In This House of Brede Review (ecm1980)

Pros

A close look into the lives of traditional nuns

Very well written and executed

Emotionally stimulating

Transitions between characters well done

Cons

Book is a slow starter...you need to read at least 5-8 chapters to really get into it.

Full Review

What would you do if you received a note in the mail telling you to go back to the place your youngest daughter was killed? That is the question put upon Makenzie Philips. His youngest daughter, Missy, was kidnapped and killed while he and his other children were camping for a weekend. The police were never able to find her body, or any other evidence of her or the kidnapper. Nothing that is except the dress she was wearing, covered in blood and left behind in an old abandoned shack.

It has been four years since her death and Makenzie and his wife and children have all dealt with her passing the best they could. Trying to lean on God and each other has gotten them far, but Makenzie still feels his "great sadness" picking at him everyday. No matter how he tries he can not get passed it and during this time he receives a small note in the mail, asking him to return to the shack. The note is signed Papa...which in their family stands for God.

Scared and angry and curious, Makenzie sets out to the shack. Not knowing what will be there waiting for him he comes armed just in case it is his daughters killer. What Makenzie finds in that old shack however is no killer...but God himself, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit come to greet him and spend the weekend with him. Makenzie has many questions...he is angry at God, he is confused, he is hurt. How could God allow his sweet innocent girl to go through such a thing? Through the weekend you will journey with Makenzie as he comes to better know and understand The Lord and all that has happened in the last 4 years.

In Closing

After getting passed the slow start of the story this book is very intriguing. It gives you plenty to think about and also leaves you wanting more when the end finally comes. I would say if you don't mind waiting for the drama to begin, then this is an excellent read.