardly while cementing friendships and learning the value of encouraging others.
October 5, 2020
WOW! Just WOW!!
This book will hit every emotion and then come back around again for a second time.
Before you start reading this book please make sure that you have read the first book Invisible, it will help you understand and enjoy this one so much more!!
This book picks up at the end of Invisible.
Ellyn, is probably one of my favorite characters in this book series. She continues to struggle with her image. Struggles to accept she is made in the Image of God. I love how butter is so important, but it is!!!! Ellyn embodies what somany of us can struggle with. The beauty of this book is that everyone can relate to either all or one of the characters and sometimes just parts of them.
I love Rosa!!! She is so funny! I can just about hear her when she talks! She is a spitfire with a heart of gold.
Twila & Narissa are wonderful characters. Twila is someone I want to be friends with! She is a special girl!
Pia is just as feisty as her mama and just about picture her looking like her mama. I love how full circle she comes!
This book is so packed full of truth and shares with bluntly but also gently! Some of the characters need the bluntness and others need the gentle. We are all made in the image of God and we need to never forget it!
Thank you Ginny L. Yttrup for writing this book. I hope there is a third!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book will hit every emotion and then come back around again for a second time.
Before you start reading this book please make sure that you have read the first book Invisible, it will help you understand and enjoy this one so much more!!
This book picks up at the end of Invisible.
Ellyn, is probably one of my favorite characters in this book series. She continues to struggle with her image. Struggles to accept she is made in the Image of God. I love how butter is so important, but it is!!!! Ellyn embodies what somany of us can struggle with. The beauty of this book is that everyone can relate to either all or one of the characters and sometimes just parts of them.
I love Rosa!!! She is so funny! I can just about hear her when she talks! She is a spitfire with a heart of gold.
Twila & Narissa are wonderful characters. Twila is someone I want to be friends with! She is a special girl!
Pia is just as feisty as her mama and just about picture her looking like her mama. I love how full circle she comes!
This book is so packed full of truth and shares with bluntly but also gently! Some of the characters need the bluntness and others need the gentle. We are all made in the image of God and we need to never forget it!
Thank you Ginny L. Yttrup for writing this book. I hope there is a third!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 18, 2020
I’ve read several of Ginny’s books, starting with Words. I read Invisible a long time ago but it came back to me pretty quickly after I started Illusion.
So many things about this book made it mire than a novel to me. I found practical uses from it!! It was like being with my Sisters in Christ and helping each other out!
It’s the story of 5 women in various relationships that come together to help each other out just as we should do the same. I could relate to the characters. I highly recommend this book and any of Hinny Yttrup books.
So many things about this book made it mire than a novel to me. I found practical uses from it!! It was like being with my Sisters in Christ and helping each other out!
It’s the story of 5 women in various relationships that come together to help each other out just as we should do the same. I could relate to the characters. I highly recommend this book and any of Hinny Yttrup books.
November 3, 2020
Love this series!
I’m glad there’s a third book coming because there is still more to this story. The first book was my favorite because it was so fun to get to know the characters and the quaint little village they live in. The second book tells the story of women working through issues of life. The reader will identify with one or more of them. Life is full of joys and sorrows but it was good to watch the characters grow through their trials.
I’m glad there’s a third book coming because there is still more to this story. The first book was my favorite because it was so fun to get to know the characters and the quaint little village they live in. The second book tells the story of women working through issues of life. The reader will identify with one or more of them. Life is full of joys and sorrows but it was good to watch the characters grow through their trials.
May 15, 2022
Valued by God
Good Christian fiction inspires you to live more like God, and this two part series does just that. The writer honestly shows the struggle to live with God in your life, and it is deep in the fabric of the story not just added to make the story Christian. Loved the quotes to start each chapter. Each of the women in the story had struggles that spoke to different places in my life. Made me want to move to this village with these neighbors.
Good Christian fiction inspires you to live more like God, and this two part series does just that. The writer honestly shows the struggle to live with God in your life, and it is deep in the fabric of the story not just added to make the story Christian. Loved the quotes to start each chapter. Each of the women in the story had struggles that spoke to different places in my life. Made me want to move to this village with these neighbors.
October 4, 2020
Loving being back with ‘my friends’ from the first book. At the end of my busy day I’m so keen to read this I start straight after dinner.
Who needs tv
We have Ginny.
Ginny’s general knowledge of a broad range of subjects she reveals through her characters amazes me at the depth of each subject.
She must know art, as an artist I recognise that voice. She must be a good cook. I want to cook pumpkin and sage. She must be a spiritual director, I recognise techniques of stilling with God her characters use.
Loving the book.
Post reading I can affirm this book just got better and better. I was sad to finish, and now wait with baited breath for the third book in the series. I want to see what happens next. Each character keeps developing well, be it within their own conflict, within friendships, within marriage, or within life events. I learned more about life in California.
For my friends who loved the Sensible Shoes series, you’ll love this series too
Who needs tv
We have Ginny.
Ginny’s general knowledge of a broad range of subjects she reveals through her characters amazes me at the depth of each subject.
She must know art, as an artist I recognise that voice. She must be a good cook. I want to cook pumpkin and sage. She must be a spiritual director, I recognise techniques of stilling with God her characters use.
Loving the book.
Post reading I can affirm this book just got better and better. I was sad to finish, and now wait with baited breath for the third book in the series. I want to see what happens next. Each character keeps developing well, be it within their own conflict, within friendships, within marriage, or within life events. I learned more about life in California.
For my friends who loved the Sensible Shoes series, you’ll love this series too
October 31, 2020
Ginny Yttrip has shown once again why she is a master wordsmith. Her characters are believable, relatable, and real. They are scrappy, strong, flawed, and beautiful just like real life. I am always so amazed by Ginny's books at how personal they feel. I cannot wait for the next book in this series so I find out what happens to the friends I have made in The Mendocino Village.
April 13, 2023
Thomas Merton lives on
The use of Thomas Merton's quoted wisdom in framing each chapter and calling out the struggle of each character is masterful. Each person's life is a masterpiece by a loving Creator, but we don't start out that way nor do we truly see ourselves as such. Reading Ginny's novels is wonderfully good for the soul.
The use of Thomas Merton's quoted wisdom in framing each chapter and calling out the struggle of each character is masterful. Each person's life is a masterpiece by a loving Creator, but we don't start out that way nor do we truly see ourselves as such. Reading Ginny's novels is wonderfully good for the soul.
September 2, 2024
The characters in this book series are so crisp and relatable, I had to revisit them. I’m glad everything worked out in the end, but I’ll miss this family till the next book in the Mendocino Village series comes out. Random thoughts:
-I’m so impressed with the way faith is woven in seamlessly without being smarmy.
-Ellyn’s self-talk alone is worth the read!
-I’m so impressed with the way faith is woven in seamlessly without being smarmy.
-Ellyn’s self-talk alone is worth the read!
October 5, 2020
An excellent story of relationships. This is the kind of book that should be read again and again, to be reminded of what really is an illusion. After reading the first book of this series this book continues the enjoyment of a story ultimately of Gods love for His people. I was given a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
October 19, 2020
I've read all of Ginny Yttrup's books and totally LOVED Illusion! It is written from multiple perspectives and weaves together the lives of 4 main female characters — Ellyn, Nerissa, Twila, and Pia. Similar to the first book of this series, Invisible, I saw pieces of myself in each one of these ladies. Each woman has unique struggles/insecurities that she is trying to overcome, but the load is lightened through faith, friendship, and family. I also really liked the mother-daughter storylines with Nerissa/Twila and Rosa/Pia. I hope Yttrup already has Book 3 in the works for this highly relatable, down-to-earth, inspirational, entertaining series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews