My Sister Dilly

This was an amazing book. One that made me laugh, as well as cry. Can I say I love Mac? Wow, what an awesome character. And really, all the characters were incredibly brought to life. Maureen is an amazing writer and story teller. I am involved in the prison ministry, so to all that are, I recommend reading this. And to all that know of someone who is, and can't quite figure out why their in it, this is a must read. And to all of those that have had to deal with a, "not so perfect child", this is a must read for you, as much as it is for those that know of someone who has a, "not so perfect child". As a Christian, it's a good reminder of those that have been introduced to God, and yet have not accepted Him. There is always hope and we as Christian's should always be open to helping guide those far from God, back. I loved this books so much, that I plan to purchase several copies to share with those I felt would benefit from reading it. It has that much of an impact. If you liked this book, you are sure to like others my Maureen. I loved, "The Oak Leaves", and, "On Sparrow Hill". Two other amazing stories she's written. I sure hope she comes out with an addition to his book. I'd love to hear more about Mac and Hannah, and see what happens with Dilly and Tom.

My Sister Dilly by Maureen Lang is a courageous look at the power of God's redemption. Hannah Carlson has returned home to rural Illinois to take care of her sister Dilly who has just been released from prison. Six years ago, Dilly tried to kill herself and her daughter, Sierra, who has cerebral palsy. Hannah gives up a life she loves in LA, along with a great job and a friend named Mac who wants to be much more in guilt for not being there for Dilly who was taking care of Sierra 24/7 with no help from her cheating husband. Lang tackles a tough topic in this book; how to write a mother who is so overwhelmed by caring for her own child that she attempts to kill her and make this mother sympathetic to the reader. She describes the difficulties in caring full time with no help in taking care of a child who needs intensive round the clock care, especially when there is no emotional support. Both Hannah and Dilly must face the past in order to find their future, and trusting God is the first step. Hannah is also a powerfully sympathetic character I think many women can relate to; she strives to control everything around her and feels that she is responsible for everyone else's happiness. Lang takes these characters through some rough stuff, and in the end, both they and the reader are better off for it.

Maureen Lang has written another great book. Lovers of Christian historical fiction won't be surprised by that fact. Neither will the fans who clamored around her table at the recent ACFW Mall of America book signing. How she did it this time may surprise you, though. It sure surprised me when I learned she'd dabbled in a new genre. My Sister Dilly, a book of contemporary Christian fiction, explores the double sword of guilt stabbing two raised-on-the-farm girls, Hannah Carlson and her younger sister Catherine (Dilly). Even though Hannah escapes the farm to experience the fast-lane life as an LA investment counselor, about as far from Sugar Creek, Illinois, as she can get, what-ifs about her relationship with Dilly tail her and won't let go. And there's guilt enough to spread over both sisters: Dilly has been incarcerated for six years. The crime? Something shocking. Something that has the whole state talking. Something involving...another family member. When Dilly's released from the penitentiary, Hannah, always the big sister, leaves the California man she may love and returns to parents that never really seemed to love her. As the family struggles to help Dilly make it day-to-day, judgment erects a wall between the Carlsons and the townfolk, further isolating the Carlsons. In this poignant and intense novel, Lang explores familial relationships, the burden of raising a handicapped child and society's inability to offer social services or compassion to such families. Woven within this journey toward healing are romantic interests for both sisters. And THAT spark of passion won't surprise Lang's fans a bit. Enjoy!

I've had the privilege of reading and reviewing Maureen's novels since On Sparrow Hill came out a couple of years ago. One thing you can always count on with Maureen's work is she puts a lot of heart into her stories. Her storytelling has a way of digging deep into the reader's own heart to find what's buried there. My Sister Dilly is set in the Midwest. I grew up in the Midwest, and I can vouch for her descriptions and skill at immersing the reader into that setting. Her descriptions were so realistic, down to the personalities of some folks there--people working hard throughout their lives and finding the help God offers, but not always understanding His heart. (Which can happen anywhere.) I also really appreciate her ability to infuse her stories with life-changing messages without leaving room for defensiveness from the reader. She writes real stories, seemingly about real people, and the reader is left pondering those characters long after the book has been placed on the shelf or into the hands of the next reader, or friend.

Thank you Maureen for writing another book, My Sister Dilly, that leaves one thinking and pondering. What a challenge to all of us to have more empathy and reach out to help others in need! It's so easy to go ones way and not realize the challenges others face minute by minute around us. My Sister Dilly lets the reader take a peak at what it is like to live in "small town" central Illinois, USA. What is it like moment by moment raising a disabled child? What are the daily struggles? What does God want us to do to reach out and help others? To those with disabled children, this book encourages them to reach out for help. My Sister Dilly also reminds us of God's redeeming grace. Once again romance is intwined into the story to keep one on the edge of their seat wondering what will happen next. Readers, you don't want to miss any of Maureen's books! I can't wait for her next book!