Reviewed by: Julie-Allyson Ieron, Author—Bible Teacher—Worship Leader

Introduction

Title: Mind of Her Own

Author: Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

Publisher: Tyndale

Publication Date: August 2015

Format: Paperback

Length: 337 Pages

OVERVIEW

Housewife and mom Louisa Copeland is innocently (if a bit angrily) getting down an appliance to cook dinner for her growing family, when said appliance conks her on the head. She wakes up in the hospital and knows herself only as Jazz Sweet, a successful romance writer with no family attachments.

What follows is a sometimes funny, sometimes poignant foray into the world of getting to know one’s self and one’s surroundings all over again. Who is this stranger who claims to be her husband? Where did these demanding (and sometimes sulky) kids come from? What is the source of animosity between Jazz/Louisa and the woman who’s supposed to be her mom?

As fun as this premise is (especially when Collin begins working to get his wife to fall in love with him again), there is a dark side to the transformation. A doctor suggests Louisa might be hiding from some horrible secret in her past. Getting her to acknowledge and face it may be key to getting her back.

Unless, they’d all rather have the fun and carefree Jazz in their lives instead.

This was a fast read for me, as I came to love the characters almost instantly. The premise is creative and the plot twists are solid (if a bit predictable for those who pay attention to foreshadowing).

Overall, I loved this book—and would read more about the characters and from this author. Definitely recommended.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5)

4.5 out of 5 Stars

Suggested Audience

Late-teen and adult women, survivors of abuse, family members of abuse survivors

Christian Impact

Shows (rather than tells) how faith in Christ can help us face and cope with the realities of life in a fallen world.

Other Notes

There is a scene of attempted rape that is handled judiciously, but it is present. So, this might not be appropriate for younger or more sensitive audiences.

Julie-Allyson Ieron has published 37 books. Among her newest are, The GOD Interviews: Questions You Would Ask; Answers God Gives and an emotion-laced devotional written while her dad was battling pancreatic cancer: Comforting Words for Caregivers … and those they love. She and her mom are instrumentalists and worship leaders for a congregation outside Chicago, Ill.

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