Prodigal Lives

by Carol McClain

Life keeps piling problems on Meredith Jaynes. She loses her second foster child—one she was scheduled to adopt. Then Parker Snow refuses to marry her. With only her goats and artisan soap to support her, life will get no better.

If she is honest, though, she still has Crystal. Her funny, happy, loveable toddler makes the sun shine and reminds her of the never-failing love of God.

Pearl Solomon loves her life with her grandfather Guy, but every one of her triumphs is overshadowed by her sisters’ lives. With Mama Meredith, they live a life she envies. Because of her jealousy, she refuses to contact them.

Years later, life for both families twist down paths they do not wish to travel. Pearl knows she’s lost what was most precious in life but has no means of fixing things. Left to her own devices, she spirals out of control.

Meredith finds it harder to mask the despair infertility has brought to her life.

Both families believe they must reconcile themselves to their fates as reality shatters their dreams unless they dig deep for the promise of love.

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2022

About the author

Carol McClain is the award-winning author of four novels dealing with real people facing real problems. She is a consummate encourager, and no matter what your faith might look like, you will find compassion, humor and wisdom in her complexly layered, but ultimately readable work.
Aside from writing, she’s a skilled stained-glass artist, an avid hiker and photographer. She lives in East Tennessee. Her most recent interest are her two baby does Peanut & Buttercup. Like all babies, they love sitting on our laps and. Being bottle fed.
You can connect with her at carolmcclain.com.

Reviews

[Tilmer Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Prodigal Lives, Carol McClain continues the heartfelt story of Meredith Jaynes, as she moves forward with her complex and challenging life. The characters you grew to know and love in the first book of this series continue to mature and develop, which rivets the reader to the pages. McClain is a master with character development, crafting people you find yourself actually caring about as you turn the page/scroll the Kindle file to find out what happens next. Realism abounds. Life isn't always easy. As a matter of fact, most times it's hard. McClain's main protagonist, as well as others in her life, learn that lesson through repeated experiences that make them dig deep, sometimes after taking a hard fall, to overcome their challenges and move forward, all the while clinging to the love and hope found in family. This is a terrific story. If you have not read Borrowed Lives, grab a copy of that excellent book along with this one. You can thank me later.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the story of Borrowed Lives, Prodigal Lives continues the story of Meredith, Parker, Pearl (Bean), Roxie, Crystal, and their family and friends. Losing Pearl first, and then appearing to lose Roxie to her aunt and uncle, Meredith focuses on Crystal after Parker refuses to marry her. Meanwhile, Pearl lives with her biological grandfather. As she attempts to move on her with her life, she finds herself sucked into the world of drugs thanks to her biological father.

This book truly illustrates the power of faith, love, and God’s love for His people. The author shows that no matter what we do, we can seek His forgiveness, and he will grant it. When Pearl finally hits rock bottom and has nowhere else to turn, she returns to Meredith and Parker (who have been married a number of years at this point) and finds herself welcomed as the prodigal son was welcomed in the parable in the Bible.

I loved almost all the characters in this book. I truly wanted Pearl to be reunited with her dad and for her dad to change. But life often fails to live up to our desires. I definitely recommend this book and this series. Even though you could read this book on its own, I recommend reading the two books in order. So check out this book and the series for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a powerful novel but it is not for the weak of heart. It explores the reality of teens at risk. Issues covered include living in a dysfunctional family, having addicted parents, trouble at school, friendships, date rape (not described), and more. This story really gave me a new appreciation of foster parents. It also highlighted some of the feelings children might have as foster children move in and out of the home.

McClain has woven a good story with two threads. One is about children needing the love of another as they struggle through lives less than desirable. The other thread follows a foster mom and a potential romance. The character development of the adults seemed a little flat. The most engaging character was Pearl. We share her experiences as she tries to navigate a very dysfunction home life.

This novel is a sequel. It can be read on its own but the characters in this novel have important back stories so I suggest reading Borrowed Lives first. It is a heartwarming story of the ultimate reality of God's redeeming and restoring love.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having dealt with adoption, foster care, at risk mothers and families, and infertility myself I was intrigued by the premise of this book. Overall, it presents a very redemptive story with the realities of drugs, foster care, and despair that so many face that we don’t think about (no obscene descriptions of this). There was a nice romance intertwined and a charming little goat farm as a backdrop. I enjoyed watching Pearl’s journey, but to be honest most of the other characters felt somewhat flat- Parker and Meredith seemed childish at times. Some of the story seemed superfluous to the plot line and distracted from understanding the big picture. While I felt Pearl’s story was very realistic, I felt like other parts of the storyline were not having experienced a lot of what is in this book. I think it’s a charming and realistic book to delve into worlds many don’t know about or see and a good way to understand how to interact with and care for those in similar situations. Most who enjoy contemporary fiction would derive enjoyment from reading this.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions given are entirely my own,

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved reading the two books in this series by Carol McClain and I want another book to read about these characters. This book is “real life”. It deals with drugs and there are scenes that are sad but this book shows that love overcomes all our sins. I truly recommend reading “Borrowed Lives” first , but a reader can still enjoyed the lessons learned by the characters in just reading either book in this series but again I ask “why just read half the story when the whole is available.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Cecelia Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best story evef

Wow this is the best story I have read on a very long time. For some reason I was unable to leave a review on the first book, but both were fantastic from beginning to end. This is really what life is like for a lot of people and only God can get you through. Great job of writing.

[MaryAnn Diorio]

Carol McClain tackles tough life issues with truth and sensitivity. She is an author to keep an eye on.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story does delve into some sensitive subjects which may be hard for sone readers. I will say the author does an excellent job of allowing readers to discover the turmoil Meredith goes thru. Being a foster parent has many ups and downs. The children feel unloved and unwanted. Their normal lives have been uprooted and are placed with strangers. How do you reach a child who has gone through so much in their young lives?

I loved the wedding of Meredith and Parker. There were quite a few people wanting to give their opinions about how the ceremony should be. It did make for some funny moments. In the end all went well and they could start their lives together. It was nice to see how the family’s joined together to celebrate the happy couple.

The adoption of Crystal and Roxie is looming and poor little Roxie is having a hard time being patient. She needs to have this adoption so she can feel secure. The child is desperate to have a family and finds it hard to be patient. Parker does a good job of calming Roxie down where there is a delay and reassures her that everything will be fine.

The story also follows Pearl and her grandpa. It was hard for Pearl at times not to be with Meredith but since her grandpa showed up, she had to go with him. The author does a good job of showing how Pearl feels left out from the home she used to live at. She misses Roxie so much and at times is a bit jealous of her. When her dad finds out where she is, the mood changes in the story. Larry has been in jail with a drug problem but is trying to make amends. For a child it must be hard to understand why she should be cautious trying to reunite with her dad. Her granddad has warned her not to trust her dad but she wants to be loved and wanted by him so bad she lets her feelings overtake her doubts.

Pearl’s life takes a horrible turn when a tragedy occurs. Now her father has taken over everything and slowly Pearl finds herself doing drugs. The atmosphere she lives in is dangerous and she needs to escape from her dad. Her granddad always told her to never trust her dad but she wanted so bad to believe he had changed. Her road is filled with disappointment, broken trust , a father who has not changed and a life that is spiraling out of control.

The author shows what happens when drugs take over your life and the pain of trying to find your way back to a better life. Pearl has moments when she wants to give up, but then a small bar of soap gives her hope. I can’t wait for readers to find out how the story ends. It is an emotional time where unconditional love and forgiveness takes place. Acceptance and finding a home will bring happiness to those who want a real family. God in His infinite wisdom leads Pearl back to where she will find what she needs most.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading books that are a part of a series. Prodigal Lives by Carol McClain is Book 2 in the Treasure Lives series. I had the pleasure of reading Book 1 in this series and I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this book.

Meredith Jaynes is a foster mom and being a Foster Parent comes with ups and downs and heartbreak. Meredith recently lost one of her Foster Children that she was hoping to adopt and she is devasted. She is rejoicing she still has Crystal, a handicapped toddler. She continues to work on her Soap Business and with her goats as means of supporting herself. Meredith is hopeful that Parker Snow will marry her one day. Pearl Solomon is one of Meredith's former Foster Children. Pearl loves living with Grandpa Guy, but is jealous of the life her 2 younger sisters have with Meredith. Years later, Meredith and Pearl cross paths and things are not looking good for Pearl as her father returns to her life. Will Meredith be able to help Pearl get her life back together? Will Meredith and Parker ever marry?

WOW, this series keeps getting better. I really enjoyed the first book, but the second book is even better. I started reading this book and could not put it down. Meredith has a focus and is determined to continue being a Foster Parent and she truly loves all her Foster Children. Foster Parenting is a tough thing, but a very rewarding task also. Pearl has a hardened heart but with LOVE and nurturing she makes some changes. The author tackles some sensitive topics including Drug Addiction, Trust and Acceptance in an eloquent manner. I truly enjoyed this book. GREAT BOOK!

[Linda Rondeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarely do I find a book that holds me to the page as did Prodigal Lives, a book I could not skim, rich with wisdom, sensitivity, true-to-life characters, and humor (for there is laughter even in the worst times of our lives). As a retired social worker, I appreciate Carol McClain’s treatment of the social services system, its ups and downs, success and failures. She has shown the downward spiral of a child’s tender heart when grownups fail. She has written this with great sensitivity and understanding from both sides of the system. She has also shown with great empathy that we cannot fall so far that God cannot lift us up.
Pearl (aka Bean), Roxie, and Crystal are victims of their parents' poor choices and drug addiction, resulting in a father who goes to prison and a mother who dies. In a sense orphaned, the younger girls go to live with the woman they call Mama Meredith, who struggles with her own life disappointments but has placed her faith in God. Pearl, however, does experience some stability when she lives with her paternal grandfather until her father returns. Life hands Pearl more difficulties than anyone could cope with without faith.

Kudos to Carol McClain who has bravely told a story that must be read to appreciate!

I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prodigal Lives is book two in a series. You can read it as a stand-alone book though. I, of course, believe in reading books as part of a series in the order they’re written. I’m fully on board with reading all the good books.

This book covers some hard topics. There are things like abuse, drug use, and more. The kids are in foster care. Life obviously hasn’t been a bed of roses for them. And then they are separated despite Meredith’s best efforts.

Speaking of Meredith. We meet her in book one obviously and learn her story. In this book, she has a broken engagement and one of the girls she thinks she’s going to adopt gets taken from her. Life isn’t easy. Can she still manage to be a single mom to the other girls while making a living and keeping everyone alive?

I loved this book. The author did a great job engaging me in the story. I did not want to put the book down and I really wanted to know what would happen next. The amount of stuff going on in this story is so much. It’s jam-packed!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the story of Borrowed Lives, Prodigal Lives continues the story of Meredith, Parker, Pearl (Bean), Roxie, Crystal, and their family and friends. Losing Pearl first, and then appearing to lose Roxie to her aunt and uncle, Meredith focuses on Crystal after Parker refuses to marry her. Meanwhile, Pearl lives with her biological grandfather. As she attempts to move on her with her life, she finds herself sucked into the world of drugs thanks to her biological father.

This book truly illustrates the power of faith, love, and God’s love for His people. The author shows that no matter what we do, we can seek His forgiveness, and he will grant it. When Pearl finally hits rock bottom and has nowhere else to turn, she returns to Meredith and Parker (who have been married a number of years at this point) and finds herself welcomed as the prodigal son was welcomed in the parable in the Bible.

I loved almost all the characters in this book. I truly wanted Pearl to be reunited with her dad and for her dad to change. But life often fails to live up to our desires. I definitely recommend this book and this series. Even though you could read this book on its own, I recommend reading the two books in order. So check out this book and the series for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story picks up and follows the lives of foster mom Meredith and the three little girls, Pearl, Roxie, and Crystal, along with Parker, and goes through quite a timeline with them. Like life, time passes all too quickly with good and bad happening all the time.

Meredith is losing her girls one by one, and Parker does not seem to want to commit to a marriage. She just wants a home and a family, especially since losing her first husband and daughter tragically. Meredith continues to foster as other children come and go into her life. The three girls continue to grow up.

Now the back synopsis only gives us a small sampling of what this story is about. I don't want to spoil much by going into more detail, but this story is so much more. Our hearts are tugged every which way as this group of people meander through life. Their heartbreak and hurts, their ups and down, and some topics that are difficult. What happens to this family, and will they get back on the right track? If you have read the first book, Borrowed Lives, this is one you won't want to miss.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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[June Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prodigal Lives by Carol McClain doesn't gloss over the troublesome problems with which today's society struggles. She takes the reader on a journey in where we get a glimpse into the real world. The novel is the story of two people—Meredith Jaynes who searches for purpose and hope and Pearl Solomon, Meredith's oldest foster child.
Meredith must deal with the pain of losing her husband and daughter, so she throws herself into a life of raising foster daughters and tending to her goats. A relationship with the man who's entered her life, Parker Snow, is just out of reach, so she resigns herself to earning a living by making soap and selling her product at craft shows and flea markets. When Pearl leaves home, a hole remains in Meredith and the other two sisters' hearts.
As a teen, Pearl goes to live with her aging grandfather. She savors the stability and sense of family she experiences with her blood relative. But, Pearl's life turns upside down, and she find herself with more challenges than she bargained for.
Prodigal Lives realistically examines the lives of both families. Many readers will be able to relate to the characters, especially parents and families dealing with loved ones struggling with drug use.
I recommend this book with five stars.

[Connie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prodigal Lives is book two in the Treasured Lives series that is written by Carol McClain. I would recommend reading the books in order as I have so you can grasp the whole story.

In the first story we met Meredith. She helped a young girl that was stealing from her. She ended up taking in the girl and her siblings. I’m this story we revisit Meredith and she’s going through some things.



She was hoping to adopt one of the foster children she’s been caring for and then that doesn’t happen. However one is left behind. I love how being a foster parent is in both of the books that I’ve read. There’s so much going on. These poor children feel so unloved and unwanted. It’s heartbreaking. This book tugged at my heartstrings. I will admit there are a few places that had me tearing up.



We also got to see Pearl again. She is now staying with her grandfather. However things go downhill for her when some negative influences come into her life.



This book focuses on some sensitive topics. It touches on drugs and how addictions can change lives. I felt the author did an amazing job bringing Gods forgiveness and Glory through it.



Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this story. All thoughts are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prodigal Lives is the second installment from Carol McClain’s Treasured Lives series. Since it is part of a series, I would advise to start from the beginning. I loved the first book, Borrowed Lives, but enjoyed this one so much more. The author’s talent shines through with this one. I instantly felt an instant connection to the characters. The story made me giggle at times while making me wanting to grab the tissues at other times. An overall beautiful tale.

Prodigal Lives will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. Readers who enjoy reading clean true to life fiction that they can relate to. I am hoping there will be another addition from the Treasured Lives series to see what else Carol McClain has in store for her characters.

I received a paperback copy of Prodigal Lives from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an emotional roller coaster. I loved parts of it and wanted to bawl at other parts. The author did a wonderful job with the characters and descriptions. The foster children got to me. My feels were involved with them and how much they want to be loved and how they hurt.

I loved each of the characters. Meredith was great and her heart was so so big. Loved her determination and her heart. The author does a wonderful job with describing real life situations and the hurt and love that can come from them.

5/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Susan Kite · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deftly continued from the excellent book Borrowed Lives. In this book, the beautiful fosterlings Meredith fell in love with in the first novel are taken from her life one by one. Her one consolation is Crystal, the handicapped, irrepressible toddler she adores. The story follows each of the children as well as Meredith as they deal with seemingly unsurmountable obstacles and heartaches. Love prevails in this wonderfully well written and fast-paced novel. This is a must read, but if you haven't read Borrowed Lives, get them both together. I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the sequel to Borrowed Lives and I absolutely loved that book. This book was amazing as the sequel. So true to life, the characters were messy (and realistic) and yet God’s love was shown beautifully throughout. From strained to restored family relationships, to healing trauma, to Crystal’s comic relief, this story was moving and to anyone who has experience with the foster/adoption system, it was so true to life and brought me right back. I loved this book and I hope there is another in the series. I’m willing to wait as long as possible because it’s that good!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.

[Cyn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that we get to see part of this book through the eyes of a young person. That rarely happens in novels written for adults. McClain pulls it off so well.
The author is also such an expert on human relationships, both between adults, children, and adults to children. She does a fantastic job with dialogue and narrative, keeping the reader’s interest throughout the book.
The reader’s journey will take them on a roller coaster of discovery among the characters. It is easy to see how much time, research, and knowledge went into writing this book.
Loved every minute. Highly recommend.

[Naomi Musch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol McClain pens a devastatingly beautiful and heart-wrenching story in Prodigal Lives, her sequel to the stirring novel Borrowed Lives. She picks up from first book that left us cheering for its characters, and takes us further into a multi-layered drama of child welfare, drug abuse, and love of family that is at times haunting and shocking, yet filled with warmth and hope. This is a story that will stay with me. If you haven’t read any of Carol’s fiction yet, you’ll discover a treasure.

[MaryAnn Diorio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carol McClain is a master at dealing with realistic, difficult, and controversial issues. If you are tough-skinned and willing to go with her into the disturbing places of humanity, you will discover that God's presence pervades even the darkest places. McClain's stories reveal the ugly side of life as well as the beautiful, but always, always, always they end in hope and point the reader to the redemptive love of Christ.