Advanced Reader's Copy Review: Lost and Found by Ginny L. Yttrup

Publisher: B&H Books
Publication Date: February 15, 2012

Jenna Bouvier feels trapped in her circumstances, trapped by the expectations placed upon her by her mother-in-law Brigitte and the demands of her social position. As Jenna battles her inner desires she must overcome her fears and the scars left by Brigitte's emotional abuse. She also forges an unlikely relationship with financial planner Andee Bell, who is conflicted by her own past and her need to control every aspect of her life. When Andee puts her own needs ahead of her ethics in order to win the trust of Brigitte, the result threatens everything Jenna has held secure, leaving her unable to lean on anyone or anything but God.

I found Lost and Found to be an absorbing read, as the focus shifted from Jenna's point of view to that of Andee and the spiritual director, Matthew, as well as some scenes from Brigitte's standpoint. While the switching back and forth from different points of view could make a novel confusing, the author is skilled at keeping the story moving and she uses the technique expertly.

The book is deeply introspective and plumbs the depths of our human condition and our relationship with God. The result is a novel that can seem slow at some points as the characters are stirring through their thoughts. However, the whole of the book is triumphant and the conclusion is true to real life. It doesn't provide a perfectly happy ending but instead shows how God's love can illumine our lives and guide us through the toughest of circumstances. I especially enjoyed the quotes from Jeanne Guyon throughout the story, which were full of deep truths and wisdom.

I give this book a strong recommendation and award it 4 out of 5 stars.

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from the publisher via the netgalley program.